<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the situation is ''indescribably difficult'' in Donbas and Kharkiv due to the Russian onslaught on the two regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After claiming to have captured the nearby rail hub of Lyman, Russia has intensified its offensive and has claimed to have surrounded the urban centre of Severodonetsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Denying the claim, a Ukrainian official said that the Ukrainian Army had repelled Russian forces from the outskirts of the key city.</p>

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<p>Highlighting that Ukrainian defences in the east were "still holding up", Zelensky said that Kyiv is approaching the point where it would outnumber the Russians both technologically and in terms of its ability to strike.</p>

<p>Condemning Russia's "barbaric" strikes in the northeastern Sumy region, Zelensky said ''Ukraine will get everything back.''</p>

<p>Sievierodonetsk and nearby Lysychansk are the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk, one of two provinces that make up the Donbas, where Zelensky has accused Moscow of carrying out a "genocide".</p>

<p>Russia has been waging an all-out war for the eastern Donbas, Ukraine's industrial heartland, after setbacks in its attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-arms-supply-to-ukraine-risks-further-destabilisation-warns-putin-482983" hreflang="en">Western arms sale to Ukraine risks further destabilisation, warns Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>“If the occupiers think that Lyman or Sievierodonetsk will be theirs, they are wrong. Donbas will be Ukrainian,” Zelensky said in his address.</p>

<p>According to a statement issued by the Russian defence ministry, "The town of Krasny Liman has been entirely liberated from Ukrainian nationalists."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, who calls his attack on Ukraine a ''special military operation'', has the West against ramping up arms supplies to Ukraine saying that it would be "dangerous" and risk "further destabilisation".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the situation is ''indescribably difficult'' in Donbas and Kharkiv due to the Russian onslaught on the two regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the situation is ''indescribably difficult'' in Donbas and Kharkiv due to the Russian onslaught on the two regions. After claiming to have captured the nearby rail hub of Lyman, Russia has intensified its offensive and has claimed to have surrounded the urban centre of Severodonetsk. Denying the claim, a Ukrainian official said that the Ukrainian Army had repelled Russian forces from the outskirts of the key city. Highlighting that Ukrainian defences in the east were "still holding up", Zelensky said that Kyiv is approaching the point where it would outnumber the Russians both technologically and in terms of its ability to strike. Condemning Russia's "barbaric" strikes in the northeastern Sumy region, Zelensky said ''Ukraine will get everything back.'' Sievierodonetsk and nearby Lysychansk are the last areas under Ukrainian control in Luhansk, one of two provinces that make up the Donbas, where Zelensky has accused Moscow of carrying out a "genocide". Russia has been waging an all-out war for the eastern Donbas, Ukraine's industrial heartland, after setbacks in its attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv. Also read | Western arms sale to Ukraine risks further destabilisation, warns Putin “If the occupiers think that Lyman or Sievierodonetsk will be theirs, they are wrong. Donbas will be Ukrainian,” Zelensky said in his address. According to a statement issued by the Russian defence ministry, "The town of Krasny Liman has been entirely liberated from Ukrainian nationalists." Russian President Vladimir Putin, who calls his attack on Ukraine a ''special military operation'', has the West against ramping up arms supplies to Ukraine saying that it would be "dangerous" and risk "further destabilisation". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Ukraine crisis: Zelensky says situation 'indescribably difficult' in Donbas and Kharkiv

Russia's military offensive in Ukraine continues. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a three-way telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin urging the Russian leader to hold direct and serious negotiations with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky

Russia-Ukraine war: Macron, Scholz call for peace talks

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Zelensky hints at talks with Putin.

Zelensky hints at talks with Putin as Russian troops inch closer to Severodonetsk

Did Vladimir Putin survive an assassination attempt? The Chief of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence claims there was a failed plot to murder the Russian President. Who hatched this plot? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Did Putin survive an assassination attempt?

