The Pentagon is considering funding Elon Musk's Starlink network in war-torn Ukraine, reported Politico. Starlink network has helped restore communication in Ukraine and has also helped Ukraine military in their offensives. Politico cited two US officials involved in the discussion.

There were no immediate comments from either Pentagon or US Department of Defense Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Musk had said not too long ago that SpaceX, Musk's company which operates Starlink could not fund network in Ukraine indefinitely. This statement had come after Ukraine's ambassador to Germany had told Musk to 'f*** off' after he proposed a 'solution' to Ukraine-Russia conflict. The solution put forth by Musk was panned in Ukrainian camp. Musk had also said that the Pentagon should pay up for the network in Ukraine.

However, Musk backtracked over the weekend and said that funding for Starlink network in Ukraine would continue.&nbsp;

Starlink has helped Ukraine's civilians and military stay online during the war, with Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week saying Starlink's services helped restore energy and communications infrastructure in critical areas.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained territorial gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive in eastern part of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Pentagon is considering funding Elon Musk's Starlink network in war-torn Ukraine, reported Politico. Starlink network has helped restore communication in Ukraine and has also helped Ukraine military in their offensives.

The Pentagon is considering funding Elon Musk's Starlink network in war-torn Ukraine, reported Politico. Starlink network has helped restore communication in Ukraine and has also helped Ukraine military in their offensives. Politico cited two US officials involved in the discussion. There were no immediate comments from either Pentagon or US Department of Defense Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. Musk had said not too long ago that SpaceX, Musk's company which operates Starlink could not fund network in Ukraine indefinitely. This statement had come after Ukraine's ambassador to Germany had told Musk to 'f*** off' after he proposed a 'solution' to Ukraine-Russia conflict. The solution put forth by Musk was panned in Ukrainian camp. Musk had also said that the Pentagon should pay up for the network in Ukraine. However, Musk backtracked over the weekend and said that funding for Starlink network in Ukraine would continue. Starlink has helped Ukraine's civilians and military stay online during the war, with Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov last week saying Starlink's services helped restore energy and communications infrastructure in critical areas. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained territorial gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive in eastern part of the country. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Pentagon considering funding Starlink network in Ukraine: Report

The Pentagon has issued a waiver allowing Lockheed Martin Corp to resume the deliveries of its F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft after it raised objections on using a Chinese-origin alloy.

Last month, the US office suspended deliveries of new F-35s, citing regulations on “speciality metals”. &nbsp;The Defense Contract Management Agency reported the violation to the F-35 program office on August 19.

It found that a magnet in the stealthy fighter's engine was made with unauthorised material from China. The component is supplied by Honeywell International Inc and has been used in the plane since 2003.

As a result, Pentagon paused the delivery of 18 aircraft, Lockheed said in a statement Saturday.

On October 8, William LaPlante, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, allowed the delivery of planes after issuing a “national security” waiver.

The waiver will let the Pentagon accept 126 aircraft in current production contracts that run through October 31, 2023.

“Acceptance of the aircraft is necessary for national security interests,” LaPlante said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-blames-ukraine-for-crimea-bridge-blast-523857">Putin blames Ukraine for Crimea bridge blast, calls it 'terrorist act'</a>

The Defense Department of the F-35 programme office brushed aside the security risk on using the Chinese alloy and rebutted any technical flaw in using the component.

It has argued that the concern was raised on supply-chain security and asked Honeywell why didn’t they ban the alloy banned when it was detected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-believes-world-war-iii-is-a-possibility-blames-stupid-people-for-russia-ukraine-conflict-escalation-523884">Trump says 'World War III' is a possibility because of 'stupid people'</a>

Meanwhile, Lockheed said that the Chinese magnets won’t be used in future aircraft starting in November, adding that Honeywell has found an “alternative US source” for the alloy.

Notably, this is not the first time that Pentagon has issued a waiver to Honeywall over the use of Chinese magnets in F-35 jets.

Almost a decade ago, the Pentagon granted a waiver to Honeywell to use Chinese magnets in other F-35 components, saying that the programme, which had been riddled with delays and cost overruns, would have been slowed even more otherwise.

The US law and Pentagon regulations bar the use of “speciality metals” or alloys made in China, Iran, North Korea or Russia.

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The Pentagon has issued a waiver allowing Lockheed Martin Corp to resume the deliveries of its F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft after it raised objections on using a Chinese-origin alloy.

The Pentagon has issued a waiver allowing Lockheed Martin Corp to resume the deliveries of its F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft after it raised objections on using a Chinese-origin alloy. Last month, the US office suspended deliveries of new F-35s, citing regulations on “speciality metals”. The Defense Contract Management Agency reported the violation to the F-35 program office on August 19. It found that a magnet in the stealthy fighter's engine was made with unauthorised material from China. The component is supplied by Honeywell International Inc and has been used in the plane since 2003. As a result, Pentagon paused the delivery of 18 aircraft, Lockheed said in a statement Saturday. On October 8, William LaPlante, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, allowed the delivery of planes after issuing a “national security” waiver. The waiver will let the Pentagon accept 126 aircraft in current production contracts that run through October 31, 2023. “Acceptance of the aircraft is necessary for national security interests,” LaPlante said in a statement. Also read | Putin blames Ukraine for Crimea bridge blast, calls it 'terrorist act' The Defense Department of the F-35 programme office brushed aside the security risk on using the Chinese alloy and rebutted any technical flaw in using the component. It has argued that the concern was raised on supply-chain security and asked Honeywell why didn’t they ban the alloy banned when it was detected. Also read | Trump says 'World War III' is a possibility because of 'stupid people' Meanwhile, Lockheed said that the Chinese magnets won’t be used in future aircraft starting in November, adding that Honeywell has found an “alternative US source” for the alloy. Notably, this is not the first time that Pentagon has issued a waiver to Honeywall over the use of Chinese magnets in F-35 jets. Almost a decade ago, the Pentagon granted a waiver to Honeywell to use Chinese magnets in other F-35 components, saying that the programme, which had been riddled with delays and cost overruns, would have been slowed even more otherwise. The US law and Pentagon regulations bar the use of “speciality metals” or alloys made in China, Iran, North Korea or Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US allows Lockheed to resume delivery of F-35s after row over use of Chinese magnet

The Pentagon has said that it has a "limited security partnership" with Pakistan, key comments in the backdrop of the recent Washington announcement of a $450 million package for Islamabad to sustain its F16 fleet. The Biden government's decision, which was announced earlier this month reverses the decision of the previous Trump govt and helps Pakistan sustain its F16 programme. &nbsp;

Speaking to a selected group of reporters, US Asst Sec of Defense Dr Ely S Ratner explained that the US has been engaging with its Indian counterparts on the issue "both in advance of the announcement.." and "during the " mini 2+2 that happened earlier this month in Delhi.&nbsp;

Dr Ely Ratner, along with Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State (South and Central Asian Affairs) were in Delhi for the India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue with Indian diplomat Vani Rao. Rao is the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

Ratner said, "It is important to be transparent as we could with Indian counterparts both in advance and during the decision and good opportunity for health exchange on both the US rationale for its limited security partnership with Pakistan and good opportunity to hear India's concern about that".&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the US announcement on F16, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to each other in which the latter raised New Delhi's concerns. The package doesn't include any upgrades.&nbsp;

In response to the question, the Pentagon official also clarified that the package was not "designed as a message to India, as it relates to its relation to Russia."&nbsp;

He pointed out that the "decision inside US govt around F16 issue was made predicated on US interest associated with our defence partnership with Pakistan which is primarily focused on counter-terrorism and nuclear security". &nbsp;US comments come even as Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif is in New York.&nbsp;

India and US defence ties have increased in the past few years significantly. In 2016, the defence relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP). Several defence agreements have been signed in recent years. These include, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Association (August 2016); Memorandum of Intent between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defense Excellence (2018); Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (September 2018); Industrial Security Agreement (December 2019); Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (October 2020).&nbsp;

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The Pentagon has said that it has a "limited security partnership" with Pakistan, key comments in the backdrop of the recent Washington announcement of a $450 million package for Islamabad to sustain its F16 fleet.

The Pentagon has said that it has a "limited security partnership" with Pakistan, key comments in the backdrop of the recent Washington announcement of a $450 million package for Islamabad to sustain its F16 fleet. The Biden government's decision, which was announced earlier this month reverses the decision of the previous Trump govt and helps Pakistan sustain its F16 programme. Speaking to a selected group of reporters, US Asst Sec of Defense Dr Ely S Ratner explained that the US has been engaging with its Indian counterparts on the issue "both in advance of the announcement.." and "during the " mini 2+2 that happened earlier this month in Delhi. Dr Ely Ratner, along with Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State (South and Central Asian Affairs) were in Delhi for the India-U.S.A 2+2 Inter-sessional Dialogue with Indian diplomat Vani Rao. Rao is the Additional Secretary (Americas) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Ratner said, "It is important to be transparent as we could with Indian counterparts both in advance and during the decision and good opportunity for health exchange on both the US rationale for its limited security partnership with Pakistan and good opportunity to hear India's concern about that". In the aftermath of the US announcement on F16, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to each other in which the latter raised New Delhi's concerns. The package doesn't include any upgrades. In response to the question, the Pentagon official also clarified that the package was not "designed as a message to India, as it relates to its relation to Russia." He pointed out that the "decision inside US govt around F16 issue was made predicated on US interest associated with our defence partnership with Pakistan which is primarily focused on counter-terrorism and nuclear security". US comments come even as Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif is in New York. India and US defence ties have increased in the past few years significantly. In 2016, the defence relationship was designated as a Major Defence Partnership (MDP). Several defence agreements have been signed in recent years. These include, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Association (August 2016); Memorandum of Intent between the U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Indian Defense Innovation Organization – Innovation for Defense Excellence (2018); Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (September 2018); Industrial Security Agreement (December 2019); Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (October 2020). 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 has limited security partnership with Pakistan, says Pentagon official

In a ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington on Sunday, US President Joe Biden laid a wreath and honoured the lives lost in the 9/11 attack on its 21st anniversary.

During the ceremony, Biden said, ''It's not enough to stand up for democracy once a year or every now or then. It's something we have to do every single day. We will secure democracy together as one America, the United States of America. That's who we are."'

''We regain the light by reaching out to one another, and finding something all too rare: a true sense of national unity. To me, that's the greatest lesson of September 11th.''

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Twenty-one years later, we keep alive the memory of all the precious lives stolen from us at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. To the families and loved ones who still feel the ache, Jill and I hold you close in our hearts. 
 
We will never forget. <a href="https://t.co/IZlAmyone2">pic.twitter.com/IZlAmyone2</a>
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"And to all our service members and their families...who sacrificed so much for our nation, we owe you. We owe you an incredible...debt. A debt that can never be repaid," he added.

