<p>Russia on Tuesday claimed a new military success in Ukraine ahead of the second anniversary of its offensive, while President Vladimir Putin mocked what he called Kyiv's "flight" from the frontline town of Avdiivka.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalnys-mother-urges-putin-to-release-body-immediately-692003">Navalny’s mother urges Putin to release body ‘immediately’ for proper burial</a></p>

<p>The eastern Ukraine front has been frozen for months, but Moscow has been bolstered by its capture of Avdiivka last week, as well as a wrangled U.S. Congress blocking military aid to Kyiv.</p>

<p>Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces have reclaimed Krynky, a Ukrainian bridgehead on the Moscow-occupied side of the Dnipro River.</p>

<p>"I confirm that Krynky has been cleared," Shoigu told Putin in a televised meeting.</p>

<p>Ukraine said last year that it had established positions around the tiny east-bank village, crossing into the Russian-occupied side of the river.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fsb-arrests-us-russian-woman-for-alleged-treason-funding-ukrainian-army-691989">Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army</a></p>

<p>Shoigu told state media earlier that Russian forces were "on the banks of the river in Krynky."</p>

<p>During the meeting, Putin said the Ukrainian army had chaotically fled Avdiivka. Kyiv said it withdrew from the eastern stronghold to save soldiers' lives.</p>

<p>"The Ukrainian armed forces issued an order to withdraw their armed forces when they were already on the move," Putin said, calling the retreat a "chaotic flight."</p>

<p>Moscow has tried to capture Avdiivka, a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since 2014, for months.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


Russia on Tuesday claimed a new military success in Ukraine ahead of the second anniversary of its offensive, while President Vladimir Putin mocked what he called Kyiv's "flight" from the frontline town of Avdiivka.

Russia on Tuesday claimed a new military success in Ukraine ahead of the second anniversary of its offensive, while President Vladimir Putin mocked what he called Kyiv's "flight" from the frontline town of Avdiivka. Also read: Navalny’s mother urges Putin to release body ‘immediately’ for proper burial The eastern Ukraine front has been frozen for months, but Moscow has been bolstered by its capture of Avdiivka last week, as well as a wrangled U.S. Congress blocking military aid to Kyiv. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russian forces have reclaimed Krynky, a Ukrainian bridgehead on the Moscow-occupied side of the Dnipro River. "I confirm that Krynky has been cleared," Shoigu told Putin in a televised meeting. Ukraine said last year that it had established positions around the tiny east-bank village, crossing into the Russian-occupied side of the river. Also read: Russia's FSB arrests US-Russian woman for alleged treason, funding Ukrainian Army Shoigu told state media earlier that Russian forces were "on the banks of the river in Krynky." During the meeting, Putin said the Ukrainian army had chaotically fled Avdiivka. Kyiv said it withdrew from the eastern stronghold to save soldiers' lives. "The Ukrainian armed forces issued an order to withdraw their armed forces when they were already on the move," Putin said, calling the retreat a "chaotic flight." Moscow has tried to capture Avdiivka, a symbol of Ukrainian resistance since 2014, for months. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia claims it has taken back Ukraine bridgehead on Dnipro’s left bank

