North Korea on Wednesday recognised two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent. The move has irked Kyiv as it has severed ties with Pyongyang.

North Korea recognises two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (July 11) expanded fast-track route to Russian citizenship and made it available for all Ukrainians. Putin signed a decree to this effect. Till recently, only residents of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk&nbsp;regions and residents of southern Zaporizhzhia and the Kherson regions were eligible for the fast-track route. Now, Putin's decree has made the mechanism available to all Ukrainians. There was no immediate reaction from Ukrainian officials on this development.</p>

<p>Between 2019, when the procedure was first introduced for the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk, and this year, more than 720,000 residents of the rebel-held areas in the two regions "about 18% of the population" have received Russian passports.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian rockets destroy school and children's health centre in Kharkiv</strong></p>

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<p>In the month of May, this fast-track route was&nbsp;also offered to residents of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. First Russian passports were reportedly handed out in these regions a month ago.</p>

<p>The move from Putin has come even as Russian shelling killed at least three and injured 31 others in shelling on Ukraine's second-largest city. Hours earlier, Russian troops launched three missile strikes on Kharkiv which the official described as "absolute terrorism".</p>

<p>Oleh Syniehubov, regional governor of Kharkiv, said on Telegram that shelling came from multiple rocket launchers. He added that those hospitalised include children aged 4 and 16.</p>

<p>"Only civilian structures a shopping centre and houses of peaceful Kharkiv residents came under the fire of the Russians. Several shells hit the yards of private houses. Garages and cars were also destroyed, several fires broke out," Syniehubov wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/34-airstrikes-in-the-past-24-hours-zelensky-says-there-is-no-pause-in-russian-attacks-496227">Russia-Ukraine war: '34 airstrikes in past 24 hours', Zelensky says there is no 'pause' in Moscow's attacks</a></strong></p>

<p>He said earlier that one of the missiles Russian forces launched on Kharkiv during the night destroyed school another hit a residential building, while the third landed near warehouse facilities.</p>

<p>"All (three were launched) exclusively on civilian objects, this is absolute terrorism!" Syniehubov said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (July 11) expanded fast-track route to Russian citizenship and made it available for all Ukrainians. Putin signed a decree to this effect.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (July 11) expanded fast-track route to Russian citizenship and made it available for all Ukrainians. Putin signed a decree to this effect. Till recently, only residents of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions and residents of southern Zaporizhzhia and the Kherson regions were eligible for the fast-track route. Now, Putin's decree has made the mechanism available to all Ukrainians. There was no immediate reaction from Ukrainian officials on this development. Between 2019, when the procedure was first introduced for the residents of Donetsk and Luhansk, and this year, more than 720,000 residents of the rebel-held areas in the two regions "about 18% of the population" have received Russian passports. Watch | Russian rockets destroy school and children's health centre in Kharkiv × In the month of May, this fast-track route was also offered to residents of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. First Russian passports were reportedly handed out in these regions a month ago. The move from Putin has come even as Russian shelling killed at least three and injured 31 others in shelling on Ukraine's second-largest city. Hours earlier, Russian troops launched three missile strikes on Kharkiv which the official described as "absolute terrorism". Oleh Syniehubov, regional governor of Kharkiv, said on Telegram that shelling came from multiple rocket launchers. He added that those hospitalised include children aged 4 and 16. "Only civilian structures a shopping centre and houses of peaceful Kharkiv residents came under the fire of the Russians. Several shells hit the yards of private houses. Garages and cars were also destroyed, several fires broke out," Syniehubov wrote. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: '34 airstrikes in past 24 hours', Zelensky says there is no 'pause' in Moscow's attacks He said earlier that one of the missiles Russian forces launched on Kharkiv during the night destroyed school another hit a residential building, while the third landed near warehouse facilities. "All (three were launched) exclusively on civilian objects, this is absolute terrorism!" Syniehubov said. (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 ×