Meanwhile, the observance ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington will be attended by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley.

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In the deadliest single attack on US soil, four passenger planes were hijacked by al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, and later crashed into the World Trade Center's North and South Towers.

Calling the attack "one of the most tragic days" for the US and the world, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed their support for Washington.

Paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked planes destroyed the Twin Towers, Vice President Kamala Harris attended the New York ceremony with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Mayor Eric Adams.

Showing two blue beams projecting into the night sky symbolizing the Twin Towers, New York was illuminated late Saturday by a "Tribute in Light".

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

In a ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington on Sunday, US President Joe Biden laid a wreath and honoured the lives lost in the 9/11 attack on its 21st anniversary.

In a ceremony held at the Pentagon in Washington on Sunday, US President Joe Biden laid a wreath and honoured the lives lost in the 9/11 attack on its 21st anniversary. During the ceremony, Biden said, ''It's not enough to stand up for democracy once a year or every now or then. It's something we have to do every single day. We will secure democracy together as one America, the United States of America. That's who we are."' ''We regain the light by reaching out to one another, and finding something all too rare: a true sense of national unity. To me, that's the greatest lesson of September 11th.'' Twenty-one years later, we keep alive the memory of all the precious lives stolen from us at Ground Zero, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. To the families and loved ones who still feel the ache, Jill and I hold you close in our hearts. We will never forget. pic.twitter.com/IZlAmyone2 — President Biden (@POTUS) September 11, 2022 × "And to all our service members and their families...who sacrificed so much for our nation, we owe you. We owe you an incredible...debt. A debt that can never be repaid," he added. Meanwhile, the observance ceremony at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington will be attended by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley. × In the deadliest single attack on US soil, four passenger planes were hijacked by al-Qaeda on September 11, 2001, and later crashed into the World Trade Center's North and South Towers. Calling the attack "one of the most tragic days" for the US and the world, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed their support for Washington. Paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed when hijacked planes destroyed the Twin Towers, Vice President Kamala Harris attended the New York ceremony with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Mayor Eric Adams. Showing two blue beams projecting into the night sky symbolizing the Twin Towers, New York was illuminated late Saturday by a "Tribute in Light". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

9/11 attacks: Biden lays wreath at Pentagon to honour lost lives on 21st anniversary

The US Navy on Wednesday, responding to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by a YouTube channel remarked that it will not be releasing the unseen videos of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) as the US government prefers to call it, in the public domain.

The US Navy on Wednesday, responding to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by a YouTube channel remarked that it will not be releasing the unseen videos of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) as the US government prefers to call it, in the public domain. “The release of this information will harm national security as it may provide adversaries valuable information regarding Department of Defense/Navy operations, vulnerabilities, and/or capabilities. No portions of the videos can be segregated for release,” said Gregory Cason, deputy director of the Navy's FOIA office in a written response. Reportedly, The Black Vault, a self-proclaimed government transparency website and YouTube channel had filed the request two years ago where it solicited the release of videos. In Pics | UNBELIEVABLE, but claimed to be REAL: Here are some popular and intriguing UFO sightings The US Navy responded two years later and accepted that UFO videos did exist but denied releasing them for public consumption. The US Navy also made it clear why it had released the previous three UAP videos and why it wouldn't release the one's that The Black vault asked for. “While three UAP videos were released in the past, the facts specific to those three videos are unique in that those videos were initially released via unofficial channels before official release,” read the report. “Those events were discussed extensively in the public domain; in fact, major news outlets conducted specials on these events. Given the amount of information in the public domain regarding these encounters, it was possible to release the files without further damage to national security,” it further added. As reported by WION, earlier this year in May, top Pentagon officials showed unexplained UFO videos. Ronald Moultrie and Scott Bray, two top officials of the Pentagon appeared before US House of Representatives intelligence subcommittee and showed the declassified UFO videos. Read more: Pentagon shows declassified UFO videos to US Congress in public hearing In one clip, a flashing triangle-shaped object in the night sky was seen. The other showed a shiny, spherical object zipping past the cockpit window of a military aircraft. The duo testified that reports of UFOs are 'frequent' and have been on the rise for more than a decade. However, they also added that US officials are unable to explain some of these sightings. "There are a small handful of cases in which we have more data that our analysis simply hasn't been able to fully pull together a picture of what happened," Scott Bray told the committee. UFO sightings have long fascinated the public across the planet. There have been numerous instances where people have sworn to have witnessed an extraterrestrial vehicle. However, so far, no concrete proof apart from the videos has come out in the public domain. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Navy says it has several UFO videos, won't release them due to 'national security'

The U.S. Pentagon has stopped accepting new F-35 jets after it discovered a magnet used in the stealthy fighter's engine was made with unauthorized material from China. Eric Njoka tells you more.

WION Fineprint | US military halts F-35 jet deliveries over use of Chinese alloy

The Pentagon has said it is temporarily halting deliveries of Lockheed Martin Corp’s F-35 aircraft after it found out that an alloy made in China was being used in a component of the fighter jet. A magnet with the alloy is being used in a part of the integrated power package, but Pentagon said that it posed no security issue. However, it violates federal defence acquisition rules.

"We have confirmed that the magnet does not transmit information or harm the integrity of the aircraft and there are no performance, quality, safety, or security risks associated with this issue and flight operations for the F-35 in-service fleet will continue as normal," Defense Department spokesperson Russ Goemaere was quoted as saying by CNN.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sanctions-us-companies-for-supplying-arms-to-taiwan-455023">China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan</a>

Since there is no security issue, the pause won’t affect operations of F-35s already delivered to the US military and other partners. A review to understand how the non-compliance took place is underway after the F-35 programme office voluntarily reported the matter. An alternative source for the alloy has already been found and it will be used in future jets.

Notably, a US law and a separate Pentagon acquisition regulation prohibit the use of certain specialty metals or alloys produced by “covered countries” mentioned in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation series. These countries are China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. The Defense Contract Management Agency reported the violation to the F-35 programme office on August 19.

"We are working with our partners and DOD to ensure contractual compliance within the supply chain. The magnet has no visibility or access to any sensitive program information. The F-35 remains safe for flight and we are working with the DOD to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to resume deliveries," Lockheed Martin said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Pentagon has said it is temporarily halting deliveries of Lockheed Martin Corp’s F-35 aircraft after it found out that an alloy made in China was being used in a component of the fighter jet.

The Pentagon has said it is temporarily halting deliveries of Lockheed Martin Corp’s F-35 aircraft after it found out that an alloy made in China was being used in a component of the fighter jet. A magnet with the alloy is being used in a part of the integrated power package, but Pentagon said that it posed no security issue. However, it violates federal defence acquisition rules. "We have confirmed that the magnet does not transmit information or harm the integrity of the aircraft and there are no performance, quality, safety, or security risks associated with this issue and flight operations for the F-35 in-service fleet will continue as normal," Defense Department spokesperson Russ Goemaere was quoted as saying by CNN. Also Read | China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan Since there is no security issue, the pause won’t affect operations of F-35s already delivered to the US military and other partners. A review to understand how the non-compliance took place is underway after the F-35 programme office voluntarily reported the matter. An alternative source for the alloy has already been found and it will be used in future jets. Notably, a US law and a separate Pentagon acquisition regulation prohibit the use of certain specialty metals or alloys produced by “covered countries” mentioned in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation series. These countries are China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. The Defense Contract Management Agency reported the violation to the F-35 programme office on August 19. "We are working with our partners and DOD to ensure contractual compliance within the supply chain. The magnet has no visibility or access to any sensitive program information. The F-35 remains safe for flight and we are working with the DOD to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to resume deliveries," Lockheed Martin said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon halts F-35 jets’ deliveries due to use of Chinese alloy in component

Reports of sexual assault&nbsp;in the US military have jumped by 13%, with a big rise in complaints from the Army and Navy last year, reports The Associated Press.

As bases began to move out of pandemic restrictions and public venues reopened, the increase was driven by significant rise in the Army and the Navy.

In a confidential survey, 36,000 service members disclosed that they had experienced unwanted sexual contact.

According to US defence and military officials, it is a dramatic increase over the roughly 20,000 who said that in a similar survey held in 2018.

Marking the largest increase since 2013, the latest numbers are certain to anger lawmakers on Capitol Hill who have been critical of the Pentagon’s efforts to get a handle on sexual crimes and misconduct.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-abortion-ban-in-us-is-more-challenging-for-servicewomen-492093">Also read |&nbsp;Why is abortion ban in US more challenging for servicewomen?</a>

While the overall increase is largely fueled by a nearly 26 per cent jump in reports involving Army soldiers, the Navy and the Air Force reported a 9 per cent and 2 per cent rise each.

Experts had predicted that the US will miss its target for recruitment by at least 10,000 at the end of September.

If parents believe their youth are at risk of assaults, they certainly could have an impact on recruitment.

But an increase in assaults nearly every year since 2006 is a demotivating factor, especially, when the Pentagon and the military services have long struggled to come up with programmes to prevent them.

After two years of relatively small increases in reports filed by or involving service members, the double-digit overall increase will impact recruiting by anywhere from 18 per cent to 25 per cent.

A woman’s chance of being sexually assaulted in the military was about the same as a woman in the general population, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Reports of sexual assault in the US military have jumped by 13%, with a big rise in complaints from the Army and Navy last year, reports The Associated Press. As bases began to move out of pandemic restrictions and public venues reopened, the increase was driven by significant rise in the Army and the Navy.

Reports of sexual assault in the US military have jumped by 13%, with a big rise in complaints from the Army and Navy last year, reports The Associated Press. As bases began to move out of pandemic restrictions and public venues reopened, the increase was driven by significant rise in the Army and the Navy. In a confidential survey, 36,000 service members disclosed that they had experienced unwanted sexual contact. According to US defence and military officials, it is a dramatic increase over the roughly 20,000 who said that in a similar survey held in 2018. Marking the largest increase since 2013, the latest numbers are certain to anger lawmakers on Capitol Hill who have been critical of the Pentagon’s efforts to get a handle on sexual crimes and misconduct. Also read | Why is abortion ban in US more challenging for servicewomen? While the overall increase is largely fueled by a nearly 26 per cent jump in reports involving Army soldiers, the Navy and the Air Force reported a 9 per cent and 2 per cent rise each. Experts had predicted that the US will miss its target for recruitment by at least 10,000 at the end of September. If parents believe their youth are at risk of assaults, they certainly could have an impact on recruitment. But an increase in assaults nearly every year since 2006 is a demotivating factor, especially, when the Pentagon and the military services have long struggled to come up with programmes to prevent them. After two years of relatively small increases in reports filed by or involving service members, the double-digit overall increase will impact recruiting by anywhere from 18 per cent to 25 per cent. A woman’s chance of being sexually assaulted in the military was about the same as a woman in the general population, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

US military reports 13% increase in sexual assault complaints, may hit hiring: Report

In order to strengthen frayed relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the United States will sell them major missile defence systems worth over $5 billion.

