The russians are facing non-stop military losses on Ukrainian soil. About 218,500 aggressor’s troops were eliminated, 5,171 air targets of invaders were shot down, thousands of tanks, armored vehicles and trucks were destroyed by the defenders of Ukraine.

Ukraine War: Fighting on day 478, and Putin's 'big game' in Africa

At least two explosions rocked Kyiv on Friday and air raid sirens blared as African leaders began a peace mission, hoping to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. The peace delegation, including leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, the Comoros and Egypt, said it was pressing on with plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later on Friday, before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Saturday.

Explosions rock Kyiv as African peace mission visits Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities. During his speech, Putin also revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This move comes as part of a previously announced plan, which has raised concerns and increased tensions with the United States and its allies in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Putin said, "The first nuclear charges were delivered to the territory of Belarus. But only the first. This is the first part. But by the end of the summer, by the end of the year, we will complete this work."&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine war&nbsp;</h2>

"Soon Ukraine will stop using its own equipment altogether. Nothing remains of it. Everything with which they fight and everything that they use is brought in from the outside. You can't fight for long like that," he said, as per a translation of his speech by Reuters news agency.&nbsp;

Regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive, President Putin commented that Ukrainian forces did not achieve their objectives in any of the sectors they targeted. He expressed doubt about the prospects for success and opined that the Ukrainian armed forces face significant challenges in the conflict.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-uk-police-watchdog-chief-charged-with-rape-of-teen-girl-indecent-assault-605180">Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault</a>

"They did not achieve their goals in any of the sectors ... I think that the Ukrainian armed forces have no chance here...," said Putin.

When discussing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Jewish heritage, President Putin said, "I have many Jewish friends. They say Zelensky is not a Jew, he is a disgrace to the Jewish people."

<h2>Russian economy&nbsp;</h2>

Putin emphasised the recent growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), which saw a 3.3 per cent&nbsp;increase in April year-on-year basis and expressed confidence that the economy will continue to grow, potentially reaching 1.5 per cent&nbsp;to two&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;by the end of the year. Putin also praised the responsible and balanced budgetary and monetary policies that have contributed to low levels of unemployment and inflation, with inflation currently at a historical low of 2.9 per cent.

"According to the IMF (the Russian economy will grow in 2023 by) 0.7 per cent, but... I agree with those of our experts who believe that growth will be higher, somewhere up to 1.5 per cent, and maybe even (just) under two per cent. And this will allow our country to keep its place among the leading economies of the world," Putin said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-air-raid-sirens-greet-african-peace-mission-leaders-visiting-kyiv-605173">Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv</a>

"We have maintained a responsible, balanced budgetary and monetary policy. Their effective combination made it possible to reach the minimum levels of unemployment, as well as inflation, which is now lower in Russia than in many Western countries, both in the eurozone and in other regions, (and) is close to a historical minimum of 2.9 per cent. Unemployment 3.3 per cent. It has never been so low in our history," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Defence spending</h2>

The president drew attention to the significant growth in non-oil and gas revenues.&nbsp;

Watch | India: Five terrorists killed in Kashmir

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-five-terrorists-killed-in-kashmir-605191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On defence spending, he said, "Today, our public finances are generally balanced, there is a small current federal budget deficit, ... Naturally, additional funds were needed to strengthen defence and security, to purchase weapons, we are obliged to do this to protect the sovereignty of our country."

<h2>Foreign businesses</h2>

President Putin assured that Russia remains open to foreign manufacturers and is not closing its doors to anyone. He welcomed foreign businesses to return to the Russian market, stating that competition is essential for progress and trade.&nbsp;

<h2>Concerns about frozen Russian assets&nbsp;</h2>

President Putin expressed concerns regarding funds earned in Russia and subsequently deposited in foreign accounts, highlighting the risks it poses for both the state and Russian businesses.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities.

