Russian and Ukrainian officials have signed a deal to allow grain exports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were also present at the ceremony.

Ukraine-Russia agree on a grain deal: Turkiye & UN back deal in person

According to a media report, Russia is planning to officially annex occupied Russian territories in Ukraine through a referendum in September. The US responded and said that it will not let Russian annexation of Ukrainian territory remain 'unchallenged'.

Kremlin to hold referendums in captured Ukrainian territories; White House responds

The Russian-Ukraine war prompted one of the worst humanitarian crises in Europe since World War II. It has also led to serious environmental consequences.

Environmental costs of Russia-Ukraine war are immense

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Now, Three were killed and 23 were wounded in the Russian shelling of Ukraine's Kharkiv according to Ukrainian authorities.

Three killed, 23 wounded in Russian shelling of Ukraine's Kharkiv

Environmental costs of Russia-Ukraine war

Russian president Vladimir Putin has concluded his first major summit outside Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, it ended with an endorsement from Iran, a clash with Turkiye over Syria and some signs of progress over the lifting of the Russian blockade of Ukrainian grain.

Iran and Russia forge deeper ties | Putin ends first major trip outside Russia since Ukraine invasion

<p>On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blasted the West for relying on green energy and promised that gas giant Gazprom will fulfil all of its commitments "in full." As reported by AFP, Putin told reporters in Tehran after holding talks with the leaders of Iran and Turkey, "Gazprom has fulfilled, is fulfilling and will fulfil its obligations in full."</p>

<p>The European Commission has been working on "a gas demand reduction strategy" to get through the upcoming winter since Putin began cutting back on gas delivery on February 24 to stop EU members from refilling stocks in response to the West's response of imposing sanctions on Moscow. Speaking in Tehran, Putin made fun of the West's efforts to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its use of renewable energy.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-crisis-economy-lessons-india-can-learn-498205">Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn</a></p>

<p>Putin said, "They are great experts in the field of non-traditional relations, and in the field of energy, they have also decided to rely on non-traditional types of energy -- the sun and wind. They themselves are shutting down everything and then looking for someone to blame -- it would be funny if it were not so sad."</p>

<p>As part of the extraordinary sanctions imposed on Moscow over its participation in Ukraine, EU leaders decided in May to halt the majority of Russian oil imports by the end of the year. However, the group decided against outright banning Russian gas.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blasted the West for relying on green energy and promised that gas giant Gazprom will fulfil all of its commitments "in full.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blasted the West for relying on green energy and promised that gas giant Gazprom will fulfil all of its commitments "in full." As reported by AFP, Putin told reporters in Tehran after holding talks with the leaders of Iran and Turkey, "Gazprom has fulfilled, is fulfilling and will fulfil its obligations in full." The European Commission has been working on "a gas demand reduction strategy" to get through the upcoming winter since Putin began cutting back on gas delivery on February 24 to stop EU members from refilling stocks in response to the West's response of imposing sanctions on Moscow. Speaking in Tehran, Putin made fun of the West's efforts to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its use of renewable energy. Also Read: Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn Putin said, "They are great experts in the field of non-traditional relations, and in the field of energy, they have also decided to rely on non-traditional types of energy -- the sun and wind. They themselves are shutting down everything and then looking for someone to blame -- it would be funny if it were not so sad." As part of the extraordinary sanctions imposed on Moscow over its participation in Ukraine, EU leaders decided in May to halt the majority of Russian oil imports by the end of the year. However, the group decided against outright banning Russian gas. (with inputs from agencies)

Putin claims Russian gas giant Gazprom will fulfil its promises 'in full'

Russian President Vladimir Putin is on Iran visit to deepen ties with the Islamic Republic as Moscow continues its months-long war in Ukraine.

Putin holds bilateral talks with Iranian President Raisi

After US President Joe Biden's West Asia tour, Russian President Vladimir Putin has embarked on Iran trip. This is Putin's rare trip abroad amid the Ukraine war. In this episode of The Full Context, WION decodes Putin’s visit to Iran.

The Full Context: Decoding Putin’s visit to Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit Iran today as his war on Ukraine continues and the divide between Moscow and the West deepens, this is Putin's first foreign trip since the invasion.