<p>According to a Ukrainian military official, Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt. The admission comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as speculation over&nbsp;Putin's health.</p>

<p>The "unsuccessful" attempt, according to Major General Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, took place in the Caucasus, a region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.</p>

<p>He told Ukrainska Pravda about the incident.</p>

<p>"There was an attempt to assassinate Putin... He was even attacked, it is said, by representatives of the Caucasus, not so long ago, "Mr. Budanov was quoted as saying by the Ukrainian outlet."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-putin-trying-to-extinguish-a-culture-says-joe-biden-481750"><strong>Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin trying to ‘extinguish a culture’, says Joe Biden</strong></a><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is non-public information. (It was an) absolutely unsuccessful attempt, but it really happened... It was about 2 months ago, "he added.</p>

<p>Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and sections of southern Russia make up the Caucasus, also known as Caucasia, which is between the Black and Caspian oceans.</p>

<p>The assertion, which could not be independently corroborated, comes amid reports that Putin, 69, had surgery to drain fluid from his belly as his health allegedly deteriorated.</p>

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According to a Ukrainian military official, Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt. The admission comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as speculation over Putin's health.

According to a Ukrainian military official, Russian President Vladimir Putin survived an assassination attempt. The admission comes amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as speculation over Putin's health. The "unsuccessful" attempt, according to Major General Kyrylo Budanov, chief of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence, took place in the Caucasus, a region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. He told Ukrainska Pravda about the incident. "There was an attempt to assassinate Putin... He was even attacked, it is said, by representatives of the Caucasus, not so long ago, "Mr. Budanov was quoted as saying by the Ukrainian outlet." Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin trying to ‘extinguish a culture’, says Joe Biden "This is non-public information. (It was an) absolutely unsuccessful attempt, but it really happened... It was about 2 months ago, "he added. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and sections of southern Russia make up the Caucasus, also known as Caucasia, which is between the Black and Caspian oceans. The assertion, which could not be independently corroborated, comes amid reports that Putin, 69, had surgery to drain fluid from his belly as his health allegedly deteriorated. 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 survived assassination attempt two months ago: Ukraine military official

<p>At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that he was willing to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing bloody war, media reports said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin is the only Russian official he may meet to unearth a way to end the conflict, Zelensky said, while addressing an audience through a video link. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-rules-out-ceasefire-or-any-territorial-concessions-to-russia-481349" hreflang="en">Ukraine rules out ceasefire or any territorial concessions to Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Holding talks with Russia seems to have been becoming difficult as there have been several evidences of invading army's actions against civilians in the areas under its occupation, the Ukrainian president added.</p>

<p>"The president of the Russian Federation decides it all. If we are talking about ending this war without him personally, that decision cannot be taken," said Zelensky through an interpreter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I cannot accept any kind of meeting with anyone coming from the Russian Federation but the president. And only in the case when there is one issue on the (table): stopping the war. There are no other grounds for any other kind of meeting," the Ukrainian leader said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;World Economic Forum meet in Davos: Zelensky addresses World's Business Elite</strong></p>

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<p>The war came at a huge human price for Ukrainians, Zelensky told the audience. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The forces of the country were making gains near Kharkiv, but "the bloodiest situation remains in Donbas, where we are losing too many people," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>

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At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that he was willing to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing bloody war, media reports said.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that he was willing to meet Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing bloody war, media reports said. Putin is the only Russian official he may meet to unearth a way to end the conflict, Zelensky said, while addressing an audience through a video link. Also Read: Ukraine rules out ceasefire or any territorial concessions to Russia Holding talks with Russia seems to have been becoming difficult as there have been several evidences of invading army's actions against civilians in the areas under its occupation, the Ukrainian president added. "The president of the Russian Federation decides it all. If we are talking about ending this war without him personally, that decision cannot be taken," said Zelensky through an interpreter. "I cannot accept any kind of meeting with anyone coming from the Russian Federation but the president. And only in the case when there is one issue on the (table): stopping the war. There are no other grounds for any other kind of meeting," the Ukrainian leader said. Watch: World Economic Forum meet in Davos: Zelensky addresses World's Business Elite × The war came at a huge human price for Ukrainians, Zelensky told the audience. The forces of the country were making gains near Kharkiv, but "the bloodiest situation remains in Donbas, where we are losing too many people," he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (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. ×