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities. During his speech, Putin also revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This move comes as part of a previously announced plan, which has raised concerns and increased tensions with the United States and its allies in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin said, "The first nuclear charges were delivered to the territory of Belarus. But only the first. This is the first part. But by the end of the summer, by the end of the year, we will complete this work." Ukraine war "Soon Ukraine will stop using its own equipment altogether. Nothing remains of it. Everything with which they fight and everything that they use is brought in from the outside. You can't fight for long like that," he said, as per a translation of his speech by Reuters news agency. Regarding Ukraine's counteroffensive, President Putin commented that Ukrainian forces did not achieve their objectives in any of the sectors they targeted. He expressed doubt about the prospects for success and opined that the Ukrainian armed forces face significant challenges in the conflict. Also Read | Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault "They did not achieve their goals in any of the sectors ... I think that the Ukrainian armed forces have no chance here...," said Putin. When discussing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Jewish heritage, President Putin said, "I have many Jewish friends. They say Zelensky is not a Jew, he is a disgrace to the Jewish people." Russian economy Putin emphasised the recent growth of the gross domestic product (GDP), which saw a 3.3 per cent increase in April year-on-year basis and expressed confidence that the economy will continue to grow, potentially reaching 1.5 per cent to two per cent by the end of the year. Putin also praised the responsible and balanced budgetary and monetary policies that have contributed to low levels of unemployment and inflation, with inflation currently at a historical low of 2.9 per cent. "According to the IMF (the Russian economy will grow in 2023 by) 0.7 per cent, but... I agree with those of our experts who believe that growth will be higher, somewhere up to 1.5 per cent, and maybe even (just) under two per cent. And this will allow our country to keep its place among the leading economies of the world," Putin said. Also Read | Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv "We have maintained a responsible, balanced budgetary and monetary policy. Their effective combination made it possible to reach the minimum levels of unemployment, as well as inflation, which is now lower in Russia than in many Western countries, both in the eurozone and in other regions, (and) is close to a historical minimum of 2.9 per cent. Unemployment 3.3 per cent. It has never been so low in our history," he added. Defence spending The president drew attention to the significant growth in non-oil and gas revenues. Watch | India: Five terrorists killed in Kashmir × On defence spending, he said, "Today, our public finances are generally balanced, there is a small current federal budget deficit, ... Naturally, additional funds were needed to strengthen defence and security, to purchase weapons, we are obliged to do this to protect the sovereignty of our country." Foreign businesses President Putin assured that Russia remains open to foreign manufacturers and is not closing its doors to anyone. He welcomed foreign businesses to return to the Russian market, stating that competition is essential for progress and trade. Concerns about frozen Russian assets President Putin expressed concerns regarding funds earned in Russia and subsequently deposited in foreign accounts, highlighting the risks it poses for both the state and Russian businesses. 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 announces successful transfer of tactical nukes to Belarus, says Ukraine stands 'no chance'

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. During his speech, Putin revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This move comes as part of a previously announced plan, which has raised concerns and increased tensions with the United States and its allies in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the other hand, for the first time, the global mean temperature breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark—the target set by the UN to stave off climate disruptions on Earth. The global temperature has broken the pre-industrial levels several times in past, but that has happened only in winter and spring, where deviations are more pronounced. This is the first time that the global mean temperature has gone past 1.5C in the summer.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-announces-successful-transfer-of-tactical-nukes-to-belarus-says-ukraine-stands-no-chance-605296">Putin announces successful transfer of tactical nukes to Belarus, says Ukraine stands 'no chance'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/360048-putin.png?imwidth=1920" />

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-first-time-global-temperature-breaches-15c-threshold-in-summer-605100">For first time, global temperature breaches 1.5C warming threshold in first half of June</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/359927-gloval-temp.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

For the first time, the global mean temperature breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark—the target set by the UN to stave off climate disruptions on Earth.&nbsp;The global temperature has broken the pre-industrial levels several times in past, but that has happened only in winter and spring, where deviations are more pronounced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-data-scepticism-china-didnt-release-cremation-data-in-quarterly-report-605268">Covid scepticism deepens as China fails to release cremation data in quarterly report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/08/344075-new-wion-54.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
China has not released the number of cremations held last winter in a quarterly report, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Thursday. &nbsp;Beijing has withheld a key indicator of the pandemic death toll for a period of time when the nation faced the largest Covid wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-charge-nottingham-stabbing-suspect-with-three-counts-of-murder-605283">UK police charge Nottingham stabbing suspect with three counts of murder &nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/360043-succession-55.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

The UK police on Friday charged the 31-year-old man, arrested over Nottingham stabbings, with three counts of murder. The police released a statement saying that Valdo Calocane has also been charged with three counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-alters-its-definition-of-rape-after-passing-landmark-bill-in-parliament-605128">Japan alters definition of rape after passing landmark bill in parliament</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/04/24/91322-japan-parliament.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