Putin signs decree giving all Ukrainians path to Russian citizenship

<p>The Kremlin on Tuesday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Tehran on July 19 with Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders will attend a Syria summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The president's visit to Tehran is being planned for July 19," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He said the trio would meet for peace talks on Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three countries have been holding talks on Syria under the so-called "Astana peace process" to end a more than 11 years on conflict in the country. Visit to Tehran will be Vladimir Putin's second visit abroad since the start of Ukraine conflict. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Putin visited Tajikistan in late June.</p>

<p>The Kremlin said Putin will also hold separate talks with Erdogan in Tehran, without providing more details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Turkish leader has been offering to meet Putin for months, as Ankara tries to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. &nbsp;</p>

<p>News of Putin's Iran visit has come just when United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has agreed to to extend a vital system for cross-border aid to war-ravaged Syria by six months.</p>

<p>"Russia forced the hand of everyone. Either close the mechanism or only six months. We cannot let people die," one ambassador told AFP on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>The aid delivery mechanism across Turkey's border into rebel-held Syria at the Bab al-Hawa crossing is the only way United Nations assistance can reach civilians without navigating areas controlled by Syrian government forces.</p>

<p>The system, in place since 2014, had expired on Sunday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Kremlin on Tuesday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Tehran on July 19 with Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Kremlin on Tuesday announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to Tehran on July 19 with Iran President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The leaders will attend a Syria summit. "The president's visit to Tehran is being planned for July 19," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He said the trio would meet for peace talks on Syria. The three countries have been holding talks on Syria under the so-called "Astana peace process" to end a more than 11 years on conflict in the country. Visit to Tehran will be Vladimir Putin's second visit abroad since the start of Ukraine conflict. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Putin visited Tajikistan in late June. The Kremlin said Putin will also hold separate talks with Erdogan in Tehran, without providing more details. The Turkish leader has been offering to meet Putin for months, as Ankara tries to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. News of Putin's Iran visit has come just when United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has agreed to to extend a vital system for cross-border aid to war-ravaged Syria by six months. "Russia forced the hand of everyone. Either close the mechanism or only six months. We cannot let people die," one ambassador told AFP on condition of anonymity. The aid delivery mechanism across Turkey's border into rebel-held Syria at the Bab al-Hawa crossing is the only way United Nations assistance can reach civilians without navigating areas controlled by Syrian government forces. The system, in place since 2014, had expired on Sunday. (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 ×

Putin to travel to Iran next week for Syria summit: Kremlin

In an unprecedented move, Ukraine President Zelensky sacked Ukraine's ambassadors to five countries including Germany and India. Zelensky has urged his diplomats to drum up international support & military aid for Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.

Ukraine President Zelensky sacks envoys to 5 nations including India & Germany

Russia has intensified its aggressive stance as it continues to pound Kharkiv with shelling and rockets. Now, Russian rockets destroyed a school and children's health centre in Kharkiv.

Russian rockets destroy school and children's health centre in Kharkiv

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine rages on. Scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, the Russian strike kills 15 in East Ukraine.

Russian strike kills 15 in East Ukraine as Russian rocket hits housing block

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine rages on. Scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, Zelensky calls for modern military aid as the assault in Eastern Ukraine intensifies.

Zelensky calls for modern military aid as assault in Eastern Ukraine intensifies

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on for months now and there is still no end to the Ukraine-Russia war in sight. Now, Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Dnipro.

No end to the Ukraine-Russia war in sight as Ukrainian President Zelensky visits Dnipro

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he is not rejecting peace negotiations. He added that the West wants to defeat him and Russia.

Possibility of peace talks: Putin says not rejecting peace negotiations

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions imposed on Russia, a gas crunch has gripped Europe. Meanwhile, Greece and Bulgaria have opened a new pipeline.

