The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a massive crisis when it comes to both global peace and economy. The people of Ukraine have faced a lot of trouble in the recent past and fighting is still going on in different parts of the country. While the situation in Ukraine has not improved much, Russia have found a new way to troll the US and UK for their continued support to Ukraine. In Moscow, the authorities have renamed the streets in front of both of their embassies to two separatist regions of Ukraine. Donetsk and Luhansk are considered to be “people’s republics” by Russia after they gained a lot of ground in the regions but both UK and US have not accepted it.

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At present, the street in front of the British Embassy was renamed to the Luhansk People’s Republic Square, according to Associated Press. A similar incident happened when it comes to the US Embassy in Moscow which is located on the newly named Donetsk People’s Republic Square.

This is not something new as the United States also employed the same tactics during the Cold War. In the 1980s, the street outside the Russian Embassy was renamed Andrei Sakharov Plaza – a reference to the Soviet nuclear physicist and a major human rights activist in Soviet Russia.

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Later, in 2018, the road in front of the new Russian Embassy was named after Boris Nemtsov, a politician from Russia who was killed in 2015 after leading protests against Vladimir Putin.

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The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a massive crisis when it comes to both global peace and economy. The people of Ukraine have faced a lot of trouble in the recent past and fighting is still going on in different parts of the country.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has created a massive crisis when it comes to both global peace and economy. The people of Ukraine have faced a lot of trouble in the recent past and fighting is still going on in different parts of the country. While the situation in Ukraine has not improved much, Russia have found a new way to troll the US and UK for their continued support to Ukraine. In Moscow, the authorities have renamed the streets in front of both of their embassies to two separatist regions of Ukraine. Donetsk and Luhansk are considered to be “people’s republics” by Russia after they gained a lot of ground in the regions but both UK and US have not accepted it. Also read | Shinzo Abe assassinated: ‘Handmade Gun’ used to kill Japan's longest-serving prime minister At present, the street in front of the British Embassy was renamed to the Luhansk People’s Republic Square, according to Associated Press. A similar incident happened when it comes to the US Embassy in Moscow which is located on the newly named Donetsk People’s Republic Square. This is not something new as the United States also employed the same tactics during the Cold War. In the 1980s, the street outside the Russian Embassy was renamed Andrei Sakharov Plaza – a reference to the Soviet nuclear physicist and a major human rights activist in Soviet Russia. Also read | Biden signs executive order on abortion access amid pressure from Democrats Later, in 2018, the road in front of the new Russian Embassy was named after Boris Nemtsov, a politician from Russia who was killed in 2015 after leading protests against Vladimir Putin. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US and UK embassies in Moscow get new addresses named after Ukraine separatists

Are the sanctions against Russia useful? Yes, they are already hitting Vladimir Putin and his accomplices hard, and their effects on the Russian economy will increase over time. Since Russia deliberately violated international law by invading Ukraine, the EU has adopted six packages of sanctions against Moscow. Our measures now target nearly 1,200 individuals and 98 entities in Russia, as well as a significant number of sectors of the Russian economy. These sanctions were adopted in coordination with the G7 members. Their effectiveness is enhanced by the fact that over forty other countries (including traditionally neutral countries) have adopted them or taken similar measures.

By the end of 2022, we will have reduced our Russian oil imports by 90%, and we are rapidly reducing our gas imports as well. These decisions are gradually freeing us from a dependence that has long inhibited our political choices in the face of Vladimir Putin's aggressiveness. He probably believed that Europe would not dare to engage in sanctions because of its energy dependence. This is not the most insignificant of the Russian regime's many miscalculations during this conflict. Of course, weaning ourselves off Russian energy so rapidly also creates serious difficulties for many EU countries and for several economic sectors. But this is the price we have to pay for defending our democracies and international law, and we are taking the necessary steps to deal with these problems in full solidarity.&nbsp;

Some may ask, Do these sanctions really have an impact on the Russian economy? The simple answer is yes. Although Russia exports a lot of raw materials, it also has no choice but to import many high value-added products that it does not manufacture. For all advanced technologies, it is 45% dependent on Europe and 21% on the United States, compared with only 11% on China.

In the military field, which is crucial in the context of the war in Ukraine, the sanctions limit Russia's capacity to produce precision missiles such as the Iskander or the KH 101. Almost all foreign car manufacturers have also decided to withdraw from Russia, and the few cars produced by Russian manufacturers will be sold without airbags or automatic transmission.