Japan has become the latest country to alter its definition of rape. The Asian country has passed laws that redefine rape and raise the age of consent. Moving forward, the definition of rape includes "non consensual sexual intercourse" which is a stark contrast to the previous definition of "forcible sexual intercourse". The Lower House of the Japanese parliament passed the bill last month and the Upper House did the same on Friday. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-involvement-in-odi-world-cup-in-limbo-after-najam-sethis-latest-comment-605287">Pakistan's involvement in ODI World Cup in LIMBO after Najam Sethi's latest comment</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/360042-1-22.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Pakistan Cricket team’s participation in the ODI World Cup could be in limbo after the latest comment made by their board President Najam Sethi on Friday, June 16. Sethi, President of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened up on his country’s stand regarding involvement in the mega event and said that any participation in the World Cup is subject to their government's approval. Pakistan are due to travel to India for the ODI World Cup despite India’s refusal to play in the Asia Cup in their own backyard, which has now created a scene of limbo for the 1992 World Cup champions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-shuts-down-customers-smart-home-devices-over-false-racism-claims-605214">Amazon shuts down customer's smart home devices over false racism claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/359989-brandon-jackson.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
Amazon has faced criticism from a customer, based in Baltimore in the US state of Maryland after the tech giant shut off all of his smart home devices for a week following a false accusation made by a delivery driver, reported New York Post. Brandon Jackson, an engineer at Microsoft, discovered that his Amazon account was locked less than 24 hours after a delivery driver dropped off a package at his home and reported him for making racist remarks via the doorbell intercom. Jackson realised the lockout when he couldn't interact with his smart home devices and reached out to Amazon for clarification.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-air-raid-sirens-greet-african-peace-mission-leaders-visiting-kyiv-605173">Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/359963-ramphosa.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Two explosions rocked Kyiv on Friday after air raid sirens sounded and air defences were activated on the day African leaders landed in the capital city to initiate a peace process and mediate between Russia and Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-in-grip-of-heatwave-beijing-temperature-hits-record-high-for-mid-june-605226">China in grip of heatwave, Beijing temperature hits record high for mid-June</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/359997-the-battle-for-kyiv-1.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

China's capital Beijing experienced a mid-June temperature record of 39.4 degree Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday (June 16) after which residents have been advised to stay indoors by the meteorological authority.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-chipmaker-micron-to-pump-600-mn-in-china-plant-weeks-after-chip-ban-showdown-605200">US chipmaker Micron to pump $600mn in China plant weeks after chip ban showdown</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/16/359980-untitled-design-2023-06-16t165625057.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
US chipmaker Micron has announced plans to invest over $600 million in its packing and testing factory in northwest China, just weeks after Beijing banned its chips from critical infrastructure projects. This comes as the chip war between the US and China has been escalating, with Washington aiming to restrict China's access to advanced semiconductors.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. During his speech, Putin revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus.

President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. During his speech, Putin revealed that Russia has successfully transported its initial batch of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. This move comes as part of a previously announced plan, which has raised concerns and increased tensions with the United States and its allies in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the other hand, for the first time, the global mean temperature breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark—the target set by the UN to stave off climate disruptions on Earth. The global temperature has broken the pre-industrial levels several times in past, but that has happened only in winter and spring, where deviations are more pronounced. This is the first time that the global mean temperature has gone past 1.5C in the summer. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin announces successful transfer of tactical nukes to Belarus, says Ukraine stands 'no chance' President Vladimir Putin delivered a keynote address at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, highlighting positive macroeconomic trends in the Russian economy and expressing doubt about the sustainability of Ukraine's military operations suggesting that Kyiv heavily relies on external sources for equipment and fighting capabilities. For first time, global temperature breaches 1.5C warming threshold in first half of June For the first time, the global mean temperature breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark—the target set by the UN to stave off climate disruptions on Earth. The global temperature has broken the pre-industrial levels several times in past, but that has happened only in winter and spring, where deviations are more pronounced. Covid scepticism deepens as China fails to release cremation data in quarterly report China has not released the number of cremations held last winter in a quarterly report, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Thursday. Beijing has withheld a key indicator of the pandemic death toll for a period of time when the nation faced the largest Covid wave. UK police charge Nottingham stabbing suspect with three counts of murder The UK police on Friday charged the 31-year-old man, arrested over Nottingham stabbings, with three counts of murder. The police released a statement saying that Valdo Calocane has also been charged with three counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday. Japan alters definition of rape after passing landmark bill in parliament Japan has become the latest country to alter its definition of rape. The Asian country has passed laws that redefine rape and raise the age of consent. Moving forward, the definition of rape includes "non consensual sexual intercourse" which is a stark contrast to the previous definition of "forcible sexual intercourse". The Lower House of the Japanese parliament passed the bill last month and the Upper House did the same on Friday. Pakistan's involvement in ODI World Cup in LIMBO after Najam Sethi's latest comment Pakistan Cricket team’s participation in the ODI World Cup could be in limbo after the latest comment made by their board President Najam Sethi on Friday, June 16. Sethi, President of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opened up on his country’s stand regarding involvement in the mega event and said that any participation in the World Cup is subject to their government's approval. Pakistan are due to travel to India for the ODI World Cup despite India’s refusal to play in the Asia Cup in their own backyard, which has now created a scene of limbo for the 1992 World Cup champions. Amazon shuts down customer's smart home devices over false racism claims Amazon has faced criticism from a customer, based in Baltimore in the US state of Maryland after the tech giant shut off all of his smart home devices for a week following a false accusation made by a delivery driver, reported New York Post. Brandon Jackson, an engineer at Microsoft, discovered that his Amazon account was locked less than 24 hours after a delivery driver dropped off a package at his home and reported him for making racist remarks via the doorbell intercom. Jackson realised the lockout when he couldn't interact with his smart home devices and reached out to Amazon for clarification. Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv Two explosions rocked Kyiv on Friday after air raid sirens sounded and air defences were activated on the day African leaders landed in the capital city to initiate a peace process and mediate between Russia and Ukraine. China in grip of heatwave, Beijing temperature hits record high for mid-June China's capital Beijing experienced a mid-June temperature record of 39.4 degree Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday (June 16) after which residents have been advised to stay indoors by the meteorological authority. US chipmaker Micron to pump $600mn in China plant weeks after chip ban showdown US chipmaker Micron has announced plans to invest over $600 million in its packing and testing factory in northwest China, just weeks after Beijing banned its chips from critical infrastructure projects. This comes as the chip war between the US and China has been escalating, with Washington aiming to restrict China's access to advanced semiconductors.

