United Nations chief Antonio Guterres is on his first visit to Ukraine since the invasion. He sees the scenes of destruction in Ukraine and calls for a thorough investigation of war crimes.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: United Nations chief Antonio Guterres visits Ukraine

As the Russian invasion continued in Ukraine with several reported killed and thousands displaced, Kyiv took down a monument which stood as a symbol of Ukraine-Russia friendship. The monument in Kyiv was dismantled as Ukrainians watched and cheered.

After Russian invasion, Ukraine takes down this historic monument in Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met US secretary of state Anthony Blinken and US defense secretary Lloyd Austin in Kyiv, it was Zelensky's first meeting with the top US official since the invasion began in February.

'Grateful to POTUS and people of US,' Zelensky meets Blinken and Austin in Kyiv

Mariupol has been reduced to a small garrison in a steel plant and the death toll is unknown. Data suggests 45% of Mariupol's built-up area was damaged and hundreds of thousands are still trapped in Mariupol. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Fred Weir - Russian Affairs Expert

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Ukraine reels under Russian attacks, eastern cities turn into ruins

United States is further helping the warn-torn country to fight Russian invasion. Joe Biden will be providing Ukraine with another $500 MN to help continue with critical operations.

United States extends $500 MN aid to help Kyiv run government

The Russia-Ukraine war entered day 58 on Friday. While Russia has denied targeting civilians, stories of grief are emerging out of Ukraine. Thousands of civilians were killed in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war: Inconsolable daughter crouches next to father's body

Russia has declared control over the city of Mariupol in Ukraine and this means that the fate of nearly about 100,000 civilians who are trapped in the southern port city actually lies in the hands of the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'Everything in Mariupol is complicated and chaotic,' says Kyiv

In a recent update on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukraine says the weapons they need are not on the German list. However, Germany says they're open to sending Ukrain heavy weapons. Now, the question arises, why is Berlin not sending heavy weapons to Ukraine?

German coalition under strain: Why is Berlin not sending heavy weapons?

<p>As the war with Russia enters its next phase, with Russian forces continuing their large-scale operation to take control of Ukraine's east, US President Biden stated Thursday that the US will deliver another round of security assistance to Ukraine for around $800 million.</p>

<p>According to the president, the equipment will "further boost Ukraine's ability to combat in the east in the Donbas region."</p>

<p>The package comprises 72 155mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 72 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers, and 121 unmanned aerial vehicle systems, or "Phoenix Ghost" drones, according to the Defense Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We won't always be able to advertise everything that our partners are doing to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, but to modernise Teddy Roosevelt's famous advice, sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin, because we're sending a lot of those in as well," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeks-india-drug-imports-as-pharmacies-run-short-of-medicines-amid-ukraine-war-sanctions-472245">Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>When lawmakers return to Washington next week, the US president said he would ask Congress to enact a supplemental bill to provide more funds for Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-russias-donbas-offensive-us-sends-warplanes-to-ukraine-472278">Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>He also proposed a new humanitarian parole programme for Ukrainians with ties to the United States, which would allow them to enter the country via a "expedient conduit" rather than the southern border.</p>

<p>Since the United States demands visas for admission, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have flown to Mexico to claim refuge at the border.</p>


As the war with Russia enters its next phase, with Russian forces continuing their large-scale operation to take control of Ukraine's east, US President Biden stated Thursday that the US will deliver another round of security assistance to Ukraine for around $800 million.

As the war with Russia enters its next phase, with Russian forces continuing their large-scale operation to take control of Ukraine's east, US President Biden stated Thursday that the US will deliver another round of security assistance to Ukraine for around $800 million. According to the president, the equipment will "further boost Ukraine's ability to combat in the east in the Donbas region." The package comprises 72 155mm howitzers, 144,000 artillery rounds, 72 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers, and 121 unmanned aerial vehicle systems, or "Phoenix Ghost" drones, according to the Defense Department. "We won't always be able to advertise everything that our partners are doing to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom, but to modernise Teddy Roosevelt's famous advice, sometimes we will speak softly and carry a large Javelin, because we're sending a lot of those in as well," he said. Also read | Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions When lawmakers return to Washington next week, the US president said he would ask Congress to enact a supplemental bill to provide more funds for Ukraine. Also read | Amid Russia's Donbas offensive, US sends warplanes to Ukraine He also proposed a new humanitarian parole programme for Ukrainians with ties to the United States, which would allow them to enter the country via a "expedient conduit" rather than the southern border. Since the United States demands visas for admission, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have flown to Mexico to claim refuge at the border.

