While commenting on US President Joe Biden's decision last week to approve the use of US supplied weapons to hit targets inside Russia that were involved in attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Russia has warned that a huge confrontation can be on its way.

Russia-NATO Confrontation: Fears of escalation rise as allies justify Ukraine's cross-border strikes

A Chinese defence official has said that the US is now trying to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region the remarks were made at the Shanghai dialogue in Singapore.

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China: US trying to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO

A Chinese defence official accused the United States on Saturday of seeking to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region.

Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng made the remarks on the sidelines of a major security forum in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier hailed a "new era of security" for the region.

(More to follow)

A Chinese defence official accused the United States on Saturday of seeking to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region. Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng made the remarks on the sidelines of a major security forum in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier hailed a "new era of security" for the region.

A Chinese defence official accused the United States on Saturday of seeking to build an Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain its hegemony in the region. Lieutenant General Jing Jianfeng made the remarks on the sidelines of a major security forum in Singapore where US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier hailed a "new era of security" for the region. (More to follow)

US seeks to build Asia-Pacific version of NATO to maintain hegemony: China defence official

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Georgia adopts 'foreign agent' law - US: Rafah deaths won't change Israel policy - Putin: NATO members playing with fire - France & Germany: Ukraine allowed strikes inside Russia - Trump Hush Money Trial: Closing arguments end

Putin: NATO members playing with fire | Hush Money Trial: Closing arguments end

Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, and Norway, all NATO members bordering Russia, have decided to join forces to build a “drone wall” to protect their borders.

Gravitas: Russia superior war-machinery makes NATO nervous, nations of US-led bloc plan 'drone wall'

Lithuania voted in a presidential election dominated by security concerns. However, the main candidates all agreed that NATO and EU members should boost defence spending to counter the perceived threat from neighbouring Russia.

Lithuania re-elects President Gitanas Nauseda for the second term | Race To Power

NATO countries bordering Russia, including the three Baltic nations, Finland, Norway, and Poland are planning to develop a “drone wall” system to help defend their borders amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and following a series of “provocations.”

<h2>About the protective ‘drone wall’</h2>

Officials from six NATO countries, Finland, Norway, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that they had discussed creating a coordinated system of drones to help defend their collective borders along Russia.&nbsp;

Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite announced the plan after talks with her counterparts from the other Baltic nations as well as Finland, Norway and Poland.&nbsp;

“This is a completely new thing, a drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland, and the goal is to use drones and other technologies to protect our borders,” Bilotaite told news agency BNS.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-urges-biden-and-xi-to-join-upcoming-ukraine-peace-summit-in-switzerland-725549">Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month</a>

She also spoke about how the countries would not only use physical infrastructure, and surveillance systems but also drones and other technology to protect themselves against “provocations from unfriendly countries and to prevent smuggling.”

Along with drones to monitor the border the six NATO countries will also use anti-drone systems to stop enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).&nbsp;

Estonia’s Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets also noted the importance of UAVs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“As we see in the case of Ukraine, there is a constant race between the adversaries to develop technology, and new ways to use drones are continually being found in warfare,” Laanemets said as quoted by The Baltic Times.

<h2>Why now?&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, several European countries, including Finland and Poland, which share a border with Russia accused Moscow of pushing its migrants to destabilise the nations and engage in “hybrid warfare”.&nbsp;

Hybrid attacks deploy non-military measures that tend to have an element of deniability, a method that Russia has been accused of using in European nations. Moscow has repeatedly denied these claims.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the United States-led alliance issued a sharp warning over “hostile” Russian activity across Europe and called it a threat to Western security.&nbsp;

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In a statement, NATO, on May 2 accused Russia of carrying out “sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid operations.”

Baltic nations have also repeatedly said that Russia has been intentionally jamming GPS navigation systems in their region, causing major disruption in air travel.

Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Warsaw has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative, which involves 21 NATO countries which will establish an Iron Dome-like air defence system to take out incoming missiles and drones.