Top 10 world news: Putin announces transfer of nukes to Belarus, global temperature breaches 1.5C, and more

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Zelensky thanks Poland for Ukraine's NATO bid, Russia bans gender reassignment surgery, US federal reserve pauses rate hikes, Cut Russia missile components: Zelensky's appeal, Over 7,500 Ukrainian troops killed or wounded: Russia.

Zelensky thanks Poland for Ukraine's NATO bid | Russia bans gender reassignment surgery

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. On the other hand, Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. &nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hints-at-his-dangerous-plan-to-attack-ukraines-capital-says-troops-already-near-kyiv-604365">Putin hints at his plan to attack Ukraine's capital, says ‘troops already near Kyiv’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359448-untitled-design-2023-06-14t170219770.png?imwidth=1920" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-indian-student-killed-another-woman-injured-after-double-stabbing-in-london-three-arrested-604349">UK: Indian student killed, another woman injured after double stabbing incident in London, three arrested</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359443-wion-images-2023-06-14t164343735.png?imwidth=1920" />

Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident, on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. The two women were found by the police in London’s Neeld Crescent with multiple knife injuries at around 10:00 am (local time).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-die-several-missing-after-boat-capsizes-and-sinks-off-greece-604406">Dozens die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359475-succession-44.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard. As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise much higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/images-taken-from-space-show-forming-of-cyclone-biparjoy-in-the-arabian-sea-604452">Images and video taken from space show Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359496-cyclone-biparjoy.png?imwidth=1920" />

Sultan Al Neyadi, who is a UAE astronaut, has clicked images of Cyclone Biparjoy from space. Al Neyadi, who is currently on the longest Arab space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), also shared a stunning video that shows the formation of a tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-looks-to-avoid-miscalculation-in-us-china-ties-604444">Blinken looks to avoid miscalculation in US-China ties</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/24/340652-new-wion-87.png?imwidth=1920" />

US Secretary of State Antony Bliken will be on a rare visit to China this weekend. The top diplomat will seek to reduce the chances of miscalculation in tense relations between the US and China. However, both countries are expecting that long-term tensions will fester. The US has confirmed that Blinken will go to China this weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-real-madrid-announce-jude-bellingham-signing-from-borussia-dortmund-to-be-unveiled-on-thursday-604342">Official: Real Madrid announce Jude Bellingham signing from Borussia Dortmund, to be unveiled on Thursday</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359431-1-7.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of English star Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund after reaching an agreement in principle. Bellingham, a long-term target for the Spanish giants joins Brahim Diaz in the incomings with a reported fee of around $100 million being paid for the star. He will be presented to the Madrid crowd on Thursday, June 15 at 12 PM local time as he joins the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, and Steve McManaman to have played for the Madrid giants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-special-about-pm-modis-visit-to-us-this-time-604469">What’s special about PM Modi’s visit to US this time?</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359513-untitled-design-2023-06-14t201833792.png?imwidth=1920" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on an official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. This visit holds greater significance compared to his previous trips to Washington as per diplomatic protocol.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-hainan-airlines-to-ground-overweight-female-flight-attendants-604398">China's Hainan Airlines to ground 'overweight' female flight attendants</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359461-hainan-airlines.png?imwidth=1920" />

China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/martian-landscape-on-smartphone-new-map-of-mars-created-from-data-collected-by-nasa-604423">Martian landscape on smartphone? New map of Mars created from data collected by NASA</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359486-untitled-design-2023-06-14t181110114.png?imwidth=1920" />