Russian-Ukraine war: Biden announces additional $800 million military aid to Kyiv

According to reports, the city of Mariupol, the key port city for which the battle has been raging on in Ukraine for almost about eight weeks, Russia has now claimed that it has managed to secure control over the whole of Mariupol except for the Azovstal steel plant.

Putin orders to block Mariupol's steel plant completely

It is week nine of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Kyiv says that the second phase of the war has begun. Russia has launched its much anticipated offensive in eastern Ukraine with explosions reported all along the eastern front along with attacks in other regions.

Russia ups its offensive against Ukraine, Kyiv says 'battle for Donbas has begun'

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: 7 killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv

The assault on major Ukrainian cities is only intensifying. In a series of strikes, Russia has attacked Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv killing at least five people and injuring 13.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Russian missile attack kills 5 In Ukraine's Kharkiv

On Thursday, Russia's leading warship sank in the black sea. The guided-missile cruiser Moskva had been leading Russia's naval effort against Ukraine but now there are discrepancies emerging on exactly how Moskva sank.

Ukraine under attack: Russia releases images of sunken Moskva crew

Russia-Ukraine conflict shows no signs of abating. Ukrainian president Zelensky said that Kyiv will stall all negotiation talks with Moscow if the last Ukrainian troops in the besieged city of Mariupol are harmed.

Ukraine under attack: Zelensky calls situation in Mariupol 'Inhuman'

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<p><strong><em>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;</em></strong></p>

<p>As Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv, the country's defence ministry on Sunday (April 17) claimed that they have struck a military plant outside the capital city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement on Telegram, the ministry noted: "During the night, high-precision, air-launched missiles destroyed an ammunitions factory near the settlement of Brovary, Kyiv region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Igor Sapozhko, who is the mayor of Brovary, said that "some infrastructure objects were hit" in the early hours of Sunday morning (April 17).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted on social media, Sapozhko said: "This morning a number of infrastructure facilities in our community have been hit... There could be outrages with power and water supplies and sewerage."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-sunday-deadline-for-ukraine-troops-to-surrender-in-mariupol-471528">Russia sets Sunday deadline for Ukraine troops to surrender in Mariupol</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brovary.<br />
<br />
In the morning, Russian occupation forces launched missile strikes on the city. The mayor Igor Sapozhko reported about it<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/European?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#European</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CINA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CINA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDIA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/PJkSq0h6Ao">pic.twitter.com/PJkSq0h6Ao</a></p>
— Majid (@Majid52333133) <a href="https://twitter.com/Majid52333133/status/1515581948302925826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>However, Ukrainian officials have not released any details on the extent of the destruction and potential casualties. The report of attacks on military plant comes amid Russia has been carrying out several attacks. In recent days, the number of attacks has increased in and outside Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Russia said it was withdrawing troops from northern Ukraine — including from around the capital — to focus on gaining control of the eastern Donbas region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-harpoon-anti-ship-missiles-in-ukraines-arsenal-can-disbalance-russia-in-black-sea-region-470481">How Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Ukraine's arsenal can disbalance Russia in Black Sea region</a></strong></p>

<p>Important to note that the Russian defence ministry says it has cleared the whole of Mariupol's "urban area" of Ukrainian forces. Giving an ultimatum, they also urged Ukrainian soldiers to surrender.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They say the only remaining Ukrainian soldiers are in the Azovstal metalworks — and that their only chance to live is to "lay down their arms and surrender".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Zelensky: We will end negotiations if our troops are harmed</strong></p>

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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. As Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv, the country's defence ministry on Sunday (April 17) claimed that they have struck a military plant outside the capital city. In a statement on Telegram, the ministry noted: "During the night, high-precision, air-launched missiles destroyed an ammunitions factory near the settlement of Brovary, Kyiv region." Igor Sapozhko, who is the mayor of Brovary, said that "some infrastructure objects were hit" in the early hours of Sunday morning (April 17). In a video posted on social media, Sapozhko said: "This morning a number of infrastructure facilities in our community have been hit... There could be outrages with power and water supplies and sewerage." ALSO READ | Russia sets Sunday deadline for Ukraine troops to surrender in Mariupol Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Brovary. In the morning, Russian occupation forces launched missile strikes on the city. The mayor Igor Sapozhko reported about it #Ukraine #EU #European #US #CINA #INDIA pic.twitter.com/PJkSq0h6Ao — Majid (@Majid52333133) April 17, 2022 × However, Ukrainian officials have not released any details on the extent of the destruction and potential casualties. The report of attacks on military plant comes amid Russia has been carrying out several attacks. In recent days, the number of attacks has increased in and outside Kyiv. Last month, Russia said it was withdrawing troops from northern Ukraine — including from around the capital — to focus on gaining control of the eastern Donbas region. IN PICS | How Harpoon anti-ship missiles in Ukraine's arsenal can disbalance Russia in Black Sea region Important to note that the Russian defence ministry says it has cleared the whole of Mariupol's "urban area" of Ukrainian forces. Giving an ultimatum, they also urged Ukrainian soldiers to surrender. They say the only remaining Ukrainian soldiers are in the Azovstal metalworks — and that their only chance to live is to "lay down their arms and surrender". ALSO WATCH | Zelensky: We will end negotiations if our troops are harmed ×

