<p>Russian officials on Sunday (Oct 1) reported a wave of attacks by Ukrainian drones and shelling which left three people injured and forced an airport to divert flights, reported news agency AFP. Russia also claims to have shot down six Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and two Ukrainian missiles over Crimea.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine shelling injured three in Belgorod: Governor&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region which borders Ukraine, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that on Sunday morning Ukrainian forces shelled the area of the central market in Shebekino.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “According to preliminary information, there are three victims – a woman suffered shrapnel wounds to the neck... Two other men suffered shrapnel wounds to their legs.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s Bryansk region, which also borders Ukraine, said Ukrainian shelling hit a village and damaged houses and two administrative buildings but that there were no casualties, according to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia shoots down Ukrainian drones and missiles</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian air defence system shot down a Ukrainian drone in the southern Krasnodar region, on the Black Sea coast, at around 0500 GMT, said Moscow’s defence ministry, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, it also claimed to have shot down three drones over the western Smolensk region, west of Moscow, around 0600 GMT and two more over the region around an hour later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack with two operational-tactical Grom-2 missiles was thwarted,” said the Russian defence ministry in a statement, adding that missiles were shot down over the Dzhankoi region.</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry on Sunday also said that the country’s air defences had intercepted five United States-made HIMARS shells, an air-launched JDAM bomb and 37 Ukrainian drones over Ukrainian territory in the last 24 hours.</p>

<p>Russia said those interceptions had occurred on the territory where Moscow is fighting what it calls a “special military operation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sergei Aksyonov, the Russia-installed head of Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014, said that there were no casualties due to the reported attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Temporary flight restriction’ in Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The international airport in the Russian city of Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, delayed 13 flights and cancelled one, following the attack, according to the British newspaper Daily Express.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“On the morning of 1 October, Sochi airport imposed a temporary flight restriction. Six flights were diverted to alternate aerodromes,” said Sochi International Airport in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP also reported a brief closure of the Crimea bridge, which connects the Moscow-annexed peninsula to the Russian mainland, on Sunday, but the reason was not immediately known.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine shoots down 16 of 30 Russian drones</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian Air Forces, on Sunday (Oct 1) claimed to have shot down 16 out of around 30 drones that Russia launched on Ukraine's territory overnight. The drones were launched from the southern, southeastern and northern directions, said the Ukrainian forces, on Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Officials also reported an attack in the central Ukrainian Cherkasy region, where one person was reportedly injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At night, the enemy massively attacked our Cherkasy region with attack drones. Unfortunately, there were hits on industrial infrastructure in (the city of) Uman,” said Cherkasy Governor Ihor Taburets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “As a result, fires broke out in warehouses. In particular, where grain was stored.” Taburets also said that one person was injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a statement by the Ukrainian presidential office also reported damage to civilian infrastructure and warehouses in southern Mykolaiv region and eastern Dnipropetrovsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

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Russian officials on Sunday (Oct 1) reported a wave of attacks by Ukrainian drones and shelling which left three people injured and forced an airport to divert flights, reported news agency AFP.

Russian officials on Sunday (Oct 1) reported a wave of attacks by Ukrainian drones and shelling which left three people injured and forced an airport to divert flights, reported news agency AFP. Russia also claims to have shot down six Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and two Ukrainian missiles over Crimea. Ukraine shelling injured three in Belgorod: Governor Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region which borders Ukraine, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that on Sunday morning Ukrainian forces shelled the area of the central market in Shebekino. He added, “According to preliminary information, there are three victims – a woman suffered shrapnel wounds to the neck... Two other men suffered shrapnel wounds to their legs.” Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s Bryansk region, which also borders Ukraine, said Ukrainian shelling hit a village and damaged houses and two administrative buildings but that there were no casualties, according to AFP. Russia shoots down Ukrainian drones and missiles The Russian air defence system shot down a Ukrainian drone in the southern Krasnodar region, on the Black Sea coast, at around 0500 GMT, said Moscow’s defence ministry, as per Reuters. Furthermore, it also claimed to have shot down three drones over the western Smolensk region, west of Moscow, around 0600 GMT and two more over the region around an hour later. “An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack with two operational-tactical Grom-2 missiles was thwarted,” said the Russian defence ministry in a statement, adding that missiles were shot down over the Dzhankoi region. The Russian defence ministry on Sunday also said that the country’s air defences had intercepted five United States-made HIMARS shells, an air-launched JDAM bomb and 37 Ukrainian drones over Ukrainian territory in the last 24 hours. Russia said those interceptions had occurred on the territory where Moscow is fighting what it calls a “special military operation”. Sergei Aksyonov, the Russia-installed head of Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014, said that there were no casualties due to the reported attacks. ‘Temporary flight restriction’ in Russia The international airport in the Russian city of Sochi, on the Black Sea coast, delayed 13 flights and cancelled one, following the attack, according to the British newspaper Daily Express. “On the morning of 1 October, Sochi airport imposed a temporary flight restriction. Six flights were diverted to alternate aerodromes,” said Sochi International Airport in a statement. AFP also reported a brief closure of the Crimea bridge, which connects the Moscow-annexed peninsula to the Russian mainland, on Sunday, but the reason was not immediately known. Ukraine shoots down 16 of 30 Russian drones Ukrainian Air Forces, on Sunday (Oct 1) claimed to have shot down 16 out of around 30 drones that Russia launched on Ukraine's territory overnight. The drones were launched from the southern, southeastern and northern directions, said the Ukrainian forces, on Telegram. Officials also reported an attack in the central Ukrainian Cherkasy region, where one person was reportedly injured. “At night, the enemy massively attacked our Cherkasy region with attack drones. Unfortunately, there were hits on industrial infrastructure in (the city of) Uman,” said Cherkasy Governor Ihor Taburets. He added, “As a result, fires broke out in warehouses. In particular, where grain was stored.” Taburets also said that one person was injured. Meanwhile, a statement by the Ukrainian presidential office also reported damage to civilian infrastructure and warehouses in southern Mykolaiv region and eastern Dnipropetrovsk region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

At least three injured in Russian regions hit by Ukrainian shelling, drones: Moscow

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's former aide the task of overseeing volunteer fighter units in Ukraine, as per a statement issued by the Kremlin on Friday (Sep 28).<br />
<br />
Prigozhin was killed in August in an air crash which was suspected to have been orchestrated by Putin after the failed Wagner mutiny in June.<br />
<br />
"At the last meeting, we talked about you overseeing the formation of volunteer units that can carry out various tasks, first and foremost of course in the zone of the special military operation," the Russian president was quoted as saying to Andrei Troshev.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-places-icc-president-on-wanted-list-amid-allegations-of-torturing-ukrainian-victims-to-death-639487">Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death</a></p>

<p>The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, emphasised the integration of the mercenary group's fighters into the regular military of Russia in the wake of the aborted mutiny.</p>

<p>Prigozhin was killed along with nine other people when a plane, which took off from Moscow and was headed to Saint Petersburg, crashed on August 23.</p>

<p>As per the experts, the Wagner mutiny was the most significant challenge to the rule of Putin.</p>

<p>The rebellion was called off by Prigozhin after he apparently finalised a deal with the Kremlin through the mediation of Belarus, after which he faced no criminal prosecution.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Vladmir Putin meets Ramzan Kadyrov in Moscow</strong></p>

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<p>Troshev, who is a retired colonel famous by the nickname "Sedoi" (Gray-haired), hails from St Petersburg, the hometown of Putin, and is a decorated veteran of Kremlin campaigns in Chechnya, Afghanistan and Syria.</p>

<p>He was one of the Wagner Group's leaders in Syria for which he was put on the sanctions list of the the European Union in December 2021.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's former aide the task of overseeing volunteer fighter units in Ukraine, as per a statement issued by the Kremlin on Friday (Sep 28).

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's former aide the task of overseeing volunteer fighter units in Ukraine, as per a statement issued by the Kremlin on Friday (Sep 28). Prigozhin was killed in August in an air crash which was suspected to have been orchestrated by Putin after the failed Wagner mutiny in June. "At the last meeting, we talked about you overseeing the formation of volunteer units that can carry out various tasks, first and foremost of course in the zone of the special military operation," the Russian president was quoted as saying to Andrei Troshev. ALSO READ | Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, emphasised the integration of the mercenary group's fighters into the regular military of Russia in the wake of the aborted mutiny. Prigozhin was killed along with nine other people when a plane, which took off from Moscow and was headed to Saint Petersburg, crashed on August 23. As per the experts, the Wagner mutiny was the most significant challenge to the rule of Putin. The rebellion was called off by Prigozhin after he apparently finalised a deal with the Kremlin through the mediation of Belarus, after which he faced no criminal prosecution. WATCH | Vladmir Putin meets Ramzan Kadyrov in Moscow Troshev, who is a retired colonel famous by the nickname "Sedoi" (Gray-haired), hails from St Petersburg, the hometown of Putin, and is a decorated veteran of Kremlin campaigns in Chechnya, Afghanistan and Syria. He was one of the Wagner Group's leaders in Syria for which he was put on the sanctions list of the the European Union in December 2021. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (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 gives task of managing Ukraine volunteer fighters to ex-Prigozhin aide

<p>Russia said on Thursday (September 28) that it was planning a major increase of 70 per cent in its defece spending. The country plans to funnel massive resources into its Ukraine offensive which is calls 'special military operation' and also a 'hybrid war' unleashed by the West.</p>

<p>Russia's Ukraine offensive is now dragged towards its twentieth month. Troops of both the countries have been digging deep and are preparing for what appears to be developing into a protracted conflict.</p>

<p>The latest announcement from Russia has come close on the heels of NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's Kyiv visit. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defence systems.</p>

<p>Defence ministers of Britain and France visited Kyiv as well.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike in Crimea</strong></p>

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<p>Ukraine's newly appointed defence minister Rustem Umerov, after meeting with his British counterpart Grant Shapps, said, "Winter is coming but we are ready."</p>

<p>According to a document from Russian finance ministry, defence spending is set to jump by over 68 per cent year-on-year to almost 10.8 trillion rubles ($111.15 billion) -- more than spending allocated for social policy.</p>

<p>"It is obvious that such an increase is necessary, absolutely necessary, because we are in a state of hybrid war, we are continuing the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm referring to the hybrid war that has been unleashed against us," he said.</p>

<p>AFP said that defence spending in 2024 is set to be around three times than education, environmental protection and healthcare spending combined.</p>

<p>"The focus of economic policy is shifting from an anti-crisis agenda to the promotion of national development goals," the finance ministry said in the document.</p>

<p>It said this included "strengthening the country's defence capacity" and "integrating" four Ukrainian regions Moscow claims to have annexed last year -- Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously shrugged off Ukraine war's effect on economy. He has said that Russia has weathered the effect of Western sanctions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-alleges-us-uk-aided-ukraine-missile-strike-on-crimea-naval-hq-640342">Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike on Crimea naval headquarters</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Russia's central bank recently warned that economic growth was likely to slow this year and ordinary Russians may have to face rising prices.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months, Russian forces had to withdraw from many territories of Ukraine. The West, led by the US, has poured billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military aid. It was expected that Ukraine, with the help of Western weapons, would be able to stage an effective counter-offensive against Russia. But the progress of the counter-offensive has been slow and Ukraine has not been able retake large swathes of territory as it was initially expected.</p>

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Russia said on Thursday (September 28) that it was planning a major increase of 70 per cent in its defece spending. The country plans to funnel massive resources into its Ukraine offensive which is calls 'special military operation' and also a 'hybrid war' unleashed by the West.

Russia said on Thursday (September 28) that it was planning a major increase of 70 per cent in its defece spending. The country plans to funnel massive resources into its Ukraine offensive which is calls 'special military operation' and also a 'hybrid war' unleashed by the West. Russia's Ukraine offensive is now dragged towards its twentieth month. Troops of both the countries have been digging deep and are preparing for what appears to be developing into a protracted conflict. The latest announcement from Russia has come close on the heels of NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's Kyiv visit. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defence systems. Defence ministers of Britain and France visited Kyiv as well. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike in Crimea × Ukraine's newly appointed defence minister Rustem Umerov, after meeting with his British counterpart Grant Shapps, said, "Winter is coming but we are ready." According to a document from Russian finance ministry, defence spending is set to jump by over 68 per cent year-on-year to almost 10.8 trillion rubles ($111.15 billion) -- more than spending allocated for social policy. "It is obvious that such an increase is necessary, absolutely necessary, because we are in a state of hybrid war, we are continuing the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "I'm referring to the hybrid war that has been unleashed against us," he said. AFP said that defence spending in 2024 is set to be around three times than education, environmental protection and healthcare spending combined. "The focus of economic policy is shifting from an anti-crisis agenda to the promotion of national development goals," the finance ministry said in the document. It said this included "strengthening the country's defence capacity" and "integrating" four Ukrainian regions Moscow claims to have annexed last year -- Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously shrugged off Ukraine war's effect on economy. He has said that Russia has weathered the effect of Western sanctions. Also Read | Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike on Crimea naval headquarters However, Russia's central bank recently warned that economic growth was likely to slow this year and ordinary Russians may have to face rising prices. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months, Russian forces had to withdraw from many territories of Ukraine. The West, led by the US, has poured billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military aid. It was expected that Ukraine, with the help of Western weapons, would be able to stage an effective counter-offensive against Russia. But the progress of the counter-offensive has been slow and Ukraine has not been able retake large swathes of territory as it was initially expected. 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 ×

Russia plans major increase in defence spending for edge in Ukraine war

<p>More than a year after being expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Russia is seeking to rejoin the forum. According to a position paper Russia is circulating in the UN and accessed by <em>BBC</em>, Moscow is pushing member nations to extend support to the motion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the document, Russia promises to find "adequate solutions for human rights issues" and seeks to stop the council becoming an "instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries",&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow believes that re-joining the UNHRC&nbsp;will restore its international credibility and help wash the human rights abuse allegations that President Vladimir Putin's regime has&nbsp;been consistently accused of during the war in Ukraine and within its own borders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-prosecutor-to-present-war-crime-dossier-to-icc-639544"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's prosecutor to present 'war crime' dossier to ICC</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia was expelled from the council&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It was in April last year that the UN General Assembly, during an emergency special session, voted to suspend Russia from the human rights body over allegations of&nbsp;rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The resolution was put forth by the US and passed with 93 votes in favour, 24 against it and&nbsp;58 abstentions. China voted against it, while India abstained.</p>

<p>The 47 members of the UNHRC are elected by members of the UNGA. A two-thirds vote is needed in the General Assembly to remove a member.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-russia-intentionally-starve-ukraine-new-war-crime-dossier-to-the-icc-to-provide-damning-evidence-639290"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Did Russia intentionally starve Ukraine? New war crime dossier to the ICC to provide damning evidence</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>UN expresses concerns&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia aiming to join the council comes a few days after a UN expert raised concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country ever since it invaded Ukraine.</p>

<p>A report published by&nbsp;Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova alleged that&nbsp;Russian authorities have carried out mass arbitrary arrests of critics of the war and says those detained risk death due to the "persistent use of torture and ill-treatment".</p>

<p>“I think there is a serious place for concern and also of course, as documented by my report, an enormous crackdown on civil society. Around 600 civil society organizations from big like Memorial, the Nobel peace price winner for last year, to tiny organizations in the regions of indigenous people, of ethnic minorities, of LGBTIQ representative organizations, organizations that represent these people, have been closed down, have been forced to closed down by the authorities," said&nbsp;Katzarova.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has previously called criticism of its domestic&nbsp;rights&nbsp;record unfounded and denied targeting civilians in Ukraine, where it says it is carrying out a "special military operation" to destroy military infrastructure.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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More than a year after being expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Russia is seeking to rejoin the forum. According to a position paper Russia is circulating in the UN and accessed by BBC, Moscow is pushing member nations to extend support to the motion.

