At his marathon year-end press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope for a settlement to end the war in Ukraine but emphasised that it is up to Ukraine and the West to propose a suitable plan. Putin also indicated Russia’s willingness to ease strikes to allow delayed Ukrainian elections and acknowledged economic difficulties from Western sanctions, while projecting optimism about the future.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Vladimir Putin Says He Is Ready To End Ukraine War

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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (March 30) claimed that the Ukrainian forces are preparing for new Russian attacks in the east of the country. Dismissing Russia's vows to de-escalate fighting, Zelensky said in a video address to the nation that the Russian troops were regrouping to strike the eastern Donbass region. Zelensky said, "We don't believe anyone, not a single beautiful phrase. We will not give anything away. We will fight for every meter of our territory." After another round of peace talks in Istanbul on Tuesday (March 29), a Russian negotiator said Moscow would "radically" scale back its attacks around the capital Kyiv and the northern city of Chernigiv. However, reports mentioned that shelling continued during the night. A day after, US military officials said Russian forces did begin to pull out of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power site north of Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader said in his video address that any retreat by Russian forces was "the result of the work of our defenders." "Freedom must be armed as well as tyranny," Zelensky said, claiming that as the centre of the global fight for freedom, Ukraine has the right to demand weapons from the international community, including tanks, planes, artillery systems. Important to note that the Donbass region encompasses two self-proclaimed "people's republics" that Russia says it is helping to free from Ukrainian control. The leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, said on Wednesday that offensive operations were intensifying. Donetsk includes the besieged port city of Mariupol, which has seen some of the war's heaviest fighting and bombardment and where about 170,000 people are trapped with scarce food and water. WATCH | Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback

An Indian doctor called Girikumar Patil, who has been holed up in a basement of war-torn Ukraine has refused to leave without his pets, which include&nbsp;a jaguar, and a black panther.

Famously known as Jaguar Kumar, the doctor said, "My big cats have been spending nights in the basement with me. There has been a lot of bombing happening around us. The cats are scared. They are eating less. I can't leave them."

"This is the second war I am living through. But this is scarier."&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/second-call-between-indian-pm-modi-ukraine-president-zelensky-to-discuss-evacuations-459797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He has lived for over six years in Severodonetsk, a small town located in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. He hails from Tanuku in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district.

Patil arrived in Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine. Since 2014, he has been a practising orthopaedic and now works in a government hospital

“Initially, I wanted a Bengal tiger or an Asiatic lion as a pet. In 2020, while visiting a local zoo here, I saw the jaguar, orphaned and ill. With the permission of the authorities concerned, I took him to a veterinary hospital, provided treatment and adopted him,” he said.&nbsp;

“I used to take him on walks in the forest before the war. Those were the most joyful days in my life.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-under-attack-indian-student-shot-at-in-kyiv-crosses-into-poland-thanks-officials-459758" hreflang="en">Harjot Singh, the Indian shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials</a>

“I along with all my pets went into the bunker after the war started. They have been cooperative and silent. But it has now become difficult for me to provide them with sufficient meat, as I can’t go out frequently,” he expressed his difficulty.

“I will never abandon my pets to save my life. Of course, my family is urging me to return. My pets are my children. I’ll stay with them and protect them until my last breath,” he vowed.&nbsp;

Giri, who is single, has been stepping out of his cramped basement only to buy food for his cats - the male jaguar is 20 months old and the female panther is a six-month-old cub - after the curfew ends early in the morning.

"I am the only Indian out here, and at night I am alone in the neighbourhood. Most of my neighbours have moved to nearby villages. I am going to hold out," he said. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian doctor called Girikumar Patil, who has been holed up in a basement of war-torn Ukraine has refused to leave without his pets, which include a jaguar, and a black panther.