Ukraine war: Russian defence ministry claims they 'destroyed' military factory outside Kyiv

In the recent update on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia denied an attack on its cruise missile warship. An arms plant in Kyiv was destroyed in a major Russian assault. This attack is widely regarded as a revenge strike by the Kremlin.

Ukraine under attack: Russia's fresh offensive against Kyiv

In Ukraine's Husarivka, buildings were reduced to rubble, and Ukrainian villages turned into graveyards. Ukraine said 20,000 Russian personnel were killed.

Ukraine under attack: Russia invasion leaves behind trail of destruction

Kremlin accused Ukraine of targeting Russian border towns. The defence ministry said that the scale of the missile strikes against Kyiv will increase in response to any terrorist attacks on Russian territory.

Russia pledges more attacks on Kyiv, accuses Ukraine of bombing border town

<p>Russian defence ministry on Friday warned that Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv in response to strikes on Russian soil. The statement&nbsp;has come after Russian allegation that Ukraine targetted Russian border towns.</p>

<p>"The number and scale of missile strikes against targets in Kyiv will increase in response to any terrorist attacks or sabotage committed by the Kyiv nationalist regime on Russian territory," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port</strong></p>

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<p>The defence ministry added that Russia has hit a 'military' plant outside Kyiv using Kalibr sea-based long-range missiles. As per the ministry, the attack was carried out late on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moskva-russian-navys-black-sea-fleet-flagship-has-sunk-defence-ministry-471089">Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry</a></strong></p>

<p>In addition to this, the ministry also said that it has killed up to 30 Polish mercenaries fighting for Ukrainian forces in the war-torn country's northeastern region of Kharkiv.</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry said its strategic rocket forces "eliminated up to 30 Polish mercenaries" in a strike on the village of Izyumskoe, not far from the city of Kharkiv.</p>

<p>Russian defence ministry's assertions about Kyiv came on the same day it admitted loss of Moskva, the flagship of country's Black Sea Fleet. As per reports in Russian media, the defence ministry confirmed that the ship had indeed sunk.</p>

<p>Ukraine has claimed that the warship sank after a rocket attack. But the Russian camp has maintained that fire on Moskva erupted after ammunition onboard caught fire.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian defence ministry on Friday warned that Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv in response to strikes on Russian soil. The statement has come after Russian allegation that Ukraine targetted Russian border towns.

Russian defence ministry on Friday warned that Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv in response to strikes on Russian soil. The statement has come after Russian allegation that Ukraine targetted Russian border towns. "The number and scale of missile strikes against targets in Kyiv will increase in response to any terrorist attacks or sabotage committed by the Kyiv nationalist regime on Russian territory," the ministry said in a statement. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port × The defence ministry added that Russia has hit a 'military' plant outside Kyiv using Kalibr sea-based long-range missiles. As per the ministry, the attack was carried out late on Thursday. Also Read | Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry In addition to this, the ministry also said that it has killed up to 30 Polish mercenaries fighting for Ukrainian forces in the war-torn country's northeastern region of Kharkiv. The Russian defence ministry said its strategic rocket forces "eliminated up to 30 Polish mercenaries" in a strike on the village of Izyumskoe, not far from the city of Kharkiv. Russian defence ministry's assertions about Kyiv came on the same day it admitted loss of Moskva, the flagship of country's Black Sea Fleet. As per reports in Russian media, the defence ministry confirmed that the ship had indeed sunk. Ukraine has claimed that the warship sank after a rocket attack. But the Russian camp has maintained that fire on Moskva erupted after ammunition onboard caught fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to intensify attacks on Kyiv, has hit military plant outside Ukrainian capital: Ministry

Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to intensify, Russian president Vladimir Putin has now said that Moscow will continue its invasion of Ukraine until his country's 'noble aims' are fulfilled. In a rare public appearance on Tuesday, Putin said that peace talks with Kyiv have now reached a dead end.

'Talks with Kyiv have reached dead-end,' Putin vows to continue Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine has now accused Russia of conducting missile strikes on a railway station in Kramatorsk which killed more than 50 residents including five children. Zelensky has urged that Russia's attack should be taken as a war crime.