A team at the US Geological Survey's (USGS) Astrogeology Science Centre generated a map of planet Mars using the treasure trove of data which was collected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The newly-generated map of Mars will make viewing the Martian landscape more easier than before, allowing people to navigate through it even on their smartphones.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-wont-support-swedens-nato-bid-unless-anti-turkish-protests-are-stopped-erdogan-604388">Turkey won't support Sweden's NATO bid unless anti-Turkish protests are stopped: Erdogan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359464-untitled-design-2023-06-14t170649704.png?imwidth=1920" />

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests are stopped in Stockholm.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. On the other hand, Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin hints at his plan to attack Ukraine's capital, says ‘troops already near Kyiv’ Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters. UK: Indian student killed, another woman injured after double stabbing incident in London, three arrested Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident, on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. The two women were found by the police in London’s Neeld Crescent with multiple knife injuries at around 10:00 am (local time). Dozens die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard. As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise much higher. Images and video taken from space show Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea Sultan Al Neyadi, who is a UAE astronaut, has clicked images of Cyclone Biparjoy from space. Al Neyadi, who is currently on the longest Arab space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), also shared a stunning video that shows the formation of a tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea. Blinken looks to avoid miscalculation in US-China ties US Secretary of State Antony Bliken will be on a rare visit to China this weekend. The top diplomat will seek to reduce the chances of miscalculation in tense relations between the US and China. However, both countries are expecting that long-term tensions will fester. The US has confirmed that Blinken will go to China this weekend. Official: Real Madrid announce Jude Bellingham signing from Borussia Dortmund, to be unveiled on Thursday Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of English star Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund after reaching an agreement in principle. Bellingham, a long-term target for the Spanish giants joins Brahim Diaz in the incomings with a reported fee of around $100 million being paid for the star. He will be presented to the Madrid crowd on Thursday, June 15 at 12 PM local time as he joins the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, and Steve McManaman to have played for the Madrid giants. What’s special about PM Modi’s visit to US this time? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on an official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. This visit holds greater significance compared to his previous trips to Washington as per diplomatic protocol. China's Hainan Airlines to ground 'overweight' female flight attendants China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms. Martian landscape on smartphone? New map of Mars created from data collected by NASA A team at the US Geological Survey's (USGS) Astrogeology Science Centre generated a map of planet Mars using the treasure trove of data which was collected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The newly-generated map of Mars will make viewing the Martian landscape more easier than before, allowing people to navigate through it even on their smartphones. Turkey won't support Sweden's NATO bid unless anti-Turkish protests are stopped: Erdogan Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests are stopped in Stockholm.

Top 10 world news: Putin hints at his plan to attack Kyiv, stabbing incident in UK, and more

South Africa's decision to grant diplomatic immunity to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the BRICS summit has not gone down well with the US lawmakers. The top American lawmakers are now demanding the cancellation of a bilateral trade Summit with South Africa citing a deepening military relationship with Russia.

AOGA Summit 2023 to be held in Johannesburg | South Africa News

It has been a few days since Ukraine launched its much-anticipated counter-offensive. Here are some of the big statements coming in from Russia as Kyiv claims to be successful in its counter-offensive.

Putin tells west to stop arming Ukraine

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a big admission that Moscow's forces in Ukraine are running out of weaponry! He says Russia is ready for Ukraine talks provided that the West stops the arms supply. Watch to know more.

Putin: Russia is running out of weaponry | Russia-Ukraine War

Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the popular self-discovery memoir ‘Eat Pray Love’, has indefinitely delayed the release of her next book ‘The Snow Forest’ after facing a huge backlash from Ukrainian readers who objected to the book being set in Russia.

'Eat, Pray, Love' author Elizabeth Gilbert pulls new Russia book after backlash

President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine suffered massive losses in its long-awaited counter-offensive against Russian forces in Ukraine, saying Kyiv's casualties were ten times higher than Moscow's.

Russia- Ukraine war : Russia says Ukraine attacks repelled

Putin admits Russia doesn’t have enough weapons and drones

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed security and economic relations between their two countries, both sides reported on Wednesday.

During the phone talks, "at the initiative of the Malian side", the two leaders paid "particular attention" to trade and economic relations, including the delivery of cereals, fertilisers and fuel from Russia to Mali, the Kremlin said in a press release.

Colonel Goita thanked Putin "for the humanitarian aid provided, as well as for the help given to ensure security, neutralise the terrorist threat and stabilise the situation" in his country, the Kremlin added.

The landlocked Sahel state has been battling a security crisis since jihadist and separatist insurgencies broke out in the north in 2012.

It has since August 2020 been ruled by a military junta, which broke a long-standing alliance with France and other Western partners in the fight against jihadism and turned to Russia for political and military assistance.