<p>Ukraine has claimed its troops have crossed the vast River Dnipro into occupied areas of the Kherson region. A top Ukrainian official also said that they have established a strong foothold on the eastern bank of the river, which divides the frontline in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The advancement is seen as a crucial point in overcoming one of Moscow's most significant strategic barriers in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war-torn nation said that the troops are operating in small groups. Kviy added that it had dispatched more troops to stop Russia, which conceded on Wednesday. Zelensky said it had been a "difficult day" for Kyiv due to deadly Russian strikes in the east of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-david-cameron-meets-volodymyr-zelensky-in-kyiv-on-first-working-trip-abroad-as-foreign-minister-659220">Britain's David Cameron meets Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on first working trip abroad as foreign minister</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Russia confirms the development</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The development was confirmed by Russia as it said on Wednesday that for the first time, some Ukrainian troops had established positions on the Moscow-held side of the Dnipro River.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vladimir Saldo, who is the Moscow-installed head of Ukraine's Kherson region, said in a post on Telegram that "small groups" of Ukrainian soldiers were stretched along the eastern bank of the river, and had been "blocked" in the tiny village of Krynky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our additional forces have now been deployed. The enemy is blocked in Krynky. A fiery hell has been arranged for them: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells and drones are flying at them," Saldo said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-hossein-amir-abdollahian-denies-irans-involvement-in-red-sea-drone-attack-659190">Iranian&nbsp;foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian denies Iran's involvement in Red Sea drone attack</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian economy grows despite sanctions</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>But they also claimed that Russian soldiers are engaging and giving them "fiery hell" from artillery, rockets and drones. Moscow said that Ukrainian troops were suffering heavy losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's Saldo said Wednesday that "about one and a half enemy companies, mostly in small groups," were currently on the Russian-held side. Russia's TASS news agency said that a company in the Russian military consists of anything from 45 to 360 soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Associated Press, Andriy Yermak, who is the head of the president's office, provided no details but confirmed the development that had been widely discussed in military forums over the past month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a speech on Monday, he told the Hudson Institute, a US-based think tank, that "against all odds, Ukraine's defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></strong></p>


Ukraine has claimed its troops have crossed the vast River Dnipro into occupied areas of the Kherson region. A top Ukrainian official also said that they have established a strong foothold on the eastern bank of the river, which divides the frontline in southern Ukraine.

Ukraine has claimed its troops have crossed the vast River Dnipro into occupied areas of the Kherson region. A top Ukrainian official also said that they have established a strong foothold on the eastern bank of the river, which divides the frontline in southern Ukraine. The advancement is seen as a crucial point in overcoming one of Moscow's most significant strategic barriers in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The war-torn nation said that the troops are operating in small groups. Kviy added that it had dispatched more troops to stop Russia, which conceded on Wednesday. Zelensky said it had been a "difficult day" for Kyiv due to deadly Russian strikes in the east of the country. Also read: Britain's David Cameron meets Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on first working trip abroad as foreign minister Russia confirms the development The development was confirmed by Russia as it said on Wednesday that for the first time, some Ukrainian troops had established positions on the Moscow-held side of the Dnipro River. Vladimir Saldo, who is the Moscow-installed head of Ukraine's Kherson region, said in a post on Telegram that "small groups" of Ukrainian soldiers were stretched along the eastern bank of the river, and had been "blocked" in the tiny village of Krynky. "Our additional forces have now been deployed. The enemy is blocked in Krynky. A fiery hell has been arranged for them: bombs, rockets, heavy flamethrower systems, artillery shells and drones are flying at them," Saldo said. Also read: Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian denies Iran's involvement in Red Sea drone attack Watch: Russian economy grows despite sanctions × But they also claimed that Russian soldiers are engaging and giving them "fiery hell" from artillery, rockets and drones. Moscow said that Ukrainian troops were suffering heavy losses. Russia's Saldo said Wednesday that "about one and a half enemy companies, mostly in small groups," were currently on the Russian-held side. Russia's TASS news agency said that a company in the Russian military consists of anything from 45 to 360 soldiers. As quoted by The Associated Press, Andriy Yermak, who is the head of the president's office, provided no details but confirmed the development that had been widely discussed in military forums over the past month. In a speech on Monday, he told the Hudson Institute, a US-based think tank, that "against all odds, Ukraine's defence forces have gained a foothold on the left bank". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Ukraine claims strong foothold on eastern bank of Dnipro river Kherson city

<p>Russian media on Monday (Nov 13) reported that the Russian military was withdrawing its troops from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to “more favourable positions,” only to withdraw the information minutes later.</p>

<p>Two prominent Russian news agencies reported and later retracted the reports.</p>

<p>State news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti said Russia had repositioned troops to positions east of the Dnipro River, in order to "free up some of its forces, which will be used for offensive operations in other areas".</p>

<p>While Moscow blamed the highly unusual incident on Ukraine, Kyiv claimed it was a Russian disinformation campaign.</p>

<p>The ‘false report’ came exactly a year after Russia withdrew its forces from the right bank of the river, including from the city of Kherson. It must be noted that the Dnipro River continues to separate Russian and Ukrainian forces on the battleground.</p>