Putin to embark on first foreign trip to Iran: War in Ukraine, 2015 nuclear deal on agenda

<p>The commander of the British armed forces has called the rumours that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ill or could be killed "wishful thinking".&nbsp;Admiral Tony Radakin also stated that Russia poses "the biggest threat" to the UK and that its struggle would last for decades when the Conservative party choose a replacement for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After suffering setbacks in the conflict in Ukraine, Russia's ground troops might now be less of a threat, according to the military leader.</p>

<p>As reported by AFP, according to the Admiral, the invasion has resulted in the deaths or injuries of 50,000 Russian soldiers and the destruction of approximately 1,700 Russian tanks and 4,000 armoured battle vehicles. He said, "But Russia continues to be a nuclear power. It's got cyber capabilities, it's got space capabilities and it's got particular programmes under water so it can threaten the underwater cables that allow the world's information to transit around the whole globe."</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-crisis-economy-lessons-india-can-learn-498205">Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn</a></p>

<p>When Johnson's successor assumes office on September 6, briefings on the military will be dominated by Ukraine, Radakin said, “And then we have to remind the prime minister of the extraordinary responsibility they have with the UK as a nuclear power, and that is part of the initiation for a new British prime minister."</p>

<p>In the meantime, Radakin was questioned over a BBC investigation that revealed commandos in Britain's elite Special Air Service (SAS) corps murdered at least 54 Afghans in questionable circumstances 10 years ago, but the military chain of command stifled concerns. He said that although military police had already determined "that did not happen," they would conduct another investigation if fresh, conclusive proof appeared.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The commander of the British armed forces has called the rumours that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ill or could be killed "wishful thinking". Admiral Tony Radakin also stated that Russia poses "the biggest threat" to the UK and that its struggle would last for decades when the Conservative party choose a replacement for Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The commander of the British armed forces has called the rumours that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ill or could be killed "wishful thinking". Admiral Tony Radakin also stated that Russia poses "the biggest threat" to the UK and that its struggle would last for decades when the Conservative party choose a replacement for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After suffering setbacks in the conflict in Ukraine, Russia's ground troops might now be less of a threat, according to the military leader. As reported by AFP, according to the Admiral, the invasion has resulted in the deaths or injuries of 50,000 Russian soldiers and the destruction of approximately 1,700 Russian tanks and 4,000 armoured battle vehicles. He said, "But Russia continues to be a nuclear power. It's got cyber capabilities, it's got space capabilities and it's got particular programmes under water so it can threaten the underwater cables that allow the world's information to transit around the whole globe." Also Read: Sri Lankan crisis: Economy lessons India can learn When Johnson's successor assumes office on September 6, briefings on the military will be dominated by Ukraine, Radakin said, “And then we have to remind the prime minister of the extraordinary responsibility they have with the UK as a nuclear power, and that is part of the initiation for a new British prime minister." In the meantime, Radakin was questioned over a BBC investigation that revealed commandos in Britain's elite Special Air Service (SAS) corps murdered at least 54 Afghans in questionable circumstances 10 years ago, but the military chain of command stifled concerns. He said that although military police had already determined "that did not happen," they would conduct another investigation if fresh, conclusive proof appeared. (with inputs from agencies)

Russia has lost 50,000 soldiers and 1,700 tanks in Ukraine, UK military chief says

It has been several months since the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been raging on. Now, Moscow strikes the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Ukraine says that Kremlin has struck its 4 command posts.

Russia-Ukraine war to complete 5 months: Moscow strikes the Ukrainian city of Dnipro

Farmers in Crimea have backed Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine in a unique way. Crimean fields show 'Z' & 'V' symbols in support of Russia.

Farmers back Russia in a unique way as Crimean fields show 'Z' & 'V' symbols

In a recent update on Ukraine-Russia war, Kyiv has slammed IAEA over Zaporizhzhya nuke plant and said IAEA is playing political games, balancing between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine-Russia war continues: Russia controls Europe's largest nuclear plant

A video obtained by news agency Reuters showed black smoke billowing in the central Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia, where at least 20 civilians were killed in a Russian cruise missile strike on Thursday.

Black smoke billows in Ukraine's Vinnytsia after Russian cruise missile strikes

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

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

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

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

Putin signs decree giving all Ukrainians path to Russian citizenship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Possibility of peace talks: Putin says not rejecting peace negotiations

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

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

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

WION Wideangle | War and Weapons: Who is profiting?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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