Mali received shipments of Russian military supplies in March and August 2022, and again in January 2023.

In March, the Malian army received several aircraft from Russia.

"Very satisfied with my telephone conversation" with Putin, Goita said on Twitter.

"We had direct and sincere exchanges on subjects of common interest and on our desire to strengthen our diplomatic, economic and security relations", he added.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed security and economic relations between their two countries, both sides reported on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed security and economic relations between their two countries, both sides reported on Wednesday. During the phone talks, "at the initiative of the Malian side", the two leaders paid "particular attention" to trade and economic relations, including the delivery of cereals, fertilisers and fuel from Russia to Mali, the Kremlin said in a press release. Colonel Goita thanked Putin "for the humanitarian aid provided, as well as for the help given to ensure security, neutralise the terrorist threat and stabilise the situation" in his country, the Kremlin added. The landlocked Sahel state has been battling a security crisis since jihadist and separatist insurgencies broke out in the north in 2012. It has since August 2020 been ruled by a military junta, which broke a long-standing alliance with France and other Western partners in the fight against jihadism and turned to Russia for political and military assistance. Mali received shipments of Russian military supplies in March and August 2022, and again in January 2023. In March, the Malian army received several aircraft from Russia. "Very satisfied with my telephone conversation" with Putin, Goita said on Twitter. "We had direct and sincere exchanges on subjects of common interest and on our desire to strengthen our diplomatic, economic and security relations", he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mali junta leader discusses security, economy with Putin

Ukraine counter-offensive is making steady progress in Donetsk and it seems that it is verifiable on the ground as well now. President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine suffered massive losses in its long-awaited counter-offensive against Russian forces in Ukraine, saying Kyiv's casualties were ten times higher than Moscow's.

Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian flag atop village of Neskuchnme

Putin ponders if Russia should try to take Kyiv again

Italy's Silvio Berlusconi: The controversial showman

For Kherson resident Iryna Radetska, the catastrophic flooding of her city after the giant Kakhovka dam was destroyed is the latest chapter in more than a year of wartime suffering.

Kherson's unending nightmare: Occupation, shelling and floods

Russia found a new ally in North Korea. While the Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify, Putin has found a strategic partner in Kim Jong Un. North Korean leader has vowed to 'hold hands' with Vladimir Putin. Kim wants to strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia. While sharing a common goal of building a powerful country.

Why has North Korea's Kim vowed to 'hold hands' with Putin?

As Ukraine confirms the launch of its counteroffensive to reclaim the territory lost to Russia. The Russian Ministry of defense has shared images of their forces shredding Ukraine's army vehicles. These fighter vehicles destroyed were provided by Western countries.

Russia says it repels many attacks by Ukraine; Ukraine claims gains in Bakhmut

Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to think so. "We can definitely state that this Ukrainian offensive has begun," he said in a video interview published on Telegram on Friday.

Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia under way

Crews worked Wednesday to rescue civilians from flooding caused by the collapse of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam in Russian-occupied Ukraine as Kyiv and Moscow traded blame for its destruction.

Rescue efforts underway as Ukraine, Russia trade blame for dam collapse

Ukraine & Russia are accusing each other of shelling rescuers and evacuees in the flood-hit Kherson region. Moscow says its forces fought off a Ukrainian offensive in another part of the front line. The un nuclear watchdog has stated Europe's largest atomic power plant is still receiving water from a key dam after it was breached in the fighting. Water from the reservoir of the dam is still being pumped to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to cool reactors, though levels are at values earlier thought to make it impossible. After Zelensky's Kherson visit, Kyiv said Russian strikes killed one and injured 18 more, including emergency services staff. In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russia said its forces had fought a 2- hour battle with Ukrainian troops in the early hours of Thursday. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu said the Ukrainian offensive involved 1,500 soldiers & 150 armored vehicles. He said the enemy was stopped & retreated after heavy losses.

Russia: 'Ukrainian troops stopped, retreated after losses' | Strikes in Kherson after Zelensky visit

Claims and counterclaims rage on as Russia and Ukraine continue shelling amid rescue operations in the flood-hit Kherson region. 600 square kilometers of Kherson is underwater. Another area of focus here is zaporizhzhia, the area of the critical nuclear power plant. According to Ukrainian officials, Russian shelling killed one person and injured 18 other people. This includes one of the emergency service staff who was overseeing the evacuation. Meanwhile, officials from the Russian-controlled areas of Kherson have said that two evacuees were killed in Ukrainian shelling. Russia said its forces had fought a two-hour battle with Ukrainian troops on Thursday. Russian defence minister Shoigu said the Ukrainian offensive involved 1,500 soldiers and 150 armored vehicles.