More than a year after being expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Russia is seeking to rejoin the forum. According to a position paper Russia is circulating in the UN and accessed by BBC, Moscow is pushing member nations to extend support to the motion. According to the document, Russia promises to find "adequate solutions for human rights issues" and seeks to stop the council becoming an "instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries", Moscow believes that re-joining the UNHRC will restore its international credibility and help wash the human rights abuse allegations that President Vladimir Putin's regime has been consistently accused of during the war in Ukraine and within its own borders. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's prosecutor to present 'war crime' dossier to ICC × Russia was expelled from the council It was in April last year that the UN General Assembly, during an emergency special session, voted to suspend Russia from the human rights body over allegations of rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The resolution was put forth by the US and passed with 93 votes in favour, 24 against it and 58 abstentions. China voted against it, while India abstained. The 47 members of the UNHRC are elected by members of the UNGA. A two-thirds vote is needed in the General Assembly to remove a member. Also read | Did Russia intentionally starve Ukraine? New war crime dossier to the ICC to provide damning evidence UN expresses concerns Russia aiming to join the council comes a few days after a UN expert raised concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country ever since it invaded Ukraine. A report published by Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova alleged that Russian authorities have carried out mass arbitrary arrests of critics of the war and says those detained risk death due to the "persistent use of torture and ill-treatment". “I think there is a serious place for concern and also of course, as documented by my report, an enormous crackdown on civil society. Around 600 civil society organizations from big like Memorial, the Nobel peace price winner for last year, to tiny organizations in the regions of indigenous people, of ethnic minorities, of LGBTIQ representative organizations, organizations that represent these people, have been closed down, have been forced to closed down by the authorities," said Katzarova. Moscow has previously called criticism of its domestic rights record unfounded and denied targeting civilians in Ukraine, where it says it is carrying out a "special military operation" to destroy military infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia seeks to rejoin UN Human Rights Council, a year after being removed

<p>Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against&nbsp;a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison.</p>

<p>The First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction ruled "to uphold the decision" taken by Moscow City Court last month, announced judge Viktor Rogov.<br />
<br />
For the last decade, Navalny has been the loudest opposition voice in Russia and had organised huge anti-government rallies before he was imprisoned in 2021 on charges of fraud, which his allies at home and abroad called politically motivated.<br />
<br />
Last month, Navalny was handed a 19-year jail term by a court in his prison near Moscow after he was accused of having created an organisation which has undermined public security by carrying out "extremist activities".<br />
<br />
The 47-year-old had set up a network of political offices throughout the country as well as a corruption watchdog that made credible graft allegations against political leaders.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-wagner-commander-arrested-in-norway-for-trying-to-cross-border-back-into-russia-illegally-638968">Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally</a></p>

<p>In 2021, he was imprisoned after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering after getting poisoned for which he had blamed the Kremlin.<br />
<br />
"You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," said Navalny, in a statement of the ruling.</p>

<h2><strong>Navalny's solitary confinement</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny, who has claimed to be facing multiple health complications and was on a weeks-long hunger strike, has been communicating with the outside world via his lawyers.<br />
<br />
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Navalny repeatedly spoke out against the military campaign.<br />
<br />
Thousands of people have been detained by Russia, including high-profile political activists, for speaking against the Ukrainian conflict and highlighting alleged atrocities carried out by the Russian military.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US new sanctions on China &amp; Russia firms over Moscow military aid, blacklists 28 entities</strong></p>

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<p>Russian authorities have locked up Navalny in the maximum security IK-6 penal colony, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow.<br />
<br />
However, the court also ruled to send Navalny to a "special regime" colony in August. This colony has a maximum security facility and has been designed especially for dangerous criminals. It is highly likely to cut him off from the outside world.<br />
<br />
There are around 40 prisons across Russia, many are located in remote and isolated regions. Usually, Navalny appears at court hearings through grainy video connections in prison uniforms. '<br />
<br />
As per his allies, Navalny's health has suffered in recent months during solitary confinement. Before the appeal, prison wardens had kept Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison.

Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison. The First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction ruled "to uphold the decision" taken by Moscow City Court last month, announced judge Viktor Rogov. For the last decade, Navalny has been the loudest opposition voice in Russia and had organised huge anti-government rallies before he was imprisoned in 2021 on charges of fraud, which his allies at home and abroad called politically motivated. Last month, Navalny was handed a 19-year jail term by a court in his prison near Moscow after he was accused of having created an organisation which has undermined public security by carrying out "extremist activities". The 47-year-old had set up a network of political offices throughout the country as well as a corruption watchdog that made credible graft allegations against political leaders. ALSO READ | Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally In 2021, he was imprisoned after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering after getting poisoned for which he had blamed the Kremlin. "You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," said Navalny, in a statement of the ruling. Navalny's solitary confinement Navalny, who has claimed to be facing multiple health complications and was on a weeks-long hunger strike, has been communicating with the outside world via his lawyers. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Navalny repeatedly spoke out against the military campaign. Thousands of people have been detained by Russia, including high-profile political activists, for speaking against the Ukrainian conflict and highlighting alleged atrocities carried out by the Russian military. WATCH | US new sanctions on China & Russia firms over Moscow military aid, blacklists 28 entities Russian authorities have locked up Navalny in the maximum security IK-6 penal colony, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow. However, the court also ruled to send Navalny to a "special regime" colony in August. This colony has a maximum security facility and has been designed especially for dangerous criminals. It is highly likely to cut him off from the outside world. There are around 40 prisons across Russia, many are located in remote and isolated regions. Usually, Navalny appears at court hearings through grainy video connections in prison uniforms. ' As per his allies, Navalny's health has suffered in recent months during solitary confinement. Before the appeal, prison wardens had kept Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team 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

Russia rejects Navalny's appeal against 19-year imprisonment on extremism charges

<p>At least 20 people were killed and more than hundreds injured in a blast at a fuel depot&nbsp;in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (September 25). This comes as the separatist authorities are in the midst of preparing to hand over the power of the region to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The health department said that nearly 300 people have been admitted to hospitals, with dozens of them "still in critical condition".</p>

<p>The Armenian separatist interior ministry, in a statement, said, “There are dead and wounded as a result of an explosion at a fuel depot near the Stepanakert-Askeran road,” adding that the “rescuers and medics are working at the scene”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh are leaving the region for Armenia. Yerevan said that several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered.</p>

<p>The incident comes as&nbsp;people fleeing the region, with Armenia saying that 13,350 “forcibly displaced persons” entered the country. In a statement, the government also said it would provide accommodation for all those in need.</p>

<h2><strong>US calls Russia ‘unreliable’</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (Sept 24), the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pashinyan also spoke about how Armenia’s current foreign security alliances were “ineffective” and “insufficient” after the conflict ended with Armenian-backed separatists agreeing to lay down their arms.</p>

<p>“I do think that Russia has shown that it is not a security partner that can be relied on,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington has previously criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;Senior US&nbsp;officials from President Joe Biden's administration also arrived on Monday (Sept 25) to meet&nbsp;senior Armenian government officials, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-russian-black-sea-fleet-commander-killed-as-us-abrams-tanks-reach-kyiv-639515">Ukraine claims Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed as US Abrams tanks reach Kyiv</a></p>

<p>The visit will&nbsp;affirm the US partnership and "discuss measures to address the humanitarian crisis there (Nagorno-Karabakh)."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-of-its-kind-uk-charity-launches-app-for-teens-to-prevent-child-sexual-abuse-639695">UK charity launches app to help teens deal with porn-linked abusive sexual behaviour</a></p>

<p>“We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community that their rights and security will be protected consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made,” said Miller, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia accuses Armenia of trying to sever ties</strong></h2>

<p>After the Armenian PM’s remarks, Russia said, “The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia’s multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pashinyan&nbsp;statement also contained “unacceptable attacks on Russia,”&nbsp;said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-armenia-of-trying-to-sever-ties-erdogan-meets-azerbaijans-aliyev-639538">Moscow's&nbsp;foreign ministry</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Russia&nbsp;refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reportedly argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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At least 20 people were killed and more than hundreds injured in a blast at a fuel depot in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (September 25). This comes as the separatist authorities are in the midst of preparing to hand over the power of the region to Azerbaijan.

At least 20 people were killed and more than hundreds injured in a blast at a fuel depot in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region on Monday (September 25). This comes as the separatist authorities are in the midst of preparing to hand over the power of the region to Azerbaijan. The health department said that nearly 300 people have been admitted to hospitals, with dozens of them "still in critical condition". The Armenian separatist interior ministry, in a statement, said, “There are dead and wounded as a result of an explosion at a fuel depot near the Stepanakert-Askeran road,” adding that the “rescuers and medics are working at the scene”. This comes as thousands of refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh are leaving the region for Armenia. Yerevan said that several days after the fighting, the first refugees arrived in Armenia on Sunday and 6,650 people have so far entered. The incident comes as people fleeing the region, with Armenia saying that 13,350 “forcibly displaced persons” entered the country. In a statement, the government also said it would provide accommodation for all those in need. US calls Russia ‘unreliable’ On Sunday (Sept 24), the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine. Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor. Pashinyan also spoke about how Armenia’s current foreign security alliances were “ineffective” and “insufficient” after the conflict ended with Armenian-backed separatists agreeing to lay down their arms. “I do think that Russia has shown that it is not a security partner that can be relied on,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters, on Monday. Washington has previously criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians. Senior US officials from President Joe Biden's administration also arrived on Monday (Sept 25) to meet senior Armenian government officials, reported Reuters. Also read | Ukraine claims Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed as US Abrams tanks reach Kyiv The visit will affirm the US partnership and "discuss measures to address the humanitarian crisis there (Nagorno-Karabakh)." Also read | UK charity launches app to help teens deal with porn-linked abusive sexual behaviour “We do believe there should be an international mission to provide transparency, reassurance and confidence to the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and the international community that their rights and security will be protected consistent with the public statements that Azerbaijan has made,” said Miller, as quoted by AFP. Russia accuses Armenia of trying to sever ties After the Armenian PM’s remarks, Russia said, “The leadership in Yerevan is making a huge mistake by deliberately trying to destroy Armenia’s multifaceted and centuries-old ties with Russia, and by holding the country hostage to the geopolitical games of the West.” The Pashinyan statement also contained “unacceptable attacks on Russia,” said Moscow's foreign ministry. This comes after Russia refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reportedly argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

At least 20 killed, hundreds wounded after fuel depot blast in Nagorno-Karabakh

<p>Ukraine on Monday (September 25) claimed to have killed the Commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet&nbsp;Viktor Sokolov&nbsp;in a missile strike on the Russian naval headquarters in the annexed Crimean peninsula. The killing, if true, is a major blow for Moscow which has faced several attacks on the strategically significant port of Sevastopol in recent months.</p>

<p>"Thirty-four officers were killed, including the commander of the Black Sea fleet. Another 105 occupiers were wounded"&nbsp; in the attack last week, said Ukraine's special forces.</p>

<p>"The headquarters are beyond repair," it said in a statement on social media.</p>

<p>Last Friday, plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the building under attack in central Sevastopol, Crimea's largest city. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-places-icc-president-on-wanted-list-amid-allegations-of-torturing-ukrainian-victims-to-death-639487">Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations of torturing Ukrainian victims to death</a></p>

<p>Russian defence ministry, for its part, said one serviceman was missing on the day of the attack after initially reporting that one person was killed.</p>

<h2><strong>'Depleted uranium' Abrams tanks reach Ukraine from US&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile Ukraine Army took delivery of US Abrams battle tanks, a boost to their&nbsp;slow-moving counteroffensive against Russia. These tanks will be paired with 120 mm armour-piercing depleted uranium rounds, as per US officials.</p>

<p>The counteroffensive was announced in June after Ukraine built up assault battalions and received some weapons promised by Western countries.</p>

<p>"Good news from (Defence) Minister (Rustem) Umerov. Abrams are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce our brigades," said President Volodymyr Zelensky in a statement on social media.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia launches major strike on Ukraine's Odesa port, grain stores</strong></p>

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<p>He did not elaborate on how many tanks reached the country how long it would take to deploy them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US had promised 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine at the start of this year, part of more than $43 billion in security assistance it had promised in the last 18 months. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine was seen as a U-turn as American defence officials repeatedly stated that they were ill-suited for the forces of Kyiv due to their complexity.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine on Monday (September 25) claimed to have killed the Commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet Viktor Sokolov in a missile strike on the Russian naval headquarters in the annexed Crimean peninsula.