Worsening gas crunch grips Europe: Greece, Bulgaria open new pipeline

Russian Ukrainian War- Who is profiting? Who is providing the arms? Watch 'War and Weapons' on WION Wideangle

WION Wideangle | War and Weapons: Who is profiting?

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

Gravitas Global Headlines | Putin accuses West of a proxy war; Mexico inflation hits 21-year-high

The ongoing Ukraine-Russia war has topped the agenda at the G20 meeting as ministers discuss the war's ramifications. Russia staged a walkout twice during the meeting.

Ukraine war tops agenda at G20 meeting as ministers discuss war's ramifications

Amid the ongoing tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been daring the West to try and defeat it on the battlefield.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin dares West to fight on the battlefield

Russia has taken over the city of Lysychansk, the last territory which was under Ukraine's control in the eastern Luhansk region. The Ukrainian side has admitted that they were outnumbered in the eastern battlefront. Russia's defense minister has announced that they are in full control of Luhansk and President Putin has congratulated his troops for the liberation of Luhansk.

Putin celebrates 'Liberation of Luhansk'| Russia captures last holdout in Eastern Ukraine

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered Russian soldiers to press on deeper into Donbas after Russian victory in Lysychansk. The city was last major town in Luhansk region in Ukrainian hands. With fall of Lysychansk, Russia has control of Ukraine's Luhansk region. Putin's latest statement means that there will be no let-up in fighting in Ukraine's Donbas region.</p>

<p>"Military units, including the East group and the West group, must carry out their tasks according to previously approved plans," Putin said.</p>

<p>"I hope that everything will continue in their direction as has happened in Lugansk so far."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After getting repelled from Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Russia has concentrated its firepower on Donas region. Pro-Russian separatists in Donbas have for long enjoyed support from Russia.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian army said on Sunday it was retreating from Lysychansk to preserve the lives of its troops after finding itself outnumbered and outgunned by Russian forces there.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-cosmonauts-celebrate-fall-of-luhansk-in-space-494364">Russian cosmonauts celebrate fall of Luhansk in space</a></strong></p>

<p>But in a symbolic boost for Ukraine, the Ukrainian flag was raised on Snake Island, an rocky outcrop in the Black Sea, after Russia withdrew from the strategically important Ukrainian territory last week.</p>

<p>Moscow's capture of Lysychansk -- one week after the Ukrainian army also retreated from the neighbouring city of Severodonetsk -- frees up Russian forces to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in Donetsk.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered Russian soldiers to press on deeper into Donbas after Russian victory in Lysychansk. The city was last major town in Luhansk region in Ukrainian hands.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered Russian soldiers to press on deeper into Donbas after Russian victory in Lysychansk. The city was last major town in Luhansk region in Ukrainian hands. With fall of Lysychansk, Russia has control of Ukraine's Luhansk region. Putin's latest statement means that there will be no let-up in fighting in Ukraine's Donbas region. "Military units, including the East group and the West group, must carry out their tasks according to previously approved plans," Putin said. "I hope that everything will continue in their direction as has happened in Lugansk so far." Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After getting repelled from Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Russia has concentrated its firepower on Donas region. Pro-Russian separatists in Donbas have for long enjoyed support from Russia. The Ukrainian army said on Sunday it was retreating from Lysychansk to preserve the lives of its troops after finding itself outnumbered and outgunned by Russian forces there. Also Read | Russian cosmonauts celebrate fall of Luhansk in space But in a symbolic boost for Ukraine, the Ukrainian flag was raised on Snake Island, an rocky outcrop in the Black Sea, after Russia withdrew from the strategically important Ukrainian territory last week. Moscow's capture of Lysychansk -- one week after the Ukrainian army also retreated from the neighbouring city of Severodonetsk -- frees up Russian forces to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in Donetsk. (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 ×

Fight on, Vladimir Putin tells Russian troops after capture of Luhansk

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on. Scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, Residential buildings were shelled in Sumy.