As inflation hits 40-year highs and threatens his approval ratings, US President Joe Biden met leaders of the two countries in Saudi Arabia on a trip two weeks ago.

In separate deals, the US State Department approved the potential sale of Patriot missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interceptors to the United Arab Emirates, according to the Pentagon.

While Raytheon Technologies is the prime contractor for the Patriot interceptors and equipment, Lockheed Martin was the prime contractor for the THAAD interceptors and equipment.

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The State Department said in a statement that "These missiles are used to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's borders against persistent Houthi cross-border unmanned aerial system and ballistic missile attacks on civilian sites and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia."

"The proposed sale will improve the UAE's ability to meet current and future ballistic missile threats in the region, and reduce dependence on US forces," it added.

The potential deals are in the works as the procedural step of notifying Congress is often the first public acknowledgment.

Amid the war in Ukraine and faltering talks to revive a nuclear deal with Iran, the West has increased its efforts to court the major oil-producing state.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US and European countries imposed strict sanctions on Moscow, and in retaliation, Russian President Vladimir Putin halted gas supplies to the bloc.

As a result, European countries are looking to diversify their sources of energy and have asked the world's largest oil exporter, Riyadh to raise production.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In order to strengthen frayed relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the United States will sell them major missile defence systems worth over $5 billion.

In order to strengthen frayed relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the United States will sell them major missile defence systems worth over $5 billion. As inflation hits 40-year highs and threatens his approval ratings, US President Joe Biden met leaders of the two countries in Saudi Arabia on a trip two weeks ago. In separate deals, the US State Department approved the potential sale of Patriot missile interceptors to Saudi Arabia and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interceptors to the United Arab Emirates, according to the Pentagon. While Raytheon Technologies is the prime contractor for the Patriot interceptors and equipment, Lockheed Martin was the prime contractor for the THAAD interceptors and equipment. × The State Department said in a statement that "These missiles are used to defend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's borders against persistent Houthi cross-border unmanned aerial system and ballistic missile attacks on civilian sites and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia." "The proposed sale will improve the UAE's ability to meet current and future ballistic missile threats in the region, and reduce dependence on US forces," it added. The potential deals are in the works as the procedural step of notifying Congress is often the first public acknowledgment. Amid the war in Ukraine and faltering talks to revive a nuclear deal with Iran, the West has increased its efforts to court the major oil-producing state. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US and European countries imposed strict sanctions on Moscow, and in retaliation, Russian President Vladimir Putin halted gas supplies to the bloc. As a result, European countries are looking to diversify their sources of energy and have asked the world's largest oil exporter, Riyadh to raise production. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Saudi Arabia to purchase major missile defence systems from United States

The United States has been conducting a number of air-breathing hypersonic weapons tests in the past year. Since September 2021, they have conducted four tests with three attempts producing the desired results. On Monday, the Pentagon said that the military was able to successfully test an air-breathing hypersonic weapon made by Raytheon Technologies Corp. The statement released by the Pentagon stated that this was the third successful test since 2013 and the results from the test indicated that the weapon is capable of reaching speeds five times faster than the speed of sound.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/three-way-fight-will-decide-who-will-be-sri-lankas-next-president-498747" hreflang="en">Three-way fight will decide who will be Sri Lanka's next president</a>

Raytheon is currently competing with Lockheed Martin Corp to land the contract for the development of Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). The program is being run by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA and they will be the deciding factor.

"Advancing our nation's hypersonic capabilities is a critical national imperative, and this was an important step forward. Having back-to-back successful flight tests gives us even greater confidence in the technical maturity of our HAWC prototype," Wes Kremer, President of Raytheon's Missiles &amp; Defense business unit, said according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiyes-erdogan-says-will-freeze-finland-and-swedens-nato-bids-if-commitments-not-kept-498684">Turkiye's Erdogan says will freeze Finland and Sweden's NATO bids. Here's why</a>

In the four tests conducted by DARPA since last year, the weapons made by Raytheon was successful both times while Lockwood had one successful attempt and the other test was a failure.

"The vehicle flew a trajectory that engineers designed to intentionally stress the weapon concept to explore its limits and further validate digital performance models," the statement from Raytheon said in the aftermath of the successful test.

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The United States has been conducting a number of air-breathing hypersonic weapons tests in the past year. Since September 2021, they have conducted four tests with three attempts producing the desired results.

The United States has been conducting a number of air-breathing hypersonic weapons tests in the past year. Since September 2021, they have conducted four tests with three attempts producing the desired results. On Monday, the Pentagon said that the military was able to successfully test an air-breathing hypersonic weapon made by Raytheon Technologies Corp. The statement released by the Pentagon stated that this was the third successful test since 2013 and the results from the test indicated that the weapon is capable of reaching speeds five times faster than the speed of sound. Also read | Three-way fight will decide who will be Sri Lanka's next president Raytheon is currently competing with Lockheed Martin Corp to land the contract for the development of Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). The program is being run by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA and they will be the deciding factor. "Advancing our nation's hypersonic capabilities is a critical national imperative, and this was an important step forward. Having back-to-back successful flight tests gives us even greater confidence in the technical maturity of our HAWC prototype," Wes Kremer, President of Raytheon's Missiles & Defense business unit, said according to Reuters. Also read | Turkiye's Erdogan says will freeze Finland and Sweden's NATO bids. Here's why In the four tests conducted by DARPA since last year, the weapons made by Raytheon was successful both times while Lockwood had one successful attempt and the other test was a failure. "The vehicle flew a trajectory that engineers designed to intentionally stress the weapon concept to explore its limits and further validate digital performance models," the statement from Raytheon said in the aftermath of the successful test. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

US successfully tests Raytheon air-breathing hypersonic missile, says Pentagon

Pentagon on Tuesday (July 12) claimed that the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed in a drone strike. The US Central Command said that the strike in northwest Syria killed Maher al-Agal when he was riding a motorcycle.&nbsp;

Pentagon Central Command spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn told news agency AFP that Maher al-Agal was killed near Jindires in northern Syria. He further mentioned that one of his top aides was seriously injured in the attack.&nbsp;

As per the volunteer Syrian Civil Defense Force, the attack targeted the two while they were on a motorcycle outside Aleppo.&nbsp;

As quoted by CNN, Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesman for Central Command said, "The removal of these ISIS leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out attacks."&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden said the strike "takes a key terrorist off the field and significantly degrades the ability of ISIS to plan, resource, and conduct their operations in the region."&nbsp;

Biden wrote in a statement on Tuesday: "Like the U.S. operation in February that eliminated ISIS's overall leader, it sends a powerful message to all terrorists who threaten our homeland and our interests around the world. The United States will be relentless in its efforts to bring you to justice."&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Agal's death and said he was the Islamic State governor for the Levant region. The US Central Command called the victim "one of the top five" leaders of Islamic State overall.&nbsp;

"In addition to being a senior leader within the group, Al-Agal was responsible for aggressively pursuing the development of IS networks outside of Iraq and Syria," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to a spokesman for the US-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, both the men who were targeted had links to Ahrar al-Sharqiya, an armed group operating in northern Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Pentagon on Tuesday (July 12) claimed that the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed in a drone strike. The US Central Command said that the strike in northwest Syria killed Maher al-Agal when he was riding a motorcycle.

Pentagon on Tuesday (July 12) claimed that the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed in a drone strike. The US Central Command said that the strike in northwest Syria killed Maher al-Agal when he was riding a motorcycle. Pentagon Central Command spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn told news agency AFP that Maher al-Agal was killed near Jindires in northern Syria. He further mentioned that one of his top aides was seriously injured in the attack. As per the volunteer Syrian Civil Defense Force, the attack targeted the two while they were on a motorcycle outside Aleppo. As quoted by CNN, Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesman for Central Command said, "The removal of these ISIS leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out attacks." United States President Joe Biden said the strike "takes a key terrorist off the field and significantly degrades the ability of ISIS to plan, resource, and conduct their operations in the region." Biden wrote in a statement on Tuesday: "Like the U.S. operation in February that eliminated ISIS's overall leader, it sends a powerful message to all terrorists who threaten our homeland and our interests around the world. The United States will be relentless in its efforts to bring you to justice." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Agal's death and said he was the Islamic State governor for the Levant region. The US Central Command called the victim "one of the top five" leaders of Islamic State overall. "In addition to being a senior leader within the group, Al-Agal was responsible for aggressively pursuing the development of IS networks outside of Iraq and Syria," it said in a statement. According to a spokesman for the US-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, both the men who were targeted had links to Ahrar al-Sharqiya, an armed group operating in northern Syria. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Pentagon says US drone strike kills Islamic State Syria chief Maher al-Agal

According to reports, the Pentagon is exploring the option to deploy Elon Musk's SpaceX rockets to send military supplies to orbit.

Earlier, US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) had announced that it was looking to space to quickly move "critical logistics" during "time-sensitive contingencies or to deliver humanitarian assistance".

US Army General Stephen R. Lyons, commander, US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) had said it would be the "equivalent of a C-17 payload anywhere on the globe in less than an hour”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-vs-china-experts-plan-to-destroy-starlink-satellites-to-protect-national-security-482548">Also Read |&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/elon-musk-vs-china-experts-plan-to-destroy-starlink-satellites-to-protect-national-security-482548" hreflang="en">Elon Musk vs China: Experts plan to destroy Starlink Satellites to protect 'national security'</a>

The Pentagon also hinted at transporting personnel during the space flights. The report said Pentagon may consider using SpaceX rockets to deploy "rapid reaction" force to foil a Benghazi-style attack.

SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets. Musk's company has been working to ramp up satellite production for Starlink which is a constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites.

Watch:&nbsp;What is Geomagnetic storm, which destroyed 40 SpaceX satellites?

&nbsp;

USTRANSCOM had said it had teamed with SpaceX to allow the US Department of Defence(DOD) to leverage industry innovation where the bulk of technological innovation is occurring outside the US government.

According to USTRANSCOM Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) it is investigating the "technical feasibility of using SpaceX’s Starship launch system in the next five years to support DOD's global logistics transportation requirements.

In 2020, SpaceX had won a $149 million contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Pentagon. According to the contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant to build satellites fitted with a "wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor".

In 2019, SpaceX had received $28 million from the US Air Force to use Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services in military planes.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the Pentagon is exploring the option to deploy Elon Musk's SpaceX rockets to send military supplies to orbit. Earlier, US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) had announced that it was looking to space to quickly move "critical logistics" during "time-sensitive contingencies or to deliver humanitarian assistance".

