Tensions are rising between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come forward and denied Moscow's claim that Kyiv attempted to assassinate the Russian president. Moscow has now banned drones in the area.

Putin assassination attempt: We have nothing to do with Kremlin attack, says Kyiv

<p>After Russia alleged that President Vladimir Putin was targeted by Ukraine in a 'drone assassination attack', the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called for killing Ukrainian President <span>Volodymyr&nbsp; Zelensky. </span>"There are no other options left other than the physical elimination of Ukrainian President <span>Volodymyr</span> Zelensky and his clique," Medvedev said in a strongly-worded statement, reported TASS news agency.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Medvedev gave out the warning to Zelensky on Wednesday on his Telegram channel. He wrote, "After today's terrorist attack, there are no options left other than the physical elimination of Zelensky and his clique," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said it "is not even needed for signing an instrument of unconditional surrender. Hitler, as is known, did not sign it either. There will always be some substitute."&nbsp;</p>

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<p>This came after Kremlin claimed earlier that it was attacked by Ukrainian drones overnight. As per Russia, Ukraine's game plan was to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp; Kremlin termed it a "planned terrorist attack" to take out Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The drone attack triggered a strong reaction from Moscow, which vowed it would take "retaliatory measures." "Tonight, the Kyiv regime attempted a drone strike on the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Two drones were aimed at the Kremlin," the Kremlin press service said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"We regard these actions as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on the life of the president of the Russian Federation, carried out on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 parade," the Kremlin said, adding that Putin was not in the building at the time of the alleged attack.</p>

<p>“Russia reserves the right to respond to an attempted strike on the Kremlin where and when it sees fit,” the statement said.</p>

<p>The war in Ukraine is taking a significant turn as Kyiv strengthens its spring counteroffensive after a gruelling winter. It is more than a year now and the Russia-Ukraine war is going on. The attacks and counterattacks have intensified in the last few days, and Russian oil depots in Crimea have been attacked by Ukrainian drones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the drone attack, a Russian minister said on Thursday that Ukraine's alleged attempt to take out Putin was not only an attack on him but also on the Russian society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leader of the ruling United Russia party’s faction in the State Duma Vladimir Vasilyev wrote on his Telegram, "The attack on the Kremlin, assassination attempts on political leaders, acts of sabotage at railways, electricity transmission lines, and infrastructure facilities, including the explosion of the Crimean Bridge, and gas pipeline blasts, are the facts of terrorist activities of the Kiev regime and its sponsors."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, terrorism has raised it head again and is targeting the very heart of Russia. Attacks targeting the president are targeting each one of us. To thwart them, maximal consolidation, vigilance, cooperation with law enforcement agencies and special services are need. And the most important thing is understanding that all of us must defend the motherland and the president," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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After Russia alleged that President Vladimir Putin was targeted by Ukraine in a 'drone assassination attack', the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called for killing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

After Russia alleged that President Vladimir Putin was targeted by Ukraine in a 'drone assassination attack', the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday called for killing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "There are no other options left other than the physical elimination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his clique," Medvedev said in a strongly-worded statement, reported TASS news agency. Also Read | Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Death toll from Kherson shelling rises to 21 Medvedev gave out the warning to Zelensky on Wednesday on his Telegram channel. He wrote, "After today's terrorist attack, there are no options left other than the physical elimination of Zelensky and his clique," he said. He also said it "is not even needed for signing an instrument of unconditional surrender. Hitler, as is known, did not sign it either. There will always be some substitute." Also Read | At least 14 killed, 25 injured after road accident in Egypt: Reports This came after Kremlin claimed earlier that it was attacked by Ukrainian drones overnight. As per Russia, Ukraine's game plan was to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin termed it a "planned terrorist attack" to take out Putin. The drone attack triggered a strong reaction from Moscow, which vowed it would take "retaliatory measures." "Tonight, the Kyiv regime attempted a drone strike on the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Two drones were aimed at the Kremlin," the Kremlin press service said in a statement. Watch | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × "We regard these actions as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on the life of the president of the Russian Federation, carried out on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 parade," the Kremlin said, adding that Putin was not in the building at the time of the alleged attack. “Russia reserves the right to respond to an attempted strike on the Kremlin where and when it sees fit,” the statement said. The war in Ukraine is taking a significant turn as Kyiv strengthens its spring counteroffensive after a gruelling winter. It is more than a year now and the Russia-Ukraine war is going on. The attacks and counterattacks have intensified in the last few days, and Russian oil depots in Crimea have been attacked by Ukrainian drones. After the drone attack, a Russian minister said on Thursday that Ukraine's alleged attempt to take out Putin was not only an attack on him but also on the Russian society. Leader of the ruling United Russia party’s faction in the State Duma Vladimir Vasilyev wrote on his Telegram, "The attack on the Kremlin, assassination attempts on political leaders, acts of sabotage at railways, electricity transmission lines, and infrastructure facilities, including the explosion of the Crimean Bridge, and gas pipeline blasts, are the facts of terrorist activities of the Kiev regime and its sponsors." "Today, terrorism has raised it head again and is targeting the very heart of Russia. Attacks targeting the president are targeting each one of us. To thwart them, maximal consolidation, vigilance, cooperation with law enforcement agencies and special services are need. And the most important thing is understanding that all of us must defend the motherland and the president," he added. 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.