Ukraine on Monday (September 25) claimed to have killed the Commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet Viktor Sokolov in a missile strike on the Russian naval headquarters in the annexed Crimean peninsula. The killing, if true, is a major blow for Moscow which has faced several attacks on the strategically significant port of Sevastopol in recent months. "Thirty-four officers were killed, including the commander of the Black Sea fleet. Another 105 occupiers were wounded" in the attack last week, said Ukraine's special forces. "The headquarters are beyond repair," it said in a statement on social media. Last Friday, plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the building under attack in central Sevastopol, Crimea's largest city. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. ALSO READ | Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations of torturing Ukrainian victims to death Russian defence ministry, for its part, said one serviceman was missing on the day of the attack after initially reporting that one person was killed. 'Depleted uranium' Abrams tanks reach Ukraine from US Meanwhile Ukraine Army took delivery of US Abrams battle tanks, a boost to their slow-moving counteroffensive against Russia. These tanks will be paired with 120 mm armour-piercing depleted uranium rounds, as per US officials. The counteroffensive was announced in June after Ukraine built up assault battalions and received some weapons promised by Western countries. "Good news from (Defence) Minister (Rustem) Umerov. Abrams are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce our brigades," said President Volodymyr Zelensky in a statement on social media. WATCH | Russia launches major strike on Ukraine's Odesa port, grain stores He did not elaborate on how many tanks reached the country how long it would take to deploy them. The US had promised 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine at the start of this year, part of more than $43 billion in security assistance it had promised in the last 18 months. The decision to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine was seen as a U-turn as American defence officials repeatedly stated that they were ill-suited for the forces of Kyiv due to their complexity. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (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

Ukraine claims Russian Black Sea fleet commander killed as US Abrams tanks reach Kyiv

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<p>Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned Ukraine that&nbsp;his government will not support Kyiv in any international issue until the language rights of ethnic Hungarians there are restored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking in parliament, Orban, a hardcore nationalist, pointed out the 2017 law passed by Kyiv which restricts the use of minority languages in schools. Orban believes the law curbs the rights of roughly 150,000 ethnic Hungarians to use their native tongue, especially in education.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They want to transform (Hungarian schools) into Ukrainian schools and if that does not work they want to close them," Orban was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We do not support Ukraine in any issue in the international scene until it restores the laws that guarantee the rights of Hungarians."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/let-us-open-doors-pope-appeals-hungarians-to-be-more-receptive-to-migrants-587523"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Let us open doors...': Pope appeals Hungarians to be more receptive to migrants</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Orban's bargaining chip&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Orban's statement comes days after European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen suggested the vision of an expanded EU that would include Ukraine. The bloc is expected to decide on whether to begin discussions on assimilating Ukraine into its fold or not in December.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, to begin such a negotiation would require unanimous backing of all 27 countries in the bloc. With the Hungarian PM seemingly miffed by Ukraine, it looks highly unlikely that Kyiv would have smooth sailing on the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Budapest has already shown that it can use its decisive vote to lengthen proceedings. Sweden has been unable to become a NATO member for over a year due to Orban's unwillingness to ratify the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/military-exercise-comes-as-sweden-starts-its-bid-to-join-nato-637333"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Military exercise comes as Sweden starts its bid to join NATO</strong></a></p>

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<p>During the same speech, Orban touched upon the topic and said he was not in a rush to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO and that there was no threat to Sweden's security. Budapest has cited what it called undue allegations by Swedish politicians that it had eroded democratic rights.</p>

<p>"I wonder if there is something urgent that would force us to ratify Sweden's NATO bid. I cannot see any such circumstance," Orban said.</p>

<p>Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year. It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all 30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document. Every country has signed the document, bar Turkey and Hungary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned Ukraine that his government will not support Kyiv in any international issue until the language rights of ethnic Hungarians there are restored.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned Ukraine that his government will not support Kyiv in any international issue until the language rights of ethnic Hungarians there are restored. Speaking in parliament, Orban, a hardcore nationalist, pointed out the 2017 law passed by Kyiv which restricts the use of minority languages in schools. Orban believes the law curbs the rights of roughly 150,000 ethnic Hungarians to use their native tongue, especially in education. "They want to transform (Hungarian schools) into Ukrainian schools and if that does not work they want to close them," Orban was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We do not support Ukraine in any issue in the international scene until it restores the laws that guarantee the rights of Hungarians." Also read | 'Let us open doors...': Pope appeals Hungarians to be more receptive to migrants Orban's bargaining chip Orban's statement comes days after European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen suggested the vision of an expanded EU that would include Ukraine. The bloc is expected to decide on whether to begin discussions on assimilating Ukraine into its fold or not in December. However, to begin such a negotiation would require unanimous backing of all 27 countries in the bloc. With the Hungarian PM seemingly miffed by Ukraine, it looks highly unlikely that Kyiv would have smooth sailing on the issue. Budapest has already shown that it can use its decisive vote to lengthen proceedings. Sweden has been unable to become a NATO member for over a year due to Orban's unwillingness to ratify the move. Watch | Military exercise comes as Sweden starts its bid to join NATO × During the same speech, Orban touched upon the topic and said he was not in a rush to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO and that there was no threat to Sweden's security. Budapest has cited what it called undue allegations by Swedish politicians that it had eroded democratic rights. "I wonder if there is something urgent that would force us to ratify Sweden's NATO bid. I cannot see any such circumstance," Orban said. Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year. It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all 30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document. Every country has signed the document, bar Turkey and Hungary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We do not support Ukraine...': Hungary PM Orban lashes out at Kyiv

<p>Russia on Monday (September 25) said that it has placed International Criminal Court President Piotr Hofmanski, who has been seeking President Vladimir Putin's arrest, on its wanted list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hofmanski Piotr Jozef, Polish. Wanted under an article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation," said a notice uploaded in the Russian interior ministry database.</p>

<p>The details of the allegations against Hofmanski were not shared by the ministry.</p>

<p>In March, an arrest warrant for Putin was announced by the Hague-based court on the war crime accusation of deporting Ukrainian children unlawfully.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another warrant was issued by the ICC against Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights Maria Lvova-Belova on similar charges.</p>

<p>Earlier, arrest warrants for ICC prosecutor Karim Khan along with several judges. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-russia-intentionally-starve-ukraine-new-war-crime-dossier-to-the-icc-to-provide-damning-evidence-639290">Did Russia intentionally starve Ukraine? New war crime dossier to the ICC to provide damning evidence</a></p>

<p>Russia, which does not have membership in the ICC, insists that the warrant against Putin is "void".</p>

<p>The ICC in September opened a field office in Ukraine so that it could hold Russian forces accountable for the offensive of Moscow in the Western-backed country.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia tortured Ukrainian victims to death, says UN inquiry</strong></h2>

<p>The head of a UN-mandated investigative body on Monday (September 25) said that the torture methods of Russia in parts of occupied Ukraine have been so brutal that it caused the deaths of a few victims.</p>

<p>Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Erik Mose, speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said that his team had "collected further evidence indicating that the use of torture by Russian armed forces in areas under their control has been widespread and systematic".</p>

<p>"In some cases, torture was inflicted with such brutality that it caused the death of the victim," he stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia launches major strike on Ukraine's Odesa port, grain stores</strong></p>

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<p>The commission of Mose visited parts of Ukraine, which were held formerly by Russian forces, like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. It discovered that they committed torture mainly in detention centres which were operated by the Russian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, the commission said that the violations committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, which include the use of torture, may include crimes against humanity.</p>

<p>Russia has denied targeting civilians in Ukraine and committing atrocities on them. Russia was given a chance at the council hearing to respond to the allegations, however, no Russian representative attended it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Monday (September 25) said that it has placed International Criminal Court President Piotr Hofmanski, who has been seeking President Vladimir Putin's arrest, on its wanted list.

Russia on Monday (September 25) said that it has placed International Criminal Court President Piotr Hofmanski, who has been seeking President Vladimir Putin's arrest, on its wanted list. "Hofmanski Piotr Jozef, Polish. Wanted under an article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation," said a notice uploaded in the Russian interior ministry database. The details of the allegations against Hofmanski were not shared by the ministry. In March, an arrest warrant for Putin was announced by the Hague-based court on the war crime accusation of deporting Ukrainian children unlawfully. Another warrant was issued by the ICC against Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights Maria Lvova-Belova on similar charges. Earlier, arrest warrants for ICC prosecutor Karim Khan along with several judges. ALSO READ | Did Russia intentionally starve Ukraine? New war crime dossier to the ICC to provide damning evidence Russia, which does not have membership in the ICC, insists that the warrant against Putin is "void". The ICC in September opened a field office in Ukraine so that it could hold Russian forces accountable for the offensive of Moscow in the Western-backed country. Russia tortured Ukrainian victims to death, says UN inquiry The head of a UN-mandated investigative body on Monday (September 25) said that the torture methods of Russia in parts of occupied Ukraine have been so brutal that it caused the deaths of a few victims. Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Erik Mose, speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said that his team had "collected further evidence indicating that the use of torture by Russian armed forces in areas under their control has been widespread and systematic". "In some cases, torture was inflicted with such brutality that it caused the death of the victim," he stated. WATCH | Russia launches major strike on Ukraine's Odesa port, grain stores The commission of Mose visited parts of Ukraine, which were held formerly by Russian forces, like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. It discovered that they committed torture mainly in detention centres which were operated by the Russian authorities. Previously, the commission said that the violations committed by Russian forces in Ukraine, which include the use of torture, may include crimes against humanity. Russia has denied targeting civilians in Ukraine and committing atrocities on them. Russia was given a chance at the council hearing to respond to the allegations, however, no Russian representative attended it. (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

Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death

<p>The 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh will leave for Armenia as they do not want to be a part of Azerbaijan and live in the constant fear of ethnic cleansing, the leader of the breakaway region told Reuters, on Sunday (September 24). Similarly, the Armenian prime minister also said that the possibility of Karabakh Armenians leaving the region is high and that Yerevan was ready to take them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (Sept 19) launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijani-forces-strike-armenian-controlled-karabakh-risking-a-fresh-war-in-caucasus-region-637698">military operation</a> against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Baku has said that it will guarantee their rights if they choose to stay back and integrate the region, Armenians say they fear repression.</p>

<h2><strong>Mass exodus in Nagorno-Karabakh?</strong></h2>

<p>“Our people do not want to live as part of Azerbaijan. Ninety-nine point nine percent prefer to leave our historic lands,” David Babayan, an adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilised world.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military operation which reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 people and wounded 400 others, ended after the Armenians of Karabakh were forced to declare a ceasefire following a lightning 24-hour attack by the much larger Azerbaijani military.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, AFP reported that furious relatives of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/karabakh-forces-begin-giving-up-arms-negotiate-withdrawal-us-delegation-visits-armenia-to-show-support-638929">ethnic Armenians trapped</a> in the breakaway region gathered at the Azerbaijan border to await a medical evacuation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Armenian health ministry said 23 ambulances carrying a first batch of “seriously and very seriously wounded citizens,” were on their way to the border, accompanied by medics and Red Cross workers.</p>

<p>The leader of the breakaway region said it was not immediately clear when the population would move down the Lachin corridor which links the territory to Armenia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ethnic Armenian authorities also said that Russian peacekeepers will escort the homeless families of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia if they wish.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We inform you that families who have become homeless as a result of recent military operations and who have expressed desire to leave the republic will be carried out by Russian peacekeepers,” said the authorities on Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The government will soon provide information about the transfer of other population groups.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>If a mass exodus were to take place, it could change the delicate balance of power in the South Caucasus region where countries like Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Notably, the region is home to several oil and gas pipelines and home to people of multiple ethnicities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Danger of ethnic cleansing’</strong></h2>

<p>As the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan continues to face calls for resignation, he said that Yerevan is ready to accept all ethnic Armenian compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh still face the danger of ethnic cleansing,” said Pashinyan, during a national address, as per TASS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “If real living conditions are not created for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in their homes and effective mechanisms of protection against ethnic cleansing, then the likelihood is increasing that the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh will see expulsion from their homeland as the only way out.”</p>

<p>“Our government will lovingly welcome our brothers and sisters from Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Pashinyan. However, it was not immediately clear where the 120,000 people could be housed in Armenia which is home to some 2.8 million people.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shift in alliance?</strong></h2>

<p>The Armenian PM also took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Moscow-Yerevan military-political cooperation were “insufficient” security guarantees, said the Armenian PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Moscow refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-ready-to-recognise-nagorno-karabakh-as-azeri-territory-amid-massive-protests-595145">reportedly</a> argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pashinyan, earlier this week, also said that unidentified forces were planning a coup against him amid widespread protests in Yerevan which have led to the arrest of nearly 100 people. Additionally, he has also accused Russian media of fighting an information war against him.</p>

<p>Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor. But that might change soon, as Armenia recently hosted a joint army exercise with the United States. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington has criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians there and even sent a US congressional delegation to meet with leaders in Armenia to express support.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What about Azerbaijan?</strong></h2>

<p>During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov promised that Baku would ensure equal treatment for ethnic Armenians from the disputed region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I wish to reiterate that Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as equal citizens,” said Bayramov. It is also worth noting that last week’s Azerbaijani victory may have brought a decisive end to the decades-long conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey – a member of the US-led military alliance NATO – has previously expressed support for Baku’s operation to preserve its territorial integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Days, after Washington said it sent delegates to Armenia, the Turkish presidency, on Sunday (Sept 24), reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his counterpart Ilham Aliyev in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the two allies have sought to step up efforts to open a land corridor linking Turkey to Azerbaijan’s main territory via Nakhchivan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh will leave for Armenia as they do not want to be a part of Azerbaijan and live in the constant fear of ethnic cleansing, the leader of the breakaway region told Reuters, on Sunday (September 24).

