Hours after a series of&nbsp;explosions shook the capital, the Ukrainian Air Force said it downed its own drone as it lost control over Kyiv on Thursday, reported AFP. 
 
"At about 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial device lost control during a scheduled flight in the Kyiv region...the target was destroyed!" said the air force, as quoted by AFP.

It cited "likely" technical malfunction as the cause of the drone losing control.

Another drone shot down near Crimea 
 
Meanwhile, in a further escalation to the drone war between Russia and Ukraine, another aerial device was shot down near the Russian airbase in Moscow-annexed Crimea, said the Russia-installed authorities on Thursday.

This is the latest drone attack in a series of similar incidents in recent days. "Another attack on Sevastopol. At about 7:00 pm (1600 GMT), air defence forces destroyed an unmanned aerial device in the area of the Belbek airfield," said Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev on Telegram.

Meanwhile, as per media reports, May 9 Victory Day celebrations have been cancelled&nbsp;in at least 21 Russian cities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-must-be-sentenced-for-war-crimes-enraged-zelensky-tells-icc-588869">Ukraine will not join NATO during war, Zelensky says after meeting European leaders</a>

<h2>Explosions and air raid alerts in Kyiv</h2>

According to AFP, several explosions were heard in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine&nbsp;on Thursday after it witnessed a series of attacks overnight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

An AFP journalist reported seeing a drone that the air defence attempted to shoot down, as the Kyiv city military administration stated that "air defence is at work."

The explosions ended after around 15 to 20 minutes. AFP journalists reported that they saw a cloud of black smoke rising in the air just after an announcement was made by the Kyiv city military administration stating that the air raid alert was over. &nbsp;

As per Reuters, one witness saw a drone falling in an area near the bank of the Dnipro River and Dynamo soccer stadium, outside the city centre.&nbsp;

An alert was issued by the local authorities for both Kyiv and the surrounding area and anti-aircraft units went into operation.

"The enemy drone was shot down," presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said.&nbsp;

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported "explosions and fire in the Solomyansky district of the capital" and further gave warning of potential drone debris.

WATCH | Did Ukraine try to assassinate Russian President Putin?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/did-ukraine-try-to-assassinate-russian-president-putin-588988/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The alerts were issued after Kyiv witnessed another wave of attacks in the night falling between Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp;

Kyiv military administration's head Sergiy Popko on Thursday morning said, "Our city has not experienced such intensity of strikes since the beginning of this year."

Then, Popko said that it was Russia's third day of strikes on the capital city in May. &nbsp;

The explosions took place a day after two drones were shot down by Kremlin over the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which they alleged was an assassination attempt carried out by Ukraine on the directions of the United States.&nbsp;

The allegations were refuted by both Ukraine and the US, as they claimed that they had no involvement in the said attack.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Hours after a series of explosions shook the capital, the Ukrainian Air Force said it downed its own drone as it lost control over Kyiv on Thursday, reported AFP.

Hours after a series of explosions shook the capital, the Ukrainian Air Force said it downed its own drone as it lost control over Kyiv on Thursday, reported AFP. "At about 8:00 pm (1700 GMT) a Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial device lost control during a scheduled flight in the Kyiv region...the target was destroyed!" said the air force, as quoted by AFP. It cited "likely" technical malfunction as the cause of the drone losing control. Another drone shot down near Crimea Meanwhile, in a further escalation to the drone war between Russia and Ukraine, another aerial device was shot down near the Russian airbase in Moscow-annexed Crimea, said the Russia-installed authorities on Thursday. This is the latest drone attack in a series of similar incidents in recent days. "Another attack on Sevastopol. At about 7:00 pm (1600 GMT), air defence forces destroyed an unmanned aerial device in the area of the Belbek airfield," said Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev on Telegram. Meanwhile, as per media reports, May 9 Victory Day celebrations have been cancelled in at least 21 Russian cities. ALSO READ | Ukraine will not join NATO during war, Zelensky says after meeting European leaders Explosions and air raid alerts in Kyiv According to AFP, several explosions were heard in Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine on Thursday after it witnessed a series of attacks overnight. An AFP journalist reported seeing a drone that the air defence attempted to shoot down, as the Kyiv city military administration stated that "air defence is at work." The explosions ended after around 15 to 20 minutes. AFP journalists reported that they saw a cloud of black smoke rising in the air just after an announcement was made by the Kyiv city military administration stating that the air raid alert was over. As per Reuters, one witness saw a drone falling in an area near the bank of the Dnipro River and Dynamo soccer stadium, outside the city centre. An alert was issued by the local authorities for both Kyiv and the surrounding area and anti-aircraft units went into operation. "The enemy drone was shot down," presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported "explosions and fire in the Solomyansky district of the capital" and further gave warning of potential drone debris. WATCH | Did Ukraine try to assassinate Russian President Putin? The alerts were issued after Kyiv witnessed another wave of attacks in the night falling between Wednesday and Thursday. Kyiv military administration's head Sergiy Popko on Thursday morning said, "Our city has not experienced such intensity of strikes since the beginning of this year." Then, Popko said that it was Russia's third day of strikes on the capital city in May. The explosions took place a day after two drones were shot down by Kremlin over the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which they alleged was an assassination attempt carried out by Ukraine on the directions of the United States. The allegations were refuted by both Ukraine and the US, as they claimed that they had no involvement in the said attack. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine shoots down its own drone that 'lost control' over Kyiv

Fire broke out at a fuel depot in the Crimean port of Sevastopol after Ukraine reportedly launched a drone strike in the region. The area was hit by a series of drone attack, following the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive which was launched last year.

Huge fire breaks out at Crimea fuel depot, tank in Sevastopol catches fire | World news | WION

A huge fire broke out at a fuel depot in Russia-annexed Crimea's port city of Sevastopol on Saturday (April 29), with authorities saying it was the result of a drone strike.

A huge fire broke out at a fuel depot in Russia-annexed Crimea's port city of Sevastopol on Saturday (April 29), with authorities saying it was the result of a drone strike. The Russian-installed governor of the peninsula, Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram, "A fuel reserve is on fire in the Kazachya Bay district of Crimea's port city Sevastopol. According to preliminary information, it was caused by a drone strike." No one was hurt in the fire, Razvozhayev said. "The situation is under the control of our firefighters and all operative services. Since the volume of fuel is large, it will take time to localise the fire," the governor further said and urged residents to remain calm. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children; Zelensky vows response Sevastopol, on the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, has come under repeated air attacks since Russia sent its troops to its neighbour in February last year. Saturday's drone strike comes after Russia said on Monday that it repelled a drone attack on Sevastopol. "An attempted attack on Sevastopol was repelled from 3:30 am," Razvozhayev wrote on Telegram, adding that one unmanned surface vehicle, or drone ship, was destroyed while a second exploded. There was no damage or casualties. The ongoing war in Ukraine has intensified further after Russian missile strikes battered Ukrainian cities on Friday, killing 26 people, including five children. These were the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months. Friday's missile attacks included a strike on a residential block in Uman where 23 people, including four children, were killed. The central city of Dnipro was also targeted, killing a 31-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter in their sleep. And in Kherson, Russian forces shelled the village of Bilozerka, killing a 57-year-old woman and wounding three others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes and vowed a response. Only absolute evil can unleash such terror against Ukraine," he said in his evening address on Friday. The Ukrainian government has said that its preparations to push back against entrenched Russian positions were almost complete. "Equipment has been promised, prepared and partially delivered. In a global sense, we're ready. Preparations are coming to an end," Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Friday. 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.

Huge fire breaks out at fuel depot in Russian-occupied Crimea after drone strike: Official

China has been forced onto the backfoot over its envoy's comments questioning the legal status of post USSR countries. The country, now see it respects the sovereignty of all ex-soviet states.

China says it respects sovereign status of ex-Soviet states after Chinese envoy's remarks

China has been forced onto the backfoot over its envoy's comments questioning the legal status of post USSR countries. The country now see it respects the sovereignty of all ex-soviet states.

China issues clarification on Chinese envoy to France's remarks, says 'Crimea was Russia's at start'

China’s ambassador to France has sparked anger and dismay among eastern European countries after questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries including Ukraine. The Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye, in an interview on Friday (April 22) seemingly suggested that countries that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union are not really sovereign.&nbsp;

What did the Chinese envoy say?