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO countries bordering Russia, including the three Baltic nations, Finland, Norway, and Poland are planning to develop a “drone wall” system to help defend their borders amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and following a series of “provocations.

NATO countries bordering Russia, including the three Baltic nations, Finland, Norway, and Poland are planning to develop a “drone wall” system to help defend their borders amid the ongoing war with Ukraine and following a series of “provocations.” About the protective ‘drone wall’ Officials from six NATO countries, Finland, Norway, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said that they had discussed creating a coordinated system of drones to help defend their collective borders along Russia. Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite announced the plan after talks with her counterparts from the other Baltic nations as well as Finland, Norway and Poland. “This is a completely new thing, a drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland, and the goal is to use drones and other technologies to protect our borders,” Bilotaite told news agency BNS. Also Read | Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month She also spoke about how the countries would not only use physical infrastructure, and surveillance systems but also drones and other technology to protect themselves against “provocations from unfriendly countries and to prevent smuggling.” Along with drones to monitor the border the six NATO countries will also use anti-drone systems to stop enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Estonia’s Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets also noted the importance of UAVs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. “As we see in the case of Ukraine, there is a constant race between the adversaries to develop technology, and new ways to use drones are continually being found in warfare,” Laanemets said as quoted by The Baltic Times. Why now? Last year, several European countries, including Finland and Poland, which share a border with Russia accused Moscow of pushing its migrants to destabilise the nations and engage in “hybrid warfare”. Hybrid attacks deploy non-military measures that tend to have an element of deniability, a method that Russia has been accused of using in European nations. Moscow has repeatedly denied these claims. Earlier this month, the United States-led alliance issued a sharp warning over “hostile” Russian activity across Europe and called it a threat to Western security. Also Read | Gaza war: Hamas armed wing launches ‘big missile’ attack on Tel Aviv In a statement, NATO, on May 2 accused Russia of carrying out “sabotage, acts of violence, cyber and electronic interference, disinformation campaigns, and other hybrid operations.” Baltic nations have also repeatedly said that Russia has been intentionally jamming GPS navigation systems in their region, causing major disruption in air travel. Earlier this month, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Warsaw has joined the European Sky Shield Initiative, which involves 21 NATO countries which will establish an Iron Dome-like air defence system to take out incoming missiles and drones. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO countries plan to create protective ‘drone wall’ along Russian border

Baltic nations are worried after a draft Russian decree proposed revising its borders in the Baltic Sea. The draft decree would reportedly see Russia claiming as its territories that belong to Finland and Lithuania. Although there is no confirmation of any such plans from Moscow, Russia's recent nuclear drills near Ukraine have worried NATO veterans who say that Putin has his eyes set on capturing a key island in the Baltic Sea.

Gravitas | Will Putin Invade Strategic NATO Island in Baltics? Russia's nuclear moves worry NATO

U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Kenyan President William Ruto for state visit to mark 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations. White House says leaders will discuss ways to bolster cooperation in areas including trade and investment, technological innovation, and security.

60 years of Kenya-US diplomatic ties, Biden designates Kenya as an 'important non-NATO ally'

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Israel recalls Ireland, Norway envoys - Chad PM submits resignation - Sweden plans $7 billion aid for Ukraine - Bangladesh MP murdered in India - Gold prices dip

Sweden plans $7 billion aid for Ukraine | Chad PM submits resignation

Russia has announced it has launched drills that will include practice for the use of tactical nuclear weapons the drills are being held near the border of Ukraine.

Should west worry about Russia's nuke drills?

The wars conflicts and Rising security concerns are forcing countries around the world to increase their military spending. Global military spending reached a record high in 2023 surging 6.8% to almost 2.5 trillion dollar. This marks the ninth consecutive year of increase with 2023 being the steepest rise since 2009. Watch in for more details!