The oil industry is suffering not only from the departure of foreign operators but also from the difficulty of accessing advanced technologies such as horizontal drilling. The ability of the Russian industry to bring new wells on stream is likely to be limited. Finally, in order to maintain air traffic, Russia will have to withdraw a majority of its aircraft from circulation in order to recover the spare parts needed to allow the others to fly. Added to this, there is also the loss of access to financial markets, being disconnected from major global research networks and a massive brain drain.

As for the alternative offered by China to the Russian economy, in reality, it remains limited, especially for high-tech products. To date, the Chinese government, which is very dependent on its exports to developed countries, has not assisted Russia in circumventing Western sanctions. Chinese exports to Russia have fallen in line with those of Western countries.

Will these significant and growing impacts lead Vladimir Putin to modify his strategic calculations? Probably not in the immediate future, since his actions are not guided primarily by economic logic. However, by forcing him to choose either butter or guns, the sanctions lock him in a vice that is gradually tightening.

Regarding the impact of these sanctions on third countries, particularly African countries, which depend on Russian and Ukrainian wheat and fertilisers, where responsibility lies in terms of the food crisis is clear. Our sanctions do not, in any shape or form, target Russian wheat or fertiliser exports while Ukraine is prevented from exporting its wheat by the Black Sea blockade and destruction caused by Russian aggression. If such issues linked to our sanctions were to arise, we are ready to put in place the appropriate mechanisms to address them. I have informed my African counterparts of this and asked them not to be fooled by the Russian authorities' untruths regarding our sanctions.

The real answer to the difficulties in the world energy and food markets is an end to the war. This cannot be achieved by accepting the Russian diktat, it can only be achieved by Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine. Respect for the territorial integrity of states and the non-use of force are not Western or European principles. They are the basis of all international law. Russia is blithely trampling on them. To accept such a violation would open the door to the law of the jungle on a global scale.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Contrary to what we thought rather naively just a few years ago, economic interdependence does not automatically imply a pacification of international relations. This is why the transition to a Europe as a power, which I have been calling for since the beginning of my mandate, is imperative. Faced with the invasion of Ukraine, we have begun to move from intention to action by showing that, when provoked, Europe can respond. Since we do not want to go to war with Russia, economic sanctions are now at the core of this response. They are already beginning to have an effect and will do so even more in the coming months.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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Are the sanctions against Russia useful? Yes, they are already hitting Vladimir Putin and his accomplices hard, and their effects on the Russian economy will increase over time.