Russia renews missile attacks in Kharkiv

Belarus President Lukashenko accused Kyiv of firing missiles on Belarus. He said that Belarus will fight if any of its territories are invaded. However, he denied sending troops to Ukraine.

Lukashenko accuses Kyiv of firing missiles at Belarus: 'Will fight if our territory invaded'

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West has imposed economic sanctions on various Russian firms but there are still no sanctions for Russian weapon giants. Why is the West lax on Russian weaponry sanctions?

Russian weapon firms escape punishment with no sanctions by the West

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has flagged a Russian cargo ship. Ukraine accused Kremlin of funding its war by exporting Ukrainian grain.

Ukraine flags Russian cargo ship: 'Kremlin funding its war by exporting Ukrainian grain'

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on. Scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, Ukraine says Russia used Phosphorus bombs.

Ukraine reels under Russian pounding amid an intense battle in Eastern Ukraine

Eurozone inflation triggered by the ongoing gas crunch has hit a record high of 8.6%. Meanwhile, Moscow has seized control of the Sakhalin gas project.

Vladimir Putin signs a new decree as Russia takes over the Sakhalin gas project

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Nuke tensions have heightened after Belarusian president asked Russia to be ready to use nukes. Is world heading to another cold war?

Fallout of the Russia-Ukraine war: Possible threat of a cold war looming large?

Russia's Vladimir Putin claims he has set no deadline to end the war in Ukraine. But are Western sanctions draining the Russian president's patience? What will the next phase of war look like? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin says no deadline to end Ukraine war

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Nuke tensions have heightened after Belarus asked Russia to deploy Nuclear weapons to counter the West. Meanwhile, the US is all set to send $820 million in aid to Ukraine.

Nuke tensions heighten amid Ukraine war as Belarus says Russia must ready Nuke weapons

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on. Scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, Ukraine President Zelensky calls out 'Russian terror' as he condemns strikes on Odessa.

Ukraine President Zelensky calls out 'Russian terror' as he condemns strikes on Odessa

The leaders of India and Russia have discussed global issues over a call. Indian PM Modi urged Russia's president Putin for dialogue and diplomacy.

Indian PM Modi discusses Ukraine with Putin | Discussion on energy & food markets

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow's special military operation in Ukraine is going according to plan and there is no deadline for ending it now.

Russia-Ukraine invasion | Putin assures 'Ukraine war going according to plan'

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladmir Putin on Friday (July 1) held a telephonic discussion about food security, energy and trade. The talks took place amid rising prices of food commodities globally. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the major reason behind the price rise.</p>

<p>In a statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,"They exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine are both major exporters of wheat, especially to developing countries. Conflict between them has caused wheat prices to shoot up.</p>

<p>Amid all this, India has exported 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to countries in need, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Yemen in last two months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Kremlin readout said that President Putin pointed at 'illegitimate sanctions' from the West that have made situation with respect to commodity and energy prices difficult. The readout said that Putin assured that Moscow is a 'reliable partner' for food, energy supply.</p>

<p>Both leaders also discussed "global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets", MEA said. India has emerged as a major country importing discounted Russian crude oil despite western sanctions. In a foreseeable future, the imports are set to increase even as US and Europe shun Russian energy, particularly crude oil.</p>

<p>This is the fourth telephonic talk between the two leaders. They spoke on February 24, and twice in the month of March (2nd and 7th). It is important to note that the telephonic discussion came days after PM's participation at the G7 outreach summit in Germany. The issue of Russia-Ukraine conflict naturally came up during the talks and the Indian side reiterated its call for 'dialogue and diplomacy.'</p>