At WEF, Ukrainian President Zelensky says ready to meet Russian counterpart Putin to end ongoing war

<p>Russia’s foreign minister and its ambassador to the United States have both signaled that Russia’s debacle in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear strike. By claiming that Russia is readying its weapons, by warning of a “serious” risk of nuclear escalation and by declaring “there are few rules left,” they purposefully rattled the ultimate saber. Vladimir Putin himself has noted that he has weapons his opponents do not and that he will “use them, if needed.” Even the C.I.A. director, William Burns, has warned of the possibility that Mr. Putin could use a tactical nuclear weapon, even if there is no “practical evidence” right now to suggest it is imminent. Nevertheless, we should be prepared; the former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has argued that we should give the threat consideration.</p>

<p>We should imagine the unimaginable, specifically how we would respond militarily and economically to such a seismic shift in the global geopolitical terrain.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden is right not to have elevated our nuclear DEFCON level. Nor has the administration’s rhetoric stooped to Mr. Putin’s bait. In 2012, I noted that Russia was the biggest geopolitical adversary to the United States, and it clearly remains a source of great concern to both Republicans and Democrats. Given the magnitude of consequence of a nuclear strike, our potential options merit thought, by our leaders and by American citizens alike.</p>

<p>By invading Ukraine, Mr. Putin has already proved that he is capable of illogical and self-defeating decisions. If he loses in Ukraine, he not only will have failed to achieve his life’s ambition to reverse what he sees as the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century — the collapse of the Soviet Union — but he will also have permanently diminished Russia as a great power and reinvigorated its adversaries. It is possible that Mr. Putin could face significant internal challenges to his leadership. In such a circumstance, he may be able to convince himself that the United States and the West are the reason he invaded Ukraine and that the propaganda he has deployed to justify this immoral invasion was true from the beginning.</p>

<p>Some will conclude that to avoid provoking Russia — and thus avoid the prospect of a possible Russian nuclear strike — we should pre-emptively restrain Ukraine from routing the Russian military. We could limit the weapons we send, hold back on intelligence and pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky to settle. I disagree; free nations must continue to support Ukrainians’ brave and necessary defense of their country. Failing to continue to support Ukraine would be like paying the cannibal to eat us last. If Mr. Putin, or any other nuclear power, can invade and subjugate with near impunity, then Ukraine would be only the first of such conquests. Inevitably, our friends and allies would be devoured by brazen, authoritarian nuclear powers, the implications of which would drastically alter the world order.</p>

<p>The right answer is to continue to give Ukraine all the support it needs to defend itself and to win. Its military successes may force Mr. Putin to exit Ukraine or to agree to a cease-fire acceptable to the Ukrainian people. Perhaps his control of Russian media would enable him to spin a loss into a face-saving narrative at home. These are the outcomes he would be smart to take. But if a cornered and delusional Mr. Putin were to instead use a nuclear weapon — whether via a tactical strike or by weaponizing one of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants — we would have several options.</p>

<p>There are some who would argue for a nuclear response. But there is a wide range of options, and they need not be mutually exclusive. For example, NATO could engage in Ukraine, potentially obliterating Russia’s struggling military. Further, we could confront China and every other nation with a choice much like that George W. Bush gave the world after Sept. 11: You are either with us, or you are with Russia — you cannot be with both.</p>

<p>Russia’s use of a nuclear weapon would unarguably be a redefining, reorienting geopolitical event. Any nation that chose to retain ties with Russia after such an outrage would itself also become a global pariah. Some or all of its economy would be severed from that of the United States and our allies. Today, the West represents over half of the global G.D.P. Separating any nation from our combined economies could devastate it. The impact on Western economies could be significant, but the impact on the economies of Russia and its fellow travelers would be much worse. It could ultimately be economic Armageddon, but that is far preferable to nuclear Armageddon.</p>

<p>Together with our key NATO allies, we should develop and evaluate a broad range of options. I presume the president and the administration are already engaged in such a process. The potential responses to an act so heinous and geopolitically disorienting as a nuclear strike must be optimally designed and have the support of our NATO allies. Mr. Putin and his enablers should have no doubt that our answer to such depravity would be devastating.</p>


Russia’s foreign minister and its ambassador to the United States have both signaled that Russia’s debacle in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear strike. By claiming that Russia is readying its weapons, by warning of a “serious” risk of nuclear escalation and by declaring “there are few rules left,” they purposefully rattled the ultimate saber.

