Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged the allies to supply more air defences, claiming that Russia had launched 130 missiles, more than 320 attack drones and almost 900 guided bombs in attacks this month alone.&nbsp;

Zelensky's appeal comes on the day when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Ukraine's survival was in danger. He also sought to convince allies that the US was committed to Kyiv.&nbsp;

Austin is leading the monthly meeting known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, of about 50 allies that have been militarily supporting Ukraine.&nbsp;

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In a press conference after the meeting, he said, "Ukraine's survival is in danger. Our allies and partners continue to step up, the United States must also."&nbsp;

In the war against Russia, which started on February 24, 2022, Kyiv has relied heavily on foreign military aid.&nbsp;

Amid waning aid and military assistance, a major aid package from the US, which is a close wartime ally, has been blocked by congressional Republicans for months.&nbsp;

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On social media platform X, Zelensky said, "We require more protection, specifically a fully realistic number of air defence systems that our partners possess."&nbsp;

"Patriots and other systems must do what they were designed for: protect lives, not collect dust in storage," he added.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president said that Ukraine's air force has "demonstrated that it is capable of successfully shooting down" missiles, drones and Russian military aircraft.&nbsp;

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Every day and night, Russia uses drones, missiles, and guided bombs to wage a terrorist war against our people, against ordinary Ukrainian cities and villages. 
 
Since the beginning of March, Russian troops have used 130 different types of missiles, over 320 "Shahed" drones, and… <a href="https://t.co/pZTm3n2V0r">pic.twitter.com/pZTm3n2V0r</a>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1770054087108677860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Ukrainian defence ministry said that a Ukrainian delegation prioritised securing more air defence systems and missiles at a meeting of allied defence ministers in Germany's Ramstein air base on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In the past few weeks, Russian troops have stepped up their use of highly destructive guided bombs in recent months, targeting battlefield positions and regions close to the front line.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson said in February that Russia had launched more than 8,000 missiles and 4,630 drones during the invasion to date.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine on NATO membership&nbsp;</h2>

Ukraine's foreign minister said on Tuesday that the nation is working to secure "a strong and far-reaching step" towards membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at the military alliance's Washington summit in July.&nbsp;

On being asked about Ukraine's goals for the Washington summit during an online news conference, top diplomat Dmytro Kuleba said that there was "very active engagement" with NATO's leadership and allies. However, he added that he would not go into detail about the deliberations.&nbsp;

"We think that Ukraine meets the main criteria of membership, which is the capacity to defend NATO borders. That's what we are doing by defending Ukraine," he told reporters.&nbsp;

"...let me say this, we are working hard to make a strong and far-reaching step towards Ukrainian membership in NATO at the Washington summit," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged the allies to supply more air defences, claiming that Russia had launched 130 missiles, more than 320 attack drones and almost 900 guided bombs in attacks this month alone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Mar 19) urged the allies to supply more air defences, claiming that Russia had launched 130 missiles, more than 320 attack drones and almost 900 guided bombs in attacks this month alone. Zelensky's appeal comes on the day when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Ukraine's survival was in danger. He also sought to convince allies that the US was committed to Kyiv. Austin is leading the monthly meeting known as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, of about 50 allies that have been militarily supporting Ukraine. Also read: New York Mayor Eric Adams accused of sexual assault by former employee who sought career help In a press conference after the meeting, he said, "Ukraine's survival is in danger. Our allies and partners continue to step up, the United States must also." In the war against Russia, which started on February 24, 2022, Kyiv has relied heavily on foreign military aid. Amid waning aid and military assistance, a major aid package from the US, which is a close wartime ally, has been blocked by congressional Republicans for months. Also re ad: European start-ups navigate complex debt deals amid funding downturn On social media platform X, Zelensky said, "We require more protection, specifically a fully realistic number of air defence systems that our partners possess." "Patriots and other systems must do what they were designed for: protect lives, not collect dust in storage," he added. The Ukrainian president said that Ukraine's air force has "demonstrated that it is capable of successfully shooting down" missiles, drones and Russian military aircraft. Every day and night, Russia uses drones, missiles, and guided bombs to wage a terrorist war against our people, against ordinary Ukrainian cities and villages. Since the beginning of March, Russian troops have used 130 different types of missiles, over 320 "Shahed" drones, and… pic.twitter.com/pZTm3n2V0r — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 19, 2024 × The Ukrainian defence ministry said that a Ukrainian delegation prioritised securing more air defence systems and missiles at a meeting of allied defence ministers in Germany's Ramstein air base on Tuesday. In the past few weeks, Russian troops have stepped up their use of highly destructive guided bombs in recent months, targeting battlefield positions and regions close to the front line. A Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson said in February that Russia had launched more than 8,000 missiles and 4,630 drones during the invasion to date. Ukraine on NATO membership Ukraine's foreign minister said on Tuesday that the nation is working to secure "a strong and far-reaching step" towards membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at the military alliance's Washington summit in July. On being asked about Ukraine's goals for the Washington summit during an online news conference, top diplomat Dmytro Kuleba said that there was "very active engagement" with NATO's leadership and allies. However, he added that he would not go into detail about the deliberations. "We think that Ukraine meets the main criteria of membership, which is the capacity to defend NATO borders. That's what we are doing by defending Ukraine," he told reporters. "...let me say this, we are working hard to make a strong and far-reaching step towards Ukrainian membership in NATO at the Washington summit," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine claims 1,350 air attacks in March so far, seeks support; US says Kyiv survival in ‘danger’