An Indian doctor called Girikumar Patil, who has been holed up in a basement of war-torn Ukraine has refused to leave without his pets, which include a jaguar, and a black panther. Famously known as Jaguar Kumar, the doctor said, "My big cats have been spending nights in the basement with me. There has been a lot of bombing happening around us. The cats are scared. They are eating less. I can't leave them." "This is the second war I am living through. But this is scarier." He has lived for over six years in Severodonetsk, a small town located in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. He hails from Tanuku in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. Patil arrived in Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine. Since 2014, he has been a practising orthopaedic and now works in a government hospital “Initially, I wanted a Bengal tiger or an Asiatic lion as a pet. In 2020, while visiting a local zoo here, I saw the jaguar, orphaned and ill. With the permission of the authorities concerned, I took him to a veterinary hospital, provided treatment and adopted him,” he said. “I used to take him on walks in the forest before the war. Those were the most joyful days in my life.” Also read | Harjot Singh, the Indian shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials “I along with all my pets went into the bunker after the war started. They have been cooperative and silent. But it has now become difficult for me to provide them with sufficient meat, as I can’t go out frequently,” he expressed his difficulty. “I will never abandon my pets to save my life. Of course, my family is urging me to return. My pets are my children. I’ll stay with them and protect them until my last breath,” he vowed. Giri, who is single, has been stepping out of his cramped basement only to buy food for his cats - the male jaguar is 20 months old and the female panther is a six-month-old cub - after the curfew ends early in the morning. "I am the only Indian out here, and at night I am alone in the neighbourhood. Most of my neighbours have moved to nearby villages. I am going to hold out," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Indian doctor holed up in a basement for over a week refuses to leave his jaguar and panther

Tensions have risen in eastern Ukraine as Russian-controlled separatists there shelled a nursery school in Donbass and warned of escalation. Also, the United States has warned that Russia is now preparing to launch an invasion in the coming days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school

Ukraine on Wednesday initiated a discussion at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about a recent statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Donbass region. The 15-member council is all set to meet today to discuss the Ukraine crisis.

Ukraine calls for UNSC to discuss Donbass

Russian lawmakers have called on Vladimir Putin to recognize rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine as independent states. Putin has called for the conflict in Donbass to be resolved through the Minsk peace process while also describing the situation in the region as a genocide.

Ukraine crisis: 'Donbass is committing genocide,' says Russian President Vladimir Putin

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that Russia has made plans for aggressive moves against Ukraine.

According to him, ''The plans include efforts to destabilise Ukraine from within as well as large scale military operations.''

Blinken warned Russia that the United States will impose 'high-impact' sanctions if it decides to invade Ukraine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-and-russia-spar-as-foreign-ministers-meet-in-latvia-putin-warns-west-433236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''We don't know whether President (Vladimir) Putin has made the decision to invade. We do know that he is putting in place the capacity to do so in on short order should he so decide,'' he said.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has vowed to provide political and practical support to Ukraine.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

''The problem with Russia is that they are not transparent, that they have a very aggressive rhetoric and a track record showing they have used military exercises before as a disguise for aggressive actions against neighbours,'' he said.

He added that US-led military organisation must prepare for the worst as concern mounts that Russia could be preparing to invade Ukraine.

The West has accused Moscow of amassing "tens of thousands of additional combat forces" near Ukraine's border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-spotted-near-ukraine-border-after-us-warning-376922">Also read |&nbsp;Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning</a>

Denying aggressive intent in the current crisis, Kremlin said it feared Ukraine was gearing up to try to recapture by force areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass region in the east of the country.

In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Europe faced a critical moment and Russia was trying to shift the blame onto Ukraine.

''I would like again to officially state that Ukraine does not plan any military offensive in Donbass. This is Russian propaganda nonsense in order to cover up Russia's own preparations for a potential attack,'' he added.

More than 13,000 people have been killed in a war that began in 2014 between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that Russia has made plans for aggressive moves against Ukraine. According to him, ''The plans include efforts to destabilise Ukraine from within as well as large scale military operations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that Russia has made plans for aggressive moves against Ukraine. According to him, ''The plans include efforts to destabilise Ukraine from within as well as large scale military operations.'' Blinken warned Russia that the United States will impose 'high-impact' sanctions if it decides to invade Ukraine. ''We don't know whether President (Vladimir) Putin has made the decision to invade. We do know that he is putting in place the capacity to do so in on short order should he so decide,'' he said. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has vowed to provide political and practical support to Ukraine. Also see | What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? ''The problem with Russia is that they are not transparent, that they have a very aggressive rhetoric and a track record showing they have used military exercises before as a disguise for aggressive actions against neighbours,'' he said. He added that US-led military organisation must prepare for the worst as concern mounts that Russia could be preparing to invade Ukraine. The West has accused Moscow of amassing "tens of thousands of additional combat forces" near Ukraine's border. Also read | Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning Denying aggressive intent in the current crisis, Kremlin said it feared Ukraine was gearing up to try to recapture by force areas controlled by pro-Russian separatists in the Donbass region in the east of the country. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Europe faced a critical moment and Russia was trying to shift the blame onto Ukraine. ''I would like again to officially state that Ukraine does not plan any military offensive in Donbass. This is Russian propaganda nonsense in order to cover up Russia's own preparations for a potential attack,'' he added. More than 13,000 people have been killed in a war that began in 2014 between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has made plans for aggressive moves against Ukraine, says Blinken