The 120,000 ethnic Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh will leave for Armenia as they do not want to be a part of Azerbaijan and live in the constant fear of ethnic cleansing, the leader of the breakaway region told Reuters, on Sunday (September 24). Similarly, the Armenian prime minister also said that the possibility of Karabakh Armenians leaving the region is high and that Yerevan was ready to take them. This comes after Azerbaijan, on Tuesday (Sept 19) launched a military operation against the separatist Armenians, who have claimed part of Karabakh – which is internationally recognised as Azerbaijani territory – as their ancestral homeland. While Baku has said that it will guarantee their rights if they choose to stay back and integrate the region, Armenians say they fear repression. Mass exodus in Nagorno-Karabakh? “Our people do not want to live as part of Azerbaijan. Ninety-nine point nine percent prefer to leave our historic lands,” David Babayan, an adviser to Samvel Shahramanyan, the president of the self-styled Republic of Artsakh, told Reuters. He added, “The fate of our poor people will go down in history as a disgrace and a shame for the Armenian people and for the whole civilised world.” The military operation which reportedly led to the deaths of over 200 people and wounded 400 others, ended after the Armenians of Karabakh were forced to declare a ceasefire following a lightning 24-hour attack by the much larger Azerbaijani military. Meanwhile, AFP reported that furious relatives of ethnic Armenians trapped in the breakaway region gathered at the Azerbaijan border to await a medical evacuation. The Armenian health ministry said 23 ambulances carrying a first batch of “seriously and very seriously wounded citizens,” were on their way to the border, accompanied by medics and Red Cross workers. The leader of the breakaway region said it was not immediately clear when the population would move down the Lachin corridor which links the territory to Armenia. The ethnic Armenian authorities also said that Russian peacekeepers will escort the homeless families of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia if they wish. “We inform you that families who have become homeless as a result of recent military operations and who have expressed desire to leave the republic will be carried out by Russian peacekeepers,” said the authorities on Facebook. It added, “The government will soon provide information about the transfer of other population groups.” If a mass exodus were to take place, it could change the delicate balance of power in the South Caucasus region where countries like Russia, the United States, Turkey and Iran are jostling for influence. Notably, the region is home to several oil and gas pipelines and home to people of multiple ethnicities. ‘Danger of ethnic cleansing’ As the Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan continues to face calls for resignation, he said that Yerevan is ready to accept all ethnic Armenian compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh. “The Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh still face the danger of ethnic cleansing,” said Pashinyan, during a national address, as per TASS. He added, “If real living conditions are not created for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in their homes and effective mechanisms of protection against ethnic cleansing, then the likelihood is increasing that the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh will see expulsion from their homeland as the only way out.” “Our government will lovingly welcome our brothers and sisters from Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Pashinyan. However, it was not immediately clear where the 120,000 people could be housed in Armenia which is home to some 2.8 million people. Shift in alliance? The Armenian PM also took a swipe at the long-standing ally Russia after previously criticising Moscow – the traditional power broker in the region – for being too distracted by its own war in Ukraine. Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and Moscow-Yerevan military-political cooperation were “insufficient” security guarantees, said the Armenian PM. This comes after Moscow refused to come to Armenia’s assistance in the latest Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and reportedly argued that Yerevan itself recognised the disputed region as part of Baku. Pashinyan, earlier this week, also said that unidentified forces were planning a coup against him amid widespread protests in Yerevan which have led to the arrest of nearly 100 people. Additionally, he has also accused Russian media of fighting an information war against him. Moscow, which has around 2,000 peacekeepers in the region as well as a military base in Armenia, regards itself as the prime security guarantor. But that might change soon, as Armenia recently hosted a joint army exercise with the United States. Washington has criticised Azerbaijan’s military operation and expressed “deep concern” for ethnic Armenians there and even sent a US congressional delegation to meet with leaders in Armenia to express support. What about Azerbaijan? During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov promised that Baku would ensure equal treatment for ethnic Armenians from the disputed region. “I wish to reiterate that Azerbaijan is determined to reintegrate ethnic Armenian residents of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan as equal citizens,” said Bayramov. It is also worth noting that last week’s Azerbaijani victory may have brought a decisive end to the decades-long conflict. Turkey – a member of the US-led military alliance NATO – has previously expressed support for Baku’s operation to preserve its territorial integrity. Days, after Washington said it sent delegates to Armenia, the Turkish presidency, on Sunday (Sept 24), reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet his counterpart Ilham Aliyev in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on Monday. This comes as the two allies have sought to step up efforts to open a land corridor linking Turkey to Azerbaijan’s main territory via Nakhchivan. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Explained: Mass exodus underway? Karabakh’s 120,000 Armenians to leave amid fears of ‘ethnic cleansing’

<p>Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on Saturday (September 23), said at a press conference that the peace deal proposed by Ukraine and the latest UN proposals to restore the Black Sea grain initiative were both "not realistic."</p>

<p>"It is completely not feasible," Lavrov said of a 10-point peace blueprint promoted by Kyiv. "It is not possible to implement this. It's not realistic and everybody understands this, but at the same time, they say this is the only basis for negotiations."</p>

<p>He then said that the dispute would be resolved on the battlefield if Ukraine and its Western allies stood by that stance.</p>

<p>Lavrov further elucidating Moscow's reasons behind leaving the Black Sea grain initiative, said that promises made to Russia, which included removing sanctions on a Russian bank and reconnecting it to the global SWIFT system, were not met.</p>

<p>He said the latest U.N. proposals to revive that export corridor for Ukrainian agricultural products were "simply not realistic".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-army-breaks-through-russian-lines-in-south-says-general-638953">Ukrainian army breaks through Russian lines in south, claims general</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lavrov accuses West of direct fighting in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Lavrov also accused Western countries of direct fighting with Russia through their support to Ukraine.</p>

<p>He said that the Western powers had effectively entered direct war against Moscow by backing Ukraine.</p>

<p>"You can call it anything you want, but they are fighting with us, they are straight-up fighting with us. We call it a hybrid war, but that doesn't change things," Lavrov told a news conference at the United Nations. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky urges member nations to strip Russia of veto power in UNSC; Lavrov responds</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (September 20) denounced the Russian invasion, calling it 'criminal' and urged other member nations to strip Moscow of its veto power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We should recognize that the U.N. finds itself in a deadlock on the matter of aggression. Humankind no longer pins its hopes on the U.N. when it comes to the defence of the sovereign border of nations,” he said.</p>

<p>"Veto power in the hands of the aggressor is what has pushed the UN into a deadlock. It is impossible to stop the war because all efforts are vetoed by the aggressor or those who condone the aggressor," Zelensky continued.</p>

<p>After Zelensky's speech, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended his country's veto power in the UNSC as a "legitimate tool" of international relations.</p>

<p>"The use of veto is an absolutely legitimate tool laid out in the (UN) Charter," said Lavrov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian leader also accused the US and its allies of “egregiously and openly” interfering in the domestic affairs of Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on Saturday (September 23), said at a press conference that the peace deal proposed by Ukraine and the latest UN proposals to restore the Black Sea grain initiative were both "not realistic.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on Saturday (September 23), said at a press conference that the peace deal proposed by Ukraine and the latest UN proposals to restore the Black Sea grain initiative were both "not realistic." "It is completely not feasible," Lavrov said of a 10-point peace blueprint promoted by Kyiv. "It is not possible to implement this. It's not realistic and everybody understands this, but at the same time, they say this is the only basis for negotiations." He then said that the dispute would be resolved on the battlefield if Ukraine and its Western allies stood by that stance. Lavrov further elucidating Moscow's reasons behind leaving the Black Sea grain initiative, said that promises made to Russia, which included removing sanctions on a Russian bank and reconnecting it to the global SWIFT system, were not met. He said the latest U.N. proposals to revive that export corridor for Ukrainian agricultural products were "simply not realistic". Also read: Ukrainian army breaks through Russian lines in south, claims general Lavrov accuses West of direct fighting in Ukraine Lavrov also accused Western countries of direct fighting with Russia through their support to Ukraine. He said that the Western powers had effectively entered direct war against Moscow by backing Ukraine. "You can call it anything you want, but they are fighting with us, they are straight-up fighting with us. We call it a hybrid war, but that doesn't change things," Lavrov told a news conference at the United Nations. Zelensky urges member nations to strip Russia of veto power in UNSC; Lavrov responds Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (September 20) denounced the Russian invasion, calling it 'criminal' and urged other member nations to strip Moscow of its veto power. “We should recognize that the U.N. finds itself in a deadlock on the matter of aggression. Humankind no longer pins its hopes on the U.N. when it comes to the defence of the sovereign border of nations,” he said. "Veto power in the hands of the aggressor is what has pushed the UN into a deadlock. It is impossible to stop the war because all efforts are vetoed by the aggressor or those who condone the aggressor," Zelensky continued. After Zelensky's speech, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov defended his country's veto power in the UNSC as a "legitimate tool" of international relations. "The use of veto is an absolutely legitimate tool laid out in the (UN) Charter," said Lavrov. The Russian leader also accused the US and its allies of “egregiously and openly” interfering in the domestic affairs of Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Russian FM says bid to revive Black Sea grain deal 'not realistic', accuses West of direct fighting in Ukraine

<p>A former commander of the mercenary group, Wagner, was arrested by the Norwegian police on suspicion that he illegally attempted to cross the border back into Russia after seeking asylum in Norway earlier this year, his lawyer said on Saturday (September 23).</p>

<p>Andrei Medvedev, who exited Russia in the month of January via its Arctic border with Norway, said that he ran as Russian guards fired shots at him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police released a statement late on Friday (September 22) saying that a man in his 20s had been taken into custody for trying to cross the Russian border illegally, but did not name him. An officer with the Finnmark local police refused to give the arrested man's identity.</p>

<p>Crossing the border to Russia is only permitted at specified points.</p>

<p>However, as per news agency Reuters reports, Medvedev's arrest was due to a misunderstanding, said his Norwegian lawyer Brynjulf Risnes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-seizes-sfj-chief-gurpatwant-singh-pannus-amritsar-and-chandigarh-properties-638875">NIA confiscates SFJ chief Gurpatwant Pannu’s Amritsar, Chandigarh properties</a></p>

<p>"He was up there to see if he could find the place where he crossed (into Norway in January). He was stopped when he was in a taxi. He was never near the border ... It was never his intention to cross the border (into Russia)," Risnes said.</p>

<p>While seeking asylum in Norway, Medvedev had said that he feared for his life after he witnessed the killing of Russian prisoners brought to the frontline in Ukraine and the way they were mistreated.</p>

<p>His escape in the month of January made headlines around the world as a rare example of someone fleeing to the Western world while also claiming to have fought for Russia as a mercenary in the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>However, later in the month of May, he released a video on YouTube saying that he wanted to go back to Russia despite the fact that his decision could pose a risk to his life.</p>

<p>He said that he was "some kind of a boy in a big game" that he no longer wanted to be part of.</p>

<p>Risnes said Medvedev had the right to return to Russia if he wanted to, but that "a lot of changes need to happen" in order to make a safe return.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A former commander of the mercenary group, Wagner, was arrested by the Norwegian police on suspicion that he illegally attempted to cross the border back into Russia after seeking asylum in Norway earlier this year, his lawyer said on Saturday (September 23).

A former commander of the mercenary group, Wagner, was arrested by the Norwegian police on suspicion that he illegally attempted to cross the border back into Russia after seeking asylum in Norway earlier this year, his lawyer said on Saturday (September 23). Andrei Medvedev, who exited Russia in the month of January via its Arctic border with Norway, said that he ran as Russian guards fired shots at him. Police released a statement late on Friday (September 22) saying that a man in his 20s had been taken into custody for trying to cross the Russian border illegally, but did not name him. An officer with the Finnmark local police refused to give the arrested man's identity. Crossing the border to Russia is only permitted at specified points. However, as per news agency Reuters reports, Medvedev's arrest was due to a misunderstanding, said his Norwegian lawyer Brynjulf Risnes. Also read: NIA confiscates SFJ chief Gurpatwant Pannu’s Amritsar, Chandigarh properties "He was up there to see if he could find the place where he crossed (into Norway in January). He was stopped when he was in a taxi. He was never near the border ... It was never his intention to cross the border (into Russia)," Risnes said. While seeking asylum in Norway, Medvedev had said that he feared for his life after he witnessed the killing of Russian prisoners brought to the frontline in Ukraine and the way they were mistreated. His escape in the month of January made headlines around the world as a rare example of someone fleeing to the Western world while also claiming to have fought for Russia as a mercenary in the Ukraine war. However, later in the month of May, he released a video on YouTube saying that he wanted to go back to Russia despite the fact that his decision could pose a risk to his life. He said that he was "some kind of a boy in a big game" that he no longer wanted to be part of. Risnes said Medvedev had the right to return to Russia if he wanted to, but that "a lot of changes need to happen" in order to make a safe return. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally

<p>In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-pm-modis-attendance-underscores-aseans-indo-pacific-importance-says-indonesian-ambassador-628738">Indo-Pacific</a> while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The remarks were made in a joint statement after a meeting of foreign ministers of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495">Quad grouping</a> – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the Indo-Pacific</strong></h2>

<p>The meeting included the foreign ministers of the four-nation bloc: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We reaffirm our conviction that international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said the Quad nation’s foreign ministers, in the joint statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the UN charter to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order which includes “respect to maritime claims, and in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-south-china-sea-dispute-escalate-into-a-full-scale-war-414263">South and East China Seas.</a>”&nbsp;</p>

<p>China’s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-installs-ground-stations-in-disputed-south-china-sea-to-monitor-vessels-report-637869">South China Sea</a> and Indo-Pacific was quite evident after it released the 2023 edition of its so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-map-claiming-regions-beyond-its-border-is-aggression-shows-beijings-character-630176">“standard map”</a> back in August, which included parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and some regions of the disputed South China Sea, as part of China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an apparent reference to China, the statement said, “We continue to express serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore exploitation activities.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “We strongly support the principles of freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes; and oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Quad did not have a formal military aspect till now it is widely seen as a grouping formed to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific.</p>

<p>Beijing’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-vietnam-malaysia-philippines-and-taiwan-reject-chinas-new-controversial-map-release-statements-631063">continued claims</a> over the entire South China Sea drew criticism from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not to mention China’s territorial disputes with Japan over the East China Sea and its recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-flags-abnormal-chinese-movements-rise-in-military-activity-around-island-638625">ramped-up military drills</a> around Taiwan as it continues to claim the self-ruled island as its territory and maintains it will seize it one day, by force, if necessary.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Deep concern’ over Ukraine war</strong></h2>

<p>The Quad ministers in their statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “raging” war in Ukraine and “mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.” They also underscored the “need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with international law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Quad nation’s foreign ministers also said they are “deeply concerned about the global food security situation” and support the UN’s attempts to renew the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637">Black Sea grain deal </a>after Russia backed out of it, in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the statement does not directly mention Russia it said, “In the context of this war, we concur that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons would be unacceptable.” In a supposed reference to Moscow and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-putins-nuclear-threats-what-happens-if-russia-uses-nukes-524398">repeated veiled threats</a> to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We underscore that the rules-based international order must respect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-g20-leaders-call-for-upholding-territorial-integrity-sovereignty-634125">sovereignty and territorial integrity</a> of all states,” said the joint statement.&nbsp;<br />
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In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the Indo-Pacific while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region.