Russia’s foreign minister and its ambassador to the United States have both signaled that Russia’s debacle in Ukraine could lead to a nuclear strike. By claiming that Russia is readying its weapons, by warning of a “serious” risk of nuclear escalation and by declaring “there are few rules left,” they purposefully rattled the ultimate saber. Vladimir Putin himself has noted that he has weapons his opponents do not and that he will “use them, if needed.” Even the C.I.A. director, William Burns, has warned of the possibility that Mr. Putin could use a tactical nuclear weapon, even if there is no “practical evidence” right now to suggest it is imminent. Nevertheless, we should be prepared; the former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has argued that we should give the threat consideration. We should imagine the unimaginable, specifically how we would respond militarily and economically to such a seismic shift in the global geopolitical terrain. President Joe Biden is right not to have elevated our nuclear DEFCON level. Nor has the administration’s rhetoric stooped to Mr. Putin’s bait. In 2012, I noted that Russia was the biggest geopolitical adversary to the United States, and it clearly remains a source of great concern to both Republicans and Democrats. Given the magnitude of consequence of a nuclear strike, our potential options merit thought, by our leaders and by American citizens alike. By invading Ukraine, Mr. Putin has already proved that he is capable of illogical and self-defeating decisions. If he loses in Ukraine, he not only will have failed to achieve his life’s ambition to reverse what he sees as the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century — the collapse of the Soviet Union — but he will also have permanently diminished Russia as a great power and reinvigorated its adversaries. It is possible that Mr. Putin could face significant internal challenges to his leadership. In such a circumstance, he may be able to convince himself that the United States and the West are the reason he invaded Ukraine and that the propaganda he has deployed to justify this immoral invasion was true from the beginning. Some will conclude that to avoid provoking Russia — and thus avoid the prospect of a possible Russian nuclear strike — we should pre-emptively restrain Ukraine from routing the Russian military. We could limit the weapons we send, hold back on intelligence and pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky to settle. I disagree; free nations must continue to support Ukrainians’ brave and necessary defense of their country. Failing to continue to support Ukraine would be like paying the cannibal to eat us last. If Mr. Putin, or any other nuclear power, can invade and subjugate with near impunity, then Ukraine would be only the first of such conquests. Inevitably, our friends and allies would be devoured by brazen, authoritarian nuclear powers, the implications of which would drastically alter the world order. The right answer is to continue to give Ukraine all the support it needs to defend itself and to win. Its military successes may force Mr. Putin to exit Ukraine or to agree to a cease-fire acceptable to the Ukrainian people. Perhaps his control of Russian media would enable him to spin a loss into a face-saving narrative at home. These are the outcomes he would be smart to take. But if a cornered and delusional Mr. Putin were to instead use a nuclear weapon — whether via a tactical strike or by weaponizing one of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants — we would have several options. There are some who would argue for a nuclear response. But there is a wide range of options, and they need not be mutually exclusive. For example, NATO could engage in Ukraine, potentially obliterating Russia’s struggling military. Further, we could confront China and every other nation with a choice much like that George W. Bush gave the world after Sept. 11: You are either with us, or you are with Russia — you cannot be with both. Russia’s use of a nuclear weapon would unarguably be a redefining, reorienting geopolitical event. Any nation that chose to retain ties with Russia after such an outrage would itself also become a global pariah. Some or all of its economy would be severed from that of the United States and our allies. Today, the West represents over half of the global G.D.P. Separating any nation from our combined economies could devastate it. The impact on Western economies could be significant, but the impact on the economies of Russia and its fellow travelers would be much worse. It could ultimately be economic Armageddon, but that is far preferable to nuclear Armageddon. Together with our key NATO allies, we should develop and evaluate a broad range of options. I presume the president and the administration are already engaged in such a process. The potential responses to an act so heinous and geopolitically disorienting as a nuclear strike must be optimally designed and have the support of our NATO allies. Mr. Putin and his enablers should have no doubt that our answer to such depravity would be devastating.