Are the sanctions against Russia useful? Yes, they are already hitting Vladimir Putin and his accomplices hard, and their effects on the Russian economy will increase over time. Since Russia deliberately violated international law by invading Ukraine, the EU has adopted six packages of sanctions against Moscow. Our measures now target nearly 1,200 individuals and 98 entities in Russia, as well as a significant number of sectors of the Russian economy. These sanctions were adopted in coordination with the G7 members. Their effectiveness is enhanced by the fact that over forty other countries (including traditionally neutral countries) have adopted them or taken similar measures. By the end of 2022, we will have reduced our Russian oil imports by 90%, and we are rapidly reducing our gas imports as well. These decisions are gradually freeing us from a dependence that has long inhibited our political choices in the face of Vladimir Putin's aggressiveness. He probably believed that Europe would not dare to engage in sanctions because of its energy dependence. This is not the most insignificant of the Russian regime's many miscalculations during this conflict. Of course, weaning ourselves off Russian energy so rapidly also creates serious difficulties for many EU countries and for several economic sectors. But this is the price we have to pay for defending our democracies and international law, and we are taking the necessary steps to deal with these problems in full solidarity. Some may ask, Do these sanctions really have an impact on the Russian economy? The simple answer is yes. Although Russia exports a lot of raw materials, it also has no choice but to import many high value-added products that it does not manufacture. For all advanced technologies, it is 45% dependent on Europe and 21% on the United States, compared with only 11% on China. In the military field, which is crucial in the context of the war in Ukraine, the sanctions limit Russia's capacity to produce precision missiles such as the Iskander or the KH 101. Almost all foreign car manufacturers have also decided to withdraw from Russia, and the few cars produced by Russian manufacturers will be sold without airbags or automatic transmission. The oil industry is suffering not only from the departure of foreign operators but also from the difficulty of accessing advanced technologies such as horizontal drilling. The ability of the Russian industry to bring new wells on stream is likely to be limited. Finally, in order to maintain air traffic, Russia will have to withdraw a majority of its aircraft from circulation in order to recover the spare parts needed to allow the others to fly. Added to this, there is also the loss of access to financial markets, being disconnected from major global research networks and a massive brain drain. As for the alternative offered by China to the Russian economy, in reality, it remains limited, especially for high-tech products. To date, the Chinese government, which is very dependent on its exports to developed countries, has not assisted Russia in circumventing Western sanctions. Chinese exports to Russia have fallen in line with those of Western countries. Will these significant and growing impacts lead Vladimir Putin to modify his strategic calculations? Probably not in the immediate future, since his actions are not guided primarily by economic logic. However, by forcing him to choose either butter or guns, the sanctions lock him in a vice that is gradually tightening. Regarding the impact of these sanctions on third countries, particularly African countries, which depend on Russian and Ukrainian wheat and fertilisers, where responsibility lies in terms of the food crisis is clear. Our sanctions do not, in any shape or form, target Russian wheat or fertiliser exports while Ukraine is prevented from exporting its wheat by the Black Sea blockade and destruction caused by Russian aggression. If such issues linked to our sanctions were to arise, we are ready to put in place the appropriate mechanisms to address them. I have informed my African counterparts of this and asked them not to be fooled by the Russian authorities' untruths regarding our sanctions. The real answer to the difficulties in the world energy and food markets is an end to the war. This cannot be achieved by accepting the Russian diktat, it can only be achieved by Russia's withdrawal from Ukraine. Respect for the territorial integrity of states and the non-use of force are not Western or European principles. They are the basis of all international law. Russia is blithely trampling on them. To accept such a violation would open the door to the law of the jungle on a global scale. Contrary to what we thought rather naively just a few years ago, economic interdependence does not automatically imply a pacification of international relations. This is why the transition to a Europe as a power, which I have been calling for since the beginning of my mandate, is imperative. Faced with the invasion of Ukraine, we have begun to move from intention to action by showing that, when provoked, Europe can respond. Since we do not want to go to war with Russia, economic sanctions are now at the core of this response. They are already beginning to have an effect and will do so even more in the coming months. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow will have to choose either butter or guns, EU foreign policy chief writes for WION

Russia has taken control of Lysychansk, the last city in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv's military announced Sunday that it had been forced to withdraw from the critical city.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine confirms Russia captured eastern city Lysychansk

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told U.S. Charge d`Affaires Elizabeth Rood at her trial in Moscow that she was "keeping the faith," Rood told reporters after attending the opening session of Griner`s trial on narcotics charges. Rood, who attended the session in the Moscow suburb of Xhimki, said she had been able to speak to the WNBA player, who was "as well as can be expected".

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told U.S. Charge d`Affaires Elizabeth Rood at her trial in Moscow that she was "keeping the faith," Rood told reporters after attending the opening session of Griner`s trial on narcotics charges.

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner told U.S. Charge d`Affaires Elizabeth Rood at her trial in Moscow that she was "keeping the faith," Rood told reporters after attending the opening session of Griner`s trial on narcotics charges. Rood, who attended the session in the Moscow suburb of Xhimki, said she had been able to speak to the WNBA player, who was "as well as can be expected".

Basketballer Brittney Griner is 'keeping the faith', reveals U.S. Charge d'Affaires Elizabeth Rood

Russia says its troops are leaving Snake Island in the Black Sea claiming it's a good will gesture to allow Ukraine to export agricultural products, the announcement came after Kyiv launched several raids on Russian forces on the island.

War in Ukraine | Moscow: Snake island exit a 'Goodwill Gesture'

Kremlin has said that they did not know the location of two Americans the were captured during the fighting in eastern Ukraine and added that they could face execution.

Kremlin on US prisoners: 'Don't know location of captured US men'

Former restaurants of McDonald’s were thrown open to the public in Moscow on Sunday under a new brand name— Vkusno &amp; tochka, which translates to "Tasty and that's it".

About 15 restaurants were opened under the new brand name in the Russian capital, with many more expected to open across the country. Another 50 restaurants will be open on Monday, Vkusno &amp; tochka said.

This comes after McDonalds on May 16 announced to shut their operations in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24.

Oleg Paroev, chief executive of Vkusno &amp; tochka, said the fast-food chain has plans to reopen 200 restaurants in Russia by the end of June and all 850 by the end of the summer, reports Reuters.