Speaking with France’s LCI news channel, Shaye said, “These ex-USSR countries don’t have actual status in international law because there is no international agreement to materialize their sovereign status.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-raises-concerns-over-taiwan-amid-talks-with-china-585129">Philippines raises concerns over 'escalating tensions' Taiwan Strait amid talks with China</a>

The remarks were made after he was asked whether he believes Crimea is part of Ukraine or not. Crimea was annexed by Russia back in 2014. The Chinese ambassador, in this context, also said, “it depends on how you look at the problem. There's history. Crimea was Russian at the start.”

These comments have not only cast doubt not just on Ukraine which is in the midst of an invasion by Russia but on most eastern European countries which emerged as independent nations after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of which are also members of the European Union.

How have the countries reacted?

After the interview, France and eastern European countries released statements in response to the Chinese envoy’s comments. Paris, late Saturday, stated its “full solidarity” with all the allied countries affected, which it said had acquired their independence “after decades of oppression”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-doesnt-want-to-please-anyone-over-ukraine-stance-faces-protests-amid-visit-in-lisbon-585175">Brazil’s Lula doesn’t want to ‘please anyone’ over Ukraine stance, faces protests amid visit in Lisbon</a>

The French foreign ministry also said that it had “learned with consternation about the statements from the ambassador.” It added, “It remains up to China to say whether these statements reflect its position which we hope not to be the case.”

Following the interview,&nbsp;Ukraine condemned what it called “absurd” comments from the Chinese ambassador. On Sunday, the&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said the status of post-Soviet countries was “enshrined in international law”.&nbsp;

He added, "It is strange to hear an absurd version of the ‘history of Crimea’ from a representative of a country&nbsp;that is scrupulous about its 1,000-year history.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-fencing-along-russian-border-amid-security-concerns-after-joining-nato-585059">Finland fencing along Russian border amid security concerns after joining NATO</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Latvia’s foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “Remarks by the Chinese Ambassador in France concerning international law and sovereignty of nations are completely unacceptable. We expect (an) explanation from the Chinese side and complete retraction of this statement.”

Additionally, his Lithuanian counterpart, Gabrielius Landsbergis said, “If anyone is still wondering why the Baltic States don't trust China to 'broker peace in Ukraine', here's a Chinese ambassador arguing that Crimea is Russian and our countries' borders have no legal basis,” reported AFP.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Estonian foreign minister,&nbsp;Margus Tsahkna, also called Shaye's comments&nbsp;“false and a misinterpretation of history.” The three&nbsp;Baltic countries have reportedly said that they would&nbsp;each summon China’s ambassador or representative for an explanation of the envoy’s comments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

China’s ambassador to France has sparked anger and dismay among eastern European countries after questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries including Ukraine.

China’s ambassador to France has sparked anger and dismay among eastern European countries after questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries including Ukraine. The Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye, in an interview on Friday (April 22) seemingly suggested that countries that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union are not really sovereign. What did the Chinese envoy say? Speaking with France’s LCI news channel, Shaye said, “These ex-USSR countries don’t have actual status in international law because there is no international agreement to materialize their sovereign status.” ALSO READ | Philippines raises concerns over 'escalating tensions' Taiwan Strait amid talks with China The remarks were made after he was asked whether he believes Crimea is part of Ukraine or not. Crimea was annexed by Russia back in 2014. The Chinese ambassador, in this context, also said, “it depends on how you look at the problem. There's history. Crimea was Russian at the start.” These comments have not only cast doubt not just on Ukraine which is in the midst of an invasion by Russia but on most eastern European countries which emerged as independent nations after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of which are also members of the European Union. How have the countries reacted? After the interview, France and eastern European countries released statements in response to the Chinese envoy’s comments. Paris, late Saturday, stated its “full solidarity” with all the allied countries affected, which it said had acquired their independence “after decades of oppression”. ALSO READ | Brazil’s Lula doesn’t want to ‘please anyone’ over Ukraine stance, faces protests amid visit in Lisbon The French foreign ministry also said that it had “learned with consternation about the statements from the ambassador.” It added, “It remains up to China to say whether these statements reflect its position which we hope not to be the case.” Following the interview, Ukraine condemned what it called “absurd” comments from the Chinese ambassador. On Sunday, the Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said the status of post-Soviet countries was “enshrined in international law”. He added, "It is strange to hear an absurd version of the ‘history of Crimea’ from a representative of a country that is scrupulous about its 1,000-year history.” ALSO READ | Finland fencing along Russian border amid security concerns after joining NATO Meanwhile, Latvia’s foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “Remarks by the Chinese Ambassador in France concerning international law and sovereignty of nations are completely unacceptable. We expect (an) explanation from the Chinese side and complete retraction of this statement.” Additionally, his Lithuanian counterpart, Gabrielius Landsbergis said, “If anyone is still wondering why the Baltic States don't trust China to 'broker peace in Ukraine', here's a Chinese ambassador arguing that Crimea is Russian and our countries' borders have no legal basis,” reported AFP. The Estonian foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, also called Shaye's comments “false and a misinterpretation of history.” The three Baltic countries have reportedly said that they would each summon China’s ambassador or representative for an explanation of the envoy’s comments. (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.

Chinese ambassador questions sovereignty of former Soviet countries; France, Ukraine, Baltic nations dismayed

Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, but it always remained a matter of contention between Moscow and the West. The region and its fate were discussed multiple times during the course of Ukraine's invasion by Russia as experts and analysts see uncanny similarities between the two series of incidents.&nbsp;

Recently, news outlet Al Jazeera did an analysis of satellite images of Crimea which revealed that the Russian forces are fortifying the Crimean peninsula. It suggests that Russia is preparing for a possible Ukrainian attack aimed at recapturing it. The news report mentioned that such military movements indicate that any attempt will be difficult and deadly.&nbsp;

The report also mentioned that an investigation by its Sanad news verification and monitoring unit discovered that a fortified barrier was seen at the Crimean border and the surrounding areas between February and March.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-leak-includes-ukraine-war-mossad-spy-agency-and-more-is-america-spying-on-allies-580835">US intel leak includes Ukraine war, Mossad details: Is America spying on allies?</a>&nbsp;

The Al Jazeera report also noted that the images provided to Sanad by SkySat and Planet.com further revealed that the construction and expansion of several significant military bases took place during the same period.&nbsp;

Images that were taken on April 1 also show that authorities in Crimea have set up a sea barrier at a dock of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the Sevastopol port, in addition to several new buildings and infrastructure developments within the port area.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Russian forces have been digging defensive fortifications and trenches in Crimea that experts say would be difficult and costly for Ukrainian forces to overcome <a href="https://t.co/giTkBXroUx">https://t.co/giTkBXroUx</a> <a href="https://t.co/ssSEiDVxb9">pic.twitter.com/ssSEiDVxb9</a>
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJEnglish/status/1645324704431984640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Watch this video of the analysis of the satellite images

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
Russia fortified Crimea peninsula between February and March this year, anticipating a counteroffensive by Ukraine, according to an analysis of satellite images by Al Jazeera<a href="https://twitter.com/KatiePilbeamTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KatiePilbeamTV</a> tells you more<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraineWar</a> 
 
For more videos, visit: <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mka8GGGabg">pic.twitter.com/Mka8GGGabg</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1645382674301992960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While talking about ads for workers needed for the construction of fortifications, analysts weighed in on the shortage of manpower. According to the experts, such a shortage of workforce amid the ongoing war can be a reason behind partially ineffective trenches.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, who is a senior intelligence analyst at security company Global Guardian, analysed the photographs and told Al Jazeera: "None of the trenches in any of the photos is 100 per cent complete. All indicate ongoing work, as the trench networks are not connected and lack complete communications trenches."&nbsp;

Faintuch also said that the images showing trenches in northern Crimea indicate that Russia is maybe working on deterring Ukraine from mounting a ground assault from the north.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, Faintuch further noted: "The new Russian defensive lines leverage the topography and existing villages to create choke points along these highways. In essence, if the Russians find themselves on the defensive in Crimea, they plan on giving Ukraine a taste of its own medicine."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-says-russia-almost-shot-down-uk-spy-plane-kyivs-air-defenses-on-verge-of-depletion-580827">Pentagon leak says Russia almost shot down UK spy plane, Kyiv's air defences on verge of depletion</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What did Lula say about Crimea?&nbsp;</h2>