We must prepare for Putin's worst weapons

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Russia Intensifies attacks on Donbas.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Zelensky says Donbas completely destroyed

The first war crimes trial has begun in Ukraine. A 21-year-old Russian soldier is on trial and is accused of killing an unarmed man. 21-year-old has apologised to victim's widow.

First war crimes trial in Ukraine: 21-year-old apologises to victim's widow

The first war crimes trial has begun in Ukraine. A 21-year-old Russian soldier is on trial and is accused of killing an unarmed man.

21-year-old Russian soldier pleads guilty as first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine:

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukrainian soldiers have been asked to stand down in Mariupol.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian soldiers asked to stand down

After weeks of resistance, Ukrainian soldiers defending the Azovstal plant in Ukraine have surrendered. Now, their fate is still unclear.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Over 250 Ukrainians from Azovstal are in Russian captivity

It has been several days since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, West calls for more military aid to Kyiv.

Kharkiv withstands Russian offensive as West calls for more military aid to Kyiv

<p>Russia said on Monday that the West should not have any "illusions" that the Kremlin will simply accept the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Nordic expansion (NATO). This comes a day after Russia's neighbours Finland and Sweden announced that they will submit formal NATO membership bids.</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that Russia has no objections to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, but that the construction of military equipment on their soil would need a response from Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin, addressing at a summit of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Moscow, said NATO's expansion was a concern for Russia, and that the country needed to pay close attention to the US-led military alliance's efforts to expand its global influence.</p>

<p>Since the last day of 1999, Vladimir Putin, Russia's supreme leader, has repeatedly highlighted NATO's post-Soviet enlargement eastwards into Russia's borders as a rationale for the invasion of Ukraine.</p>

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<h5>NATO, founded in 1949 to provide European security against the Soviet Union, ultimately outguns Russia in almost every military measure apart from nuclear weapons, though the backbone of the alliance's military power is the United States - whose forces are mostly deployed far from Europe.</h5>
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<p>The battle, on the other hand, has sparked one of the most significant transformations in Europe's security architecture in decades: Sweden and Finland, which share a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia, joining the military alliance.</p>

<p>"They should have no illusions that we will simply put up with it - and nor should Brussels, Washington and other NATO capitals," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the state RIA news agency.</p>

<p>"The general level of military tension will rise, predictability in this sphere will decrease. It is a shame that common sense is being sacrificed to some phantom provision about what should be done in this unfolding situation," Ryabkov said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | WION Global Summit 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine impacts all, why are peace dialogues not efficient?</strong></p>

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<p>Ryabkov, who oversaw talks with the US on a fatal Russian proposal to limit NATO's eastward expansion, said Helsinki and Stockholm's choice to join the alliance was a mistake.</p>

<p>Russia has given few hints as to what it would do in reaction to NATO's Nordic enlargement, stating only that a "military-technical retaliation" will be taken.</p>

<p>Last month, one of Putin's closest allies stated that if Finland and Sweden joined NATO, Russia may place nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.</p>

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Russia said on Monday that the West should not have any "illusions" that the Kremlin will simply accept the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Nordic expansion (NATO).