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Iran-aligned Houthis fired&nbsp;Tuesday one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards the USS Laboon in the Red Sea, but it did not hit the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported.

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March 12 Red Sea Update 
 
Between 2:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on March 12, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea. The missile did not impact the vessel and there were… <a href="https://t.co/j5zbl159EG">pic.twitter.com/j5zbl159EG</a>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1767724617907757304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"United States Central Command and a coalition vessel successfully engaged and destroyed two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen," CENTCOM added in a statement early on Wednesday.

&nbsp;

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Iran-aligned Houthis fired Tuesday one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards the USS Laboon in the Red Sea, but it did not hit the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Iran-aligned Houthis fired Tuesday one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen towards the USS Laboon in the Red Sea, but it did not hit the vessel and there were no injuries or damage reported. March 12 Red Sea Update Between 2:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on March 12, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one close-range ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea. The missile did not impact the vessel and there were… pic.twitter.com/j5zbl159EG — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2024 × "United States Central Command and a coalition vessel successfully engaged and destroyed two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen," CENTCOM added in a statement early on Wednesday.

Yemen's Houthis fired ballistic missile toward USS Laboon in the Red Sea, US says

Iran and Pakistan are seeking to calm simmering tensions days after exchanging missile and drone attacks on each other's territories. The foreign ministers of both nations held another telephone conversation on Friday and agreed to de-escalate the situation.

Pakistan and Iran agree to 'de-escalate' after trading air strikes

China Thursday offered to play a “constructive role” to ease tension between Pakistan and Iran following their missile strikes against each other over the last two days and asked the two countries to “exercise restraint and calmness and avoid escalation”.

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: China calls for restraint, offers mediation

The United Nations and the United States appealed for restraint on Thursday after Iran and Pakistan traded deadly air strikes on militant targets on each other's territory.

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: US, UN urge Pakistan, Iran to show restraint

Iran-Pakistan Tensions: China call on Pakistan and Iran to avoid escalation

Islamabad says several terrorists have been killed during the intelligence-based operation named Marg Bar Sarmachar. Tensions between Iran and Pakistan have hit a new low. How will things unfold going forward? Prof. James a. Russell, associate professor in the department of national security affairs at NPS joins us to discuss.

Pakistan's operation 'Marg Bar Sarmachar' in Iran

Russian strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa continued overnight as missiles targeted the port infrastructure, the region's governor said on Thursday (July 27).