In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the Indo-Pacific while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region. The remarks were made in a joint statement after a meeting of foreign ministers of the Quad grouping – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. About the Indo-Pacific The meeting included the foreign ministers of the four-nation bloc: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “We reaffirm our conviction that international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said the Quad nation’s foreign ministers, in the joint statement. They also emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the UN charter to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order which includes “respect to maritime claims, and in the South and East China Seas.” China’s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific was quite evident after it released the 2023 edition of its so-called “standard map” back in August, which included parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and some regions of the disputed South China Sea, as part of China. In an apparent reference to China, the statement said, “We continue to express serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore exploitation activities.” It added, “We strongly support the principles of freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes; and oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.” While the Quad did not have a formal military aspect till now it is widely seen as a grouping formed to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing’s continued claims over the entire South China Sea drew criticism from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. Not to mention China’s territorial disputes with Japan over the East China Sea and its recently ramped-up military drills around Taiwan as it continues to claim the self-ruled island as its territory and maintains it will seize it one day, by force, if necessary. ‘Deep concern’ over Ukraine war The Quad ministers in their statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “raging” war in Ukraine and “mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.” They also underscored the “need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with international law. The Quad nation’s foreign ministers also said they are “deeply concerned about the global food security situation” and support the UN’s attempts to renew the Black Sea grain deal after Russia backed out of it, in July. While the statement does not directly mention Russia it said, “In the context of this war, we concur that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons would be unacceptable.” In a supposed reference to Moscow and its repeated veiled threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. “We underscore that the rules-based international order must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” said the joint statement. 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.

Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity underpin development of Indo-Pacific: Quad foreign ministers

<p>Five Bulgarian nationals will be charged with conspiracy to conduct espionage over allegedly spying for Russia, said the UK prosecutors in a statement on Thursday (September 21).</p>

<p>The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) further added that the charges were related to the alleged offences that occurred between August 2020 and February 2023.</p>

<p>Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, will appear at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Tuesday (September 26), as per news agency AFP reports.</p>

<p>The CPS said that out of the five suspects, three, Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova, were charged earlier in the month of February this year with "possession of false identity documents with improper intention".</p>

<p>They appeared at London's Old Bailey court in July to face those charges.</p>

<p>"The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command," said the CPS.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-bases-raided-in-south-korea-for-drugs-at-least-17-soldiers-face-probe-638376">US military bases raided in South Korea for drugs, at least 17 soldiers face probe</a></p>

<p>Prosecutors cautioned that to conduct a fair trial, "it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."</p>

<h2><strong>Sunak expresses concerns over interference in UK democracy with Li Qiang after arrest of two alleged spies</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had expressed concerns over Chinese interference in Britain's parliamentary democracy during his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India's national capital Delhi, after the reported arrest of two alleged spies.</p>

<p>One of the people who was arrested on suspicion of spying for China was a researcher in the British parliament, reported UK newspaper, The Sunday Times.</p>

<p>"With regard to my meeting with Premier Li (Chinese Premier Li Qiang), what I said very specifically is that I raised a range of different concerns that we have in areas of disagreement. In particular my very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is clearly unacceptable," he stated while speaking to the media.</p>

<p>London's Metropolitan Police released a statement saying that two men were arrested in the month of March under the Official Secrets Act and had been released on bail until early October.</p>

<p>“The investigation is being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which has responsibility for investigations relating to allegations of Official Secrets Act and espionage-related offences,” the statement said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Five Bulgarian nationals will be charged with conspiracy to conduct espionage over allegedly spying for Russia, said the UK prosecutors in a statement on Thursday (September 21).

Five Bulgarian nationals will be charged with conspiracy to conduct espionage over allegedly spying for Russia, said the UK prosecutors in a statement on Thursday (September 21). The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) further added that the charges were related to the alleged offences that occurred between August 2020 and February 2023. Orlin Roussev, 45, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, Katrin Ivanova, 31, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, and Vanya Gaberova, 29, will appear at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Tuesday (September 26), as per news agency AFP reports. The CPS said that out of the five suspects, three, Roussev, Dzhambazov and Ivanova, were charged earlier in the month of February this year with "possession of false identity documents with improper intention". They appeared at London's Old Bailey court in July to face those charges. "The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command," said the CPS. Also read: US military bases raided in South Korea for drugs, at least 17 soldiers face probe Prosecutors cautioned that to conduct a fair trial, "it is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings." Sunak expresses concerns over interference in UK democracy with Li Qiang after arrest of two alleged spies Earlier, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had expressed concerns over Chinese interference in Britain's parliamentary democracy during his meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India's national capital Delhi, after the reported arrest of two alleged spies. One of the people who was arrested on suspicion of spying for China was a researcher in the British parliament, reported UK newspaper, The Sunday Times. "With regard to my meeting with Premier Li (Chinese Premier Li Qiang), what I said very specifically is that I raised a range of different concerns that we have in areas of disagreement. In particular my very strong concerns about any interference in our parliamentary democracy, which is clearly unacceptable," he stated while speaking to the media. London's Metropolitan Police released a statement saying that two men were arrested in the month of March under the Official Secrets Act and had been released on bail until early October. “The investigation is being carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which has responsibility for investigations relating to allegations of Official Secrets Act and espionage-related offences,” the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

UK to charge five Bulgarian nationals suspected of spying for Russia

<p>A Russian occupation official installed in annexed Crimea on Friday (September 22) said that the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet have been hit by Ukrainian missile&nbsp;in the latest assault on the peninsula by Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The headquarters of the fleet has been hit in an enemy missile attack," said Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of Sevastopol - the largest city of the peninsula - in a statement on social media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇷🇺 Black Sea Fleet in 🇷🇺-occupied Crimea has been hit by Ukraine 🇺🇦.<br />
<br />
You know how bad it is?<br />
<br />
It is on fire and sinking:<br />
<br />
And it is on dry land.<br />
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It’s a race to visit the Moskva. <a href="https://t.co/1r6qKLut5m">pic.twitter.com/1r6qKLut5m</a></p>
— Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) <a href="https://twitter.com/officejjsmart/status/1705180126646763693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The governor of Sevastopol further warned that another Ukrainian aerial attack is likely to happen shortly. "Attention everyone! Another attack is possible. Please do not go to the city centre. Do not leave buildings. Everyone who is near the headquarters of the fleet -- at the sound of the siren, proceed to shelters," said Mikhail Razvozhayev on social media.</p>

<p>The Russian naval headquarters which was hit in the Ukrainian missile attack caught fire, confirmed the senior regional official.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-shot-19-ukrainian-drones-over-crimea-black-sea-638044">Russia claims it shot down 19 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, Black Sea</a></p>

<p>"Work continues to extinguish the fire at the fleet headquarters. Please remain calm. The situation is under control of the emergency services," said the region's governor Mikhail Razvozhayev on social media.</p>

<p>The governor of annexed peninsula Sergei Aksyonov further added that another cruise missile was downed by Russian air defence systems over the peninsula.</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry confirmed that at least one serviceman went missing after&nbsp;the headquarters of Moscow's Black Sea fleet was hit by a Ukrainian missile in annexed Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Earlier today the Kyiv regime launched a missile attack on the city of Sevastopol," said Moscow's defence ministry on Telegram. "One serviceman was not killed, but is missing," it said, updating its previous post on Telegram," it added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: At least 7 injured in Cherkasy after Russian attack</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Cyber attack on Crimea&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The peninsula further faced a cyber attack after its internet providers were attacked, said a proxy official from Crimea's Russian-backed administration on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unprecedented cyberattack on Crimean internet providers. We are fixing internet outages on the peninsula. All services are working to eliminate the threat," stated Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Moscow-installed Crimea governor Sergei Aksyonov.</p>

<h2><strong>Friction&nbsp;between Ukraine, Europe inevitable:&nbsp;Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Friday stated that it was unavoidable to control the increasing tensions between Kyiv and its European allies as a dispute escalates between Poland and Ukraine which has been sparked by disagreements over grain exports.</p>

<p>"There are certain frictions between Warsaw and Kyiv. We predict that these frictions between Warsaw and Kyiv will increase. Friction between Kyiv and other European capitals will also grow over time. This is inevitable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said while speaking to the reporters.</p>

<p><em><strong>More details to follow soon.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Russian occupation official installed in annexed Crimea on Friday (September 22) said that the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet have been hit by Ukrainian missile in the latest assault on the peninsula by Kyiv.

A Russian occupation official installed in annexed Crimea on Friday (September 22) said that the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea fleet have been hit by Ukrainian missile in the latest assault on the peninsula by Kyiv. "The headquarters of the fleet has been hit in an enemy missile attack," said Mikhail Razvozhayev, governor of Sevastopol - the largest city of the peninsula - in a statement on social media. 🇷🇺 Black Sea Fleet in 🇷🇺-occupied Crimea has been hit by Ukraine 🇺🇦. You know how bad it is? It is on fire and sinking: And it is on dry land. It’s a race to visit the Moskva. pic.twitter.com/1r6qKLut5m — Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) September 22, 2023 × The governor of Sevastopol further warned that another Ukrainian aerial attack is likely to happen shortly. "Attention everyone! Another attack is possible. Please do not go to the city centre. Do not leave buildings. Everyone who is near the headquarters of the fleet -- at the sound of the siren, proceed to shelters," said Mikhail Razvozhayev on social media. The Russian naval headquarters which was hit in the Ukrainian missile attack caught fire, confirmed the senior regional official. ALSO READ | Russia claims it shot down 19 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, Black Sea "Work continues to extinguish the fire at the fleet headquarters. Please remain calm. The situation is under control of the emergency services," said the region's governor Mikhail Razvozhayev on social media. The governor of annexed peninsula Sergei Aksyonov further added that another cruise missile was downed by Russian air defence systems over the peninsula. The Russian defence ministry confirmed that at least one serviceman went missing after the headquarters of Moscow's Black Sea fleet was hit by a Ukrainian missile in annexed Crimea. "Earlier today the Kyiv regime launched a missile attack on the city of Sevastopol," said Moscow's defence ministry on Telegram. "One serviceman was not killed, but is missing," it said, updating its previous post on Telegram," it added. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: At least 7 injured in Cherkasy after Russian attack Cyber attack on Crimea The peninsula further faced a cyber attack after its internet providers were attacked, said a proxy official from Crimea's Russian-backed administration on Friday. "Unprecedented cyberattack on Crimean internet providers. We are fixing internet outages on the peninsula. All services are working to eliminate the threat," stated Oleg Kryuchkov, an adviser to the Moscow-installed Crimea governor Sergei Aksyonov. Friction between Ukraine, Europe inevitable: Kremlin Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Friday stated that it was unavoidable to control the increasing tensions between Kyiv and its European allies as a dispute escalates between Poland and Ukraine which has been sparked by disagreements over grain exports. "There are certain frictions between Warsaw and Kyiv. We predict that these frictions between Warsaw and Kyiv will increase. Friction between Kyiv and other European capitals will also grow over time. This is inevitable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said while speaking to the reporters. More details to follow soon. (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

Russia's Black Sea fleet headquarters in Crimea hit by Ukrainian missile, says Russian official

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<p>Russia on Thursday&nbsp;(September 21) morning claimed it had destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones overnight above the Crimean peninsula and the surrounding Black Sea, plus three others elsewhere.</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry released a statement on Telegram saying the anti-aircraft units sprung into action upon observing the drones and shot them instantly.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the night from 20th to 21st September, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to commit a terrorist attack with lethal drones on sites in the Russian Federation was intercepted," the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Air defence systems destroyed 19 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea and the territory of the Republic of Crimea, and one each over the territories of Kursk, Belgorod and Oryol regions," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry, however, did not specify whether there&nbsp;was any damage or any civilian casualties. Kyiv rarely takes responsibility for the drone attacks and it had not commented on the Russian claims till the last update.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-budget-drones-in-ukraine-are-redefining-warfare-616102"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Drone warfare&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While both sides have engaged in numerous drone attacks since the war first broke out in February last year, the intensity has increased in recent months.</p>

<p>Experts say the cancellation of the Black Sea grain deal by Moscow may have added more bitterness to both sides. Since the cancellation, Moscow has been hitting Ukrainian port cities while Kyiv targets Moscow, Crimean peninsula and border areas using drones.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-thwarts-ukrainian-drone-attacks-near-moscow-two-airports-affected-627472"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia thwarts Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow, two airports affected</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, Crimea, the site of one of the drone attacks on Thursday, was annexed by Russia in 2014 and has been Ukraine's target throughout Moscow's offensive. However, in recent weeks, it has come under more increased, intense attacks. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that it plans on taking Crimea back.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Thursday (September 21) morning claimed it had destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones overnight above the Crimean peninsula and the surrounding Black Sea, plus three others elsewhere.