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hopes to act as a mediator to end the Ukraine war and also issued a vague proposal. He has proposed creating a group of countries to mediate in the war in Ukraine and the Brazilian leader said he was "confident" that this group "would be created" after his China trip.&nbsp;

Lula had even suggested that Kyiv should give up Crimea to end the war with Russia. But in response, Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said that "there is no legal, political or moral reason that would justify us having to yield even a centimetre of Ukrainian land".&nbsp;

Nikolenko also said that "any mediation efforts to restore peace in Ukraine should be based on respect for the sovereignty and the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity".&nbsp;

Lula suggested Ukraine could give up Crimea to begin peace discussions and noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "could not get everything".&nbsp;

A couple of days ago, Zelensky said in a tweet that "the world should know: respect and order will return to international relations only when the Ukrainian flag returns to Crimea, when there is freedom there – just like everywhere else in Ukraine".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The world should know: respect and order will return to international relations only when the Ukrainian flag returns to Crimea, when there is freedom there – just like everywhere else in Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/RlpCjiZZgB">pic.twitter.com/RlpCjiZZgB</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1644435907699699719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On April 2, the last occupier fled from the Kyiv region. The day will come when we'll say: the last occupier fled or was killed in the Donetsk region, Luhansk region, Kherson region and our entire south. Crimea will be free and safe again. Ukraine will return all its territories. <a href="https://t.co/DeFbkVg81q">pic.twitter.com/DeFbkVg81q</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1642585088511680512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Russia on Crimea</h2>

Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014, long before it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year on February 2022. It has a huge concentration of forces on the Black Sea territory.&nbsp;

Moscow has repeatedly said that peace negotiations were not on the table at this stage and vowed to continue its offensive.&nbsp;

In the fag end of March, Russia reported strikes in Melitopol, which is one of Ukraine's main southern cities currently held by Russia.&nbsp;

Experts and analysts have claimed that a successful breakthrough in the area would allow Ukraine to cut the land corridor that links mainland Russia to Crimea.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Good night, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crimea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crimea</a>🇷🇺! 
➡️<a href="https://t.co/ZuJSEpOANh">https://t.co/ZuJSEpOANh</a> 
➡️<a href="https://t.co/8JMRkWWZzV">https://t.co/8JMRkWWZzV</a> <a href="https://t.co/jlFVwXYNLX">pic.twitter.com/jlFVwXYNLX</a>
— Russia's MFA in Crimea🇷🇺 (@PMSimferopol) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMSimferopol/status/1645147428763385862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Ukraine on Crimea talks</h2>

Ukraine has already promised to recapture all lost land, which does include Crimea. A recent report mentioned that Ukraine even plans to launch a counter-offensive in the coming weeks or months. However, there's no concrete evidence to confirm such a report.&nbsp;

But there have been conflicting points of view as Mykhailo Podolyak, who is a presidential adviser, recently said told the Financial Times that the basis for real negotiations with Moscow is the "complete withdrawal" of Russian armed groups beyond the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine in 1991 including Crimea. He said that there is no question of any "territorial concessions" of sovereign rights.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, but it always remained a matter of contention between Moscow and the West. The region and its fate were discussed multiple times during the course of Ukraine's invasion by Russia as experts and analysts see uncanny similarities between the two series of incidents.

Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, but it always remained a matter of contention between Moscow and the West. The region and its fate were discussed multiple times during the course of Ukraine's invasion by Russia as experts and analysts see uncanny similarities between the two series of incidents. Recently, news outlet Al Jazeera did an analysis of satellite images of Crimea which revealed that the Russian forces are fortifying the Crimean peninsula. It suggests that Russia is preparing for a possible Ukrainian attack aimed at recapturing it. The news report mentioned that such military movements indicate that any attempt will be difficult and deadly. The report also mentioned that an investigation by its Sanad news verification and monitoring unit discovered that a fortified barrier was seen at the Crimean border and the surrounding areas between February and March. ALSO READ | US intel leak includes Ukraine war, Mossad details: Is America spying on allies? The Al Jazeera report also noted that the images provided to Sanad by SkySat and Planet.com further revealed that the construction and expansion of several significant military bases took place during the same period. Images that were taken on April 1 also show that authorities in Crimea have set up a sea barrier at a dock of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the Sevastopol port, in addition to several new buildings and infrastructure developments within the port area. Russian forces have been digging defensive fortifications and trenches in Crimea that experts say would be difficult and costly for Ukrainian forces to overcome https://t.co/giTkBXroUx pic.twitter.com/ssSEiDVxb9 — Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) April 10, 2023 × Watch this video of the analysis of the satellite images Russia fortified Crimea peninsula between February and March this year, anticipating a counteroffensive by Ukraine, according to an analysis of satellite images by Al Jazeera@KatiePilbeamTV tells you more#RussiaUkraineWar For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/Mka8GGGabg — WION (@WIONews) April 10, 2023 × While talking about ads for workers needed for the construction of fortifications, analysts weighed in on the shortage of manpower. According to the experts, such a shortage of workforce amid the ongoing war can be a reason behind partially ineffective trenches. As quoted by the report, who is a senior intelligence analyst at security company Global Guardian, analysed the photographs and told Al Jazeera: "None of the trenches in any of the photos is 100 per cent complete. All indicate ongoing work, as the trench networks are not connected and lack complete communications trenches." Faintuch also said that the images showing trenches in northern Crimea indicate that Russia is maybe working on deterring Ukraine from mounting a ground assault from the north. As quoted by the report, Faintuch further noted: "The new Russian defensive lines leverage the topography and existing villages to create choke points along these highways. In essence, if the Russians find themselves on the defensive in Crimea, they plan on giving Ukraine a taste of its own medicine." ALSO READ | Pentagon leak says Russia almost shot down UK spy plane, Kyiv's air defences on verge of depletion What did Lula say about Crimea? Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hopes to act as a mediator to end the Ukraine war and also issued a vague proposal. He has proposed creating a group of countries to mediate in the war in Ukraine and the Brazilian leader said he was "confident" that this group "would be created" after his China trip. Lula had even suggested that Kyiv should give up Crimea to end the war with Russia. But in response, Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said that "there is no legal, political or moral reason that would justify us having to yield even a centimetre of Ukrainian land". Nikolenko also said that "any mediation efforts to restore peace in Ukraine should be based on respect for the sovereignty and the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity". Lula suggested Ukraine could give up Crimea to begin peace discussions and noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "could not get everything". A couple of days ago, Zelensky said in a tweet that "the world should know: respect and order will return to international relations only when the Ukrainian flag returns to Crimea, when there is freedom there – just like everywhere else in Ukraine". The world should know: respect and order will return to international relations only when the Ukrainian flag returns to Crimea, when there is freedom there – just like everywhere else in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/RlpCjiZZgB — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 7, 2023 × On April 2, the last occupier fled from the Kyiv region. The day will come when we'll say: the last occupier fled or was killed in the Donetsk region, Luhansk region, Kherson region and our entire south. Crimea will be free and safe again. Ukraine will return all its territories. pic.twitter.com/DeFbkVg81q — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 2, 2023 × Russia on Crimea Russia occupied Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014, long before it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year on February 2022. It has a huge concentration of forces on the Black Sea territory. Moscow has repeatedly said that peace negotiations were not on the table at this stage and vowed to continue its offensive. In the fag end of March, Russia reported strikes in Melitopol, which is one of Ukraine's main southern cities currently held by Russia. Experts and analysts have claimed that a successful breakthrough in the area would allow Ukraine to cut the land corridor that links mainland Russia to Crimea. Good night, #Crimea🇷🇺! ➡️https://t.co/ZuJSEpOANh ➡️https://t.co/8JMRkWWZzV pic.twitter.com/jlFVwXYNLX — Russia's MFA in Crimea🇷🇺 (@PMSimferopol) April 9, 2023 × Ukraine on Crimea talks Ukraine has already promised to recapture all lost land, which does include Crimea. A recent report mentioned that Ukraine even plans to launch a counter-offensive in the coming weeks or months. However, there's no concrete evidence to confirm such a report. But there have been conflicting points of view as Mykhailo Podolyak, who is a presidential adviser, recently said told the Financial Times that the basis for real negotiations with Moscow is the "complete withdrawal" of Russian armed groups beyond the internationally recognised borders of Ukraine in 1991 including Crimea. He said that there is no question of any "territorial concessions" of sovereign rights. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Are tensions simmering in Crimea, again? Satellite images foretell deadly fight

Al Jazeera has revealed that Russian forces are fortifying the Crimean peninsula in anticipation of a Ukrainian attempt to recapture it. According to experts, those barriers would probably make any such effort bloody and tough.