According to reports, the Pentagon is exploring the option to deploy Elon Musk's SpaceX rockets to send military supplies to orbit. Earlier, US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) had announced that it was looking to space to quickly move "critical logistics" during "time-sensitive contingencies or to deliver humanitarian assistance". US Army General Stephen R. Lyons, commander, US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) had said it would be the "equivalent of a C-17 payload anywhere on the globe in less than an hour”. Also Read | Elon Musk vs China: Experts plan to destroy Starlink Satellites to protect 'national security' The Pentagon also hinted at transporting personnel during the space flights. The report said Pentagon may consider using SpaceX rockets to deploy "rapid reaction" force to foil a Benghazi-style attack. SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets. Musk's company has been working to ramp up satellite production for Starlink which is a constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites. Watch: What is Geomagnetic storm, which destroyed 40 SpaceX satellites? USTRANSCOM had said it had teamed with SpaceX to allow the US Department of Defence(DOD) to leverage industry innovation where the bulk of technological innovation is occurring outside the US government. According to USTRANSCOM Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) it is investigating the "technical feasibility of using SpaceX’s Starship launch system in the next five years to support DOD's global logistics transportation requirements. In 2020, SpaceX had won a $149 million contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Pentagon. According to the contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant to build satellites fitted with a "wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor". In 2019, SpaceX had received $28 million from the US Air Force to use Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services in military planes. (With inputs from Agencies) 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.

Pentagon eyes using SpaceX rockets to build 'military starships'

The Pentagon held the first hearing on UFOs in 50 years. They said that there is a massive rise in UFO activity in recent times.

First hearing on UFOs in 50 years: Pentagon says there is a massive rise in UFO activity

In the first such hearing in more than 50 years, top Pentagon officials showed unexplained UFO videos to members of US Congress. The term UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) is associated with aerial vehicle of extraterrestrial origin. US government is calling these "unidentified aerial phenomena" during the hearing.

Ronald Moultrie and Scott Bray, two top officials of the Pentagon appeared on May 17 before US House of Representatives intelligence subcommittee. They are appearing before the subcommittee 11 months after submission of a report documenting more than 140 cases of unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs, that U.S. military pilots have reported observing since 2004.

Bray, deputy director of naval intelligence, said that US officials are unable to explain some of these sightings. Bray said that some sightings generated too lityle data to arrive at a logical explanation.

But Bray added: "There are a small handful of cases in which we have more data that our analysis simply hasn't been able to fully pull together a picture of what happened." These, Bray said, have involved unexpected "flight characteristics" or "signature management."

"When it comes to material that we have, we have no material, we have detected no emanations, within the UAB task force that would suggest it is anything non-terrestrial in origin," Bray added.

"We know that our service members have encountered unidentified aerial phenomena, and because UAP pose potential flight safety and general security risks, we are committed to a focused effort to determine their origins," Moultrie, who oversees a newly formed Pentagon-based UAP investigation team as U.S. defense undersecretary for intelligence and security, told the hearing.

Scott Bray showed two UAP clips to the panel. In one clip, a flashing triangle-shaped object in the night sky was seen. &nbsp;The other showed a shiny, spherical object zipping past the cockpit window of a military aircraft.

"I do not have an explanation for what this specific object is," Bray said of the second object.

Both the officials told the subcommittee that Pentagon wanted to remove stigma associated with sightings of UFOs and wanted to encourage pilots to report when they see such phenomena.

The notion of alien spacecraft received no mention in last June's UAP presentation. The focus, instead, was on possible implications for US&nbsp;national security and aviation safety, as it was in Tuesday's hearing.

The report did, however, include some UAPs previously revealed in Pentagon-released video footage of enigmatic airborne objects exhibiting speed and maneuverability exceeding known aviation technology and lacking any visible means of propulsion or flight-control surfaces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the first such hearing in more than 50 years, top Pentagon officials showed unexplained UFO videos to members of US Congress. The term UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) is associated with aerial vehicle of extraterrestrial origin.

In the first such hearing in more than 50 years, top Pentagon officials showed unexplained UFO videos to members of US Congress. The term UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) is associated with aerial vehicle of extraterrestrial origin. US government is calling these "unidentified aerial phenomena" during the hearing. Ronald Moultrie and Scott Bray, two top officials of the Pentagon appeared on May 17 before US House of Representatives intelligence subcommittee. They are appearing before the subcommittee 11 months after submission of a report documenting more than 140 cases of unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs, that U.S. military pilots have reported observing since 2004. Bray, deputy director of naval intelligence, said that US officials are unable to explain some of these sightings. Bray said that some sightings generated too lityle data to arrive at a logical explanation. But Bray added: "There are a small handful of cases in which we have more data that our analysis simply hasn't been able to fully pull together a picture of what happened." These, Bray said, have involved unexpected "flight characteristics" or "signature management." "When it comes to material that we have, we have no material, we have detected no emanations, within the UAB task force that would suggest it is anything non-terrestrial in origin," Bray added. "We know that our service members have encountered unidentified aerial phenomena, and because UAP pose potential flight safety and general security risks, we are committed to a focused effort to determine their origins," Moultrie, who oversees a newly formed Pentagon-based UAP investigation team as U.S. defense undersecretary for intelligence and security, told the hearing. Scott Bray showed two UAP clips to the panel. In one clip, a flashing triangle-shaped object in the night sky was seen. The other showed a shiny, spherical object zipping past the cockpit window of a military aircraft. "I do not have an explanation for what this specific object is," Bray said of the second object. Both the officials told the subcommittee that Pentagon wanted to remove stigma associated with sightings of UFOs and wanted to encourage pilots to report when they see such phenomena. The notion of alien spacecraft received no mention in last June's UAP presentation. The focus, instead, was on possible implications for US national security and aviation safety, as it was in Tuesday's hearing. The report did, however, include some UAPs previously revealed in Pentagon-released video footage of enigmatic airborne objects exhibiting speed and maneuverability exceeding known aviation technology and lacking any visible means of propulsion or flight-control surfaces. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Pentagon shows declassified UFO videos to US Congress in public hearing 

Pentagon on Thursday (May 5) denied providing intelligence on Russian generals' location on the battlefield to help Ukraine kill them. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US provided military intelligence to Ukraine "to help Ukrainians defend their country". He was reacting to an explosive New York Times report.

US media reported later on Thursday that the US had helped Ukraine sink Russian warship Moskva by providing intelligence.

AFP quoted an unnamed US official who said that the US does not "provide specific targeting information on ships."&nbsp;

Watch | 'Zelensky acting at behest of US,' Belarusian President openly supports Russian invasion

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The story about Moskva was first published by NBC. The story said that Ukraine had asked the US about a ship sailing in Black Sea. The US then helped confirm location of the ship and identified that the ship is Moskva.

However, the United States did not know that Ukraine would target the flagship vessel, the officials cited by NBC said.

Ukraine has been particularly successful in attacking Russian command positions, and, according to reports, came close last week to striking a location near the front lines in the Donbas region where Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, was believed to be visiting troops.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-destroyed-400-hospitals-leaving-patients-in-extreme-difficulties-zelensky-476697">Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky</a>

Ukraine forces may have shelled the location just a few hours after Gerasimov had left, the unconfirmed reports said.

The New York Times article said that Ukraine had killed "many" of about dozen dead Russian generals with the help of US intelligence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

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Pentagon on Thursday (May 5) denied providing intelligence on Russian generals' location on the battlefield to help Ukraine kill them. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US provided military intelligence to Ukraine "to help Ukrainians defend their country".

Pentagon on Thursday (May 5) denied providing intelligence on Russian generals' location on the battlefield to help Ukraine kill them. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US provided military intelligence to Ukraine "to help Ukrainians defend their country". He was reacting to an explosive New York Times report. US media reported later on Thursday that the US had helped Ukraine sink Russian warship Moskva by providing intelligence. AFP quoted an unnamed US official who said that the US does not "provide specific targeting information on ships." Watch | 'Zelensky acting at behest of US,' Belarusian President openly supports Russian invasion × The story about Moskva was first published by NBC. The story said that Ukraine had asked the US about a ship sailing in Black Sea. The US then helped confirm location of the ship and identified that the ship is Moskva. However, the United States did not know that Ukraine would target the flagship vessel, the officials cited by NBC said. Ukraine has been particularly successful in attacking Russian command positions, and, according to reports, came close last week to striking a location near the front lines in the Donbas region where Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, was believed to be visiting troops. Also Read | Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky Ukraine forces may have shelled the location just a few hours after Gerasimov had left, the unconfirmed reports said. The New York Times article said that Ukraine had killed "many" of about dozen dead Russian generals with the help of US intelligence. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon

A Pentagon official said on Friday that Russian campaign to seize Donbas in Eastern Ukraine was behind schedule and was moving slowly. The official, quoted by Reuters, said that stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers and Russia's failure to capture Kyiv resulted in "slow and uneven progress" in Donbas.

"We believe that essentially what they're doing is continuing to set conditions for a sustained and larger and longer offensive," the official said.

The official said that this included a "doctrinal" approach of launching airstrikes and then artillery strikes at Ukraine positions, and only then attempting to move forward on the ground.

However, such strikes have not been as successful as Russians had hoped, according to the official. And this in turn has led to slow progress on ground.

In addition, "they're still a little wary of getting out ahead of their supply lines. They don't want to make the same mistakes that they've made in Kyiv," the official said.

Consequently, the official said, "We do believe in the sense that they're behind schedule and what they were trying to accomplish in the Donbas."

The official said the Pentagon believes the Russians "are at least several days behind where they wanted to be."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cruelty-and-depravity-us-blasts-putin-as-russia-carries-out-airstrikes-against-kyiv-475068">'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv</a>

In their short-term goals, the Russians aim to capture territory to the east of an imaginary line between Kharkiv and Donetsk, battlefield analysts believe.

The Russians have 92 battalion tactical groups in the east and south of Ukraine now, with more poised on the Russian side of the border, according to the Pentagon.

But those BTGs are not necessarily full-strength after significant setbacks in the first weeks of the two-month-old war, the official said.

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The US and European allies are rushing heavy artillery into Ukraine to help with the defense, but given the logistics of moving scores of howitzers and the need for training of Ukraine forces to operate them, the new equipment is still mostly not at the front and engaged in the fight.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pentagon official said on Friday that Russian campaign to seize Donbas in Eastern Ukraine was behind schedule and was moving slowly. The official, quoted by Reuters, said that stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers and Russia's failure to capture Kyiv resulted in "slow and uneven progress" in Donbas.