In a fresh escalation in war of words towards Ukraine, Russia on Thursday said that Ukraine was moving heavy artillery towards front line where pro-Russian separatists are fighting with Ukrainian forces. Russia also accused Ukraine of failing to engage in peace process.

The remarks came from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The words gave no sign that Moscow is willing to tone down its bitter criticism of Ukraine despite a two-hour call this week between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden.

"Negotiations on a peaceful settlement have practically hit a dead end," Zakharova told reporters, referring to the seven-year conflict between Ukrainian and separatist forces in the eastern Donbass region.

The ministry's Twitter feed, quoting Zakharova, said: "With the support of NATO countries pumping the country with weapons, Kyiv is building up its contingent on the line of contact in Donbass."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-commanders-say-a-russian-invasion-would-overwhelm-them-435579">Ukraine commanders say a Russian invasion would overwhelm them</a>

She said Ukraine was only "imitating" the process of fulfilling its obligations under the 2014 and 2015 Minsk accords designed to end the conflict.

There was no immediate response from the Ukrainian side. Kyiv has denied Russian accusations it plans to seize back territory by force and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that he was hopeful of reaching a new ceasefire deal.

Tuesday's US-Russian call was dominated by tensions over Ukraine, with Biden voicing concern about a Russian military build-up near the border and telling Putin that Moscow would face serious economic consequences if it invaded.

Putin has said talk of an invasion is "provocative" and accused Ukraine and NATO of fanning tensions.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a fresh escalation in war of words towards Ukraine, Russia on Thursday said that Ukraine was moving heavy artillery towards front line where pro-Russian separatists are fighting with Ukrainian forces.

In a fresh escalation in war of words towards Ukraine, Russia on Thursday said that Ukraine was moving heavy artillery towards front line where pro-Russian separatists are fighting with Ukrainian forces. Russia also accused Ukraine of failing to engage in peace process. The remarks came from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The words gave no sign that Moscow is willing to tone down its bitter criticism of Ukraine despite a two-hour call this week between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Joe Biden. "Negotiations on a peaceful settlement have practically hit a dead end," Zakharova told reporters, referring to the seven-year conflict between Ukrainian and separatist forces in the eastern Donbass region. The ministry's Twitter feed, quoting Zakharova, said: "With the support of NATO countries pumping the country with weapons, Kyiv is building up its contingent on the line of contact in Donbass." Also Read | Ukraine commanders say a Russian invasion would overwhelm them She said Ukraine was only "imitating" the process of fulfilling its obligations under the 2014 and 2015 Minsk accords designed to end the conflict. There was no immediate response from the Ukrainian side. Kyiv has denied Russian accusations it plans to seize back territory by force and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that he was hopeful of reaching a new ceasefire deal. Tuesday's US-Russian call was dominated by tensions over Ukraine, with Biden voicing concern about a Russian military build-up near the border and telling Putin that Moscow would face serious economic consequences if it invaded. Putin has said talk of an invasion is "provocative" and accused Ukraine and NATO of fanning tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine moved heavy artillery towards conflict zone, alleges Russia

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the boil since the Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea. Recently, the hostilities re-emerged over situation in Ukraine's Donbass region and Russian troop build-up on Ukraine-Russia border.

On March 26, four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by pro-Russian separatists. The killings contravened a ceasefire brokered in 2020 and ended a year of relative calm.

In the 17 days that have followed, the situation has become quite precarious. Thousands of soldiers have descended on the border. So have dozens of tanks and missile launchers.