Report: Images reveal Russia is fortifying Crimea Peninsula

According to Al Jazeera's analysis of satellite pictures, Russian military are reinforcing the Crimean peninsula in preparation for a Ukrainian assault to retake it. According to experts, those barriers would probably make any such effort bloody and tough.

Ukraine might attack Crimea to recapture it : Reports

Russian forces are entrenching their defences in Crimea or the latest satellite images show extended buildup of complex fortifications. These reinforcements extend to the Black Sea coastline. The obstacles have been placed along key roles that connect Crimea to mainland Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine War | Crimea's future: Fraught & unpredictable

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year.

The Tass news agency, citing Kremlin, reported that Putin flew to the southern port city by helicopter.&nbsp;

"Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter, then driving a car drove around several districts of the city and making stops. In the Nevsky microdistrict, Putin spoke with the townspeople. He also examined the coastline of Mariupol," Kremlin said in a statement, the TASS report said.

The Russian leader also met with the top command of his military operation in Ukraine, including Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine,&nbsp;state media reported.

The meeting took place at the Rostov-on-Don command post in southern Russia,&nbsp;TASS&nbsp; reported further.

Putin was in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the peninsula's annexation.&nbsp;His visit came just a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him&nbsp;of war crimes pertaining to the deportation of children. Russia has dismissed these allegations but Putin himself is yet to comment on the arrest warrant.

<h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-visits-crimea-on-ninth-anniversary-of-annexation-573477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that Putin was expected to take part in the opening of children's art school via video link.&nbsp;

"But Vladimir Vladimirovich came in person. Himself. Behind the wheel. Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol," the Moscow-appointed official said.

State media did not broadcast any remarks from Putin immediately after his arrival in Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year.

Shortly after landing in Crimea, President Vladimir Putin made a visit to Mariupol, the Ukrainian city which has been under the control of Russian forces since last year. The Tass news agency, citing Kremlin, reported that Putin flew to the southern port city by helicopter. "Putin flew to Mariupol by helicopter, then driving a car drove around several districts of the city and making stops. In the Nevsky microdistrict, Putin spoke with the townspeople. He also examined the coastline of Mariupol," Kremlin said in a statement, the TASS report said. The Russian leader also met with the top command of his military operation in Ukraine, including Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine, state media reported. The meeting took place at the Rostov-on-Don command post in southern Russia, TASS reported further. Putin was in Crimea on Saturday to mark the ninth anniversary of the peninsula's annexation. His visit came just a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him, accusing him of war crimes pertaining to the deportation of children. Russia has dismissed these allegations but Putin himself is yet to comment on the arrest warrant. Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that Putin was expected to take part in the opening of children's art school via video link. "But Vladimir Vladimirovich came in person. Himself. Behind the wheel. Because on such a historic day, the president is always with Sevastopol and the people of Sevastopol," the Moscow-appointed official said. State media did not broadcast any remarks from Putin immediately after his arrival in Crimea. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

After Crimea, Russian President Vladimir Putin visits occupied Mariupol in Ukraine for the first time

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Crimea on ninth anniversary of its annexation. In a surprise visit Putin was seen touring an art school along with the local Governor. The visits comes a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Crimea on ninth anniversary of annexation

In a recent video released by Russian state media, students in Crimea are seen training with rifles and practicing hand-to-hand fighting. The session&nbsp;appears to be a component of a military training programme in which students from various grade levels are enrolled.

Students are seen handling rifles in the footage, which was first made public by RIA Novosti Crimea. The students disassemble, clean, and reload the firearms, which resemble Kalashnikov rifles, as reported by Business Insider.&nbsp;

The video then switches to a hand-to-hand fighting drill. Nine students demonstrate fundamental martial arts stances throughout the course while holding weapons that resemble Kalashnikov rifles.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZ86UiiMwb4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Video source: KPRC 2 Click2Houston

This is one of the first institutions to offer these fundamental military training sessions, according to a translation from RIA Novosti Crimea.

"Now, more than 60 people are engaged in martial arts, drill training, including kindergarten students and school children," according to Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Crimea.

"Children show great interest in activities," Konstantinov added. The translation also says: "An electronic shooting range was equipped in the institution for conducting shooting classes."

According to senior reporter Will Vernon of the BBC News Moscow Bureau, the military education programme at the Crimean school is a prototype that will be introduced in secondary schools across the nation later this year.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, there has been an increase in the military's participation in Russian schools, and this course is the most recent example of this. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In a recent video released by Russian state media, students in Crimea are seen training with rifles and practicing hand-to-hand fighting. The session appears to be a component of a military training programme in which students from various grade levels are enrolled.

In a recent video released by Russian state media, students in Crimea are seen training with rifles and practicing hand-to-hand fighting. The session appears to be a component of a military training programme in which students from various grade levels are enrolled. Students are seen handling rifles in the footage, which was first made public by RIA Novosti Crimea. The students disassemble, clean, and reload the firearms, which resemble Kalashnikov rifles, as reported by Business Insider. The video then switches to a hand-to-hand fighting drill. Nine students demonstrate fundamental martial arts stances throughout the course while holding weapons that resemble Kalashnikov rifles. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. × Video source: KPRC 2 Click2Houston This is one of the first institutions to offer these fundamental military training sessions, according to a translation from RIA Novosti Crimea. "Now, more than 60 people are engaged in martial arts, drill training, including kindergarten students and school children," according to Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Crimea. "Children show great interest in activities," Konstantinov added. The translation also says: "An electronic shooting range was equipped in the institution for conducting shooting classes." According to senior reporter Will Vernon of the BBC News Moscow Bureau, the military education programme at the Crimean school is a prototype that will be introduced in secondary schools across the nation later this year. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, there has been an increase in the military's participation in Russian schools, and this course is the most recent example of this. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: Crimea students train with firearms, engage in hand-to-hand fighting

A U.S. backed report claims Moscow has held 6,000 Ukrainian children in sites in Crimea and Russia and the primary purpose appears to be political re-education. WION tells you more in this report.

Report: Thousands of Ukrainian children put through Russian ‘re-education’ camps

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Crimean city Sevastopol's Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev on Saturday claimed that a drone was shot down by the air defences, referring to the latest attack launched by Ukrainian forces on a port where the Black Sea Fleet of Russia is based.&nbsp;

The claims were made as Russian President Vladimir Putin marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in Moscow after declaring a unilateral ceasefire.

Governor Razvozhaev made the claims on the Telegram messaging service as he alleged that the drone&nbsp;was&nbsp;shot down in the wee hours of January 7, the day of Orthodox Christmas.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'</a>

"Even the sacred holiday of Christmas was not a reason for these inhuman people to halt their attempts to attack our Hero City," said Razvozhaev.&nbsp;

In 2014, Crimea was annexed by Russia and Ukraine says it will take back the Black Sea peninsula and other parts of eastern Ukraine which the Russian forces have invaded since February 24, 2022.

Putin attends midnight service to mark Orthodox Christmas&nbsp;

Russian President Putin was seen standing alone,&nbsp;attending a midnight service held at a church in the Kremlin to mark Orthodox Christmas, which is shadowed by Russia's invasion of war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;

The service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was designed originally as a church for only the Russian tsars, was attended by Putin.&nbsp;

WATCH| WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Ten months, ten key events

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-russia-ukraine-war-ten-months-ten-key-events-545714/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin stood as the ceremony was conducted by Orthodox priests, wearing golden robes, who held long candles, as per the photographs released by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

In the message released on Saturday by the Kremlin, the Russian president extended his wishes to Orthodox Christians, stating that the holiday gave inspiration for "good deeds and aspirations".&nbsp;

He also appreciated the Orthodox Church because of which the Russian government received the full support of head Patriarch Kirill in the offensive against Ukraine.