A Pentagon official said on Friday that Russian campaign to seize Donbas in Eastern Ukraine was behind schedule and was moving slowly. The official, quoted by Reuters, said that stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers and Russia's failure to capture Kyiv resulted in "slow and uneven progress" in Donbas. "We believe that essentially what they're doing is continuing to set conditions for a sustained and larger and longer offensive," the official said. The official said that this included a "doctrinal" approach of launching airstrikes and then artillery strikes at Ukraine positions, and only then attempting to move forward on the ground. However, such strikes have not been as successful as Russians had hoped, according to the official. And this in turn has led to slow progress on ground. In addition, "they're still a little wary of getting out ahead of their supply lines. They don't want to make the same mistakes that they've made in Kyiv," the official said. Consequently, the official said, "We do believe in the sense that they're behind schedule and what they were trying to accomplish in the Donbas." The official said the Pentagon believes the Russians "are at least several days behind where they wanted to be." Also Read | 'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv In their short-term goals, the Russians aim to capture territory to the east of an imaginary line between Kharkiv and Donetsk, battlefield analysts believe. The Russians have 92 battalion tactical groups in the east and south of Ukraine now, with more poised on the Russian side of the border, according to the Pentagon. But those BTGs are not necessarily full-strength after significant setbacks in the first weeks of the two-month-old war, the official said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The US and European allies are rushing heavy artillery into Ukraine to help with the defense, but given the logistics of moving scores of howitzers and the need for training of Ukraine forces to operate them, the new equipment is still mostly not at the front and engaged in the fight. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russia is 'behind schedule' in Donbas, says Pentagon official

After parachuting into the frigid Alaska interior, Capt. Weston Iannone and his soldiers navigated miles through deep snow, finally setting up a temporary outpost on a ridgeline next to a grove of lanky spruce trees that were also struggling to survive.

Darkness was setting in, the temperature had fallen below zero, and the 120 men and women who had gathered as part of a major combat training exercise in subarctic Alaska had not yet erected tents. The supply line for fuel, essential to keep warm through the long night ahead, was lagging behind.

“Everything is a challenge, from water, fuel, food, moving people, keeping them comfortable,” said Iannone, the 27-year-old company commander, as his soldiers shoveled deeper into the snow in search of a solid foundation to put up their sleeping quarters. “This is inherent training — understanding how far we can push physically and mentally.”

The first-of-its-kind exercise this month, involving some 8,000 troops outside of Fairbanks, was planned long before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but was driven in part by Russia’s aggressive moves in recent years to militarize the Arctic — a part of the world where the United States and Russia share a lengthy maritime boundary.

Tensions have been growing in the region for years, as nations stake claims to shipping routes and energy reserves that are opening up as a result of climate change. Now, with the geopolitical order shifting after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the competition over sovereignty and resources in the Arctic could intensify.

On the west coast of Alaska, the federal government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to expand the port at Nome, which could transform into a deepwater hub servicing Coast Guard and Navy vessels navigating into the Arctic Circle. The Coast Guard expects to deploy three new icebreakers — although Russia already has more than 50 in operation.

And while the United States has denounced Russia’s aggressive military expansion in the Arctic, the Pentagon has its own plans to increase its presence and capabilities, working to rebuild cold-weather skills neglected during two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Air Force has transferred dozens of F-35 fighter jets to Alaska, announcing that the state will host “more advanced fighters than any other location in the world.” The Army last year released its first strategic plan for “Regaining Arctic Dominance.”

The Navy, which this month conducted exercises above and below the sea ice inside the Arctic Circle, also has developed a plan for protecting U.S. interests in the region, warning that weakness there would mean that “peace and prosperity will be increasingly challenged by Russia and China, whose interests and values differ dramatically from ours.”

The preparations are costly in both resources and personnel. While Iannone’s company was able to finish setting up tents before midnight and survived the night without incident, other companies did not fare so well: Eight soldiers suffered cold-weather injuries, and four soldiers were taken to a hospital after a fire inside a personnel carrier.

Meanwhile, at another recent cold-weather exercise, in Norway, four U.S. Marines died when their aircraft crashed.

Russia, whose eastern mainland lies just 55 miles across the Bering Strait from the coast of Alaska, for years has prioritized an expanded Arctic presence by refurbishing airfields, adding bases, training troops and developing a network of military defense systems on the northern frontier.

With a warming climate shrinking sea ice in the region, valuable fish stocks are moving northward, while rare minerals and the Arctic’s substantial reserves of fossil fuels are becoming a growing target for exploration. Boat traffic is poised to increase from both trade and tourism.

Two years ago, Moscow brought its own war games barreling through the Bering Sea, with Russian commanders testing weapons and demanding that American fishing boats operating in U.S. fishing waters get out of the way — an order the U.S. Coast Guard advised them to comply with. Russia has repeatedly sent military aircraft to the edge of U.S. airspace, leading U.S. jets to scramble to intercept them and warn them away.

This month, in response to escalating international sanctions against Russia, a member of the Russian parliament demanded that Alaska, purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867, be returned to Russian control — a possibly rhetorical gesture that nonetheless reflected the deteriorating relationship between the two world powers.

For centuries, the vast waters of the offshore Arctic were largely a no man’s land locked in by ice whose exact territorial boundaries — claimed by the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark and Iceland — remained unsettled. But as melting sea ice has opened new shipping pathways and as nations have eyed the vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves below the Arctic sea floor, the complicated treaties, claims and boundary zones that govern the region have been opened to fresh disputes.

Canada and the United States have never reached agreement on the status of the Northwest Passage between the North Atlantic and the Beaufort Sea. China, too, has been working to establish a foothold, declaring itself a “near-Arctic state” and partnering with Russia to promote “sustainable” development and expanded use of Arctic trade routes.

Russia has made it clear it intends to control the Northern Sea Route off its northern shore, a route that significantly shortens the shipping distance between China and northern Europe. U.S. officials have complained that Russia is illegally demanding that other nations seek permission to pass and threatening to use military force to sink vessels that do not comply.

“We are stuck with a pretty tense situation there,” said Troy Bouffard, director of the Center of Arctic Security and Resilience at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “Either we acquiesce to Russia, to their extreme control of surface waters, or we elevate or escalate the issue.”

The focus in recent years had been to expand diplomatic channels, collaborating on a range of regional challenges through the Arctic Council. That work was put on pause, however, after Russia invaded Ukraine.

In Nome, which hopes to position itself as a maritime gateway to the Far North, there has long been evidence that a new era for the Arctic was arriving. Mayor John Handeland said winter sea ice that once persisted until mid-June may now be gone by early May and does not reappear before Thanksgiving.

A record 12 cruise ships docked in Nome’s existing port in 2019. That number was poised to double this year, although some cruises that had expected to sail along Russia’s northern coast have canceled plans. For Handeland, the time is right to strengthen U.S. capabilities.

“As things escalate, I think the need for expansion of our military is now,” Handeland said. “I think we kind of had a period of time where we thought everything was cool, that we can let our guard down, so to speak. And now we’re seeing that that maybe was not a wise idea.”

But there are multiple local constituencies to navigate as development moves farther into the Arctic. Alaska Natives are wary about effects to the region’s fragile environment, on which many depend for hunting and fishing, said Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives.

“I think that our people realize that our military needs to protect our country and our military does need to invest in a presence in the Arctic,” Kitka said. “But it has got to be done smart.”

Dan Sullivan, Alaska’s junior Republican U.S. senator, said that while there may be little threat of a Russian invasion of Alaska, there is concern about Russia’s military buildup in the region.

“Ukraine just demonstrates even more, what matters to these guys is presence and power,” Sullivan said. “And when you start to build ports, when you start to bring up icebreakers, when you start to bring up Navy shipping, when you have over 100 fifth-gen fighters in the Arctic in Alaska, we’re starting to now talk Putin’s language.”

Alaska is already one of the nation’s most militarized states, with more than 20,000 active-duty personnel assigned to places such as Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright in the Fairbanks area, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, and Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. The Army’s large training exercise — the first Combat Training Center rotation to be held in Alaska — took place around Fort Greely, about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. Alaska is also home to critical parts of the nation’s missile-defense system.

Bouffard said the fracture in relations caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could open the door to a variety of future problems that can only be guessed at right now. While there is no imminent conflict in the Arctic, there could well be friction over how Russia manages offshore waters or disputes over undersea exploration. The United States also needs to be prepared to aid northern European allies that share an uncertain future with Russia in Arctic waterways, he said.

That will mean being prepared for a range of potential problems. In a separate Alaska military exercise in recent weeks, teams from the Marines and Army practiced cold-weather strategies for containing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination.

At the large Army war games exercise near Fort Greely, the soldiers rehearsed a scenario in which paratroopers seized control of an airfield and established operations to hold the new territory. An opposing force then mobilized to try to reclaim the area.

Portable heating elements were used to keep engines running, along with lubricants that work in subzero temperatures. Some soldiers used skis and snowshoes to get around, as well as snowmobiles and small-unit support vehicles light enough to traverse deep snow.

For many of the soldiers under Iannone’s command, defending the airfield meant establishing positions in remote areas with more rudimentary means. One heavy weapons group chopped down trees by hand and used a sled to pull a bulky Improved Target Acquisition System to a vantage point from which the soldiers could scan miles of landscape below.

They erected a tent with a small stove heater, shielded with a wall of snow on all sides. They rotated in hourly shifts outside the tents — every half-hour at night — in order to keep warm.

Even then, 21-year-old Spc. Owen Prescott said he had struggled with the bite of nighttime cold and was figuring out the appropriate layers to wear to stay warm as temperatures neared minus 20. As he spooned some steaming food from a freeze-dried Army ration, he said he and his colleagues were focusing much of their attention on making sure they did not become a cold-weather casualty before engaging on their hypothetical combat mission.

“It’s just dealing with the cold, sustaining in the cold,” said Prescott, who is from Southern California. “I’m used to wearing shorts and flip-flops my entire life.”

After parachuting into the frigid Alaska interior, Capt. Weston Iannone and his soldiers navigated miles through deep snow, finally setting up a temporary outpost on a ridgeline next to a grove of lanky spruce trees that were also struggling to survive.