<h2><strong>Escalation by Ukrainian forces</strong></h2>

<p>Under its so-called counter-offensive, Ukraine has of late escalated its attacks on Russian forces across the Dnipro River.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime objective of this mission is to dismantle Russia’s ‘land bridge’ to the Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russia’s control since 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Russia turns Avdiivka into another Bakhmut | 40,000 troops encircle Ukrainian town</strong></p>

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<p>Russia earlier on Friday (Nov 10) claimed it foiled an attack by Ukraine that attempted to build a makeshift landing position in the region, which the Ukrainian military could have used to bring in heavy equipment and additional personnel.</p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky warns of winter assault by Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, warned that the country should prepare for more attacks on its infrastructure this winter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing significant damage and leaving many people without heating and power. The damage to Ukraine's energy sector was estimated at $6.8 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure,” Zelensky&nbsp;said in his nightly address Sunday (Nov 12).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-zelensky-lie-all-this-while-new-report-claims-ukrainian-military-officer-coordinated-nord-stream-sabotage-657729"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage</strong></a></p>

<p>In response to these threats, Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for increased military aid, faster implementation of sanctions against Russia, and a decision on starting negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the European Commission recommended talks with Ukraine about joining the EU, the Foreign Minister criticised the bloc for not discussing new sanctions against Russia as planned.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian media on Monday (Nov 13) reported that the Russian military was withdrawing its troops from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to “more favourable positions,” only to withdraw the information minutes later.

Russian media on Monday (Nov 13) reported that the Russian military was withdrawing its troops from the eastern bank of the Dnipro River to “more favourable positions,” only to withdraw the information minutes later. Two prominent Russian news agencies reported and later retracted the reports. State news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti said Russia had repositioned troops to positions east of the Dnipro River, in order to "free up some of its forces, which will be used for offensive operations in other areas". While Moscow blamed the highly unusual incident on Ukraine, Kyiv claimed it was a Russian disinformation campaign. The ‘false report’ came exactly a year after Russia withdrew its forces from the right bank of the river, including from the city of Kherson. It must be noted that the Dnipro River continues to separate Russian and Ukrainian forces on the battleground. Escalation by Ukrainian forces Under its so-called counter-offensive, Ukraine has of late escalated its attacks on Russian forces across the Dnipro River. The prime objective of this mission is to dismantle Russia’s ‘land bridge’ to the Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russia’s control since 2014. Watch: Gravitas | Russia turns Avdiivka into another Bakhmut | 40,000 troops encircle Ukrainian town × Russia earlier on Friday (Nov 10) claimed it foiled an attack by Ukraine that attempted to build a makeshift landing position in the region, which the Ukrainian military could have used to bring in heavy equipment and additional personnel. Zelensky warns of winter assault by Russia Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, warned that the country should prepare for more attacks on its infrastructure this winter. Last winter, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing significant damage and leaving many people without heating and power. The damage to Ukraine's energy sector was estimated at $6.8 billion. “We are almost halfway through November and we must be prepared for the possibility that the enemy may increase the number of drone or missile strikes against our infrastructure,” Zelensky said in his nightly address Sunday (Nov 12). Also read: Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage In response to these threats, Ukraine's Foreign Minister has called for increased military aid, faster implementation of sanctions against Russia, and a decision on starting negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. While the European Commission recommended talks with Ukraine about joining the EU, the Foreign Minister criticised the bloc for not discussing new sanctions against Russia as planned. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian media announces retreat of forces from Dnipro River, only to retract within minutes

<p>The White House said on Tuesday (June 6) that it cannot ‘conclusively’ say what was behind the destruction of a massive dam in Ukraine. However, White House Spokesman John Kirby said that reports that the blast was caused by Russia were being assessed. Russia has been in occupation of the dam since last year.</p>

<p>Kirby noted that the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River may likely have caused "many deaths" and evacuation of thousands of Ukrainians. Dnipro River separates Russian and Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia's rare acknowledgment of losses</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Kirby told reporters the damage could have a devastating impact on Ukraine's energy security.</p>