No choice but to physically eliminate Zelensky: Russia after 'drone assassination attempt' on Putin

In a major news development, there has been a 'failed' assassination attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin, claims Russia. Russia said that two Ukrainian drones attacked Kremlin overnight and it downed the drones with no victims or material damage to the Kremlin.

Putin's assassination attempt: Russia bans drones | WION Fineprint

Russia says Ukraine used Kamikaze drone to assassinate Putin | WION Fineprint

Russia says it had shot down two drones aimed at president Vladimir Putin's Kremlin residence in what it called a Ukrainian terrorist assassination attempt. Kyiv says it has nothing to do with the alleged attack and suggested it was staged by Moscow.

Bid to assassinate Putin, says Russia | WION Fineprint

Plot to kill Putin: Russia warns Ukraine of retaliation | WION Fineprint

Russia accuses Ukraine of trying to assassinate Putin, Ukraine rubbishes charges

Russia says it shot down two "Ukrainian drones" over the Kremlin, claims Kyiv attempted to assassinate President Vladimir Putin.

Russia: Ukraine attempted Putin's Assassination using  Kamikaze drones

A fuel depot was on fire early on Wednesday near a crucial bridge linking Russia's mainland with Crimea, a Russian official said, days after Moscow blamed Ukraine for an attack that set fire to an oil depot in Sevastopol.

Fuel depot ablaze near key Crimea bridge in Russia

On Tech It Out, we keep showing how countries around the world are improving their drone technologies to take on rivals. In this video, we focus on Russia. Watch this story and see what Moscow is up to.

Russia to target Ukraine with new combat drone?

More than a year after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the countries are fighting for control of areas in eastern and southern Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine says it's 'ready' for counteroffensive

<p>The head of the US central bank, Jerome Powell, was the subject of two Russian pranksters who pretended to be the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on a phone call. The duo,&nbsp;who are supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin, compelled the head of the Federal Reserve to speak on issues like inflation and how Russia managed its economy in the face of sanctions.</p>

<p>The Fed claimed that it appeared as though Powell's footage had been manipulated. Additionally, it was unable to verify the accuracy of the viral clips of the Fed chief.</p>

<p>According to a BBC report,&nbsp;Powell was heard praising Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank, for running the nation's economy in the face of Western sanctions, in one of the viral audio recordings that were widely circulated on Russian television.</p>

<p>Powell discussed a dramatic slowdown in US GDP in another video, which came after the Fed tried to control price increases.</p>

<p>“We would tell you that a recession is almost as likely as very slow growth,” Powell said of expectations for 2023.</p>

<p>“I think that is partly because of us having raised rates quite a bit but this is what it takes to get inflation down,” the Fed chairman said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RUSSIAN PRANK CALL THREAD w/Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell - ALL 4 RELEASED PARTS:<br />
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PART 1: The US economy, inflation &amp; at least 2 future interest rate hikes discussed! <a href="https://t.co/noIW0dQDxm">pic.twitter.com/noIW0dQDxm</a></p>
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<p>“Chair Powell participated in a conversation in January with someone who misrepresented himself as the Ukrainian president,” a Fed spokesperson said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-will-likely-die-republican-nikki-haley-makes-this-shocking-prediction-587345">&nbsp;'Biden will likely die...': Republican Nikki Haley makes this shocking prediction</a></p>

<p>“It was a friendly conversation and took place in a context of our standing in support of the Ukrainian people in this challenging time. No sensitive or confidential information was discussed,” the spokesperson further said.</p>