Russia said on Monday that the West should not have any "illusions" that the Kremlin will simply accept the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Nordic expansion (NATO). This comes a day after Russia's neighbours Finland and Sweden announced that they will submit formal NATO membership bids. President Vladimir Putin stated on Monday that Russia has no objections to Finland and Sweden joining NATO, but that the construction of military equipment on their soil would need a response from Moscow. Putin, addressing at a summit of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) in Moscow, said NATO's expansion was a concern for Russia, and that the country needed to pay close attention to the US-led military alliance's efforts to expand its global influence. Since the last day of 1999, Vladimir Putin, Russia's supreme leader, has repeatedly highlighted NATO's post-Soviet enlargement eastwards into Russia's borders as a rationale for the invasion of Ukraine. NATO, founded in 1949 to provide European security against the Soviet Union, ultimately outguns Russia in almost every military measure apart from nuclear weapons, though the backbone of the alliance's military power is the United States - whose forces are mostly deployed far from Europe. × The battle, on the other hand, has sparked one of the most significant transformations in Europe's security architecture in decades: Sweden and Finland, which share a 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia, joining the military alliance. "They should have no illusions that we will simply put up with it - and nor should Brussels, Washington and other NATO capitals," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the state RIA news agency. "The general level of military tension will rise, predictability in this sphere will decrease. It is a shame that common sense is being sacrificed to some phantom provision about what should be done in this unfolding situation," Ryabkov said. Watch | WION Global Summit 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine impacts all, why are peace dialogues not efficient? Ryabkov, who oversaw talks with the US on a fatal Russian proposal to limit NATO's eastward expansion, said Helsinki and Stockholm's choice to join the alliance was a mistake. Russia has given few hints as to what it would do in reaction to NATO's Nordic enlargement, stating only that a "military-technical retaliation" will be taken. Last month, one of Putin's closest allies stated that if Finland and Sweden joined NATO, Russia may place nuclear weapons and hypersonic missiles in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia's warning on NATO Nordic expansion: 'Won't simply put up with...'

In a recent update on the Ukraine war, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence has said that majority of fighting will be over by year end. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Ruslan Bortnik, Director of the Ukrainian Institute of politics, Political Analyst and Umit Nazmi Hazir, Political Scientist from Moscow.

Will the Russian invasion end this year? Ukraine gives a tentative timeline

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden have applied for NATO membership. However, tensions are escalating over the issue as Russia is against their bid.

Finnish President calls Russian President Putin as tensions escalate over Finland's NATO bid

It is day 81 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukrainian troops resist Russian forces.

Day 81 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Ukrainian troops resist Russian forces

The first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine on a 21-year-old Russian soldier

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto spoke with Vladimir Putin on Saturday. Meanwhile, Turkey has slammed Sweden & Finland's NATO bid as Turkish President says Turkey is not in favour of Sweden & Finland's NATO move.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Finnish President speaks to Russian Prez Vladimir Putin

It is day 79 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukrainian soldiers vow to fight till the end.

Fighting intensifies in Ukraine: Ukrainian soldiers vow to fight till the end

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has entered day 79. G7 nations say they need to deepen Moscow's isolation. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Scholz dials Russian President Putin over the Ukraine crisis.

Day 79 of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: German Chancellor Scholz dials Russian President Putin

Finland's leaders have agreed to seek NATO membership 'without delay'. Russia has vowed to retaliate if Finland's membership bid is accepted. Will Putin invade Finland next? Why is NATO teasing Putin's red lines? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Will Russia invade Finland next?

Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for nearly 80 days now as troops on Kremlin’s order make advances into Ukraine’s territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been ordering their troops for offensive and counter-offensive in different cities including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kherson and others since the Russian troops marched into Ukrainian territory on February 24 this year. Russia successfully occupied Ukrainian regions in a battle that has been going on for months now. Notably, Luhansk and Donetsk were the regions in Ukraine that were already occupied by Russia before February 24. Which other territories have Russia occupied? And where does Ukraine hold back Russian troops?

Ukraine conflict: Russian-controlled territories vs Ukraine’s counter-offensive

United States intelligence report on the ongoing war in Ukraine is painting a grim picture on how the conflict will unfold in the coming few months. Director of National Intelligence Avril D. Haines briefing the senate armed services committee on Tuesday warned that president Putin appears to be preparing for a long conflict.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Putin preparing for a prolonged conflict, says US Intel chief

Top US intelligence officials said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to use nuclear weapons unless he feels an 'existential threat' to the Russian state amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

US Intel officials: Putin unlikely to use nuclear weapons unless he feels an 'existential threat'

Intense flames are ripping through Siberia yet again amidst this Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered regional officials to deal with these forest fires adding that last year's situation could not be allowed to repeat.