Russia on Thursday (September 21) morning claimed it had destroyed 19 Ukrainian drones overnight above the Crimean peninsula and the surrounding Black Sea, plus three others elsewhere. The Russian defence ministry released a statement on Telegram saying the anti-aircraft units sprung into action upon observing the drones and shot them instantly. "In the night from 20th to 21st September, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to commit a terrorist attack with lethal drones on sites in the Russian Federation was intercepted," the ministry said. "Air defence systems destroyed 19 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles over the Black Sea and the territory of the Republic of Crimea, and one each over the territories of Kursk, Belgorod and Oryol regions," it added. The ministry, however, did not specify whether there was any damage or any civilian casualties. Kyiv rarely takes responsibility for the drone attacks and it had not commented on the Russian claims till the last update. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare × Drone warfare While both sides have engaged in numerous drone attacks since the war first broke out in February last year, the intensity has increased in recent months. Experts say the cancellation of the Black Sea grain deal by Moscow may have added more bitterness to both sides. Since the cancellation, Moscow has been hitting Ukrainian port cities while Kyiv targets Moscow, Crimean peninsula and border areas using drones. Also read | Russia thwarts Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow, two airports affected Notably, Crimea, the site of one of the drone attacks on Thursday, was annexed by Russia in 2014 and has been Ukraine's target throughout Moscow's offensive. However, in recent weeks, it has come under more increased, intense attacks. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that it plans on taking Crimea back. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia claims it shot down 19 Ukrainian drones over Crimea, Black Sea

<p>A Moscow City Court on Tuesday declined to consider the appeal filed by jailed&nbsp;<em>Wall Street Journal</em> reporter Evan Gershkovich against his pre-trial detention. Instead, the court returned the case to a lower court&nbsp;to deal with unspecified procedural violations.</p>

<p>Nearly six months after his arrest on spying charges,&nbsp;Gershkovich attempted to seek some relief from the court but to no avail. He will now remain in&nbsp;Moscow's Lefortovo prison awaiting his trial, for which no date has been set.</p>

<p>Notably, two previous appeals filed by&nbsp;Gershkovich's lawyers in April and June against the pre-trial detention had failed as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is unacceptable that&nbsp;Evan&nbsp;Gershkovich&nbsp;and Paul Whelan still languish in Russian prisons on charges that are baseless," US ambassador Lynne Tracy was quoted as saying by Reuters after Tuesday's hearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tracy was referring to Whelan, an American citizen, who is currently serving&nbsp;16 years in a Russian penal colony on spy charges that he&nbsp;denies.</p>

<p>"The United States will not rest until&nbsp;Evan&nbsp;and Paul are safely at home with their families and friends," she added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reporter-evan-gershkovich-appeals-latest-extension-of-detention-in-russia-629566"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US journalist from WSJ Evan Gershkovich appeals latest extension of detention in Russia</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Gershkovich's arrest&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Gershkovich was arrested by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, in March in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. According to reports,&nbsp;Gershkovich was covering a story in&nbsp;Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him.</p>

<p>Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges has sparked another row between Washington and Moscow. According to Moscow, the journalist&nbsp;was arrested for allegedly acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the time, held a telephonic conversation with his&nbsp;Russian counterpart&nbsp;Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of&nbsp;Gershkovich.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-asks-russia-to-let-evan-gershkovich-go-577830"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go</strong></a></p>

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<p>However, Moscow declined the request and said&nbsp;the US was trying to politicise the issue when it wasn't the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read a statement by the Russian foreign ministry.</p>

<p>"It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Moscow City Court on Tuesday declined to consider the appeal filed by jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich against his pre-trial detention. Instead, the court returned the case to a lower court to deal with unspecified procedural violations.

A Moscow City Court on Tuesday declined to consider the appeal filed by jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich against his pre-trial detention. Instead, the court returned the case to a lower court to deal with unspecified procedural violations. Nearly six months after his arrest on spying charges, Gershkovich attempted to seek some relief from the court but to no avail. He will now remain in Moscow's Lefortovo prison awaiting his trial, for which no date has been set. Notably, two previous appeals filed by Gershkovich's lawyers in April and June against the pre-trial detention had failed as well. "It is unacceptable that Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan still languish in Russian prisons on charges that are baseless," US ambassador Lynne Tracy was quoted as saying by Reuters after Tuesday's hearing. Tracy was referring to Whelan, an American citizen, who is currently serving 16 years in a Russian penal colony on spy charges that he denies. "The United States will not rest until Evan and Paul are safely at home with their families and friends," she added. Also read | US journalist from WSJ Evan Gershkovich appeals latest extension of detention in Russia Gershkovich's arrest Gershkovich was arrested by Russia's Federal Security Service, the FSB, successor to the Soviet KGB, in March in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. According to reports, Gershkovich was covering a story in Yekaterinburg when FSB picked up and detained him. Gershkovich's arrest on espionage charges has sparked another row between Washington and Moscow. According to Moscow, the journalist was arrested for allegedly acting at the behest of the US to collect “information constituting a state secret about the activities of an enterprise of the Russian military-industrial complex". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the time, held a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and demanded the immediate release of Gershkovich. WATCH | Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go × However, Moscow declined the request and said the US was trying to politicise the issue when it wasn't the case. “Blinken’s attention was drawn to the need to respect the decisions of the Russian authorities, taken in accordance with the law and international obligations of the Russian Federation," read a statement by the Russian foreign ministry. "It was emphasised that it is unacceptable for officials in Washington and the Western media to whip up a stir with the clear intention of giving this case a political colouring.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow court declines US journalist Evan Gershkovich's appeal in spy case

<p>President Vladimir Putin will meet China's Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing in October, Russia said on Tuesday, Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine.</p>

<p>Nikolai Patrushev, a close Putin ally and the secretary of Russia's Security Council, said Russia and China should deepen cooperation in the face of the West's attempt to contain them both.</p>

<p>He was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying that the talks in Beijing would be "thorough", at a meeting in Moscow with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi.</p>

<p>Putin will attend the third Belt and Road Forum after an invitation by Xi during a high-profile visit to Moscow in March.</p>

<p>Days before that visit, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on suspicion of illegally deporting hundreds of children or more from Ukraine.</p>

<p>Moscow denies the allegations, and the Kremlin said the warrant was evidence of the West's hostility to Russia, which opened a criminal case against the ICC prosecutor and the judges who issued the warrant.</p>

<p>Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine early last year has triggered one of the deadliest European conflicts since World War Two and the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.</p>

<p>Putin has pivoted towards China, and Xi has stood by him.</p>

<p>Chinese-Russian trade has soared since the invasion, and Russia has sold Asian powers, including China's greater volumes of the oil it can no longer sell to the West because of sanctions.</p>

<p>Putin last visited Beijing in February 2022, days before the invasion, where he and Xi announced a 'no limits' partnership. Moscow says this does not mean a military alliance, however.</p>

<h2><strong>China and Russia share outlook, boost trade</strong></h2>

<p>Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline, just as China challenges US&nbsp;supremacy in everything from technology to espionage and military power.</p>

<p>Trade between Russia and China soared 30 per cent&nbsp;in the first half of this year and will rise to more than $200 billion in 2023, Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said on a visit to China.</p>

<p>"We are actively developing investments, including in our large gas and petrochemical projects, where we actively use Chinese technologies," Reshetnikov said.</p>

<p>"We are strongly interested in transforming technological cooperation into investment cooperation, so that Chinese companies actively enter into these projects, invest in capital, and lend money, because the projects are capital-intensive and not all of them can be fully provided for by the Russian financial system."</p>

<p>The United States sees China as its gravest long-term "strategic competitor" and Russia as an "acute threat".</p>

<p>China has refrained from condemning Russia's operation against Ukraine or calling it an invasion, in line with the Kremlin, which casts the war as a "special military operation".</p>

<p>Earlier this year, CIA Director William Burns said Russia was becoming more and more dependent on China and was even at risk of becoming its "economic colony" in time.</p>

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President Vladimir Putin will meet China's Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing in October, Russia said on Tuesday, Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin will meet China's Xi Jinping for talks in Beijing in October, Russia said on Tuesday, Putin's first known trip abroad since an arrest warrant was issued against him over the deportation of children from Ukraine. Nikolai Patrushev, a close Putin ally and the secretary of Russia's Security Council, said Russia and China should deepen cooperation in the face of the West's attempt to contain them both. He was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying that the talks in Beijing would be "thorough", at a meeting in Moscow with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi. Putin will attend the third Belt and Road Forum after an invitation by Xi during a high-profile visit to Moscow in March. Days before that visit, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for Putin's arrest on suspicion of illegally deporting hundreds of children or more from Ukraine. Moscow denies the allegations, and the Kremlin said the warrant was evidence of the West's hostility to Russia, which opened a criminal case against the ICC prosecutor and the judges who issued the warrant. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine early last year has triggered one of the deadliest European conflicts since World War Two and the biggest confrontation between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has pivoted towards China, and Xi has stood by him. Chinese-Russian trade has soared since the invasion, and Russia has sold Asian powers, including China's greater volumes of the oil it can no longer sell to the West because of sanctions. Putin last visited Beijing in February 2022, days before the invasion, where he and Xi announced a 'no limits' partnership. Moscow says this does not mean a military alliance, however. China and Russia share outlook, boost trade Putin and Xi share a broad world view, which sees the West as decadent and in decline, just as China challenges US supremacy in everything from technology to espionage and military power. Trade between Russia and China soared 30 per cent in the first half of this year and will rise to more than $200 billion in 2023, Russian Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said on a visit to China. "We are actively developing investments, including in our large gas and petrochemical projects, where we actively use Chinese technologies," Reshetnikov said. "We are strongly interested in transforming technological cooperation into investment cooperation, so that Chinese companies actively enter into these projects, invest in capital, and lend money, because the projects are capital-intensive and not all of them can be fully provided for by the Russian financial system." The United States sees China as its gravest long-term "strategic competitor" and Russia as an "acute threat". China has refrained from condemning Russia's operation against Ukraine or calling it an invasion, in line with the Kremlin, which casts the war as a "special military operation". Earlier this year, CIA Director William Burns said Russia was becoming more and more dependent on China and was even at risk of becoming its "economic colony" in time. 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 and Xi to meet in Beijing in October, Russia says

<p>Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will start his four-day official visit to Russia on Monday (September 18), where he will hold security talks, the country's foreign ministry confirmed. This is the latest visit by a high official in a series of phone calls and high-level visits between the two nations.<br />
<br />
Russia and China have been strategic allies as both countries frequently continue to reiterate their "no limits" partnership and military and economic cooperation.<br />
<br />
The ties between the two countries grew closer after Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February last year which was not criticised by China.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-urges-china-for-full-access-to-determine-covids-origins-report-636919">WHO again asks China for 'full access' to determine Covid's origins: Report</a></p>

<p>In a statement, the foreign ministry of China on Monday said that Wang "will go to Russia to hold the 18th round of the China-Russian Strategic Security Consultations (SSCC) from 18 to 21 September" after receiving an invitation from the secretary of Moscow's security council Nikolai Patrushev.</p>

<h2><strong>Wang, Lavrov to 'focus on efforts to strengthen collaboration'</strong></h2>

<p>In an initial briefing, the Russian foreign ministry stated that Wang will be meeting with his counterpart Sergei Lavrov, and the two leaders will "focus on efforts to strengthen collaboration on the international scene" in their talks.<br />
<br />
"There will be a detailed exchange of views on issues related to a settlement in Ukraine, as well as ways of ensuring stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region," said a spokesperson.<br />
<br />
In the case of the Ukraine war, China has placed itself as a neutral party on the global platform and has also offered an important diplomatic and financial lifeline to Moscow&nbsp;in the wake of its deepening international isolation.<br />
<br />
However, it has stopped short of providing lethal arms or extending overt military involvement to Moscow. Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu last month visited Russia and Belarus and appealed for closer military cooperation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China | Li Shangfu, China's Defence Minister, facing investigation: Reports</strong></p>

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<p>The two countries have carried out joint air and sea patrols in recent months, the latter of which led South Korea to deploy fighter jets as part of a precautionary measure.<br />
<br />
The high-level meeting is aimed at ramping up relations between the two countries, as Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide in July said that the Russian president was planning an official visit to China in October.<br />
<br />
President Xi Jinping was on a state visit to Moscow in March and declared that the relations between the two nations will be entering a new era.</p>

<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" dir="auto" title="Biden aide held hours of 'constructive' talks with Chinese diplomat"><strong>Biden aide holds 'constructive' talks with Wang Yi</strong></h2>

<p dir="auto">White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan held talks with Wang Yi for hours this weekend, confirmed Washington and Beijing on Sunday, as the two largest economies of the world aim to stabilise troubled relations.</p>

<p>Both sides held "candid, substantive and constructive" talks during various meetings on September&nbsp;16-17, as per&nbsp;separate statements issued by the&nbsp;Chinese foreign ministry and the&nbsp;White House&nbsp;on Sunday.</p>

<p>There were also "limited" early signs that the&nbsp;military communication&nbsp;which was severed between the two nations would be restored, stated a senior Biden administration official.</p>

<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" dir="auto" title="Biden aide held hours of 'constructive' talks with Chinese diplomat"><em style="font-size: 15px;">(With inputs from agencies)</em></h2>

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will start his four-day official visit to Russia on Monday (September 18), where he will hold security talks, the country's foreign ministry confirmed.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will start his four-day official visit to Russia on Monday (September 18), where he will hold security talks, the country's foreign ministry confirmed. This is the latest visit by a high official in a series of phone calls and high-level visits between the two nations. Russia and China have been strategic allies as both countries frequently continue to reiterate their "no limits" partnership and military and economic cooperation. The ties between the two countries grew closer after Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February last year which was not criticised by China. ALSO READ | WHO again asks China for 'full access' to determine Covid's origins: Report In a statement, the foreign ministry of China on Monday said that Wang "will go to Russia to hold the 18th round of the China-Russian Strategic Security Consultations (SSCC) from 18 to 21 September" after receiving an invitation from the secretary of Moscow's security council Nikolai Patrushev. Wang, Lavrov to 'focus on efforts to strengthen collaboration' In an initial briefing, the Russian foreign ministry stated that Wang will be meeting with his counterpart Sergei Lavrov, and the two leaders will "focus on efforts to strengthen collaboration on the international scene" in their talks. "There will be a detailed exchange of views on issues related to a settlement in Ukraine, as well as ways of ensuring stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region," said a spokesperson. In the case of the Ukraine war, China has placed itself as a neutral party on the global platform and has also offered an important diplomatic and financial lifeline to Moscow in the wake of its deepening international isolation. However, it has stopped short of providing lethal arms or extending overt military involvement to Moscow. Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu last month visited Russia and Belarus and appealed for closer military cooperation. WATCH | China | Li Shangfu, China's Defence Minister, facing investigation: Reports The two countries have carried out joint air and sea patrols in recent months, the latter of which led South Korea to deploy fighter jets as part of a precautionary measure. The high-level meeting is aimed at ramping up relations between the two countries, as Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide in July said that the Russian president was planning an official visit to China in October. President Xi Jinping was on a state visit to Moscow in March and declared that the relations between the two nations will be entering a new era. Biden aide holds 'constructive' talks with Wang Yi White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan held talks with Wang Yi for hours this weekend, confirmed Washington and Beijing on Sunday, as the two largest economies of the world aim to stabilise troubled relations. Both sides held "candid, substantive and constructive" talks during various meetings on September 16-17, as per separate statements issued by the Chinese foreign ministry and the White House on Sunday. There were also "limited" early signs that the military communication which was severed between the two nations would be restored, stated a senior Biden administration official. (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.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Russia from September 18 to 21

<p>Russia&nbsp;on Monday (September 18) called on the United Nations' highest court in The Hague, Netherlands, to toss out what it has described as a “hopelessly flawed” case that challenges Moscow’s claim that “genocide” in eastern Ukraine was a pretext for its invasion, last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent request was made during a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court, where Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia&nbsp;days after the war began on February 24, 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suit brought by Ukraine has “emphatically” denied Moscow’s claim that pro-Russian people in eastern Ukraine were being “subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Hopelessly flawed’: Russia about Ukraine’s case</strong></h2>