Ukraine calls it an unwarranted provocation against its sovereignty.

"We clearly understand the scale of Russian military presence next to our border. I would like to specify that the question of war depends only on Putin," said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

Russia calls the situation an escalated hysteria about a mythical threat.

"Troops are being transported there, mobilisation plans, calls of reservists are being renewed. Ukrainian media is escalating hysteria about the Russian mythical threat, about plans of Moscow attacking Ukraine practically tomorrow. All this is happening at the behest and open support of western curators of Kyiv," said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry.

So both Moscow and Kyiv deny stoking up tensions.

Then what exactly is happening and why is it happening?

At the root of the problem is Ukraine's geographical and demographic makeup. As a former Soviet territory, Ukraine is divided between an eastern region with close historical &amp; cultural ties to Russia and the rest of the country which identifies as more Ukrainian than anything else.

The east has been the hotbed of rebellion and pro-Russian sentiment. The rebels allegedly receive support from Moscow. And have played a key role in keeping the conflict simmering.

Since 2014, some 13,000 civilians, 4100 Ukrainian troops and 5650 pro-Russian separatists have been killed in this conflict. Ukraine is pushing for NATO membership to end it.

For NATO and Europe, this means influence on another one of Russia's borders. But Moscow views it as an existential threat. It has billions of dollars invested in Ukraine. A large part of Russian oil exports flow through the country.&nbsp;

There is indeed sizeable population of pro-Russian people who want to secede from Ukraine. The stakes are quite high and the prospects for a solution quite low. If this situation spirals into military conflict the implications for Europe and the world are quite severe.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the boil since the Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the boil since the Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea. Recently, the hostilities re-emerged over situation in Ukraine's Donbass region and Russian troop build-up on Ukraine-Russia border. On March 26, four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by pro-Russian separatists. The killings contravened a ceasefire brokered in 2020 and ended a year of relative calm. In the 17 days that have followed, the situation has become quite precarious. Thousands of soldiers have descended on the border. So have dozens of tanks and missile launchers. Ukraine calls it an unwarranted provocation against its sovereignty. "We clearly understand the scale of Russian military presence next to our border. I would like to specify that the question of war depends only on Putin," said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. Russia calls the situation an escalated hysteria about a mythical threat. "Troops are being transported there, mobilisation plans, calls of reservists are being renewed. Ukrainian media is escalating hysteria about the Russian mythical threat, about plans of Moscow attacking Ukraine practically tomorrow. All this is happening at the behest and open support of western curators of Kyiv," said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry. So both Moscow and Kyiv deny stoking up tensions. Then what exactly is happening and why is it happening? At the root of the problem is Ukraine's geographical and demographic makeup. As a former Soviet territory, Ukraine is divided between an eastern region with close historical & cultural ties to Russia and the rest of the country which identifies as more Ukrainian than anything else. The east has been the hotbed of rebellion and pro-Russian sentiment. The rebels allegedly receive support from Moscow. And have played a key role in keeping the conflict simmering. Since 2014, some 13,000 civilians, 4100 Ukrainian troops and 5650 pro-Russian separatists have been killed in this conflict. Ukraine is pushing for NATO membership to end it. For NATO and Europe, this means influence on another one of Russia's borders. But Moscow views it as an existential threat. It has billions of dollars invested in Ukraine. A large part of Russian oil exports flow through the country. There is indeed sizeable population of pro-Russian people who want to secede from Ukraine. The stakes are quite high and the prospects for a solution quite low. If this situation spirals into military conflict the implications for Europe and the world are quite severe.

What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet

A Ukraine soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east.

As of the reported attack, Ukraine says 27 soldiers have been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020.

Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-issues-warning-to-moscow-376899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Britain's Sky News filmed the deployment in the Voronezh area of Russia, close to the border. It said a small camp had been erected near Maslovka train station, where troops and equipment have been arriving.

From there, they are being transferred to a nearby training ground, where a military field camp has been erected.

Sky said the camp stretched for around one and a half-mile, or almost two and half kilometres.

The troops buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic.

"President Biden's been very clear about this. If&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said.

In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Ukraine has accused&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.

The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine -- but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region.