Church organisations are "supporting our soldiers taking part in a special military operation," said Putin.

"Such great, multifaceted, truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect," the president added.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Crimean city Sevastopol's Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev on Saturday claimed that a drone was shot down by the air defences, referring to the latest attack launched by Ukrainian forces on a port where the Black Sea Fleet of Russia is based. The claims were made as Russian President Vladimir Putin marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in Moscow after declaring a unilateral ceasefire. Governor Razvozhaev made the claims on the Telegram messaging service as he alleged that the drone was shot down in the wee hours of January 7, the day of Orthodox Christmas. ALSO READ| Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' "Even the sacred holiday of Christmas was not a reason for these inhuman people to halt their attempts to attack our Hero City," said Razvozhaev. In 2014, Crimea was annexed by Russia and Ukraine says it will take back the Black Sea peninsula and other parts of eastern Ukraine which the Russian forces have invaded since February 24, 2022. Putin attends midnight service to mark Orthodox Christmas Russian President Putin was seen standing alone, attending a midnight service held at a church in the Kremlin to mark Orthodox Christmas, which is shadowed by Russia's invasion of war-ravaged Ukraine. The service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was designed originally as a church for only the Russian tsars, was attended by Putin. WATCH| WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Ten months, ten key events Putin stood as the ceremony was conducted by Orthodox priests, wearing golden robes, who held long candles, as per the photographs released by the Kremlin. In the message released on Saturday by the Kremlin, the Russian president extended his wishes to Orthodox Christians, stating that the holiday gave inspiration for "good deeds and aspirations". He also appreciated the Orthodox Church because of which the Russian government received the full support of head Patriarch Kirill in the offensive against Ukraine. Church organisations are "supporting our soldiers taking part in a special military operation," said Putin. "Such great, multifaceted, truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect," the president added. (With inputs from agencies)

Crimean governor claims Ukraine drone shot over Sevastopol as Putin marks Orthodox Christmas

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

The next significant phase in the ongoing Ukraine war could be any West-backed attempt to change the status of Russia-occupied Crimea as it&nbsp;could lead to a seismic shift in regional geopolitics.&nbsp;

An official from US President Joe Biden's administration recently told members of the Congress that Ukraine has the military capability to take back Crimea—a peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014 after a referendum that Ukraine and the West never recognised.&nbsp;

But as reported by NBC News on December 16, two US officials familiar with the matter stated that concerns were raised over any attempt of a large-scale offensive to take back Crimea, as it could push Russian President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that during the Ukraine briefing to some members of the Congress in late November, a discussion around the need for more weapons deliveries also happened.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine forces shelled Russia-controlled Donetsk, Russian officials&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-forces-shelled-russia-controlled-donetsk-russian-officials-543554/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On being asked about America's continued support for the Ukrainian military and whether or not Ukraine would try to retake Crimea, the Biden official said that Ukraine now has the ability to take it back.&nbsp;

According to the experts, there is no probability of the Ukrainian offensive in Crimea at this crucial juncture. Some experts are also of the opinion that the way the Russia-Ukraine war is progressing now, this doesn't seem&nbsp;imminent.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, a US&nbsp;official said that the Ukrainians "continue to shock the world with how well they’re performing on the battlefield."&nbsp;

<section>The US official also said the same thing about Crimea, but he did say that Ukraine has shown resilience and perseverance throughout the war.&nbsp;</section>

Earlier in the month, Kremlin said that it was vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean peninsula after the Russian military downed a drone near its largest city.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had told reporters that "there are certain risks because the Ukrainian side continues its policy of organising terrorist attacks. But, on the other hand, the information we get indicates that effective countermeasures are being taken". &nbsp;

<h2>Has Ukraine attacked Russian forces in Crimea?&nbsp;</h2>

Moscow claimed that Ukraine attempted to target Russian forces in Crimea. But there's no confirmation.&nbsp;

Some known attacks on Russian troops since July include a drone strike that hit Russia’s Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. There were also reports of explosions at a suspected Russian ammunition dump.&nbsp;

In October, the Kerch bridge in eastern Crimea, which connects it to mainland Russia, was partially destroyed in an attack attributed to Ukraine by Moscow, but Kyiv denied it.&nbsp;

Some Ukrainian officials reportedly celebrated the incident. The bridge is a showcase project of Putin's rule.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The next significant phase in the ongoing Ukraine war could be any West-backed attempt to change the status of Russia-occupied Crimea as it could lead to a seismic shift in regional geopolitics. An official from US President Joe Biden's administration recently told members of the Congress that Ukraine has the military capability to take back Crimea—a peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014 after a referendum that Ukraine and the West never recognised. But as reported by NBC News on December 16, two US officials familiar with the matter stated that concerns were raised over any attempt of a large-scale offensive to take back Crimea, as it could push Russian President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons. The report mentioned that during the Ukraine briefing to some members of the Congress in late November, a discussion around the need for more weapons deliveries also happened. WATCH | Ukraine forces shelled Russia-controlled Donetsk, Russian officials × On being asked about America's continued support for the Ukrainian military and whether or not Ukraine would try to retake Crimea, the Biden official said that Ukraine now has the ability to take it back. According to the experts, there is no probability of the Ukrainian offensive in Crimea at this crucial juncture. Some experts are also of the opinion that the way the Russia-Ukraine war is progressing now, this doesn't seem imminent. As quoted by the report, a US official said that the Ukrainians "continue to shock the world with how well they’re performing on the battlefield." The US official also said the same thing about Crimea, but he did say that Ukraine has shown resilience and perseverance throughout the war. Earlier in the month, Kremlin said that it was vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean peninsula after the Russian military downed a drone near its largest city. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had told reporters that "there are certain risks because the Ukrainian side continues its policy of organising terrorist attacks. But, on the other hand, the information we get indicates that effective countermeasures are being taken". Has Ukraine attacked Russian forces in Crimea? Moscow claimed that Ukraine attempted to target Russian forces in Crimea. But there's no confirmation. Some known attacks on Russian troops since July include a drone strike that hit Russia’s Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. There were also reports of explosions at a suspected Russian ammunition dump. In October, the Kerch bridge in eastern Crimea, which connects it to mainland Russia, was partially destroyed in an attack attributed to Ukraine by Moscow, but Kyiv denied it. Some Ukrainian officials reportedly celebrated the incident. The bridge is a showcase project of Putin's rule. 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.

Can Ukraine take back Crimea? A Biden admin official says it can: Report

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian official has claimed that Iranian military advisers aiding Russia were killed in Crimea, and warned to carry out targeted attacks against Iranians if they are found in occupied territories and helping Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The remarks were made by the secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defence council, Oleksiy Danilov, who said&nbsp;that the Iranians were in Crimea to help Russia operate the Shahed-136 armed drones supplied by the Tehran government.

Though he did not divulge how many were killed, Israeli media in October reported that 10 from the Iranian armed forces were eliminated in the Ukrainian strikes.

“You shouldn’t be where you shouldn’t be,” Danilov said, in an interview in Kyiv, reports Guardian.

“They were on our territory. We didn’t invite them here, and if they collaborate with terrorists and participate in the destruction of our nation we must kill them.”

Earlier this month, Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian admitted of having supplied a “small number” of drones to&nbsp;Russia, a few months before Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

He, however, denied that Tehran was continuing to supply drones to Moscow.

Meanwhile, Kyiv is struggling to restore its energy grid, which was bombarded by Russian strikes over the week.

On Thursday, much of Ukraine remained without heat or power even as residents in Kyiv scrambled to stock up on water, food and warm clothing fearing further targeted strikes.