After parachuting into the frigid Alaska interior, Capt. Weston Iannone and his soldiers navigated miles through deep snow, finally setting up a temporary outpost on a ridgeline next to a grove of lanky spruce trees that were also struggling to survive. Darkness was setting in, the temperature had fallen below zero, and the 120 men and women who had gathered as part of a major combat training exercise in subarctic Alaska had not yet erected tents. The supply line for fuel, essential to keep warm through the long night ahead, was lagging behind. “Everything is a challenge, from water, fuel, food, moving people, keeping them comfortable,” said Iannone, the 27-year-old company commander, as his soldiers shoveled deeper into the snow in search of a solid foundation to put up their sleeping quarters. “This is inherent training — understanding how far we can push physically and mentally.” The first-of-its-kind exercise this month, involving some 8,000 troops outside of Fairbanks, was planned long before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but was driven in part by Russia’s aggressive moves in recent years to militarize the Arctic — a part of the world where the United States and Russia share a lengthy maritime boundary. Tensions have been growing in the region for years, as nations stake claims to shipping routes and energy reserves that are opening up as a result of climate change. Now, with the geopolitical order shifting after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the competition over sovereignty and resources in the Arctic could intensify. On the west coast of Alaska, the federal government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to expand the port at Nome, which could transform into a deepwater hub servicing Coast Guard and Navy vessels navigating into the Arctic Circle. The Coast Guard expects to deploy three new icebreakers — although Russia already has more than 50 in operation. And while the United States has denounced Russia’s aggressive military expansion in the Arctic, the Pentagon has its own plans to increase its presence and capabilities, working to rebuild cold-weather skills neglected during two decades of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Air Force has transferred dozens of F-35 fighter jets to Alaska, announcing that the state will host “more advanced fighters than any other location in the world.” The Army last year released its first strategic plan for “Regaining Arctic Dominance.” The Navy, which this month conducted exercises above and below the sea ice inside the Arctic Circle, also has developed a plan for protecting U.S. interests in the region, warning that weakness there would mean that “peace and prosperity will be increasingly challenged by Russia and China, whose interests and values differ dramatically from ours.” The preparations are costly in both resources and personnel. While Iannone’s company was able to finish setting up tents before midnight and survived the night without incident, other companies did not fare so well: Eight soldiers suffered cold-weather injuries, and four soldiers were taken to a hospital after a fire inside a personnel carrier. Meanwhile, at another recent cold-weather exercise, in Norway, four U.S. Marines died when their aircraft crashed. Russia, whose eastern mainland lies just 55 miles across the Bering Strait from the coast of Alaska, for years has prioritized an expanded Arctic presence by refurbishing airfields, adding bases, training troops and developing a network of military defense systems on the northern frontier. With a warming climate shrinking sea ice in the region, valuable fish stocks are moving northward, while rare minerals and the Arctic’s substantial reserves of fossil fuels are becoming a growing target for exploration. Boat traffic is poised to increase from both trade and tourism. Two years ago, Moscow brought its own war games barreling through the Bering Sea, with Russian commanders testing weapons and demanding that American fishing boats operating in U.S. fishing waters get out of the way — an order the U.S. Coast Guard advised them to comply with. Russia has repeatedly sent military aircraft to the edge of U.S. airspace, leading U.S. jets to scramble to intercept them and warn them away. This month, in response to escalating international sanctions against Russia, a member of the Russian parliament demanded that Alaska, purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867, be returned to Russian control — a possibly rhetorical gesture that nonetheless reflected the deteriorating relationship between the two world powers. For centuries, the vast waters of the offshore Arctic were largely a no man’s land locked in by ice whose exact territorial boundaries — claimed by the United States, Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark and Iceland — remained unsettled. But as melting sea ice has opened new shipping pathways and as nations have eyed the vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves below the Arctic sea floor, the complicated treaties, claims and boundary zones that govern the region have been opened to fresh disputes. Canada and the United States have never reached agreement on the status of the Northwest Passage between the North Atlantic and the Beaufort Sea. China, too, has been working to establish a foothold, declaring itself a “near-Arctic state” and partnering with Russia to promote “sustainable” development and expanded use of Arctic trade routes. Russia has made it clear it intends to control the Northern Sea Route off its northern shore, a route that significantly shortens the shipping distance between China and northern Europe. U.S. officials have complained that Russia is illegally demanding that other nations seek permission to pass and threatening to use military force to sink vessels that do not comply. “We are stuck with a pretty tense situation there,” said Troy Bouffard, director of the Center of Arctic Security and Resilience at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. “Either we acquiesce to Russia, to their extreme control of surface waters, or we elevate or escalate the issue.” The focus in recent years had been to expand diplomatic channels, collaborating on a range of regional challenges through the Arctic Council. That work was put on pause, however, after Russia invaded Ukraine. In Nome, which hopes to position itself as a maritime gateway to the Far North, there has long been evidence that a new era for the Arctic was arriving. Mayor John Handeland said winter sea ice that once persisted until mid-June may now be gone by early May and does not reappear before Thanksgiving. A record 12 cruise ships docked in Nome’s existing port in 2019. That number was poised to double this year, although some cruises that had expected to sail along Russia’s northern coast have canceled plans. For Handeland, the time is right to strengthen U.S. capabilities. “As things escalate, I think the need for expansion of our military is now,” Handeland said. “I think we kind of had a period of time where we thought everything was cool, that we can let our guard down, so to speak. And now we’re seeing that that maybe was not a wise idea.” But there are multiple local constituencies to navigate as development moves farther into the Arctic. Alaska Natives are wary about effects to the region’s fragile environment, on which many depend for hunting and fishing, said Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives. “I think that our people realize that our military needs to protect our country and our military does need to invest in a presence in the Arctic,” Kitka said. “But it has got to be done smart.” Dan Sullivan, Alaska’s junior Republican U.S. senator, said that while there may be little threat of a Russian invasion of Alaska, there is concern about Russia’s military buildup in the region. “Ukraine just demonstrates even more, what matters to these guys is presence and power,” Sullivan said. “And when you start to build ports, when you start to bring up icebreakers, when you start to bring up Navy shipping, when you have over 100 fifth-gen fighters in the Arctic in Alaska, we’re starting to now talk Putin’s language.” Alaska is already one of the nation’s most militarized states, with more than 20,000 active-duty personnel assigned to places such as Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright in the Fairbanks area, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, and Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. The Army’s large training exercise — the first Combat Training Center rotation to be held in Alaska — took place around Fort Greely, about 100 miles southeast of Fairbanks. Alaska is also home to critical parts of the nation’s missile-defense system. Bouffard said the fracture in relations caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could open the door to a variety of future problems that can only be guessed at right now. While there is no imminent conflict in the Arctic, there could well be friction over how Russia manages offshore waters or disputes over undersea exploration. The United States also needs to be prepared to aid northern European allies that share an uncertain future with Russia in Arctic waterways, he said. That will mean being prepared for a range of potential problems. In a separate Alaska military exercise in recent weeks, teams from the Marines and Army practiced cold-weather strategies for containing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination. At the large Army war games exercise near Fort Greely, the soldiers rehearsed a scenario in which paratroopers seized control of an airfield and established operations to hold the new territory. An opposing force then mobilized to try to reclaim the area. Portable heating elements were used to keep engines running, along with lubricants that work in subzero temperatures. Some soldiers used skis and snowshoes to get around, as well as snowmobiles and small-unit support vehicles light enough to traverse deep snow. For many of the soldiers under Iannone’s command, defending the airfield meant establishing positions in remote areas with more rudimentary means. One heavy weapons group chopped down trees by hand and used a sled to pull a bulky Improved Target Acquisition System to a vantage point from which the soldiers could scan miles of landscape below. They erected a tent with a small stove heater, shielded with a wall of snow on all sides. They rotated in hourly shifts outside the tents — every half-hour at night — in order to keep warm. Even then, 21-year-old Spc. Owen Prescott said he had struggled with the bite of nighttime cold and was figuring out the appropriate layers to wear to stay warm as temperatures neared minus 20. As he spooned some steaming food from a freeze-dried Army ration, he said he and his colleagues were focusing much of their attention on making sure they did not become a cold-weather casualty before engaging on their hypothetical combat mission. “It’s just dealing with the cold, sustaining in the cold,” said Prescott, who is from Southern California. “I’m used to wearing shorts and flip-flops my entire life.”

With eyes on Russia, US military prepares for an Arctic future

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased the strategic burden on China, according to a senior Pentagon official, because Russian troops have been on the offensive in Ukraine for the better part of the month-long war. 
 
"I do think that there`s a degree to which what Putin has done in Ukraine makes Russia much more of a strategic burden for Beijing than it was six weeks ago or six months ago," Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said. 
 
China's government has swung toward Russia, voicing support for Moscow's complaints about Nato expansion while hesitating to label its activities as an invasion.

However, while Beijing's censors are working hard to keep any criticism of that viewpoint out of the public eye, the disagreement has sparked passionate debate among Chinese policy specialists and the general public.

Analysts say the argument demonstrates the tensions created by a confrontation between Chinese diplomatic values and alignment with Russia, as Beijing tries to assess how the war would effect its interests.&nbsp; 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-using-phosphorus-bombs-to-kill-civilians-465207">Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs to kill civilians</a>

Following standoffs over Ukraine and Taiwan, China and Russia declared a "no limits" alliance in February, promising to work together more against the West. 
 
According to a senior US defence official, Ukrainian army pushed Russian forces positioned outside the capital city of Kyiv for weeks as far as 15 miles further back in a massive counteroffensive on Wednesday. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149" hreflang="en">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a> 
 
To provide a battlefield update, the official spoke on the condition of anonymity. 
 
Russian forces have advanced nearly 40 kilometres from the capital. 
 
Watch | Ukrainian Female Footballers have found a new training ground

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(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased the strategic burden on China, according to a senior Pentagon official, because Russian troops have been on the offensive in Ukraine for the better part of the month-long war.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased the strategic burden on China, according to a senior Pentagon official, because Russian troops have been on the offensive in Ukraine for the better part of the month-long war. "I do think that there`s a degree to which what Putin has done in Ukraine makes Russia much more of a strategic burden for Beijing than it was six weeks ago or six months ago," Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said. China's government has swung toward Russia, voicing support for Moscow's complaints about Nato expansion while hesitating to label its activities as an invasion. However, while Beijing's censors are working hard to keep any criticism of that viewpoint out of the public eye, the disagreement has sparked passionate debate among Chinese policy specialists and the general public. Analysts say the argument demonstrates the tensions created by a confrontation between Chinese diplomatic values and alignment with Russia, as Beijing tries to assess how the war would effect its interests. Also Read: Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs to kill civilians Following standoffs over Ukraine and Taiwan, China and Russia declared a "no limits" alliance in February, promising to work together more against the West. According to a senior US defence official, Ukrainian army pushed Russian forces positioned outside the capital city of Kyiv for weeks as far as 15 miles further back in a massive counteroffensive on Wednesday. Also Read: One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? To provide a battlefield update, the official spoke on the condition of anonymity. Russian forces have advanced nearly 40 kilometres from the capital. Watch | Ukrainian Female Footballers have found a new training ground (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon says Russia more of a burden to China after Ukraine invasion

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. A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday (March 23) claimed that the Ukrainian forces have pushed back Russian forces on the frontlines east of Kyiv. The official further told that the Russian army started to establish defensive positions on several fronts in the country as it has retreated more than 30 kilometres east of Kyiv in the past 24 hours. "The Ukrainians have managed to push the Russians back 55 kilometres east and northeast of Kyiv. That is a change from yesterday, the senior official, who requested anonymity, told reporters. ALSO READ | Ukraine uses facial recognition to identify dead Russian soldiers and tell families Pentagon on Tuesday (March 22) had estimated that Russian forces were around 20 kilometres from the centre of the capital. As per the official, to the northwest, "they're [Russian forces] basically digging in and they are establishing defensive positions. So it's not that they're not advancing. They're actually not trying to advance right now." Meanwhile, CNN reported quoting the official that Russian forces are becoming more active in the eastern part of Ukraine in the Donbas area. The report quoted the official as saying that Russian forces have "applied a lot more energy" in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, the two areas the Kremlin declared as independent republics ahead of last month's invasion. ALSO READ | Zelensky to address Swedish and Danish parliaments in coming days "We're starting to see them sort of dig in around Kyiv, but really trying to go more on the offence than they have been, more energy apply to that eastern part," the official said. "So that's a little bit of a change from what we've been talking about before," the official added. The claims were made a day after Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the Ukrainians are "in places and at times going on an offensive." He added they are "going after Russians and pushing them out of places." WATCH | Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike? ×

Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine

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.