Russia claims it stopped Ukrainian offensive in Zaporizhzhia within 2 hours

The Ka-Kho-Vka dam explosion has resulted in floods and widespread destruction, triggering a humanitarian crisis in the middle of a warzone. Now, it has unleashed a new threat stray, rogue landmines which were planted along the river bank have been washed away.

Putin calls Ukraine dam explosion 'a barbaric act' as threat of rogue landmines loom large

As per reports, the Biden administration received an intelligence report that Ukraine had a plan for an attack on the Nord Stream pipelines three months before an underwater explosion disabled the natural gas link from Russia to Germany.

US intelligence CIA was aware months before blasts, says report

Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops. Russia's defence in the Donetsk region at the time of this Ukrainian attack was led by&nbsp;Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov himself.

It is yet not clear if the troops at the Ukrainian side consisted of&nbsp;the regular forces or some anti-Russia militant group.

The supposed attack is deemed a part of Ukraine's counteroffensive which President Zelensky had been promising since months to recapture the territory lost in the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-appeals-residents-to-evacuate-border-district-amid-ukraine-shelling-600363">New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor</a>

Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory.

"On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction," the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram.

"The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front," it said. "The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success."

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russian-authorities-ask-villagers-to-evacuate-border-villages-600482/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, a pro-Ukraine group of Russian partisans on Sunday said it had captured several Russian soldiers during a cross-border raid and would hand them over to Ukrainian authorities.

The Russian Volunteer Corps made the claim in a video statement released on Telegram. The brief clip showed what appeared to be around a dozen Russian soldiers being held captive, with two lying on hospital beds.

The group said earlier it had taken two soldiers prisoner.

Earlier, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov published a cryptic message on Twitter on Sunday, quoting Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence".

"Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm," his tweet said.

Russian forces killed 250 Ukrainian troops as well as destroying 16 tanks, three infantry&nbsp;fighting vehicles and 21 armoured combat vehicles, the ministry said.

Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, was in the area of the Ukrainian attack, the ministry said.

"(Gerasimov) was at one of the advanced command posts," the ministry said.

Sixteen months into the war, Russia now controls at least 18 per cent&nbsp;of what is internationally recognised to be Ukrainian territory, and has claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory.

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.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops.

Russia said on Monday (June 5) that its forces managed to thwart a major Ukrainian offensive at five points along the Donetsk region and killed hundreds of pro-Kyiv troops. Russia's defence in the Donetsk region at the time of this Ukrainian attack was led by Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov himself. It is yet not clear if the troops at the Ukrainian side consisted of the regular forces or some anti-Russia militant group. The supposed attack is deemed a part of Ukraine's counteroffensive which President Zelensky had been promising since months to recapture the territory lost in the war. Also read | New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor Russia's defence ministry said Ukraine had attacked with six mechanised and two tank battalions in southern Donetsk, where Moscow has long suspected Ukraine would seek to drive a wedge through Russian-controlled territory. "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction," the defence ministry said in a statement posted on Telegram. "The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front," it said. "The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success." Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russian authorities ask villagers to evacuate border villages × Meanwhile, a pro-Ukraine group of Russian partisans on Sunday said it had captured several Russian soldiers during a cross-border raid and would hand them over to Ukrainian authorities. The Russian Volunteer Corps made the claim in a video statement released on Telegram. The brief clip showed what appeared to be around a dozen Russian soldiers being held captive, with two lying on hospital beds. The group said earlier it had taken two soldiers prisoner. Earlier, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov published a cryptic message on Twitter on Sunday, quoting Depeche Mode's song "Enjoy the Silence". "Words are very unnecessary. They can only do harm," his tweet said. Russian forces killed 250 Ukrainian troops as well as destroying 16 tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 21 armoured combat vehicles, the ministry said. Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of Moscow's military operation in Ukraine, was in the area of the Ukrainian attack, the ministry said. "(Gerasimov) was at one of the advanced command posts," the ministry said. Sixteen months into the war, Russia now controls at least 18 per cent of what is internationally recognised to be Ukrainian territory, and has claimed four regions of Ukraine as Russian territory. 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. 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.

Zelensky's counteroffensive crashing? Russia says it killed hundreds of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region

As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers"&nbsp;inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment. The sources also attributed the recent drone attack on the Kremlin to these agents, who launched the drones from inside Russia rather than flying them from Ukrainian territory far away.&nbsp;

Several other drone attacks have taken place in Russia over the last few days, including one on a residential neighbourhood near Moscow and another on an oil refinery in southern Russia. However, it was not clear whether those strikes were carried out by Ukrainian agents operating within Russian territory.