Putin tells local authorities to do better on fighting Siberian fires

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukraine gains ground near Kharkiv.

Ukraine gains ground near Kharkiv as fighting continues in Eastern & Southern Ukraine

Russian president Vladimir Putin has asked the West to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine. In a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Putin accused Ukraine of committing war crimes and accused Europe of ignoring them.

'Stop supplying weapons to Ukraine,' Putin accuses Europe

In a highly anticipated Victory day speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin has defended his decision to invade Ukraine. Speaking at V-day parade, which commemorates the defeat of Nazis, Putin said that Russia was facing absolutely unacceptable threat.

Victory Day Speech: NATO an 'obvious threat' to Russia

Russia will celebrate Victory Day on Monday even as the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third month. All eyes are on Russian President Putin's address to the nation on Victory Day.

Russia prepares to mark victory day as Russia-Ukraine war enters third month

<p><em>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. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</em><br />
<br />
About 60 people were feared dead after a bomb struck a school in eastern Ukraine, authorities said, while Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to lead celebrations on Monday marking the Soviet Union`s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.<br />
<br />
Luhansk region Governor Serhiy Gaidai said the school in Bilohorivka, where about 90 people were sheltering, was hit on Saturday by a Russian bomb, setting it ablaze.<br />
<br />
"There is almost no hope that anyone survived. The aerial bomb exploded in the middle (of the building)," Gaidai wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "In the school, there were approximately 90 people, 27 were rescued. About 60 people were probably killed."</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-will-be-ours-says-putin-on-ukraine-war-ahead-of-may-9-celebrations-477367">Also Read:&nbsp;Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war</a></strong><br />
<br />
Reuters could not immediately verify his account. There was no response from Moscow to the report.<br />
<br />
In the besieged southern port of Mariupol, the deputy commander of the Azov regiment holed up in the sprawling Azovstal steel plant pleaded with the international community to help evacuate wounded soldiers.<br />
<br />
"We will continue to fight as long as we are alive to repel the Russian occupiers," Captain Sviatoslav Palamar told an online news conference.<br />
<br />
As the fighting, now in its third month, raged on, leaders of the Group of Seven industrial nations vowed on Sunday to deepen Russia`s economic isolation and "elevate" a campaign against Kremlin-linked elites.<br />
<br />
The G7 said it was committed to phasing out or banning Russian oil and denounced Putin`s invasion of Ukraine.<br />
<br />
"His actions bring shame on Russia and the historic sacrifices of its people," the group said in a statement, referring to Soviet Russia`s role in defeating Nazi Germany 77 years ago.<br />
<br />
Putin has repeatedly likened the war in Ukraine - which he casts as a battle against dangerous "Nazi"-inspired nationalists in Ukraine - to the challenge the Soviet Union faced when Adolf Hitler invaded in 1941.<br />
<br />
Ukraine and its allies say Russia launched an unprovoked war.<br />
<br />
In a video address, filmed in front of charred Ukrainian apartment blocks with footage of Russian missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that evil had returned, but his country would prevail.<br />
<br />
"We will overcome everything. And we know this for sure, because our military and all our people are descendants of those who overcame Nazism," Zelenskiy said.<br />
<br />
Putin will preside over a parade in Moscow`s Red Square of troops, tanks, rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles, making a speech that could offer clues on the future of the war.<br />
<br />
<strong>MARIUPOL</strong><br />
<br />
More than 170 civilians were evacuated from the Mariupol area on Sunday, bringing the total to around 600 given safe passage during a week-long rescue operation, the United Nations said.<br />
<br />
In the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia, about 230 km (140 miles) northwest of Mariupol, dozens of people who had fled the city and nearby occupied areas waited to register in a car park set up for evacuees.<br />
<br />
"There's lots of people still in Mariupol who want to leave but can`t," said history teacher Viktoria Andreyeva, 46, who said she had only just reached the city after leaving her bombed home in Mariupol with her family in mid-April.<br />
<br />
"The air feels different here, free," she said in a tent where volunteers offered food, basic supplies and toys to the evacuees, many travelling with small children.<br />
<br />
Mariupol is key to Moscow`s efforts to link the Crimean Peninsula, seized by Russia in 2014, and parts of the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk that have been controlled by Russia-backed separatists since then.<br />
<br />
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said on Telegram that he visited Mariupol on Sunday, the country`s most senior government figure to set foot in the city after weeks of Russian bombardment.<br />
<br />
A number of Western officials, including U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a German parliament head and the Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Ukraine on Sunday in a show of support.<br />
<br />
Irish rock group U2's frontman Bono and his bandmate The Edge performed a 40-minute concert in a metro station in Kyiv on Sunday and praised Ukrainians fighting for their freedom.</p>