The Pentagon claimed on Monday that Russia was boosting air and sea military operations in Ukraine as it struggles to turn the tide of war in Ukraine, where the "dexterity" of the defence mounted by Kyiv is stalling the invasion.

A senior US official claimed that the Kremllin was "desperate" to increase its momentum in a war in which its troops have grown "frustrated and flummoxed" by a resistance that has shown durability despite being outmanned and outgunned, AFP reported.

President Vladimir Putin's forces have ramped up their sorties over and near Ukraine, flying more than 300 missions in the past 24 hours, with Kyiv likewise increasing their own air operations in a bid to deny Russia superiority in the skies, the official told reporters.

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&nbsp;

Few of the operations are dogfights, as Russia's military tends to fire air-to-ground missiles at Ukrainian targets from Russian or Belarusian skies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-breakthrough-yet-at-russian-ukraine-peace-talks-says-kremlin-464321">No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin</a>

"They're not venturing very far or for very long into Ukrainian airspace, because the Ukrainians have been defending their airspace with great dexterity," the official was quoted by AFP as saying, on condition of anonymity.

The official said that Russia is exhibiting 'increasing naval activity' in northern Black Sea. Russia is using multiple warships that are contributing shelling around port city of Odessa.

"What we're seeing is a near desperate attempt by the Russians to gain some momentum and try to turn the course of this in their favour," the defence official said, noting that on day 26 of the offensive, Russian forces remain pinned down 15 kilometres (nine miles) northwest and 30 km east of Kyiv.

At the weekend Moscow claimed it had fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, but the Pentagon on Monday would not confirm or refute that the next-generation weaponry had been used.

The senior defence official did offer that from a military point of view using a hypersonic missile to hit a stationary target made little sense.

"It could be that they're trying to send a message to the West but also to Ukraine, and trying to gain leverage at the negotiating table," he added.

Russia also has been experiencing "a not insignificant number of failures" of its precision-guided munitions, the official said.&nbsp;

But the military's available combat power remains at roughly 90 percent, he added.

Ukraine's combat power is at a similar level in part because of contributions from Washington and other western powers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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. The Pentagon claimed on Monday that Russia was boosting air and sea military operations in Ukraine as it struggles to turn the tide of war in Ukraine, where the "dexterity" of the defence mounted by Kyiv is stalling the invasion. A senior US official claimed that the Kremllin was "desperate" to increase its momentum in a war in which its troops have grown "frustrated and flummoxed" by a resistance that has shown durability despite being outmanned and outgunned, AFP reported. President Vladimir Putin's forces have ramped up their sorties over and near Ukraine, flying more than 300 missions in the past 24 hours, with Kyiv likewise increasing their own air operations in a bid to deny Russia superiority in the skies, the official told reporters. × Few of the operations are dogfights, as Russia's military tends to fire air-to-ground missiles at Ukrainian targets from Russian or Belarusian skies. Also Read | No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin "They're not venturing very far or for very long into Ukrainian airspace, because the Ukrainians have been defending their airspace with great dexterity," the official was quoted by AFP as saying, on condition of anonymity. The official said that Russia is exhibiting 'increasing naval activity' in northern Black Sea. Russia is using multiple warships that are contributing shelling around port city of Odessa. "What we're seeing is a near desperate attempt by the Russians to gain some momentum and try to turn the course of this in their favour," the defence official said, noting that on day 26 of the offensive, Russian forces remain pinned down 15 kilometres (nine miles) northwest and 30 km east of Kyiv. At the weekend Moscow claimed it had fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, but the Pentagon on Monday would not confirm or refute that the next-generation weaponry had been used. The senior defence official did offer that from a military point of view using a hypersonic missile to hit a stationary target made little sense. "It could be that they're trying to send a message to the West but also to Ukraine, and trying to gain leverage at the negotiating table," he added. Russia also has been experiencing "a not insignificant number of failures" of its precision-guided munitions, the official said. But the military's available combat power remains at roughly 90 percent, he added. Ukraine's combat power is at a similar level in part because of contributions from Washington and other western powers. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon 

The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to NATO, despite Russia's continued destabilisation of eastern Europe.

While US forces will not be fighting in Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the US will remain committed to its NATO allies.

On ABC News on Sunday, Kirby said, "An armed attack against one is considered an armed attack against all."

"We've made it very clear to Russia that NATO territory will be guarded by our friends, not only the US."

The remarks come after Russian soldiers stormed a military post in western Ukraine near the Polish border on Sunday, killing at least 35 people and destroying the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC) in Yavoriv. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-journalist-shot-dead-in-ukraine-another-wounded-461933">Also read | US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report</a>

Yavoriv is around 15 miles from the border with Poland, which has been a NATO member since 1999.&nbsp;

Last Tuesday, the United States delivered two Patriot missile defence batteries to Poland.

On the same day, the US Department of Defense turned down a Polish offer to send fighter jets to a US airbase in Germany, where they could be transported to Ukraine to battle Russian soldiers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-can-plan-chemical-weapons-operations-behind-lies-about-biological-weapons-laboratories-nato-461865">Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO</a>

On Tuesday, Kirby tweeted that it was up to Polish officials to decide whether or not to send their own planes to Ukraine. 
 
Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

In late February, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki issued a similar warning, saying: "Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, as well as Poland, could be next in line tomorrow...Putin's war on Ukraine is also a battle for the soul of West."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to NATO, despite Russia's continued destabilisation of eastern Europe. While US forces will not be fighting in Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the US will remain committed to its NATO allies.

The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to NATO, despite Russia's continued destabilisation of eastern Europe. While US forces will not be fighting in Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the US will remain committed to its NATO allies. On ABC News on Sunday, Kirby said, "An armed attack against one is considered an armed attack against all." "We've made it very clear to Russia that NATO territory will be guarded by our friends, not only the US." The remarks come after Russian soldiers stormed a military post in western Ukraine near the Polish border on Sunday, killing at least 35 people and destroying the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC) in Yavoriv. Also read | US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report Yavoriv is around 15 miles from the border with Poland, which has been a NATO member since 1999. Last Tuesday, the United States delivered two Patriot missile defence batteries to Poland. On the same day, the US Department of Defense turned down a Polish offer to send fighter jets to a US airbase in Germany, where they could be transported to Ukraine to battle Russian soldiers. Also Read | Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO On Tuesday, Kirby tweeted that it was up to Polish officials to decide whether or not to send their own planes to Ukraine. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? In late February, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki issued a similar warning, saying: "Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, as well as Poland, could be next in line tomorrow...Putin's war on Ukraine is also a battle for the soul of West." (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland

Russia on Wednesday demanded an explanation from USA for supporting what it called was a military biological programme in Ukraine. The allegation of the military biological programme has been denied by Kyiv and Pentagon spokesperson has described the allegation as absurd.&nbsp;

"We confirm facts, unearthed as part of the special military operations, which testify to an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programmes," Zakharova told reporters.

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"We are not talking here about peaceful uses or scientific goals," Zakharova said. "What were you up to there?"

"These (programmes) were financed by the U.S. Department of Defence."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-china-accuses-nato-of-pushing-russia-to-breaking-point-460521">Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'</a>

In response to earlier Russian allegations about the purported military biological programme in Ukraine, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday: "This absurd Russian misinformation is patently false".

A Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said: "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation".

At her briefing, Zakharova said: "The US&nbsp;Defence Department and the presidential administration of the United States are obliged to officially explain to the global community, officially, not through talking heads, about the programmes in Ukraine.

"We demand details," she said. "We demand and the world awaits."

(With inputs from agencies)

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;

Russia on Wednesday demanded an explanation from USA for supporting what it called was a military biological programme in Ukraine. The allegation of the military biological programme has been denied by Kyiv and Pentagon spokesperson has described the allegation as absurd.

Russia on Wednesday demanded an explanation from USA for supporting what it called was a military biological programme in Ukraine. The allegation of the military biological programme has been denied by Kyiv and Pentagon spokesperson has described the allegation as absurd. "We confirm facts, unearthed as part of the special military operations, which testify to an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programmes," Zakharova told reporters. × "We are not talking here about peaceful uses or scientific goals," Zakharova said. "What were you up to there?" "These (programmes) were financed by the U.S. Department of Defence." Also Read | Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point' In response to earlier Russian allegations about the purported military biological programme in Ukraine, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday: "This absurd Russian misinformation is patently false". A Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said: "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation". At her briefing, Zakharova said: "The US Defence Department and the presidential administration of the United States are obliged to officially explain to the global community, officially, not through talking heads, about the programmes in Ukraine. "We demand details," she said. "We demand and the world awaits." (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Russia demands explanation from US for 'biological programme' in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy during Ukraine's invasion has stumped US defence experts.

In war, winning quick control of airspace is crucial. Russia’s failure to do so in Ukraine, despite its vast military strength, has been a surprise and may help explain how Ukraine has so far prevented a rout.

The standoff in the sky is among the Russian battle shortcomings, including logistical breakdowns, that have thrown Moscow off stride in its invasion.

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Typically, an invading force would seek at the outset to destroy or at least paralyse the target country’s air and missile defences because dominance of the skies allows ground forces to operate more effectively and with fewer losses.&nbsp;

US military officials had assumed that Russia would use its electronic warfare and cyber capabilities to blind and paralyse Ukraine’s air defences and military communications.

That would have been "the logical and widely anticipated next step, as seen in almost every military conflict since 1938," wrote the RUSI think-tank in London, in an article called "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Russian Air Force."

But the first two weeks have confounded those expectations and instead seen Moscow act far more delicately with its air power, so much so that US officials can't exactly explain what's driving Russia's apparent risk-averse behavior.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254" hreflang="en">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Vastly outmatched by Russia's military, in terms of raw numbers and firepower, Ukraine's own air force is still flying and its air defenses are still deemed to be viable,&nbsp;a fact that is baffling military experts.