<p>Russian President Putin visited India in December of last year as part of India-Russia annual summit-level talks. This year Indian PM is expected to visit Russia.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladmir Putin on Friday (July 1) held a telephonic discussion about food security, energy and trade. The talks took place amid rising prices of food commodities globally.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladmir Putin on Friday (July 1) held a telephonic discussion about food security, energy and trade. The talks took place amid rising prices of food commodities globally. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is the major reason behind the price rise. In a statement, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said,"They exchanged ideas on how bilateral trade in agricultural goods, fertilizers and pharma products could be encouraged further." Russia and Ukraine are both major exporters of wheat, especially to developing countries. Conflict between them has caused wheat prices to shoot up. Amid all this, India has exported 1.8 million tonnes of wheat to countries in need, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Yemen in last two months. A Kremlin readout said that President Putin pointed at 'illegitimate sanctions' from the West that have made situation with respect to commodity and energy prices difficult. The readout said that Putin assured that Moscow is a 'reliable partner' for food, energy supply. Both leaders also discussed "global issues, including the state of the international energy and food markets", MEA said. India has emerged as a major country importing discounted Russian crude oil despite western sanctions. In a foreseeable future, the imports are set to increase even as US and Europe shun Russian energy, particularly crude oil. This is the fourth telephonic talk between the two leaders. They spoke on February 24, and twice in the month of March (2nd and 7th). It is important to note that the telephonic discussion came days after PM's participation at the G7 outreach summit in Germany. The issue of Russia-Ukraine conflict naturally came up during the talks and the Indian side reiterated its call for 'dialogue and diplomacy.' Russian President Putin visited India in December of last year as part of India-Russia annual summit-level talks. This year Indian PM is expected to visit Russia. 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 ×

PM Modi, President Putin hold telephonic talks, discuss trade, energy, food security

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, perhaps in a devastating reply, has shot back at western leaders saying that these leaders, if shirtless, would make for a 'disgusting sight'. Putin's comments came after European and other western leaders appeared to poke fun at shirtless Putin who, in past, has been clicked riding horse and other 'macho' activities.</p>

<p>"I don’t know exactly how far they wanted to get undressed, above or below the waist. But I think, either way, it would be a disgusting sight," said Putin. He was speaking with reporters at a summit in Tajikistan.</p>

<p>Earlier, western leader poked fun at the Russian president at a G7 summit lunch in Germany. They joked whether they should go shirtless to project a manly image.</p>

<p>"Jackets on? Jackets off? Do we take our coats off?" British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked as he sat down at the table in Bavaria's picturesque Elmau Castle, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz was hosting the summit of seven powerful democracies.</p>

<p>The leader from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union pondered the dilemma.</p>

<p>Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, suggested they wait for the official picture before disrobing but then Boris Johnson quipped "We have to show that we're tougher than Putin" and the joke kept rolling.</p>

<p>"We're going to get the bare-chested horseback riding display," Trudeau said.</p>

<p>"Horseback riding is the best," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, without apparently weighing in on the clothing issue itself.</p>

<p>Boris Johnson interjected: "We've got to show them our pecs."</p>

<p>In a photo-op in 2009, a shirtless Putin was clicked riding a horse. Putin, a former KGB agent and a black belt in martial arts, is a fitness fanatic. His fit physique on the horseback had become topic of discussion everywhere. The Russian state machinery has been projecting him as a macho, 'manly' leader who was in charge of Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, perhaps in a devastating reply, has shot back at western leaders saying that these leaders, if shirtless, would make for a 'disgusting sight'.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, perhaps in a devastating reply, has shot back at western leaders saying that these leaders, if shirtless, would make for a 'disgusting sight'. Putin's comments came after European and other western leaders appeared to poke fun at shirtless Putin who, in past, has been clicked riding horse and other 'macho' activities. "I don’t know exactly how far they wanted to get undressed, above or below the waist. But I think, either way, it would be a disgusting sight," said Putin. He was speaking with reporters at a summit in Tajikistan. Earlier, western leader poked fun at the Russian president at a G7 summit lunch in Germany. They joked whether they should go shirtless to project a manly image. "Jackets on? Jackets off? Do we take our coats off?" British Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked as he sat down at the table in Bavaria's picturesque Elmau Castle, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz was hosting the summit of seven powerful democracies. The leader from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union pondered the dilemma. Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, suggested they wait for the official picture before disrobing but then Boris Johnson quipped "We have to show that we're tougher than Putin" and the joke kept rolling. "We're going to get the bare-chested horseback riding display," Trudeau said. "Horseback riding is the best," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, without apparently weighing in on the clothing issue itself. Boris Johnson interjected: "We've got to show them our pecs." In a photo-op in 2009, a shirtless Putin was clicked riding a horse. Putin, a former KGB agent and a black belt in martial arts, is a fitness fanatic. His fit physique on the horseback had become topic of discussion everywhere. The Russian state machinery has been projecting him as a macho, 'manly' leader who was in charge of Russia. (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 ×