Global military expenditure reaches over $2.4 trillion in 2023

Russia vows to keep pushing its offensive in Ukraine. However, NATO doubts Russia has the resources to make a significant breakthrough. NATO’s top military officer has said Russia’s armed forces are incapable of any major advance.

Russia-Ukraine war: Will Russia make a strategic breakthrough in Kharkiv?

Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities, allowing his company to recondition two buildings at the site of the former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade that was bombed in US-led NATO strikes in 1999.

Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities, allowing his company to recondition two buildings at the site of the former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade that was bombed in US-led NATO strikes in 1999. In a statement, the Serbian Construction Ministry said on Wednesday (May 15) that Kushner’s US-based investment firm Affinity Global Development “will invest in the revitalisation” of the former military complex. The building project, however, has caused widespread criticism in Serbia as the site is a painful symbol of the NATO bombing campaign. Also read: ‘Total moron’: Trump lambasts Biden, blames US president for his legal woes at rally in New Jersey "Everything ... will be in line with the Serbian laws, in cooperation with the government and relevant institutions ... that are responsible for urban planning and the protection of cultural heritage," the Serbian Construction Ministry’s statement said. In March, Kushner announced that a wider investment by his Affinity Partners in the Balkans would include projects in Albania and in Belgrade. Kushner's plan is to establish a luxury hotel, 1,500 residential units and a memorial centre dedicated to the victims of the bombing at the site of the headquarters buildings. Also read: US elections: Joe Biden, Donald Trump register wins in May 14 presidential primaries Kushner, married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka and a former top aide to Trump when he was president, set up the investment firm after stepping down from the job in 2021. The 1999 NATO bombing was launched to force the then strongman Slobodan Milosevic to end his brutal crackdown against Albanians, and put an end to the war in Kosovo. On his Instagram account, Kushner posted "early design images" of the project in March showing two luxurious glass towers where bombed-out buildings now stand. The ravaged site in central Belgrade was declared a protected "cultural asset" by the Serbian government in 2005. Over 22,000 people in Serbia have so far signed a petition calling for the buildings to be preserved. The buildings designed by Serbian architect Nikola Dobrovic were built between 1957 and 1965. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signs lease deal with Serbia to overhaul army HQ bombed by NATO

The Prime Minister of the latest NATO member Sweden has said he is open to allowing nuclear weapons on Swedish soil in war time. Watch in for more details!

NATO-Russia clash imminent? Sweden PM: Sweden is open to deploying nukes

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, met with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday after his unexpected visit to the country's capital. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy stated, "Ukraine and NATO have reached the highest level of relations since our independence, but not yet the highest possible level."

NATO chief says Ukraine can still 'prevail' over Russia: Outgunned, 'but not too late'

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (Apr 29) expressed optimism that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite the significant challenges the war-torn nation faces.

Ukrainian forces, as per AFP, have been struggling in the face of Russian advances for months. The nation dependent on foreign military aid had to wait for stalled weapons deliveries from allies even as Russian troops steadily inched forward along the frontline.

<h2>Outgunned, 'but not too late'</h2>

During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the NATO chief said, "Ukraine has been outgunned for months, forced to ration its ammunition… But it's not too late for Ukraine to prevail."

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He acknowledged that the months-long delays in US military aid to Kyiv had "serious consequences on the battlefield" but insisted that "more support is on the way".

"Our allies are looking into what more they can do, and I expect new announcements soon. So we are working hard to meet Ukraine's urgent needs," he added.

The urgency for increased support was echoed by President Zelensky, who said, "The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of the situation when we are expecting supplies from our partner."&nbsp;

"That is why promptness in supply literally means stabilisation of the front line," he stressed, adding, "Together, we must disrupt the Russian offensive."

The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that "some things" in the long-awaited aid "have started to arrive" because of recent approval by US President Joe Biden, but declined to "go into details".