"Our goal is that our guests do not notice a difference either in quality or ambience," Paroev told a media conference in what used to be the first McDonald's restaurant that opened in Soviet Moscow in 1990.

Alexander Govor, the new owner of the chain, said the company employs 51,000 people.

"The corporation asked me to, first of all, keep the headcount, to provide people with work. That's what I'm going to do," he added.

The rebranded fast-food chain will keep its old McDonald's interior but will expunge any references to its old name, said Paroev, who was appointed Russia McDonald's CEO in February, weeks before Moscow invaded Ukraine on Feb 24.

The reopening of the outlets, three decades after McDonald's first opened in Moscow in a symbolic thaw between East and West, could provide a test of how successfully Russia's economy can become more self-sufficient and withstand Western sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former restaurants of McDonald’s were thrown open to the public in Moscow on Sunday under a new brand name— Vkusno & tochka, which translates to "Tasty and that's it".

Former restaurants of McDonald’s were thrown open to the public in Moscow on Sunday under a new brand name— Vkusno & tochka, which translates to "Tasty and that's it". About 15 restaurants were opened under the new brand name in the Russian capital, with many more expected to open across the country. Another 50 restaurants will be open on Monday, Vkusno & tochka said. This comes after McDonalds on May 16 announced to shut their operations in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24. Oleg Paroev, chief executive of Vkusno & tochka, said the fast-food chain has plans to reopen 200 restaurants in Russia by the end of June and all 850 by the end of the summer, reports Reuters. "Our goal is that our guests do not notice a difference either in quality or ambience," Paroev told a media conference in what used to be the first McDonald's restaurant that opened in Soviet Moscow in 1990. Alexander Govor, the new owner of the chain, said the company employs 51,000 people. "The corporation asked me to, first of all, keep the headcount, to provide people with work. That's what I'm going to do," he added. The rebranded fast-food chain will keep its old McDonald's interior but will expunge any references to its old name, said Paroev, who was appointed Russia McDonald's CEO in February, weeks before Moscow invaded Ukraine on Feb 24. The reopening of the outlets, three decades after McDonald's first opened in Moscow in a symbolic thaw between East and West, could provide a test of how successfully Russia's economy can become more self-sufficient and withstand Western sanctions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Vkusno & tochka’: Russia’s McDonald’s reopens under new brand name in Moscow

Ukraine has a new accusation for Russia it says Moscow is stealing and selling grains from Ukraine and right now this is a serious allegation as the world is going through a global food crisis. Ukraine is unable to export grains to the world and now it is accusing Russia of stealing its grains and selling.

Russia-Ukraine war: Amid global food crisis, Ukraine says Moscow is stealing grains

The “liberation” of Ukraine’s Donbas region is an “unconditional priority” for Moscow, while other Ukrainian territories should decide their future on their own, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview on Sunday.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Russian FM Lavrov calls Ukraine's Donbas an 'unconditional priority'

Nine people were killed in fresh Russian shelling on Ukraine's second city Kharkiv Thursday. Life had begun to return to normal in the city after Moscow’s troops were forced to retreat.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Fresh shelling reported in Kharkiv after 2 weeks, 9 killed

Nine people were killed and dozens injured in fresh Russian shelling on Ukraine's second city Kharkiv. Life had begun to return to normal in the city after Moscow’s troops were forced to retreat.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: 9 killed, dozens injured in fresh shelling in Kharkiv

Russia intensified its attacks on Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine, attempting to capture the Donbas region exactly three months after President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow tries to encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbas

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow intensifies its Donbas offensive

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues and there is no sign of a peaceful resolution. In the latest, the Russian defense ministry has said that Moscow's forces destroyed a large shipment of weapons in northern Ukraine.

Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Zelensky says diplomacy can end war

It is soon going to be 90 days since Russia chose to invade Ukraine. Residents and local fighters have been held captive and some have even been brought to Russia as prisoners. So authorities in Kyiv are trying to strike a deal with Moscow on how to bring Ukrainians back home

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow mulls prisoner swap with Kyiv

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is currently in the United States. He now defended former PM Imran Khan's Moscow visit.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto defends former PM Imran Khan's Moscow visit

Pressure on Europe to secure alternative gas supplies increased on Thursday as Moscow imposed sanctions on European subsidiaries of state-owned Gazprom a day after Ukraine stopped a major gas transit route.