Russian strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa continued overnight as missiles targeted the port infrastructure, the region's governor said on Thursday (July 27). Ever since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal earlier this month, attacks have intensified on Ukrainian cities. According to Governor Oleg Kiper, one person died in the overnight attacks where Caliber missiles were used. "At night, [Russia] launched a missile attack on the Odesa region. The target of the aggressor is the port infrastructure. The Russians fired Caliber missiles from a submarine in the Black Sea," wrote Kiper on Telegram. "A civil guard born in 1979 died as a result of the hit. The equipment of one of the cargo terminals was damaged, and a security building and two cars were destroyed. Sincere condolences to the family of the deceased." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command said an overnight thunderstorm aided the Russian side in launching the attack. "The enemy took advantage of the weather conditions, and launched the missile during the thunder and wind and at an extremely low height in order to make spotting them more difficult," said the spokesperson. According to senior Ukrainian officials, over the past nine days, Russia has damaged 26 port infrastructure facilities and five civilian vessels. Last week, a Chinese consulate in the port city was also damaged by the Russian strikes. Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long Russia treating cargo vessels as hostile After pulling out of the deal which granted safe passage to cargo ships carrying grain shipments, Russia said it was keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels, and would consider them as potential military targets. Notably, on Thursday, Russia's FSB security service turned away a cargo ship bound for the port of Rostov-on-Don after finding "traces of explosives" on it. Also read | Chinese consulate damaged by Russian strike in port city of Odesa: Reports The FSB stated the ship was coming from Turkey and had previously sailed to the Ukrainian port of Reni. "A decision was taken to prevent the ship's passage under the shipping arch of the Kerch Strait and it has been turned back from Russian territorial waters," it added. 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) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia continues to pound Odesa with overnight missile attacks, kills one

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a surprise visit to the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv near the Russian border on Tuesday, promising more weapons as well as "concrete offers" to help Ukraine join the European Union.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits Kharkiv

Ukraine said Tuesday that at least 19 people were killed and more than 100 wounded as a result of Russian strikes across the country a day earlier.

Death toll rises to 19 in Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">Russian S-400 missile defence systems</a>, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through.&nbsp;

Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute.

Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia.

"Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer.

Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey.

The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion.

Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal.

Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector.

Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year.&nbsp; 
The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge.

'Complicated'

Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal.

Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership.

Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed.

But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly.

"We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said.&nbsp;

"You can`t do business that way. It`s not good."

"They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said.&nbsp;

"I don`t think he was treated fairly."

Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions".

In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance".

The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response. NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through. Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute. Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia. "Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer. Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey. The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion. Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy. In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal. Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector. Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year. The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge. 'Complicated' Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal. Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership. Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed. But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly. "We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said. "You can`t do business that way. It`s not good." "They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said. "I don`t think he was treated fairly." Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions". In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance". The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Erdogan says no setback in missile deal with Russia as Trump voices sympathy

India, today strongly condemned renewed missile attacks targeting civilian areas in Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia and reiterated its resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms.

According to Saudi authorities, one person was killed after seven missiles were fired from Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday.

"We strongly condemn the renewed missile attacks targeting civilian areas in the direction of Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia. We are deeply concerned about the escalating situation threatening the lives of innocent civilians. We reiterate our resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms," the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

The missiles were fired at four targets, including the capital city of Riyadh, and all were intercepted and destroyed, said spokesman of the Saudi coalition forces for supporting the legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Malki in a statement yesterday.

Fragments from the intercepted missiles killed an Egyptian resident, the statement added.&nbsp

India reiterated its resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms

India, today strongly condemned renewed missile attacks targeting civilian areas in Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia and reiterated its resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms. According to Saudi authorities, one person was killed after seven missiles were fired from Yemen by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Sunday. "We strongly condemn the renewed missile attacks targeting civilian areas in the direction of Riyadh and other cities of Saudi Arabia. We are deeply concerned about the escalating situation threatening the lives of innocent civilians. We reiterate our resolve to fight terrorism and violence in all its forms," the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said. The missiles were fired at four targets, including the capital city of Riyadh, and all were intercepted and destroyed, said spokesman of the Saudi coalition forces for supporting the legitimacy in Yemen Colonel Turki Al-Malki in a statement yesterday. Fragments from the intercepted missiles killed an Egyptian resident, the statement added.

India condemns missile attacks on Saudi Arabia

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