Shirtless western leaders would be a 'disgusting sight': Putin

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian leader Putin of turning into a "terrorist" two days after Russian missiles destroyed a shopping centre with more than 1,000 people inside in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk, killing at least 18 people. For more than four months, Russia and Ukraine have been at war. Millions of people have been displaced or forced to leave the country due to the war, which has claimed thousands of lives.</p>

<p>In a video message to the UN Security Council, Zelensky particularly mentioned the Baltic republics, Poland, Moldova, and Kazakhstan while stating that the Kremlin must be "brought to justice" in order for it to prevent "it from bringing terrorist action" to other European and Asian nations.</p>

<p>"We need to act urgently to do everything to make Russia stop the killing spree," Zelensky said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky</strong></p>

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<p>After Russia's military denied targeting the mall on Monday, he suggested the UN send a representative to Ukraine so officials could independently confirm that the deadly attack on the Kremenchuk retail complex "in fact was a Russian missile strike."</p>

<p>According to Zelensky, the Russian president has turned into a terrorist. "Terrorist attacks every day, seven days a week. They work as terrorists every day."</p>

<p>Zelensky cited Article 6 of the UN Charter, which states that a member that's "persistently violated the principles contained in the present Charter may be expelled from the organisation by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council."</p>

<p>That's unlikely to occur because Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has veto power.</p>

<p>A provision that would call a General Assembly meeting immediately if any of the Security Council's five veto-wielding members used their authority to obstruct a resolution was overwhelmingly adopted by the UN in April.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian leader Putin of turning into a "terrorist" two days after Russian missiles destroyed a shopping centre with more than 1,000 people inside in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk, killing at least 18 people.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Russian leader Putin of turning into a "terrorist" two days after Russian missiles destroyed a shopping centre with more than 1,000 people inside in the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk, killing at least 18 people. For more than four months, Russia and Ukraine have been at war. Millions of people have been displaced or forced to leave the country due to the war, which has claimed thousands of lives. In a video message to the UN Security Council, Zelensky particularly mentioned the Baltic republics, Poland, Moldova, and Kazakhstan while stating that the Kremlin must be "brought to justice" in order for it to prevent "it from bringing terrorist action" to other European and Asian nations. "We need to act urgently to do everything to make Russia stop the killing spree," Zelensky said. Watch | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky After Russia's military denied targeting the mall on Monday, he suggested the UN send a representative to Ukraine so officials could independently confirm that the deadly attack on the Kremenchuk retail complex "in fact was a Russian missile strike." According to Zelensky, the Russian president has turned into a terrorist. "Terrorist attacks every day, seven days a week. They work as terrorists every day." Zelensky cited Article 6 of the UN Charter, which states that a member that's "persistently violated the principles contained in the present Charter may be expelled from the organisation by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council." That's unlikely to occur because Russia is a permanent member of the UN Security Council and has veto power. A provision that would call a General Assembly meeting immediately if any of the Security Council's five veto-wielding members used their authority to obstruct a resolution was overwhelmingly adopted by the UN in April. 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.

Putin has become 'a terrorist,'says Zelensky, urges UN to expel Russia

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