<h2>"No US-made drone used in attacks"</h2>

The sources quoted by CNN also clarified that drones used by Ukraine's agents in Russia were manufactured by Ukraine itself, and no US-made drone was used to stage attacks inside Russia. As per the sources, Ukrainian forces have established well-practised smuggling routes beyond the Russian border to send drone components to its operatives in Russia, where they assemble drones and carry out strikes on Russian targets.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia claims US behind Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-claims-us-behind-ukraine-drone-attack-on-the-kremlin-589108/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

CNN also quoted a European intelligence source as saying that since the Russia-Ukraine border was very vast and difficult to control, it provided Ukraine with a god-sent opportunity to set up such smuggling routes along the border and use it to its own advantage.

<h2>"Strikes and explosions inside Russia will continue"</h2>

According to a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Security Service, as reported by CNN, it was suggested that the series of unexplained explosions and drone strikes within Russia would continue, indicating that its network of agents will continue to be active.

The spokesperson quoted the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, stating that they would only comment on these incidents, referred to as "cotton" by Ukrainians, after achieving victory. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that "cotton" had occurred, is currently happening, and will continue to occur.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-alleged-ukrainian-drones-targeted-luxury-homes-of-putins-ex-wife-and-daughter-600180">Also read |&nbsp;Did Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters?</a>

The term "cotton" is a slang word used by Ukrainians to describe explosions, particularly those happening in Russia or Russia-occupied territories within Ukraine. The term originated during the early stages of the war due to the similarity between the Russian word for "pop" and the Ukrainian word for "cotton".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers" inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment.

As per some sources linked to US intelligence quoted by CNN, Ukraine is working on arming its "agents and sympathisers" inside Russia with drones to undertake sabotage operations against the Russian establishment. The sources also attributed the recent drone attack on the Kremlin to these agents, who launched the drones from inside Russia rather than flying them from Ukrainian territory far away. Several other drone attacks have taken place in Russia over the last few days, including one on a residential neighbourhood near Moscow and another on an oil refinery in southern Russia. However, it was not clear whether those strikes were carried out by Ukrainian agents operating within Russian territory. "No US-made drone used in attacks" The sources quoted by CNN also clarified that drones used by Ukraine's agents in Russia were manufactured by Ukraine itself, and no US-made drone was used to stage attacks inside Russia. As per the sources, Ukrainian forces have established well-practised smuggling routes beyond the Russian border to send drone components to its operatives in Russia, where they assemble drones and carry out strikes on Russian targets. Watch: Russia claims US behind Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin × CNN also quoted a European intelligence source as saying that since the Russia-Ukraine border was very vast and difficult to control, it provided Ukraine with a god-sent opportunity to set up such smuggling routes along the border and use it to its own advantage. "Strikes and explosions inside Russia will continue" According to a spokesperson from the Ukrainian Security Service, as reported by CNN, it was suggested that the series of unexplained explosions and drone strikes within Russia would continue, indicating that its network of agents will continue to be active. The spokesperson quoted the head of the Security Service, Vasyl Malyuk, stating that they would only comment on these incidents, referred to as "cotton" by Ukrainians, after achieving victory. Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasised that "cotton" had occurred, is currently happening, and will continue to occur. Also read | Did Ukrainian drones allegedly target luxury homes of Putin's ex-wife and daughters? The term "cotton" is a slang word used by Ukrainians to describe explosions, particularly those happening in Russia or Russia-occupied territories within Ukraine. The term originated during the early stages of the war due to the similarity between the Russian word for "pop" and the Ukrainian word for "cotton". WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine has built network of agents inside Russia to sabotage Kremlin operations: Report

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has decided to transfer one of the country's holiest icons from a museum to a Moscow cathedral as the Ukraine-Russia standoff drags on, sparking a debate over Putin's increasing reliance on the church.

Russia: President Vladimir Putin orders transfer of trinity to Moscow Cathedral

Russia's military has likely ordered Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov’s forces to begin offensive operations in Ukraine following the withdrawal of Wagner Group forces from Bakhmut, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Ukraine war: Russia orders Chechen soldiers to begin offensive

Bilateral ties with Russia are a key pillar of India's foreign policy. India & Russia have been longstanding & time-tested allies. After Russia faced sanctions worldwide following its invasion of Ukraine. India emerged as a top buyer of Russian oil. A significant portion of trade was being conducted in Rupee. Though it seemed like a win-win situation for everybody, there is a problem. Russia does not know how to reap the benefits of this trade.

What will Russia do with the $147 bn stranded Rupee assets it amassed from trade with India?

President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko to conduct a full audit of all bomb shelters in Ukraine. He also ordered a "comprehensive review" of Ukraine's air defense systems.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky orders audit of bomb shelters, review of air defense systems

putin

Putin, News on Putin, stories on Putin, articles on Putin, Putin stories at Wion, Putin news, Putin latest news