<h2>Russian advances</h2>

This comes as Ukrainian forces face a relentless Russian offensive that has seen gradual territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, including the recent capture of two villages near the strategic town of Avdiivka.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-gets-40-day-ceasefire-amid-renewed-airstrikes-on-rafah-by-israel-716335">Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel</a>

Concurrently, a deadly missile strike on the Black Sea port of Odesa resulted in the death of four.

"Three women and a man were killed. According to the updated toll, 27 people were wounded, including two children... and a pregnant woman," stated Governor Oleg Kiper on Telegram.

"Four of the wounded are in serious condition, doctors are fighting to save their lives," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (Apr 29) expressed optimism that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite the significant challenges the war-torn nation faces.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday (Apr 29) expressed optimism that it was "not too late" for Ukraine to win its ongoing conflict with Russia, despite the significant challenges the war-torn nation faces. Ukrainian forces, as per AFP, have been struggling in the face of Russian advances for months. The nation dependent on foreign military aid had to wait for stalled weapons deliveries from allies even as Russian troops steadily inched forward along the frontline. Outgunned, 'but not too late' During a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the NATO chief said, "Ukraine has been outgunned for months, forced to ration its ammunition… But it's not too late for Ukraine to prevail." Also read | American Airlines' funny mix-up: 101-year-old passenger mistaken for an infant He acknowledged that the months-long delays in US military aid to Kyiv had "serious consequences on the battlefield" but insisted that "more support is on the way". "Our allies are looking into what more they can do, and I expect new announcements soon. So we are working hard to meet Ukraine's urgent needs," he added. The urgency for increased support was echoed by President Zelensky, who said, "The Russian army is now trying to take advantage of the situation when we are expecting supplies from our partner." "That is why promptness in supply literally means stabilisation of the front line," he stressed, adding, "Together, we must disrupt the Russian offensive." The Ukrainian leader also mentioned that "some things" in the long-awaited aid "have started to arrive" because of recent approval by US President Joe Biden, but declined to "go into details". Russian advances This comes as Ukrainian forces face a relentless Russian offensive that has seen gradual territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, including the recent capture of two villages near the strategic town of Avdiivka. Also read | Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel Concurrently, a deadly missile strike on the Black Sea port of Odesa resulted in the death of four. "Three women and a man were killed. According to the updated toll, 27 people were wounded, including two children... and a pregnant woman," stated Governor Oleg Kiper on Telegram. "Four of the wounded are in serious condition, doctors are fighting to save their lives," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Outgunned, 'but not too late': NATO chief says Ukraine can still 'prevail' over Russia

Russia continues to make advances in the battlefield but amidst the advances in the ongoing war, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has made an unannounced visit to Ukraine, making it his third visit to the country since the war broke out.

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO Chief Stoltenberg meets Zelensky in Ukraine, says 'not too late to win war'

The Polish President, expressed willingness to host American nuclear assets in Poland which could bring NATO and Belarus based Russian nuclear assets pointing right at each other. Russia slammed Polish President’s intentions even as Russia itself works to nuclearise its military district, right across NATO states. What is Russia’s LENINGRAD military district? Is a nuclear war imminent in Europe? In an earlier episode of Game Plan dated Jan 27, 2024 months before the current developments, we told you that Europe could be the centre for the next nuclear war – and now we’re seeing those assessments increasingly becoming reality. Watch the complete report here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMz6ve0HiU4 For all future warzone analysis and military tactics, tune in to Game Plan with Shivan Chanana only on WION.

Russia to deploy nukes at new military district across NATO states | Nuclear war imminent?

The Lithuanian and the Polish forces held massive military exercises the week-long drills called the Brave Griffin 24. The exercises are being held along the Suwalki gap. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war | Polish & Lithuanian forces hold joint military drills amid Ukraine war

Ukraine war | Polish & Lithuanian forces hold military drills amid Russia Ukraine war

As the European Parliament heads for polls next month the French President Emmanuel macron is taking a more stronger approach in European politics claiming that Europe could actually die. Watch in for more details!

French President Macron warns Europe 'can die,' appeals for stronger & integrated European defences

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