<p>Russian representative, Gennady Kuzmin, said Ukraine’s case accusing Russia of abusing the UN Genocide Convention as a reason to launch its war “couldn’t be further from the truth”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-united-nations-top-court-ukraine-registers-genocide-case-against-russia-457279">At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes as Kyiv has argued that Russia is abusing international law by saying the invasion was justified to prevent an alleged genocide in eastern Ukraine considering that the treaty does not allow an invasion to stop an alleged genocide.</p>

<p>Kuzmin also went on to say how Ukraine’s legal position is “hopelessly flawed” and “at odds with the longstanding jurisprudence” of the court, urging the ICJ to throw out the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Ukraine insists no genocide has occurred,” said Kuzmin. He added, “That alone should be enough to reject the case. Because according to the court’s jurisprudence, if there was no genocide, there cannot be a violation of the Genocide Convention.”</p>

<p>Russia, reiterating its accusation of Ukraine committing genocide, on Monday said the “Russophobic and neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv” was using the 1948 UN Genocide Convention to which both countries are a party, as a pretext to “drag” a case before the court.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorist-state-ukraine-slams-russia-at-international-court-of-justice-hearing-601468">‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>About the case</strong></h2>

<p>A report by Reuters citing experts said that even if the ruling is in Kyiv’s favour, it would not stop the war but could impact future reparations payments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March 2022, the ICJ sided with Ukraine and ordered Russia to “immediately suspend” its military action in Ukraine but it was just a “preliminary ruling”. Not to mention the debate about the court’s competence to rule on the content of the matter since while their rulings are binding, there is no “police force” to enforce them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-to-face-off-at-international-court-of-justice-over-genocide-claims-636923">Russia, Ukraine to face off at International Court of Justice over genocide claims</a></strong></p>

<p>Therefore the hearings, which are set to run until September 27, will not delve into the merits of the case but rather focus on legal arguments about its jurisdiction. The ICJ will also hear from 32 other states, all supporting Ukraine’s argument saying that the court has jurisdiction to move the case forward.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Russia on Monday (September 18) called on the United Nations' highest court in The Hague, Netherlands, to toss out what it has described as a “hopelessly flawed” case that challenges Moscow’s claim that “genocide” in eastern Ukraine was a pretext for its invasion, last year.

Russia on Monday (September 18) called on the United Nations' highest court in The Hague, Netherlands, to toss out what it has described as a “hopelessly flawed” case that challenges Moscow’s claim that “genocide” in eastern Ukraine was a pretext for its invasion, last year. The recent request was made during a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court, where Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia days after the war began on February 24, 2022. The suit brought by Ukraine has “emphatically” denied Moscow’s claim that pro-Russian people in eastern Ukraine were being “subjected to bullying and genocide by the Kyiv regime.” ‘Hopelessly flawed’: Russia about Ukraine’s case Russian representative, Gennady Kuzmin, said Ukraine’s case accusing Russia of abusing the UN Genocide Convention as a reason to launch its war “couldn’t be further from the truth”. ALSO READ | At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia This comes as Kyiv has argued that Russia is abusing international law by saying the invasion was justified to prevent an alleged genocide in eastern Ukraine considering that the treaty does not allow an invasion to stop an alleged genocide. Kuzmin also went on to say how Ukraine’s legal position is “hopelessly flawed” and “at odds with the longstanding jurisprudence” of the court, urging the ICJ to throw out the case. “Ukraine insists no genocide has occurred,” said Kuzmin. He added, “That alone should be enough to reject the case. Because according to the court’s jurisprudence, if there was no genocide, there cannot be a violation of the Genocide Convention.” Russia, reiterating its accusation of Ukraine committing genocide, on Monday said the “Russophobic and neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv” was using the 1948 UN Genocide Convention to which both countries are a party, as a pretext to “drag” a case before the court. ALSO READ | ‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing About the case A report by Reuters citing experts said that even if the ruling is in Kyiv’s favour, it would not stop the war but could impact future reparations payments. In March 2022, the ICJ sided with Ukraine and ordered Russia to “immediately suspend” its military action in Ukraine but it was just a “preliminary ruling”. Not to mention the debate about the court’s competence to rule on the content of the matter since while their rulings are binding, there is no “police force” to enforce them. ALSO READ | Russia, Ukraine to face off at International Court of Justice over genocide claims Therefore the hearings, which are set to run until September 27, will not delve into the merits of the case but rather focus on legal arguments about its jurisdiction. The ICJ will also hear from 32 other states, all supporting Ukraine’s argument saying that the court has jurisdiction to move the case forward. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Russia calls on top UN court to throw out Ukraine’s ‘hopelessly flawed’ genocide case

<p>Ukraine&nbsp;on Monday (September 18) claimed its forces had broken through a Russian line of defence near the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut amid fierce fighting, reported news agency AFP. This comes after Kyiv had reported recapture of small clutches of land from Russian forces along the southern front and Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government&nbsp;announced the dismissal of six deputy defence ministers after Kyiv appointed a new defence minister earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine recaptures parts of land near Bakhmut</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, Ukraine’s ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, said, “Fierce fighting continues in the area of Bakhmut...As a result of the successful actions of our troops, the enemy’s defence line was broken.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Ukrainian troops have reportedly focused their slow-moving counter-offensive which they launched earlier this year to recapture its territory controlled by Moscow.</p>

<p>The efforts have focused in and around the town of Bakhmut, which has seen some of the bloodiest and longest battles of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-killed-in-russian-airstrikes-in-ukraine-637189">&nbsp;At least two killed in Russian airstrikes in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>“Two square kilometres (0.77 square miles) were liberated in the Bakhmut sector,” outgoing Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told the Ukrainian media, earlier on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement also came a day Kyiv said its forces had retaken Klishchiivka, a village south of Bakhmut. Ukrainian forces had clawed back 5.2 square kilometres in the south, said Maliar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also said that Kyiv’s troops have liberated 51 square kilometres near Bakhmut since the start of the counteroffensive back in June and overall regained more than 260 square km in the south during the counteroffensive. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv dismisses six defence ministers</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian government on Monday (Sep 18) dismissed six deputy defence ministers without giving any reason for the decision. Among those dismissed was Maliar, who issued frequent updates on Russia’s war on Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She recently came under fire for initially reporting that Ukrainian forces had recaptured Andriivka village near Bakhmut from Russian forces and later admitted that report was inaccurate and that fighting was still raging around the village.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Andriivka’s capture was announced the next day by Kyiv, Moscow continued to deny losing control of the village.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-liberated-andriivka-village-near-bakhmut-evacuations-ordered-in-kherson-636276">Ukraine claims to have ‘liberated’ Andriivka village near Bakhmut; evacuations ordered in Kherson</a></strong></p>

<p>Rustem Umerov who became Ukraine’s defence minister less than two weeks ago after the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov, in a Facebook post said, “Rebooting. We (have) started. We continue. (The) Ministry continues to work as usual.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the Ukrainian defence ministry had been dodging media allegations of corruption when Reznikov was in charge. A report by the Ukrainska Pravda news site citing unnamed government sources said that all deputy ministers had resigned voluntarily following a request by Umerov and would not be returning to their posts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian media report also said that the government is in the midst of looking for candidates to replace those dismissed, adding that “a complete overhaul is underway” at the ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

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Ukraine on Monday (September 18) claimed its forces had broken through a Russian line of defence near the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut amid fierce fighting, reported news agency AFP.

Ukraine on Monday (September 18) claimed its forces had broken through a Russian line of defence near the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut amid fierce fighting, reported news agency AFP. This comes after Kyiv had reported recapture of small clutches of land from Russian forces along the southern front and Bakhmut in the eastern Donetsk region. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government announced the dismissal of six deputy defence ministers after Kyiv appointed a new defence minister earlier this month. Ukraine recaptures parts of land near Bakhmut In a statement, Ukraine’s ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi, said, “Fierce fighting continues in the area of Bakhmut...As a result of the successful actions of our troops, the enemy’s defence line was broken.” This comes as Ukrainian troops have reportedly focused their slow-moving counter-offensive which they launched earlier this year to recapture its territory controlled by Moscow. The efforts have focused in and around the town of Bakhmut, which has seen some of the bloodiest and longest battles of the war. ALSO READ | At least two killed in Russian airstrikes in Ukraine “Two square kilometres (0.77 square miles) were liberated in the Bakhmut sector,” outgoing Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told the Ukrainian media, earlier on Monday. The announcement also came a day Kyiv said its forces had retaken Klishchiivka, a village south of Bakhmut. Ukrainian forces had clawed back 5.2 square kilometres in the south, said Maliar. She also said that Kyiv’s troops have liberated 51 square kilometres near Bakhmut since the start of the counteroffensive back in June and overall regained more than 260 square km in the south during the counteroffensive. Kyiv dismisses six defence ministers The Ukrainian government on Monday (Sep 18) dismissed six deputy defence ministers without giving any reason for the decision. Among those dismissed was Maliar, who issued frequent updates on Russia’s war on Ukraine. She recently came under fire for initially reporting that Ukrainian forces had recaptured Andriivka village near Bakhmut from Russian forces and later admitted that report was inaccurate and that fighting was still raging around the village. While Andriivka’s capture was announced the next day by Kyiv, Moscow continued to deny losing control of the village. ALSO READ | Ukraine claims to have ‘liberated’ Andriivka village near Bakhmut; evacuations ordered in Kherson Rustem Umerov who became Ukraine’s defence minister less than two weeks ago after the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov, in a Facebook post said, “Rebooting. We (have) started. We continue. (The) Ministry continues to work as usual.” This comes as the Ukrainian defence ministry had been dodging media allegations of corruption when Reznikov was in charge. A report by the Ukrainska Pravda news site citing unnamed government sources said that all deputy ministers had resigned voluntarily following a request by Umerov and would not be returning to their posts. The Ukrainian media report also said that the government is in the midst of looking for candidates to replace those dismissed, adding that “a complete overhaul is underway” at the ministry. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

Ukraine claims to have broken Russian defence line near Bakhmut

<p>The Kremlin said on Monday (September 18) that it did not have information on health condition of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. It was asked about social media reports which said that the 46-year-old was unwell. There was speculation that he is in coma, or possibly dead.</p>

<p>Kadyrov is one of eager supporters of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The Chechen leader's battalions have fought alongside regular Russian forces in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The former rebel warlord-turned-Kremlin ally has long referred to himself as Vladimir Putin's "footsoldier."</p>

<p>Reuters news agency said in a report that repeated phone calls to Kadyrov's spokespeople went unanswered.</p>

<p>"We have no information on this," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.</p>

<p>"In any case, the presidential administration can hardly give out health certificates, so we have nothing to tell you here."</p>

<p>Kremlin's comment came a day after a purportedly new video footage of the leader was released. The clip&nbsp;released on Sunday (September 18) shows Kadyrov smiling and recommending that everyone should practise sport. The video was taken as an attempt to quash speculation about his ill health.</p>

<p>Speculation about the hugely influential 46-year-old leader's health has been rife for months.</p>

<p>The head of Chchenya is accused by rights groups of running a "totalitarian regime".</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia Ukraine War: China sends Wang Yi on 4-day Russia visit for security talks</strong></p>

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<p>Two videos appeared on Kadyrov's Telegram channel on Sunday.</p>

<p>In the first video, he was seen strolling in an unidentified location. He was smiling but his face appeared puffy.</p>

<p>He is heard speaking Chechen in the second video and then saying "practice sport" in Russian.</p>

<p>"I strongly recommend that everyone who cannot distinguish the truth from lies on the internet go for a walk, get some fresh air and put their thoughts in order," said the words accompanying the videos.</p>

<p>"The rain can be wonderfully invigorating."</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear when the videos were recorded. The videos appeared on the Telegram channel after social media reports said that Kadyrov was in a coma.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-killed-in-russian-airstrikes-in-ukraine-637189">At least two killed in Russian airstrikes in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Kadyrov was elected president of Chechenya in 2007. He has ruled majority-Muslim Chechnya with widespread evidence of extra-judicial killings and torture of his opponents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Kremlin said on Monday (September 18) that it did not have information on health condition of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. It was asked about social media reports which said that the 46-year-old was unwell.

The Kremlin said on Monday (September 18) that it did not have information on health condition of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. It was asked about social media reports which said that the 46-year-old was unwell. There was speculation that he is in coma, or possibly dead. Kadyrov is one of eager supporters of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The Chechen leader's battalions have fought alongside regular Russian forces in Ukraine. The former rebel warlord-turned-Kremlin ally has long referred to himself as Vladimir Putin's "footsoldier." Reuters news agency said in a report that repeated phone calls to Kadyrov's spokespeople went unanswered. "We have no information on this," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "In any case, the presidential administration can hardly give out health certificates, so we have nothing to tell you here." Kremlin's comment came a day after a purportedly new video footage of the leader was released. The clip released on Sunday (September 18) shows Kadyrov smiling and recommending that everyone should practise sport. The video was taken as an attempt to quash speculation about his ill health. Speculation about the hugely influential 46-year-old leader's health has been rife for months. The head of Chchenya is accused by rights groups of running a "totalitarian regime". Watch | Russia Ukraine War: China sends Wang Yi on 4-day Russia visit for security talks × Two videos appeared on Kadyrov's Telegram channel on Sunday. In the first video, he was seen strolling in an unidentified location. He was smiling but his face appeared puffy. He is heard speaking Chechen in the second video and then saying "practice sport" in Russian. "I strongly recommend that everyone who cannot distinguish the truth from lies on the internet go for a walk, get some fresh air and put their thoughts in order," said the words accompanying the videos. "The rain can be wonderfully invigorating." It was not immediately clear when the videos were recorded. The videos appeared on the Telegram channel after social media reports said that Kadyrov was in a coma. Also Read | At least two killed in Russian airstrikes in Ukraine Kadyrov was elected president of Chechenya in 2007. He has ruled majority-Muslim Chechnya with widespread evidence of extra-judicial killings and torture of his opponents. (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 ×

Ramzan Kadyrov: Kremlin has 'no info' on Chechen leader's health amid talk he's dead or sick

<p>Two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut docked with the&nbsp;International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (September 15), hours after setting off for the journey from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara successfully lifted off for the ISS aboard the&nbsp;Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft, from the&nbsp;Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, earlier in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three hours later, the crew docked at the ISS, according to the Russian space agency.&nbsp;The first to come aboard the ISS was O’Hara followed by Chub and Kononenko. The three new entrants were received by&nbsp;cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitri Petelin and astronaut Frank Rubio who opened the hatch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After entering the Soviet module, they joined&nbsp;NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli,&nbsp;Russian&nbsp; cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, Denmark's Andreas Mogensen and Japan's Satoshi Furukawa for the mission’s welcoming remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While&nbsp;Kononenko is a veteran of space, having clocked&nbsp;736 days in orbit across four different ISS missions, his partners&nbsp;O'Hara and Chub are spaceflight rookies.&nbsp;During his yearlong stint at the ISS, Kononenko is expected to break the all-time record for most time spent in space, 878 days, held by fellow cosmonaut Gennady Padalka.</p>

<p>While the next batch arrived, cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin and NASA's Frank Rubio will return to Earth, aboard&nbsp;a Soyuz on September 27. Notably, Rubio will have spent 371 continuous days in space by that time, a record for an American astronaut.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-truly-international-astronaut-team-on-crew-7-flight-to-space-station-for-nasa-629501"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Space&nbsp;still bridging gap between Russia &amp; USA</strong></h2>

<p>Despite heightened tension between the two countries due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, space remains the only frontier where the two superpowers are still collaborating.</p>

<p>In the run-up to the mission,&nbsp;Kononenko reflected on the growing division between Washington and Moscow due to the war but said "unlike Earth"&nbsp;cosmonauts and astronauts took care of each other in space.</p>

<p>"We hear each other there, and we understand each other, and we are very sensitive to our relationships.&nbsp;We always take care of each other," he said during a pre-flight press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-sends-first-saudi-woman-astronaut-to-space-will-reach-iss-soon-595032"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;SpaceX sends first Saudi woman astronaut to space</strong></a></p>

<p>Moscow, reeling from the disappointment of the crash of the Luna-25 lunar probe, will take momentarily solace in the achievements of&nbsp;Kononenko.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (September 15), hours after setting off for the journey from Earth.