According to mayor Vitaly Klitschko, about 60 per cent of three million residents in Kyiv are without power, with temperatures expected to fall well below freezing.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. A Ukrainian official has claimed that Iranian military advisers aiding Russia were killed in Crimea, and warned to carry out targeted attacks against Iranians if they are found in occupied territories and helping Russian President Vladimir Putin. The remarks were made by the secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defence council, Oleksiy Danilov, who said that the Iranians were in Crimea to help Russia operate the Shahed-136 armed drones supplied by the Tehran government. Though he did not divulge how many were killed, Israeli media in October reported that 10 from the Iranian armed forces were eliminated in the Ukrainian strikes. “You shouldn’t be where you shouldn’t be,” Danilov said, in an interview in Kyiv, reports Guardian. “They were on our territory. We didn’t invite them here, and if they collaborate with terrorists and participate in the destruction of our nation we must kill them.” Earlier this month, Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian admitted of having supplied a “small number” of drones to Russia, a few months before Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24. He, however, denied that Tehran was continuing to supply drones to Moscow. Meanwhile, Kyiv is struggling to restore its energy grid, which was bombarded by Russian strikes over the week. On Thursday, much of Ukraine remained without heat or power even as residents in Kyiv scrambled to stock up on water, food and warm clothing fearing further targeted strikes. According to mayor Vitaly Klitschko, about 60 per cent of three million residents in Kyiv are without power, with temperatures expected to fall well below freezing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine claims its forces killed Iranian military personnel in Crimea

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Moscow-installed authorities claimed on Tuesday (November 22) that the city of Sevastopol in Crimea was hit by a "drone attack". They said that no civilian objects were damaged, urging people to remain calm.&nbsp;

The regional governor said in a statement that Russian air defences were activated and two drones were shot down. It's the same region that was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;

The Russian-installed governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, said on social media: "Our air defence forces are working right now. There is an attack by drones. According to preliminary information, two UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) have already been shot down. All forces and services are on alert."&nbsp;

Sevastopol, the place where the drone attack allegedly took place is the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet.&nbsp;

Recently, Russia blamed Ukraine for an air and sea drone attack on the port at the end of October. The attack had prompted Moscow to&nbsp;temporarily suspend its participation in a deal to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea.&nbsp;

This is not the first,&nbsp;Crimea has several times come under attack. A&nbsp;group of jets at a Russian naval facility were destroyed by a series of explosions in August.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Moscow-installed authorities claimed on Tuesday (November 22) that the city of Sevastopol in Crimea was hit by a "drone attack". They said that no civilian objects were damaged, urging people to remain calm. The regional governor said in a statement that Russian air defences were activated and two drones were shot down. It's the same region that was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014. The Russian-installed governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, said on social media: "Our air defence forces are working right now. There is an attack by drones. According to preliminary information, two UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) have already been shot down. All forces and services are on alert." Sevastopol, the place where the drone attack allegedly took place is the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet. Recently, Russia blamed Ukraine for an air and sea drone attack on the port at the end of October. The attack had prompted Moscow to temporarily suspend its participation in a deal to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. This is not the first, Crimea has several times come under attack. A group of jets at a Russian naval facility were destroyed by a series of explosions in August. 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.

Moscow-installed authorities claim Crimea hit by 'drone attack'

A day after Russia agreed to resume exports from the Black Sea, six grain ships left Ukraine’s ports, Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday.

" After the resumption of the grain initiative, six ships left Ukrainian ports. Thus, the number of ships leaving the ports exceeded 426 and the amount of grain transported surpassed 9.7 million tons," Akar was quoted as saying by the Anadolu news agency.

On Wednesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced that Russia had agreed to resume grain exports after the latter announced to temporarily suspend the deal, which was signed on July 22 and brokered by the UN and Turkey.

Currently, negotiations are going on for a possible extension of the November 19 deadline for the grain deal. Earlier, the Turkish president said that Ankara is determined to transfer Russian grain and fertilizers to less developed countries.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-pulls-out-of-un-brokered-grain-deal-how-will-it-impact-global-food-prices-530024/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Now, we will intensify our efforts within the framework determined by our president regarding the extension of the grain initiative, which will expire on November 19th," Akar said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-there-were-no-ships-in-grain-corridor-when-russia-alleged-attack-530026">UN says there were no ships in grain corridor when Russia alleged attack</a>

The Turkish minister hoped that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia ends through peaceful means.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-officials-discussed-using-nuclear-weapons-in-ukraine-war-report-530727" hreflang="en">Russian military officials discussed using nuclear weapons in Ukraine war: Report</a>

Russia had threatened to pull out of the deal, claiming that Ukraine was using the maritime corridor to carry out attacks on the Russian navy.

On October 29, Russia’s Black Sea fleet and its home port were attacked by drones on the Crimean port of Sevastopol.

Moscow had blamed Ukraine for the attacks, but Kyiv has so far not claimed responsibility.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A day after Russia agreed to resume exports from the Black Sea, six grain ships left Ukraine’s ports, Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday. " After the resumption of the grain initiative, six ships left Ukrainian ports.

A day after Russia agreed to resume exports from the Black Sea, six grain ships left Ukraine’s ports, Turkey’s Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday. " After the resumption of the grain initiative, six ships left Ukrainian ports. Thus, the number of ships leaving the ports exceeded 426 and the amount of grain transported surpassed 9.7 million tons," Akar was quoted as saying by the Anadolu news agency. On Wednesday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan announced that Russia had agreed to resume grain exports after the latter announced to temporarily suspend the deal, which was signed on July 22 and brokered by the UN and Turkey. Currently, negotiations are going on for a possible extension of the November 19 deadline for the grain deal. Earlier, the Turkish president said that Ankara is determined to transfer Russian grain and fertilizers to less developed countries. Watch | Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices? "Now, we will intensify our efforts within the framework determined by our president regarding the extension of the grain initiative, which will expire on November 19th," Akar said. Also read | UN says there were no ships in grain corridor when Russia alleged attack The Turkish minister hoped that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia ends through peaceful means. Also read | Russian military officials discussed using nuclear weapons in Ukraine war: Report Russia had threatened to pull out of the deal, claiming that Ukraine was using the maritime corridor to carry out attacks on the Russian navy. On October 29, Russia’s Black Sea fleet and its home port were attacked by drones on the Crimean port of Sevastopol. Moscow had blamed Ukraine for the attacks, but Kyiv has so far not claimed responsibility. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Six grain ships leave Ukrainian port, day after Russia resumes trade deal

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

A day after Russia claimed a&nbsp;"massive" drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol, a new video has emerged showing that Russia’s Admiral Makarov vessel was damaged and most likely disabled by the Ukrainian attack over the weekend.

Russia had accused British troops of being involved in Saturday's attack, inviting a sharp retort from UK Ministry of Defence which said Moscow was "peddling false claims of an epic scale".

According to the open-source investigation by GeoConfirmed community, the Russian Navy’s frigate was attacked by a “swarm of drones” at 4.20 am on Sunday.

After examining the clips, it said, “Only Admiral Makarov matches this class for the Black Sea Fleet.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The first videos emerged this morning. 
 
Video 01: Explosion in distance, filmed by a fixed camera. 
 
44.64545, 33.53681 
 
02/ <a href="https://t.co/KRM1sVQZoq">pic.twitter.com/KRM1sVQZoq</a>
— GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoConfirmed/status/1586460402573099009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The video stops when a drone reaches the Russian boat, it added, with the unmanned vessel “likely” blowing up on impact, it said.

The clip showed the unmanned vehicle hovering over the Russian boats near the southern part of Sevastopol in an area known as Riflemen’s Bay. A Russian navy school is reportedly located nearby.

A Ukrainian journalist, Andriy Tsaplienko, had shared dramatic footage shot by a drone in action off the Crimea coast in which it appeared to dodge bullets hitting the water on its way to a target ship.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Very epic footages from today's attack by drones on the Port in Sevastopol, Crimea 
/1 <a href="https://t.co/9kDbDBkWPV">pic.twitter.com/9kDbDBkWPV</a>
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) <a href="https://twitter.com/bayraktar_1love/status/1586356804673339392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Russian defence ministry has claimed that Ukraine used nine air and seven sea drones, most of which were intercepted.

However, the ministry did not mention any damages to Admiral Makarov. Though it admitted to “minor damage” to a minesweeper, the Ivan Golubets.

Kremlin on Sunday said that they have recovered the drones and are being analysed. They said that the drones were equipped with Canadian-made navigation modules.