<p>The Fed spokesperson added that “the matter has been referred to appropriate law enforcement, and out of respect for their efforts, we won’t be commenting further.”</p>

<p>Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov,&nbsp;known as Vovan and Lexus, were the pranksters who pretended to be Zelensky and spoke with Powell.</p>

<p>For many years, the pair has been successful in convincing foreign officials to speak with them. In 2018, the UK declared it thought the Kremlin was behind a prank call to Boris Johnson, who was the country's foreign secretary at the time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;US, South Korea security pact will worsen situation, says Kim Jong Un's sister</strong></p>

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<p>Vovan and Lexus frequently share footage of their practical jokes only for the purpose of embarrassing Western policymakers. They impersonated Zelenskyy once more in a conversation with Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank, earlier this year.</p>

<p>Additionally, they made a spoof call to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, pretending to be the late Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.</p>

<p>They&nbsp;tricked&nbsp;Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland, into believing he was on call last year.</p>

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The head of the US central bank, Jerome Powell, was the subject of two Russian pranksters who pretended to be the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on a phone call.

The head of the US central bank, Jerome Powell, was the subject of two Russian pranksters who pretended to be the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on a phone call. The duo, who are supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin, compelled the head of the Federal Reserve to speak on issues like inflation and how Russia managed its economy in the face of sanctions. The Fed claimed that it appeared as though Powell's footage had been manipulated. Additionally, it was unable to verify the accuracy of the viral clips of the Fed chief. According to a BBC report, Powell was heard praising Elvira Nabiullina, the head of Russia's central bank, for running the nation's economy in the face of Western sanctions, in one of the viral audio recordings that were widely circulated on Russian television. Powell discussed a dramatic slowdown in US GDP in another video, which came after the Fed tried to control price increases. “We would tell you that a recession is almost as likely as very slow growth,” Powell said of expectations for 2023. “I think that is partly because of us having raised rates quite a bit but this is what it takes to get inflation down,” the Fed chairman said. RUSSIAN PRANK CALL THREAD w/Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell - ALL 4 RELEASED PARTS: PART 1: The US economy, inflation & at least 2 future interest rate hikes discussed! pic.twitter.com/noIW0dQDxm — Truth is Everything! (@_Tweets_Truth) April 27, 2023 × “Chair Powell participated in a conversation in January with someone who misrepresented himself as the Ukrainian president,” a Fed spokesperson said. ALSO READ | 'Biden will likely die...': Republican Nikki Haley makes this shocking prediction “It was a friendly conversation and took place in a context of our standing in support of the Ukrainian people in this challenging time. No sensitive or confidential information was discussed,” the spokesperson further said. The Fed spokesperson added that “the matter has been referred to appropriate law enforcement, and out of respect for their efforts, we won’t be commenting further.” Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, known as Vovan and Lexus, were the pranksters who pretended to be Zelensky and spoke with Powell. For many years, the pair has been successful in convincing foreign officials to speak with them. In 2018, the UK declared it thought the Kremlin was behind a prank call to Boris Johnson, who was the country's foreign secretary at the time. ALSO WATCH | US, South Korea security pact will worsen situation, says Kim Jong Un's sister Vovan and Lexus frequently share footage of their practical jokes only for the purpose of embarrassing Western policymakers. They impersonated Zelenskyy once more in a conversation with Christine Lagarde, the head of the European Central Bank, earlier this year. Additionally, they made a spoof call to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, pretending to be the late Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. They tricked Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland, into believing he was on call last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: US Fed chair Jerome Powell pranked by Russian impersonators posing as Zelensky

Ukrainian secret service agents tried to assassinate Vladimir Putin with a kamikaze drone carrying explosives - but failed after it crashed a few miles short of their target, as per reports.

Ukraine used ‘kamikaze drone’ in Putin ‘assassination attempt’ ?

Ukraine used ‘kamikaze drone’ in Putin ‘assassination attempt’ : Report

China and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening maritime law enforcement cooperation. But the west is worried that Moscow and Beijing can use the arctic for military purposes. Experts say that it would be interesting to see how NATO responds to Russia and China's challenge at the North Pole.

Intense military build-up in the Arctic

Russia has launched a wave of air strikes against cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv, leaving at least 12 people dead. Ten people including a child were killed in an attack that hit a block of flats in the central city of Uman, officials said.