<p>"We've seen the reports that Russia was responsible for the explosion at the dam," he said. "We're doing the best we can to assess those reports, and we are working with the Ukrainians to gather more information, but we cannot say conclusively what happened."</p>

<p>Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the Nova Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has claimed that it was Ukraine that sabotaged the dam.</p>

<p>Kyiv said the destruction of the dam — seized by Russia in the early hours of the war — was an attempt by Moscow to hamper its long-awaited offensive, which Ukraine's leader stressed would not be affected.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Kirby opined that it was too soon to discuss the effect of the development on Ukraine's long-planned counteroffensive. He did stress that Russian forces were in illegal occupation of the dam and were in control of it when the blast took place. However, Kirby said that US officials had not determined whether the blast was an intentional act.</p>

<h2><strong>Destruction of dam a war crime?</strong></h2>

<p>Asked if the destruction of the dam would constitute a war crime, Kirby said international law forbade the destruction of civilian infrastructure.</p>

<p>He said US officials would continue to work with humanitarian partners on the ground to supply aid to those affected.</p>

<p>Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the war, the Russian forces had to retreat in the face of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Large swathes of land were won back by Ukrainian forces. As much as the credit goes to the fortitude of the Ukrainian military, the massive international help has been seen as a major factor that affected the situation on the battlefield.</p>

<p>Western countries, led by the United States, have poured in millions and millions in humanitarian as well as military help. This has boosted the military capacity of Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>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"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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The White House said on Tuesday (June 6) that it cannot ‘conclusively’ say what was behind the destruction of a massive dam in Ukraine. However, White House Spokesman John Kirby said that reports that the blast was caused by Russia were being assessed.

The White House said on Tuesday (June 6) that it cannot ‘conclusively’ say what was behind the destruction of a massive dam in Ukraine. However, White House Spokesman John Kirby said that reports that the blast was caused by Russia were being assessed. Russia has been in occupation of the dam since last year. Kirby noted that the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River may likely have caused "many deaths" and evacuation of thousands of Ukrainians. Dnipro River separates Russian and Ukrainian forces in southern Ukraine. Watch | Russia's rare acknowledgment of losses × Kirby told reporters the damage could have a devastating impact on Ukraine's energy security. "We've seen the reports that Russia was responsible for the explosion at the dam," he said. "We're doing the best we can to assess those reports, and we are working with the Ukrainians to gather more information, but we cannot say conclusively what happened." Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up the Nova Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has claimed that it was Ukraine that sabotaged the dam. Kyiv said the destruction of the dam — seized by Russia in the early hours of the war — was an attempt by Moscow to hamper its long-awaited offensive, which Ukraine's leader stressed would not be affected. Also Read | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Kirby opined that it was too soon to discuss the effect of the development on Ukraine's long-planned counteroffensive. He did stress that Russian forces were in illegal occupation of the dam and were in control of it when the blast took place. However, Kirby said that US officials had not determined whether the blast was an intentional act. Destruction of dam a war crime? Asked if the destruction of the dam would constitute a war crime, Kirby said international law forbade the destruction of civilian infrastructure. He said US officials would continue to work with humanitarian partners on the ground to supply aid to those affected. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained territorial gains in the first few months of the war, the Russian forces had to retreat in the face of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. Large swathes of land were won back by Ukrainian forces. As much as the credit goes to the fortitude of the Ukrainian military, the massive international help has been seen as a major factor that affected the situation on the battlefield. Western countries, led by the United States, have poured in millions and millions in humanitarian as well as military help. This has boosted the military capacity of Ukraine. (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 dam explosion: US not sure but possibility of Russian role being assessed

Russia will likely pull its troops from the west bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson and also urged civilians to leave, perhaps signalling a retreat that would be a blow to Russia’s war but Ukraine is cautious.

Russia signals retreat in southern Ukraine but Kyiv fears trap

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Russia claims it has taken back Ukraine bridgehead on Dnipro’s left bank

Ukraine claims strong foothold on eastern bank of Dnipro river Kherson city

Russian media announces retreat of forces from Dnipro River, only to retract within minutes

Ukraine dam explosion: US not sure but possibility of Russian role being assessed

Russia signals retreat in southern Ukraine but Kyiv fears trap