Russian missile strike kills over 50 people at railway station

The United States has decided to end normal trade relations with Moscow in its bid to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: US ends normal trade ties with Russia

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution on whether to suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine or not. The move was first initiated by the US in response to the Bucha killings.

The West gears up to oust Russia from human rights body

There are a lot of stories from Ukraine that is sending hope to millions and one of the stories is of a Ukrainian girl who fled to Italy to follow her dreams of becoming a ballerina. Watch it here!

The journey of a budding ballerina: Ukrainian girl follows ballet dreams

Top European leaders and diplomats have arrived in Kyiv to reassure membership. Europe will offer financial and moral support to Ukraine.

European Union chief and top diplomat to meet Zelensky

The United Nations General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution on whether to suspend Russia from the UNHRC over atrocities in Ukraine or not. On another side, India has condemned the Bucha killings and now India's neutrality is under test at UNGA.

India's neutrality on test at UNGA, calls for an independent probe into Bucha assault

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West is imposing sanctions on Russia. Now, US sanctioned Putin's adult children.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Joe Biden targets Russia's first family

During the 2nd day meeting of NATO foreign ministers, Ukraine asked for more weapons. Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said, "The more weapons we get and the sooner they arrive in Ukraine, the more human lives will be saved."

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukraine asks for more weapons from NATO

Cities in Ukraine are bearing the brunt of the Russia-Ukraine war. Cities that were once tourist attractions have turned into war zones and rubble. Cities including the capital Kyiv, have been damaged. Destruction, dead bodies, and silence occupy the streets of some of the cities including Bucha, Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Odessa. Will these cities come back to life? War in Ukraine but at what cost?

Ukrainian cities: Before & after the war - Kyiv, Bucha, Mariupol & others

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<p><strong><em>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;</em></strong></p>

<p>A senior US defence official on Wednesday (April 6) claimed that Russian forces completely withdraw from Ukrainian areas around capital city Kyiv and northern city of&nbsp;Chernihiv in order to regroup in Belarus and Russia. Recent reports have stated that Russian forces are now shifting&nbsp;their focus to eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by media outlet The Hill, the official said, "We aren't showing Russian forces in or around Kyiv or to the north of Kyiv, and we're not showing Russian forces in or around Chernihiv."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official added, "We have now seen that the Russians have moved from the north into Belarus and to Russia for refit and resupply. We have seen indications that that refit and resupply is occurring."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-russia-hiding-thousands-killed-in-mariupol-468954">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol</a></strong></p>

<p>The media report also stated that Russian troops are shelling major cities continuously as they retreat. The official said that overall, the Russian military has launched more than 1,450 missiles against Ukraine since the invasion began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the official said that "we are assessing that they have completely withdrawn from Kyiv and from Chernihiv."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Pentagon also said on Wednesday that it assessed that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, even as US officials speak of the risk of a protracted conflict.</p>

<p>Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing, "Of course they [Ukraine] can win this. The proof is literally in the outcomes that you're seeing everyday ... absolutely they can win."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-impact-of-war-on-ukraines-comedian-president-and-an-unlikely-wartime-leader-468665">How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;New sanctions on Russia: UK targets Sberbank and credit bank of Moscow</strong></p>

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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 senior US defence official on Wednesday (April 6) claimed that Russian forces completely withdraw from Ukrainian areas around capital city Kyiv and northern city of Chernihiv in order to regroup in Belarus and Russia. Recent reports have stated that Russian forces are now shifting their focus to eastern Ukraine. As quoted by media outlet The Hill, the official said, "We aren't showing Russian forces in or around Kyiv or to the north of Kyiv, and we're not showing Russian forces in or around Chernihiv." The official added, "We have now seen that the Russians have moved from the north into Belarus and to Russia for refit and resupply. We have seen indications that that refit and resupply is occurring." ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol The media report also stated that Russian troops are shelling major cities continuously as they retreat. The official said that overall, the Russian military has launched more than 1,450 missiles against Ukraine since the invasion began. However, the official said that "we are assessing that they have completely withdrawn from Kyiv and from Chernihiv." Meanwhile, the Pentagon also said on Wednesday that it assessed that Ukraine could win the war against Russia, even as US officials speak of the risk of a protracted conflict. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing, "Of course they [Ukraine] can win this. The proof is literally in the outcomes that you're seeing everyday ... absolutely they can win." ALSO READ | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky WATCH | New sanctions on Russia: UK targets Sberbank and credit bank of Moscow ×

US: Russian forces 'completely' withdrawn from Kyiv and Chernihiv; Ukraine can 'absolutely' win war

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