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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


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. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. About 60 people were feared dead after a bomb struck a school in eastern Ukraine, authorities said, while Russian President Vladimir Putin prepared to lead celebrations on Monday marking the Soviet Union`s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Luhansk region Governor Serhiy Gaidai said the school in Bilohorivka, where about 90 people were sheltering, was hit on Saturday by a Russian bomb, setting it ablaze. "There is almost no hope that anyone survived. The aerial bomb exploded in the middle (of the building)," Gaidai wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "In the school, there were approximately 90 people, 27 were rescued. About 60 people were probably killed." Also Read: Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war Reuters could not immediately verify his account. There was no response from Moscow to the report. In the besieged southern port of Mariupol, the deputy commander of the Azov regiment holed up in the sprawling Azovstal steel plant pleaded with the international community to help evacuate wounded soldiers. "We will continue to fight as long as we are alive to repel the Russian occupiers," Captain Sviatoslav Palamar told an online news conference. As the fighting, now in its third month, raged on, leaders of the Group of Seven industrial nations vowed on Sunday to deepen Russia`s economic isolation and "elevate" a campaign against Kremlin-linked elites. The G7 said it was committed to phasing out or banning Russian oil and denounced Putin`s invasion of Ukraine. "His actions bring shame on Russia and the historic sacrifices of its people," the group said in a statement, referring to Soviet Russia`s role in defeating Nazi Germany 77 years ago. Putin has repeatedly likened the war in Ukraine - which he casts as a battle against dangerous "Nazi"-inspired nationalists in Ukraine - to the challenge the Soviet Union faced when Adolf Hitler invaded in 1941. Ukraine and its allies say Russia launched an unprovoked war. In a video address, filmed in front of charred Ukrainian apartment blocks with footage of Russian missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that evil had returned, but his country would prevail. "We will overcome everything. And we know this for sure, because our military and all our people are descendants of those who overcame Nazism," Zelenskiy said. Putin will preside over a parade in Moscow`s Red Square of troops, tanks, rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles, making a speech that could offer clues on the future of the war. MARIUPOL More than 170 civilians were evacuated from the Mariupol area on Sunday, bringing the total to around 600 given safe passage during a week-long rescue operation, the United Nations said. In the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia, about 230 km (140 miles) northwest of Mariupol, dozens of people who had fled the city and nearby occupied areas waited to register in a car park set up for evacuees. "There's lots of people still in Mariupol who want to leave but can`t," said history teacher Viktoria Andreyeva, 46, who said she had only just reached the city after leaving her bombed home in Mariupol with her family in mid-April. "The air feels different here, free," she said in a tent where volunteers offered food, basic supplies and toys to the evacuees, many travelling with small children. Mariupol is key to Moscow`s efforts to link the Crimean Peninsula, seized by Russia in 2014, and parts of the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk that have been controlled by Russia-backed separatists since then. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said on Telegram that he visited Mariupol on Sunday, the country`s most senior government figure to set foot in the city after weeks of Russian bombardment. A number of Western officials, including U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a German parliament head and the Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Ukraine on Sunday in a show of support. Irish rock group U2's frontman Bono and his bandmate The Edge performed a 40-minute concert in a metro station in Kyiv on Sunday and praised Ukrainians fighting for their freedom. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin to mark Soviet World War II victory as Ukraine decries school bombing

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