Pressure grows on Europe to secure alternative gas supply

Russia continues to intensify its military offensive on Ukraine the European Commission has now said that it will bring in a gradual ban on Russian oil imports in retaliation for its war in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: EU presents sixth package of sanctions against Moscow

Russia celebrates its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9. Fewer Russian tanks and other military hardware will rumble through Moscow’s Red Square on Monday due to the invasion of Ukraine. The patriotic fervor associated with the sacred holiday, however, could be as strong as ever. This year’s Victory Day won’t just honor a conflict that ended 77 years ago. Many Russians will be thinking about the thousands of troops fighting in neighboring Ukraine.

Why Victory Day in Russia is different this year?

Russian President Vladimir Putin oversees Victory Day celebrations, which marks the Soviet Union’s World War II triumph over Nazi Germany with a grand display of its military might and a much-awaited speech from Moscow’s Red Square.

Watch | Vladimir Putin gives speech at Russia's Victory Day celebrations from Moscow’s Red Square

More than two months have passed on, and the fighting in Ukraine rages on. In the latest development, Kyiv said that Russia has destroyed a Ukrainian museum with a missile strike.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Russia destroys Skovoroda Museum with missile strike

On May 9th, Russia will mark victory day and experts have predicted a declaration of all-out war on Ukraine. However, Russia has dismissed these reports and called them nonsense. Moscow refers to its invasion in Ukraine as a special military operation.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Experts predict declaration of all-out war on Ukraine

President Zelensky has now confirmed that Europe is formulating the sixth branch of sanctions against the Kremlin. The Russian government is already facing a number of sanctions and now Italy seized a yacht that has links to Russia.

Ukraine war: West continues sanctions against Kremlin, Italy seizes Russian luxury yacht

An interview published on Tuesday said that Pope Francis has been asking for a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. However, the interview published in Italy’s Corriere Della Sera said that he has not received any reply from Moscow.

The pope also criticized Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church for supporting Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and said that he “cannot become Putin’s altar boy”, according to the report.

Earlier, the pope cancelled a meeting with Patriarch Kirill set in June due to his pro-war views.

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The interview said that the pope’s message was “that I was willing to go to Moscow. Certainly, it was necessary for the Kremlin leader to allow an opening. We have not yet received a response and we are still insisting.”

&nbsp;“I fear that Putin cannot, and does not, want to have this meeting at this time. But how can you not stop so much brutality?” he added.

Pope Francis visited the Russian embassy towards the beginning of the conflict but this time, he has sent a clear message to Moscow about a possible communication regarding the crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-havent-seen-the-worst-bill-gates-warns-of-an-even-more-fatal-covid-19-variant-475929">'We haven't seen worst': Bill Gates warns of an even more fatal COVID variant</a>

The Russia invasion of Ukraine entered its third month,&nbsp;and a senior United States official has claimed that the Russian forces are now looking to annex the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine.

The Luhansk region is already under attack and governor Serhiy Haidai confirmed that Russian forces have started shelling parts of the cities which are still under Ukrainian control, according to AFP.

WATCH |&nbsp;US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk

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An interview published on Tuesday said that Pope Francis has been asking for a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

An interview published on Tuesday said that Pope Francis has been asking for a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. However, the interview published in Italy’s Corriere Della Sera said that he has not received any reply from Moscow. The pope also criticized Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church for supporting Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and said that he “cannot become Putin’s altar boy”, according to the report. Earlier, the pope cancelled a meeting with Patriarch Kirill set in June due to his pro-war views. Also read | Leaked draft shows US Supreme Court will strike down abortion law: Politico The interview said that the pope’s message was “that I was willing to go to Moscow. Certainly, it was necessary for the Kremlin leader to allow an opening. We have not yet received a response and we are still insisting.” “I fear that Putin cannot, and does not, want to have this meeting at this time. But how can you not stop so much brutality?” he added. Pope Francis visited the Russian embassy towards the beginning of the conflict but this time, he has sent a clear message to Moscow about a possible communication regarding the crisis. Also read | 'We haven't seen worst': Bill Gates warns of an even more fatal COVID variant The Russia invasion of Ukraine entered its third month, and a senior United States official has claimed that the Russian forces are now looking to annex the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Ukraine. The Luhansk region is already under attack and governor Serhiy Haidai confirmed that Russian forces have started shelling parts of the cities which are still under Ukrainian control, according to AFP. WATCH | US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk

Pope Francis says he wants to go to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin over Ukraine crisis - Report

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