Ukraine war: Twelve dead as Russian missiles hit cities

Vladimir Putin says the Russian drone industry could soon be worth $12.25 billion. A plan to boost the production is being worked out, and Putin is betting on the versatility of unmanned aerial vehicles. Late last year, Putin said Russia must increase its output of drones. The Russian President is pushing for the widespread use of drones in military and civilian applications. He ordered a strategy for drone development through 2030. Drones, remote or pre-programmed, have been used extensively in battles. Drones gather intelligence, deliver explosives, and can even launch missiles and fly away. With drones, Russia is hitting targets, crushing morale and draining Ukraine's war chest. Suicide drones can flood combat theatres, and are often dubbed as the poor man's cruise missile. Drones are allowing Russia to avoid putting sophisticated aircraft and pilots at risk. Drones are also helping Russia save expensive, long-range precision missiles.

Russia acing the 'Game of Drones'? Strategy for drone development through 2030 | Details

China is sending diplomats to Ukraine to try to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow. This comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping held an hour-long phone call with Ukraine's Zelensky. Molly Gambhir brings you the details.

China's Xi to send diplomat to Ukraine to broker peace with Russia

South Africa is not planning to quit the International Criminal Court, as earlier suggested by president Cyril Ramaphosa. Just hours before, Ramaphosa had said his African National Congress had decided to withdraw South Africa from the International Court. The president's office cited a communication error from the ruling A.N.C. Party. In march, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin. The warrant against the Russian president is based on the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children. Russia denies the allegations. The I.C.C. arrest warrant meant that Pretoria, due to host the Brics Summit this year, would have to detain Putin on arrival. The arrest warrant for Putin, a sitting head of state of a permanent member of U.N. Security Council, is an unprecedented step for the Hague-based court. Russia is not a party to the international criminal court, so it was unclear if or how Putin could ever end up in the dock.

Ramaphosa's office cities communication error over Int'l Criminal Court exit statement

According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party decided that South Africa should leave the International Criminal Court when it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin last month.

South African president Ramaphosa says governing party wants International Criminal Court exit

Rumours that Russian President Vladimir Putin sits in a bunker and has body duplicates, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, are yet another lie. The remarks were part of a lecture Peskov gave at the Znanie youth forum marathon titled "The Lies about Russia."

Kremlin dismisses rumour that Vladimir Putin has body double and sits in a bunker

China's role in the Russia-Ukraine war has come under the scanner. This is due to Chinese diplomat remarking stoke controversy. Countries are now questioning China if it really has a neutral stand in Ukraine-Russia war as it claims.

China's role in Ukraine-Russia war being questioned

For more than a year, Ukraine has been fighting for its life against a military superpower that enjoys overwhelming advantages in terms of funding, weapons, and manpower. One of the few areas were Ukraine has managed to stay consistently ahead of Russia is in the use of innovative military technologies.

Role of technology in the Russia-Ukraine war

Much like the Russian government, the Bolshoi Theatre, home to two of the world’s greatest opera and ballet companies, is being shunned by the West over Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine and looking east to China instead.

Russian Theatre Bolshoi looks to China for new ties

Russia is known for developing high-tech weapons - be it fighter jets, robotic combat vehicles, and hypersonic missiles. Now the country is planning to combine two lethal weapons. Watch this story to know more.

Russia's robotic weapon gets more firepower

The Russian military has launched a video campaign to lure more professional soldiers to fight in Ukraine which challenges those interested to show they are "a real man" and swap what it casts as hum-drum civilian life for the battlefield.

Russia expands war recruitment drive with video ad calling for 'real' men

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has accepted the invitation to attend an in-person BRICS summit in South Africa later this year in August, said BRICS South Africa Sherpa Anil Sooklal in an exclusive interview with WION.

Russian President Putin accepts invite for BRICS summit: South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal

President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the front-line city of Avdiivka, some five kilometers north of Russian-occupied Donetsk, the President's Office reported on April 18.

Ukraine war: Zelensky visits front-line Avdiivka, Putin reportedly visits occupied territories

Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited two districts of Ukraine that are under Russian control. While there, he spoke with Russian officials on the ongoing conflict.

Vladimir Putin visits Luhansk and Kherson to discuss war with senior generals

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed China's defence minister Li Shangfu on Sunday and the two held talks. Russia's defence minister Sergei Shoigu was also present in the meeting. Putin said Russian-Chinese military cooperation helps strengthen strategic and trust-based relations between the two countries. He added that Russia-China ties have entered a new era.

New era of Russia-China ties, says Putin while welcoming Chinese defence minister

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