The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after&nbsp;Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

The conflict in Ukraine's east has claimed more than 13,000 lives and turned into a nagging problem in Moscow's relations with the West.

Fighting has subsided in the past few years but a diplomatic solution to settle the eastern regions' status has stayed out of reach.

Crimea is still recognized as part of Ukraine by the United Nations, and Kiev vows to one day win it back.

Biden, who previously oversaw Washington's policies on Ukraine, is viewed as a strong ally by Ukrainians and his top diplomat Blinken, in talks this week with his French and German counterparts, agreed on supporting Ukraine against "Russian provocations".

A Ukraine soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east.

A Ukraine soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east. As of the reported attack, Ukraine says 27 soldiers have been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border. Britain's Sky News filmed the deployment in the Voronezh area of Russia, close to the border. It said a small camp had been erected near Maslovka train station, where troops and equipment have been arriving. From there, they are being transferred to a nearby training ground, where a military field camp has been erected. Sky said the camp stretched for around one and a half-mile, or almost two and half kilometres. The troops buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if Russia acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic. "President Biden's been very clear about this. If Russia acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said. In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict. Ukraine has accused Russia of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula. The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine -- but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region. The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine's east has claimed more than 13,000 lives and turned into a nagging problem in Moscow's relations with the West. Fighting has subsided in the past few years but a diplomatic solution to settle the eastern regions' status has stayed out of reach. Crimea is still recognized as part of Ukraine by the United Nations, and Kiev vows to one day win it back. Biden, who previously oversaw Washington's policies on Ukraine, is viewed as a strong ally by Ukrainians and his top diplomat Blinken, in talks this week with his French and German counterparts, agreed on supporting Ukraine against "Russian provocations".

Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning

In a possible sign that Ukraine and Russia may&nbsp;soon be embroiled in yet another conflict, Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'. The relations between the two countries are on the boil due to the situation in the conflict area of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

The region has a sizeable Russian-speaking population.

The minister, Andrii Taran, said Russian accusations about the rights of Russian speakers being violated could be the reason for the resumption of armed aggression against Ukraine.

"At the same time, it should be noted that the intensification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is possible only if an appropriate political decision is made at the highest level in the Kremlin," he said in a statement.

Ukraine has been raising the issue of buildup of Russian forces near the Ukraine-Russia border.

Russian military movements have raised concerns. It is being apprehensively examined whether Russia wants to send forces into Ukraine.

Senior Kremlin official Dmitry Kozak last week said Russia would be forced to defend its citizens in eastern Ukraine depending on the scale of the military conflict there.

On Friday UK Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Russia to halt the troop buildup.

(With agency inputs)

In a possible sign that Ukraine and Russia may soon be embroiled in yet another conflict, Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'.

In a possible sign that Ukraine and Russia may soon be embroiled in yet another conflict, Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'. The relations between the two countries are on the boil due to the situation in the conflict area of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. The region has a sizeable Russian-speaking population. The minister, Andrii Taran, said Russian accusations about the rights of Russian speakers being violated could be the reason for the resumption of armed aggression against Ukraine. "At the same time, it should be noted that the intensification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is possible only if an appropriate political decision is made at the highest level in the Kremlin," he said in a statement. Ukraine has been raising the issue of buildup of Russian forces near the Ukraine-Russia border. Russian military movements have raised concerns. It is being apprehensively examined whether Russia wants to send forces into Ukraine. Senior Kremlin official Dmitry Kozak last week said Russia would be forced to defend its citizens in eastern Ukraine depending on the scale of the military conflict there. On Friday UK Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Russia to halt the troop buildup. (With agency inputs)

Ukraine: Can be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'

A Ukrainian soldier deployed to the frontline in country's east said on Wednesday that he didn't think that Russians would invade Ukraine. Soldiers said they remained calm but were ready for worst case scenario.

Serviceman Serhiy, who serves in the village of Travneve in the Donetsk region, told Reuters he doubts the Russians will invade Ukrainian territory.

Serhiy's fellow soldier, who identified himself by nom-de-guerre Camomile, said the army is ready to repel any attack.