Though Ukraine has kept mum over the incident, the Guardian reported that aides to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hinted at the country’s role in the Saturday attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. A day after Russia claimed a "massive" drone attack on the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimean port city of Sevastopol, a new video has emerged showing that Russia’s Admiral Makarov vessel was damaged and most likely disabled by the Ukrainian attack over the weekend. Russia had accused British troops of being involved in Saturday's attack, inviting a sharp retort from UK Ministry of Defence which said Moscow was "peddling false claims of an epic scale". According to the open-source investigation by GeoConfirmed community, the Russian Navy’s frigate was attacked by a “swarm of drones” at 4.20 am on Sunday. After examining the clips, it said, “Only Admiral Makarov matches this class for the Black Sea Fleet.” The first videos emerged this morning. Video 01: Explosion in distance, filmed by a fixed camera. 44.64545, 33.53681 02/ pic.twitter.com/KRM1sVQZoq — GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) October 29, 2022 × The video stops when a drone reaches the Russian boat, it added, with the unmanned vessel “likely” blowing up on impact, it said. The clip showed the unmanned vehicle hovering over the Russian boats near the southern part of Sevastopol in an area known as Riflemen’s Bay. A Russian navy school is reportedly located nearby. A Ukrainian journalist, Andriy Tsaplienko, had shared dramatic footage shot by a drone in action off the Crimea coast in which it appeared to dodge bullets hitting the water on its way to a target ship. Very epic footages from today's attack by drones on the Port in Sevastopol, Crimea /1 pic.twitter.com/9kDbDBkWPV — Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) October 29, 2022 × The Russian defence ministry has claimed that Ukraine used nine air and seven sea drones, most of which were intercepted. However, the ministry did not mention any damages to Admiral Makarov. Though it admitted to “minor damage” to a minesweeper, the Ivan Golubets. Kremlin on Sunday said that they have recovered the drones and are being analysed. They said that the drones were equipped with Canadian-made navigation modules. Though Ukraine has kept mum over the incident, the Guardian reported that aides to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hinted at the country’s role in the Saturday attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks in Crimea: Report

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
The evacuation of civilians from the Kherson region amid a Ukrainian counter-offensive has been completed, said Sergei Aksyonov, the head of Moscow-annexed Crimea, after he visited the region with President Vladimir Putin's first deputy chief of staff, Sergei Kiriyenko. 
“The work to organise residents leaving the left side of the Dnipro (river) to safe regions of Russia is completed,” Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, said on Telegram late on Thursday. 
 
Moscow’s occupational authorities in the southern Ukrainian region had urged residents to cross to the right bank of the Dnipro River as Ukrainian forces started making gains in the south. 
 
Kyiv compares this civilian evacuation from Kherson to Soviet-like “deportations" of its people. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-moscow-has-sent-1000-troops-as-reinforcement-as-fighting-intensifies-in-kherson-529171">Ukraine: Moscow has sent 1,000 troops as reinforcement as fighting intensifies in Kherson</a> 
 
“The crossing (of the Dnipro) is empty!" Aksyonov said.&nbsp; 
 
He also posted photos of himself and other officials, including Kiriyenko, on a riverbank. 
A Russian-installed official in Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, had said on Wednesday that at least 70,000 people have left their homes in the Kherson region in a week, reports AFP. 
 
Ukrainian military officers, however, claimed on Friday that Moscow’s “so-called evacuation" is continuing. 
The AFP report cited the officials as saying&nbsp;that the Russian command in Kherson is trying to “hide the real losses of servicemen” in order to avoid panic. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-has-fired-unspecified-ballistic-missile-says-seoul-529034">North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into sea</a> 
 
In a sign of Moscow suffering heavy losses, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said late on Thursday that 23 of his fighters were killed in battles around Kherson this week and dozens more wounded. 
 
“At the beginning of this week, one of the Chechen units was shelled in the Kherson region,” Kadyrov, who has sent his militia to fight alongside the Kremlin’s forces, said on Telegram. 
“23 soldiers were killed and 58 wounded,” he said. 
 
The Kremlin ally rarely reveals defeats but admitted that losses were “big on that day”. 
Moscow’s forces have vowed to turn Kherson into a “fortress” and not surrender the city, which they took over early in their offensive in March. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-the-origin-of-the-covid-19-virus-new-report-supports-lab-leak-theory-529062">What is the origin of the COVID-19 virus? New report supports ‘Lab Leak’ theory</a> 
 
Aksyonov said that he and Kiriyenko also visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest atomic facility — further north on the Dnipro River in Russian-occupied territory. 
He said they met with the staff and assessed the general situation in the plant and area. 
 
Ukraine accuses Moscow’s forces of “kidnapping” the plant’s staff and said last week that around 50 employees are held in “captivity". 
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling the plant, sparking fears of a nuclear disaster.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The evacuation of civilians from the Kherson region amid a Ukrainian counter-offensive has been completed, said Sergei Aksyonov, the head of Moscow-annexed Crimea, after he visited the region with President Vladimir Putin's first deputy chief of staff, Sergei Kiriyenko. “The work to organise residents leaving the left side of the Dnipro (river) to safe regions of Russia is completed,” Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, said on Telegram late on Thursday. Moscow’s occupational authorities in the southern Ukrainian region had urged residents to cross to the right bank of the Dnipro River as Ukrainian forces started making gains in the south. Kyiv compares this civilian evacuation from Kherson to Soviet-like “deportations" of its people. ALSO READ | Ukraine: Moscow has sent 1,000 troops as reinforcement as fighting intensifies in Kherson “The crossing (of the Dnipro) is empty!" Aksyonov said. He also posted photos of himself and other officials, including Kiriyenko, on a riverbank. A Russian-installed official in Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, had said on Wednesday that at least 70,000 people have left their homes in the Kherson region in a week, reports AFP. Ukrainian military officers, however, claimed on Friday that Moscow’s “so-called evacuation" is continuing. The AFP report cited the officials as saying that the Russian command in Kherson is trying to “hide the real losses of servicemen” in order to avoid panic. ALSO READ | North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into sea In a sign of Moscow suffering heavy losses, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said late on Thursday that 23 of his fighters were killed in battles around Kherson this week and dozens more wounded. “At the beginning of this week, one of the Chechen units was shelled in the Kherson region,” Kadyrov, who has sent his militia to fight alongside the Kremlin’s forces, said on Telegram. “23 soldiers were killed and 58 wounded,” he said. The Kremlin ally rarely reveals defeats but admitted that losses were “big on that day”. Moscow’s forces have vowed to turn Kherson into a “fortress” and not surrender the city, which they took over early in their offensive in March. ALSO READ | What is the origin of the COVID-19 virus? New report supports ‘Lab Leak’ theory Aksyonov said that he and Kiriyenko also visited the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — Europe’s largest atomic facility — further north on the Dnipro River in Russian-occupied territory. He said they met with the staff and assessed the general situation in the plant and area. Ukraine accuses Moscow’s forces of “kidnapping” the plant’s staff and said last week that around 50 employees are held in “captivity". Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of shelling the plant, sparking fears of a nuclear disaster. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Civilian evacuation ‘complete’ in Kherson: Crimea’s Moscow-appointed head

U.S. says Iranian troops were in Crimea helping Russian military attack Ukraine. Reports say Iranian drone experts are training Russian soldiers. But why is Iran helping Russia? What's in it for Tehran? Listen in to Priyanka Sharma.

Gravitas: U.S. says Iranian troops were in Crimea helping Russia attack Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In a statement quoted by news agencies, the FSB security service said that Russia detained eight suspects on Wednesday (October 12) over the deadly explosion of the bridge linking Crimea to Russia. The blast on Saturday killed at least three people and angered Moscow as the Kerch bridge is logistically crucial for Russia. It is a key transport link for moving military equipment to Russian soldiers who are fighting in Ukraine. The bridge is also quite symbolic as it was inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin personally in 2018. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping to attend APEC summit in Bangkok next month, Joe Biden to skip: Reports Moscow blamed Kyiv for the explosion and launched missile attacks on Monday across Ukraine, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 100. The statement by the FSB security service mentioned that "explosives were hidden in 22 plastic film rolls weighing 22,770 kilograms". Among eight suspects, five Russians and "three Ukrainian and Armenian citizens" were included. The authorities didn't reveal their identity. WATCH | US President Joe Biden slams Russia for missile strikes across Ukraine × ALSO READ | Ukrainians among eight suspects detained by Russia over Crimea bridge blast According to the FSB, the rolls were left on a boat in August from the Ukrainian port of Odessa to Bulgaria. They then transited through the port of Poti in Georgia, then sent overland to Armenia before arriving by road in Russia. The agency also revealed that the explosives entered Russia on October 4 in a truck with Georgian license plates and reached the region of Krasnodar on October 6, two days before the blasts. Calling it a "terrorist attack", FSB reiterated Russia's stand and said that it was organised by Ukrainian secret services, with a Kyiv agent having coordinated the transit of the explosives. 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.