"They're not necessarily willing to take high risks with their own aircraft and their own pilots," a senior US defence official said

A possible explanation for Russia’s failure to do so is that President Vladimir Putin built his war strategy on an assumption that Ukrainian defenses would easily fold, allowing Russian forces to quickly capture Kyiv, the capital, and crush Ukrainian forces in the east and south without having to achieve air superiority.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-attacks-ukraine-kalibr-cruise-missiles-tested-in-syrian-battlefield-459267" hreflang="en">Russia attacks Ukraine: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield</a>

“We think that they’re a few days behind where they expected to be” at this stage, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said.

“It’s clear, yes, the Russians have had their own challenges and they have met resistance we don’t believe they fully expected.”

Ukrainian air force fighter jets are still carrying out low-level, defensive counter-air and ground-attack sorties. Russia is still flying through contested airspace.

Ukrainian troops with surface-to-air rockets are able to threaten Russian aircraft and create risk to Russian pilots trying to support ground forces.

"There's a lot of stuff they're doing that's perplexing," said Rob Lee, a Russian military specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

He thought the beginning of the war would be "maximum use of force."

"Because every day it goes on there's a cost and the risk goes up. And they're not doing that and it just is really hard to explain for any realistic reason."

“There are two basic ways you can describe the slowness of the Russian advance in Ukraine,” said Loren Thompson, a defence analyst at the Lexington Institute, a Washington think tank.

“One explanation is deliberate restraint. The other explanation is poor execution. We don’t know enough to identify which is the more plausible explanation, but it’s important to recognise the Russians have all sorts of options they have not yet brought to bear,” including heavier use of cyberattacks against the Ukrainian command and control system and air defences.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854">What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a>

In its latest assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said Moscow has likely recognised that its initial approach failed and is moving additional combat power toward Ukraine.

“The tide of the war could change rapidly in Russia’s favour if the Russian military has correctly identified its failings and addresses them promptly, given the overwhelming advantage in net combat power that Moscow enjoys,” it said.

The confusion over how Russia has used its air force comes as President Joe Biden's administration rejects calls by Kyiv for a no-fly zone that could draw the United States directly into a conflict with Russia, whose plans for its air force are unclear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-parents-of-indian-student-reveal-that-missiles-are-falling-near-hostels-459279" hreflang="en">Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels</a>

Military experts have seen evidence of a lack of Russian air force coordination with ground troop formations, with multiple Russian columns of troops sent forward beyond the reach of their own air defense cover.

That leaves Russian soldiers vulnerable to attack from Ukrainian forces, including those newly equipped with Turkish drones and US&nbsp;and British anti-tank missiles. David Deptula, a retired US&nbsp;Air Force three-star general who once commanded the no-fly zone over northern Iraq, said he was surprised that Russia didn't work harder to establish air dominance from the start.

"The Russians are discovering that coordinating multi-domain operations is not easy," Deptula said. "And that they are not as good as they presumed they were."

While the Russians have been under-performing, Ukraine's military has been exceeding expectations so far.

Ukraine's experience from the last eight years of fighting with Russian-backed separatist forces in the east was dominated by static World War One-style trench warfare.

By contrast Russia's forces got combat experience in Syria, where they intervened on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, and demonstrated some ability to synchronize ground maneuvers with air and drone attacks.

Ukraine's ability to keep flying air force jets is a visible demonstration of the country's resilience in the face of attack and has been a morale booster, both to its own military and Ukraine's people, experts say.

It has also led to mythologising of the Ukrainian air force, including a tale about a Ukrainian jet fighter that purportedly single-handedly downed six Russian aircrafts, dubbed online as "The Ghost of Kyiv."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy during Ukraine's invasion has stumped US defence experts. In war, winning quick control of airspace is crucial. Russia’s failure to do so in Ukraine, despite its vast military strength, has been a surprise and may help explain how Ukraine has so far prevented a rout.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy during Ukraine's invasion has stumped US defence experts. In war, winning quick control of airspace is crucial. Russia’s failure to do so in Ukraine, despite its vast military strength, has been a surprise and may help explain how Ukraine has so far prevented a rout. The standoff in the sky is among the Russian battle shortcomings, including logistical breakdowns, that have thrown Moscow off stride in its invasion. Typically, an invading force would seek at the outset to destroy or at least paralyse the target country’s air and missile defences because dominance of the skies allows ground forces to operate more effectively and with fewer losses. US military officials had assumed that Russia would use its electronic warfare and cyber capabilities to blind and paralyse Ukraine’s air defences and military communications. That would have been "the logical and widely anticipated next step, as seen in almost every military conflict since 1938," wrote the RUSI think-tank in London, in an article called "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Russian Air Force." But the first two weeks have confounded those expectations and instead seen Moscow act far more delicately with its air power, so much so that US officials can't exactly explain what's driving Russia's apparent risk-averse behavior. Also see | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Vastly outmatched by Russia's military, in terms of raw numbers and firepower, Ukraine's own air force is still flying and its air defenses are still deemed to be viable, a fact that is baffling military experts. "They're not necessarily willing to take high risks with their own aircraft and their own pilots," a senior US defence official said A possible explanation for Russia’s failure to do so is that President Vladimir Putin built his war strategy on an assumption that Ukrainian defenses would easily fold, allowing Russian forces to quickly capture Kyiv, the capital, and crush Ukrainian forces in the east and south without having to achieve air superiority. Also see | Russia attacks Ukraine: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield “We think that they’re a few days behind where they expected to be” at this stage, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said. “It’s clear, yes, the Russians have had their own challenges and they have met resistance we don’t believe they fully expected.” Ukrainian air force fighter jets are still carrying out low-level, defensive counter-air and ground-attack sorties. Russia is still flying through contested airspace. Ukrainian troops with surface-to-air rockets are able to threaten Russian aircraft and create risk to Russian pilots trying to support ground forces. "There's a lot of stuff they're doing that's perplexing," said Rob Lee, a Russian military specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He thought the beginning of the war would be "maximum use of force." "Because every day it goes on there's a cost and the risk goes up. And they're not doing that and it just is really hard to explain for any realistic reason." “There are two basic ways you can describe the slowness of the Russian advance in Ukraine,” said Loren Thompson, a defence analyst at the Lexington Institute, a Washington think tank. “One explanation is deliberate restraint. The other explanation is poor execution. We don’t know enough to identify which is the more plausible explanation, but it’s important to recognise the Russians have all sorts of options they have not yet brought to bear,” including heavier use of cyberattacks against the Ukrainian command and control system and air defences. Also see | What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? In its latest assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said Moscow has likely recognised that its initial approach failed and is moving additional combat power toward Ukraine. “The tide of the war could change rapidly in Russia’s favour if the Russian military has correctly identified its failings and addresses them promptly, given the overwhelming advantage in net combat power that Moscow enjoys,” it said. The confusion over how Russia has used its air force comes as President Joe Biden's administration rejects calls by Kyiv for a no-fly zone that could draw the United States directly into a conflict with Russia, whose plans for its air force are unclear. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels Military experts have seen evidence of a lack of Russian air force coordination with ground troop formations, with multiple Russian columns of troops sent forward beyond the reach of their own air defense cover. That leaves Russian soldiers vulnerable to attack from Ukrainian forces, including those newly equipped with Turkish drones and US and British anti-tank missiles. David Deptula, a retired US Air Force three-star general who once commanded the no-fly zone over northern Iraq, said he was surprised that Russia didn't work harder to establish air dominance from the start. "The Russians are discovering that coordinating multi-domain operations is not easy," Deptula said. "And that they are not as good as they presumed they were." While the Russians have been under-performing, Ukraine's military has been exceeding expectations so far. Ukraine's experience from the last eight years of fighting with Russian-backed separatist forces in the east was dominated by static World War One-style trench warfare. By contrast Russia's forces got combat experience in Syria, where they intervened on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, and demonstrated some ability to synchronize ground maneuvers with air and drone attacks. Ukraine's ability to keep flying air force jets is a visible demonstration of the country's resilience in the face of attack and has been a morale booster, both to its own military and Ukraine's people, experts say. It has also led to mythologising of the Ukrainian air force, including a tale about a Ukrainian jet fighter that purportedly single-handedly downed six Russian aircrafts, dubbed online as "The Ghost of Kyiv." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts

The Pentagon has claimed that an attack on Ukraine may happen today, but there is still time for diplomacy.

This development occurs at a time when world leaders are renewing diplomatic efforts in the hopes of averting a Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

According to the White House, President Joe Biden has agreed to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in principle if he refrains from attacking his neighbour, which US officials believe is becoming increasingly likely.&nbsp;

When the military drills in Belarus, which is located on Ukraine's northern border, were set to end on Sunday, Russian forces were scheduled to return home.

However, Moscow and Minsk have announced that Russian forces will remain in the country permanently.

The Russian forces' prolonged presence in Belarus has generated fears that they will be dispatched to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, a metropolis of 3 million people less than three hours' drive from the Belarus border.&nbsp;

According to US sources, more than 150,000 Russian troops are massed near Ukraine's borders.

Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's and the Kremlin's claims that some troops have started to evacuate, Biden informed reporters that more Russian military have moved in, contradicting Moscow's claims.&nbsp;

It's still unclear whether Putin intends to strike his former Soviet neighbour.

Russia has denied any invasion intentions and reaffirmed its insistence that the US and NATO refuse to admit Ukraine to the armed alliance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon has claimed that an attack on Ukraine may happen today, but there is still time for diplomacy. This development occurs at a time when world leaders are renewing diplomatic efforts in the hopes of averting a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Pentagon has claimed that an attack on Ukraine may happen today, but there is still time for diplomacy. This development occurs at a time when world leaders are renewing diplomatic efforts in the hopes of averting a Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the White House, President Joe Biden has agreed to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in principle if he refrains from attacking his neighbour, which US officials believe is becoming increasingly likely. When the military drills in Belarus, which is located on Ukraine's northern border, were set to end on Sunday, Russian forces were scheduled to return home. However, Moscow and Minsk have announced that Russian forces will remain in the country permanently. The Russian forces' prolonged presence in Belarus has generated fears that they will be dispatched to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, a metropolis of 3 million people less than three hours' drive from the Belarus border. According to US sources, more than 150,000 Russian troops are massed near Ukraine's borders. Despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's and the Kremlin's claims that some troops have started to evacuate, Biden informed reporters that more Russian military have moved in, contradicting Moscow's claims. It's still unclear whether Putin intends to strike his former Soviet neighbour. Russia has denied any invasion intentions and reaffirmed its insistence that the US and NATO refuse to admit Ukraine to the armed alliance. (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon says attack on Ukraine could happen today, but there is still time for diplomacy

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