A senior Ukrainian security official said on Wednesday that Russia has made no move to withdraw troops it has amassed at the border with Ukraine but there is no sign that a Russian invasion is imminent.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-rejects-russian-attempts-to-thwart-ukraines-nato-ambitions-437531">West rejects Russian attempts to thwart Ukraine's NATO ambitions</a>

Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's Security and Defence Council, told Reuters in an interview that Russia had 92,000 troops at the frontier but would need many more if it were to invade Ukraine.

Russia says it suspects Ukraine of gearing up to take back the breakaway regions by force, which Kyiv in turn denies.

Ukrainian government forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists since 2014.

Ukraine and the West have periodically accused Moscow, despite its denials, of sending weapons and servicemen to support the separatists.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Ukrainian soldier deployed to the frontline in country's east said on Wednesday that he didn't think that Russians would invade Ukraine. Soldiers said they remained calm but were ready for worst case scenario.

A Ukrainian soldier deployed to the frontline in country's east said on Wednesday that he didn't think that Russians would invade Ukraine. Soldiers said they remained calm but were ready for worst case scenario. Serviceman Serhiy, who serves in the village of Travneve in the Donetsk region, told Reuters he doubts the Russians will invade Ukrainian territory. Serhiy's fellow soldier, who identified himself by nom-de-guerre Camomile, said the army is ready to repel any attack. A senior Ukrainian security official said on Wednesday that Russia has made no move to withdraw troops it has amassed at the border with Ukraine but there is no sign that a Russian invasion is imminent. Also Read | West rejects Russian attempts to thwart Ukraine's NATO ambitions Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine's Security and Defence Council, told Reuters in an interview that Russia had 92,000 troops at the frontier but would need many more if it were to invade Ukraine. Russia says it suspects Ukraine of gearing up to take back the breakaway regions by force, which Kyiv in turn denies. Ukrainian government forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists since 2014. Ukraine and the West have periodically accused Moscow, despite its denials, of sending weapons and servicemen to support the separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Unlikely that Russians will advance, says Ukrainian soldier in east

Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday met Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia. The long-running conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region is one of the reasons why Ukraine-Russia relations are strained currently.

Bilateral talks between Zelenskiy and Erdogan were to&nbsp;be followed by a cooperation meeting and a joint news conference.

NATO member Turkey has forged close cooperation with Russia over conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as in the defence and energy areas. But it has criticised Crimea's annexation and supported Ukraine's territorial integrity. It has also sold drones to Kyiv in 2019.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-can-be-provoked-due-to-russian-aggression-376675">Ukraine: Can be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with Erdogan on Friday (April 9), accused Ukraine of "dangerous provocative actions" in Donbass.

Ukraine has been raising alarm over buildup of Russian forces near Ukraine-Russia border.

Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'.&nbsp;

The minister, Andrii Taran, said Russian accusations about the rights of Russian speakers being violated could be the reason for the resumption of armed aggression against Ukraine.

"At the same time, it should be noted that the intensification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is possible only if an appropriate political decision is made at the highest level in the Kremlin," he said in a statement.

(With Reuters inputs)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday met Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia. The long-running conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region is one of the reasons why Ukraine-Russia relations are strained currently.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday met Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia. The long-running conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region is one of the reasons why Ukraine-Russia relations are strained currently. Bilateral talks between Zelenskiy and Erdogan were to be followed by a cooperation meeting and a joint news conference. NATO member Turkey has forged close cooperation with Russia over conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as in the defence and energy areas. But it has criticised Crimea's annexation and supported Ukraine's territorial integrity. It has also sold drones to Kyiv in 2019. Also Read | Ukraine: Can be provoked due to Russian 'aggression' Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with Erdogan on Friday (April 9), accused Ukraine of "dangerous provocative actions" in Donbass. Ukraine has been raising alarm over buildup of Russian forces near Ukraine-Russia border. Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'. The minister, Andrii Taran, said Russian accusations about the rights of Russian speakers being violated could be the reason for the resumption of armed aggression against Ukraine. "At the same time, it should be noted that the intensification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is possible only if an appropriate political decision is made at the highest level in the Kremlin," he said in a statement. (With Reuters inputs)

Ukraine-Turkey hold dialogue amid Donbass tension with Russia

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that NATO should speed up country's path toward membership, arguing that there is no other way to end the war in Donbass.

Ukraine urges NATO to set up membership path as Russian troops massing on its border

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