Ukrainians among eight suspects detained by Russia over Crimea bridge blast

Large explosions have been reported in Ukrainian capital Kyiv following the sound of incoming missiles. This comes after Moscow accused Ukraine of orchestrating a powerful blast that damaged a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea.

Reports: Russia launches missile strikes on Ukraine after Crimea bridge explosion

Several explosions have rocked the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, as well as other cities after Moscow accused Ukraine of orchestrating a powerful blast that damaged a key bridge linking Russia to Crimea.

Multiple explosions reported across Ukraine after Putin blames Kyiv for Crimea bridge blast

News Alert: Kyiv hit by multiple blasts as Russia strikes cities across Ukraine

News Alert: Explosions rock multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly getting ready to chair his Security Council meet on Monday (October 10). The development will take place at a time when Russian forces have suffered military losses in Ukraine in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive and part of the Kerch Bridge collapsed after a blast and fire.

As quoted by AFP, Kremlin&nbsp;spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made an announcement about this.

"Tomorrow, the president has a planned meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council,"&nbsp;Peskov said.

The Russian Security Council meeting has been convened after Putin ramped up security of the Kerch Bridge and appointed a new general for leading the operation&nbsp;&nbsp;in Ukraine after repeated setbacks.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained gains in the first few months of the war, Russian forces have had to retreat. The Ukranian forces have been able to recapture thousands of square kilometres of territory, including some that Russia had declared would remain Russia's 'forever'.

Announcement about Putin chairing the meeting has been made just a day after an explosion rocked a&nbsp;key bridge connecting Russia and Russian-annexed Crimea. The explosion caused some portion of the Kerch Bridge to collapse.

Kerch bridge is an important bridge as it transports troops and military material to Crimea. This in turn helps Russian military operations in southern Ukraine.

The bridge has a symbolic value and it was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin himself as he drove a truck across it.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly getting ready to chair his Security Council meet on Monday (October 10). The development will take place at a time when Russian forces have suffered military losses in Ukraine in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive and part of the Kerch Bridge collapsed after a blast and fire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly getting ready to chair his Security Council meet on Monday (October 10). The development will take place at a time when Russian forces have suffered military losses in Ukraine in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive and part of the Kerch Bridge collapsed after a blast and fire. As quoted by AFP, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made an announcement about this. "Tomorrow, the president has a planned meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council," Peskov said. The Russian Security Council meeting has been convened after Putin ramped up security of the Kerch Bridge and appointed a new general for leading the operation in Ukraine after repeated setbacks. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained gains in the first few months of the war, Russian forces have had to retreat. The Ukranian forces have been able to recapture thousands of square kilometres of territory, including some that Russia had declared would remain Russia's 'forever'. Announcement about Putin chairing the meeting has been made just a day after an explosion rocked a key bridge connecting Russia and Russian-annexed Crimea. The explosion caused some portion of the Kerch Bridge to collapse. Kerch bridge is an important bridge as it transports troops and military material to Crimea. This in turn helps Russian military operations in southern Ukraine. The bridge has a symbolic value and it was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin himself as he drove a truck across it. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

President Vladimir Putin to chair Russian Security Council meeting on Monday: Reports

The Kerch bridge that links the Russian mainland to Crimean peninsula has been partially destroyed after a blast hit the bridge. Ukraine has expressed joy but has not taken responsibility for the blast. On Saturday, Russian minister visited the explosion site.

Crimea: Kerch bridge partially destroyed; Russian minister visit explosion site

A day after a massive bomb destroyed part of Russia's vital road and rail link to the annexed Crimean peninsula and resulted in the death&nbsp;of three people, divers were scheduled to examine the bridge structure under water&nbsp;on Sunday to assess the damage, if any.

"We are ordering the examination by divers, they will start work from six in the morning," Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told state media late Saturday after the early morning explosion.&nbsp;

He also said the "first results" of Russia's inspection of the bridge were due Sunday.&nbsp;

After the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shelling-cuts-electricity-supply-of-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-523592"> attack on the bridge</a>, which has significant symbolic value for the Kremlin, the operations on the undamaged sections were restored by authorities in Russia and Crimea in an effort to soothe the populace.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
in one moment, crimea severed from russia—only remaining connection is through occupied ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/vGT3AKAiJW">pic.twitter.com/vGT3AKAiJW</a>
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) <a href="https://twitter.com/ianbremmer/status/1578735795669594114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Sunday, the Moscow transport ministry reported that long-distance passenger trains from Crimea to Russia were "running according to the usual timetable," with officials claiming that both automobile and train travel had resumed over the bridge.

Sergei Askyonov, the leader of Crimea since it was annexed by Russia, stated late on Saturday that authorities were determining whether it was safe to permit buses to pass.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-ramps-up-security-after-crimean-bridge-blast-523732">Russian President Putin ramps up security after Crimean bridge blast</a>

He added those who wanted to return to Russia may travel to cities like Krasnodar and Anapa by automobile or ferry.

Moscow has refrained from accusing Ukraine, claiming that a truck bomb explosion that started a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/limited-road-traffic-resumed-on-damaged-kerch-bridge-says-russia-523649">big fire</a>.

However, other politicians, notably in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine and Crimea, have urged for reprisal.

Aksyonov urged Crimeans to remain "calm" and said the "situation is under control".&nbsp;

But he added:&nbsp;"Of course, there are emotions and there is a healthy desire to seek revenge."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

A day after a massive bomb destroyed part of Russia's vital road and rail link to the annexed Crimean peninsula and resulted in the death of three people, divers were scheduled to examine the bridge structure under water on Sunday to assess the damage, if any.

A day after a massive bomb destroyed part of Russia's vital road and rail link to the annexed Crimean peninsula and resulted in the death of three people, divers were scheduled to examine the bridge structure under water on Sunday to assess the damage, if any. "We are ordering the examination by divers, they will start work from six in the morning," Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told state media late Saturday after the early morning explosion. He also said the "first results" of Russia's inspection of the bridge were due Sunday. After the attack on the bridge, which has significant symbolic value for the Kremlin, the operations on the undamaged sections were restored by authorities in Russia and Crimea in an effort to soothe the populace. in one moment, crimea severed from russia—only remaining connection is through occupied ukraine. pic.twitter.com/vGT3AKAiJW — ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) October 8, 2022 × On Sunday, the Moscow transport ministry reported that long-distance passenger trains from Crimea to Russia were "running according to the usual timetable," with officials claiming that both automobile and train travel had resumed over the bridge. Sergei Askyonov, the leader of Crimea since it was annexed by Russia, stated late on Saturday that authorities were determining whether it was safe to permit buses to pass. Also read | Russian President Putin ramps up security after Crimean bridge blast He added those who wanted to return to Russia may travel to cities like Krasnodar and Anapa by automobile or ferry. Moscow has refrained from accusing Ukraine, claiming that a truck bomb explosion that started a big fire. However, other politicians, notably in the Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine and Crimea, have urged for reprisal. Aksyonov urged Crimeans to remain "calm" and said the "situation is under control". But he added: "Of course, there are emotions and there is a healthy desire to seek revenge." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian divers to check damage to blast-hit vital Crimea bridge structure under water

The Kerch bridge that links the Russian mainland to Crimean peninsula has been partially destroyed after a blast hit the bridge. Ukraine has expressed joy and mocked Crimea bridge blast.

'Unfortunately, it was cloudy but still warm in Crimea,' says Zelensky

crimea

Crimea, News on Crimea, stories on Crimea, articles on Crimea, Crimea stories at Wion, Crimea news, Crimea latest news