Two Russian cosmonauts and an American astronaut docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (September 15), hours after setting off for the journey from Earth. Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara successfully lifted off for the ISS aboard the Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft, from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, earlier in the day. Three hours later, the crew docked at the ISS, according to the Russian space agency. The first to come aboard the ISS was O’Hara followed by Chub and Kononenko. The three new entrants were received by cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev, Dmitri Petelin and astronaut Frank Rubio who opened the hatch. After entering the Soviet module, they joined NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli, Russian cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov, Denmark's Andreas Mogensen and Japan's Satoshi Furukawa for the mission’s welcoming remarks. While Kononenko is a veteran of space, having clocked 736 days in orbit across four different ISS missions, his partners O'Hara and Chub are spaceflight rookies. During his yearlong stint at the ISS, Kononenko is expected to break the all-time record for most time spent in space, 878 days, held by fellow cosmonaut Gennady Padalka. While the next batch arrived, cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin and NASA's Frank Rubio will return to Earth, aboard a Soyuz on September 27. Notably, Rubio will have spent 371 continuous days in space by that time, a record for an American astronaut. Watch | SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA × Space still bridging gap between Russia & USA Despite heightened tension between the two countries due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, space remains the only frontier where the two superpowers are still collaborating. In the run-up to the mission, Kononenko reflected on the growing division between Washington and Moscow due to the war but said "unlike Earth" cosmonauts and astronauts took care of each other in space. "We hear each other there, and we understand each other, and we are very sensitive to our relationships. We always take care of each other," he said during a pre-flight press conference. Also read | SpaceX sends first Saudi woman astronaut to space Moscow, reeling from the disappointment of the crash of the Luna-25 lunar probe, will take momentarily solace in the achievements of Kononenko. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts arrive at the ISS together despite Ukraine war tensions

<p>Poland on Sunday (September 17) started enforcement of a European Union ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars which sought entry in the country. This is the latest in a series of sanctions taken against Russia after it invaded Ukraine.<br />
<br />
As per the decision of the EU, motor vehicles which have been registered in the Russian Federation will no longer be allowed to enter the 27-member bloc.<br />
<br />
“A car registered in Russia has no right to enter Poland,” said Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski on Saturday, while announcing the ban which came into effect hours later at midnight.<br />
<br />
“This is another element of the sanctions imposed on Russia and its citizens in connection with the brutal war in Ukraine, due to the fact that the Russian state today constitutes a threat to international security,” said Kaminski.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-ukrainian-drone-shot-down-near-moscow-six-others-over-crimea-russia-636741">Ukrainian drone shot down near Moscow, six others over Crimea: Russia</a></p>

<p>The step was adopted just days after vehicles with Russian licence plates were banned from entering the territory of the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – a joint move which was in accordance with the recent interpretation of the sanctions imposed by the EU on Moscow.<br />
<br />
The Baltic states and Poland have remained the most vocal European critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>European Commission's sanctions are 'racist': Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday (September 12) denounced the move of the European Commission as racist. He stated that Moscow could retaliate by recalling its diplomats from Brussels and cutting diplomatic ties with the EU.<br />
<br />
Poland shares a border with Kaliningrad, a Russian territory which is an exclave separated from the Russian mainland. The Border Guard agency stated that the ban would remain the same and would not vary from border to border.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Trump says had he been in office, Russia-Ukraine War wouldn't have begun | World news | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Along with Kaliningrad, Poland has Ukraine and Belarus on its eastern borders. Otherwise, the country is bordered by NATO allies Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, Lithuania and the EU, where they do not have any border checks.<br />
<br />
The website of the Border Guard stated that Russian-tagged cars “will be returned to the non-EU country from which they came, regardless of whether it is Russia or another country. Such actions will be carried out even if the driver of the car is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Poland on Sunday (September 17) started enforcement of a European Union ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars which sought entry in the country. This is the latest in a series of sanctions taken against Russia after it invaded Ukraine.

Poland on Sunday (September 17) started enforcement of a European Union ban on all Russian-registered passenger cars which sought entry in the country. This is the latest in a series of sanctions taken against Russia after it invaded Ukraine. As per the decision of the EU, motor vehicles which have been registered in the Russian Federation will no longer be allowed to enter the 27-member bloc. “A car registered in Russia has no right to enter Poland,” said Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski on Saturday, while announcing the ban which came into effect hours later at midnight. “This is another element of the sanctions imposed on Russia and its citizens in connection with the brutal war in Ukraine, due to the fact that the Russian state today constitutes a threat to international security,” said Kaminski. ALSO READ | Ukrainian drone shot down near Moscow, six others over Crimea: Russia The step was adopted just days after vehicles with Russian licence plates were banned from entering the territory of the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – a joint move which was in accordance with the recent interpretation of the sanctions imposed by the EU on Moscow. The Baltic states and Poland have remained the most vocal European critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin. European Commission's sanctions are 'racist': Russia Deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday (September 12) denounced the move of the European Commission as racist. He stated that Moscow could retaliate by recalling its diplomats from Brussels and cutting diplomatic ties with the EU. Poland shares a border with Kaliningrad, a Russian territory which is an exclave separated from the Russian mainland. The Border Guard agency stated that the ban would remain the same and would not vary from border to border. WATCH | Trump says had he been in office, Russia-Ukraine War wouldn't have begun | World news | WION Along with Kaliningrad, Poland has Ukraine and Belarus on its eastern borders. Otherwise, the country is bordered by NATO allies Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, Lithuania and the EU, where they do not have any border checks. The website of the Border Guard stated that Russian-tagged cars “will be returned to the non-EU country from which they came, regardless of whether it is Russia or another country. Such actions will be carried out even if the driver of the car is not a citizen of the Russian Federation.” (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

Poland begins enforcement of European Union ban on cars registered in Russia

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up his visit to Russia on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, leaving the far eastern region of the country on his armoured train. The Ria Novosti agency published a video of Kim's departure, and said a "departure ceremony" was held at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station.</p>

<p>The TASS news agency said that Kim's train was headed around 250 kilometres towards the border.</p>

<p>Kim's Russia visit and show of bonhomie with President Vladimir Putin has heightened Western concerns that Moscow and Pyongyang may defy sanctions and engage in arms negotiations.</p>

<p>In a video released by Ria Novosti agency, Kim is seen bidding farewell to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, as the Russian march "Farewell of Slavianka" plays during the train's departure.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim Jong Un scores drone bonanza as state gifts from Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, TASS mentioned Kim receiving gifts from a regional governor, including five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest.</p>

<p>TASS detailed the gifts as "five kamikaze drones and a 'Geran-25' reconnaissance drone with vertical takeoff," using North Korea's official name.</p>

<p>Additionally, the governor of the Primorye region offered Kim Jong Un bulletproof protection and special clothing undetectable by thermal cameras.</p>

<p>Earlier on&nbsp;Saturday, Kim Jong Un met with the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok, inspecting advanced weaponry, including a hypersonic missile system.</p>

<p>Kim's extensive tour of Russia's far eastern region, which began on Tuesday, predominantly focused on military matters, and was dominated&nbsp;by his peculiar&nbsp;entourage.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim-Putin ties: Strategic implications for war in Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports in the western media,&nbsp;Moscow is interested in procuring North Korean ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks Russian assistance for its internationally sanctioned&nbsp;missile program.</p>

<p>The Kremlin, however, said that no agreement has been, or will be, signed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation</strong></p>

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<p>Kim also spent time with North Korean students studying in Vladivostok on Sunday.</p>

<p>North Korean news agency KCNA described the atmosphere during Kim's visit as "enthusiastic and warm," calling it&nbsp;the emergence of a "new era of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation" between North Korea and Russia.</p>

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up his visit to Russia on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, leaving the far eastern region of the country on his armoured train.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up his visit to Russia on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, leaving the far eastern region of the country on his armoured train. The Ria Novosti agency published a video of Kim's departure, and said a "departure ceremony" was held at the Artyom-Primorsky-1 station. The TASS news agency said that Kim's train was headed around 250 kilometres towards the border. Kim's Russia visit and show of bonhomie with President Vladimir Putin has heightened Western concerns that Moscow and Pyongyang may defy sanctions and engage in arms negotiations. In a video released by Ria Novosti agency, Kim is seen bidding farewell to a Russian delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, as the Russian march "Farewell of Slavianka" plays during the train's departure. Kim Jong Un scores drone bonanza as state gifts from Russia Earlier, TASS mentioned Kim receiving gifts from a regional governor, including five explosive drones, a reconnaissance drone, and a bulletproof vest. TASS detailed the gifts as "five kamikaze drones and a 'Geran-25' reconnaissance drone with vertical takeoff," using North Korea's official name. Additionally, the governor of the Primorye region offered Kim Jong Un bulletproof protection and special clothing undetectable by thermal cameras. Earlier on Saturday, Kim Jong Un met with the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok, inspecting advanced weaponry, including a hypersonic missile system. Kim's extensive tour of Russia's far eastern region, which began on Tuesday, predominantly focused on military matters, and was dominated by his peculiar entourage. Kim-Putin ties: Strategic implications for war in Ukraine According to reports in the western media, Moscow is interested in procuring North Korean ammunition for the conflict in Ukraine, while Pyongyang seeks Russian assistance for its internationally sanctioned missile program. The Kremlin, however, said that no agreement has been, or will be, signed. Also watch | Kin Jong-Un's highly criticised Russia visit, West worried about possible cooperation × Kim also spent time with North Korean students studying in Vladivostok on Sunday. North Korean news agency KCNA described the atmosphere during Kim's visit as "enthusiastic and warm," calling it the emergence of a "new era of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation" between North Korea and Russia. 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.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un leaves Russia after underscoring bonhomie with Vladimir Putin

<p>North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday (September 16) discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, in what Pyongyang called a fresh heyday for bilateral relations. Accompanied by Russian Defence Minister Shoigu, Kim inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Kim will go to several food enterprises. According to a report by the state KCNA news agency, Kim's trip to Russia came as a fresh heyday of friendship, and solidarity and cooperation being opened up in the history of the development of&nbsp;relations between Pyongyang and Moscow.</p>

<p>The report further said that Kim and Shoigu exchanged their constructive opinions on the practical issues arising in further strengthening the strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation and mutual exchange between the armed forces of the two countries and in the fields of their national defence and security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Shoigu said that Russia was discussing joint military exercises with North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed military matters, the ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation. The United States has expressed concerns over the warming military ties between North Korea and Russia.</p>

<p>On Friday, the United States as well as South Korea said that the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia would violate United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang.&nbsp;</p>

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North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday (September 16) discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, in what Pyongyang called a fresh heyday for bilateral relations.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Saturday (September 16) discussed practical issues to boost military cooperation, in what Pyongyang called a fresh heyday for bilateral relations. Accompanied by Russian Defence Minister Shoigu, Kim inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships. On Sunday, Kim will go to several food enterprises. According to a report by the state KCNA news agency, Kim's trip to Russia came as a fresh heyday of friendship, and solidarity and cooperation being opened up in the history of the development of relations between Pyongyang and Moscow. The report further said that Kim and Shoigu exchanged their constructive opinions on the practical issues arising in further strengthening the strategic and tactical coordination, cooperation and mutual exchange between the armed forces of the two countries and in the fields of their national defence and security. Speaking to reporters, Shoigu said that Russia was discussing joint military exercises with North Korea. On Wednesday, Kim met Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed military matters, the ongoing war in Ukraine and deepening cooperation. The United States has expressed concerns over the warming military ties between North Korea and Russia. On Friday, the United States as well as South Korea said that the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia would violate United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang. 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.

'A fresh heyday for bilateral ties': N.Korea, Russia discuss issues to boost military cooperation

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to Russia, inspected Moscow's nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic projectiles and also an advanced warship from its Pacific fleet on Saturday (September 16).&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was accompanied by President Vladimir Putin's defence minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok.</p>

<p>In a video released by the Russian defence ministry, both were seen smiling as they inspected some of Russia's nuclear bombers at an airfield before boarding a warship.</p>

<p>Shoigu showed Kim Russia's strategic bombers - the Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 - which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and form the backbone of Russia's nuclear air attack force, said Russia's defence ministry.</p>

<p>"It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again," Shoigu told Kim of one aircraft.</p>

<p>Shoigu then showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles.</p>

<p>Russia's ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, in a press briefing, said that Kim's programme was "very intense" and that it was not yet clear as to how long he would remain in Russia, state news agency RIA reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-lee-weakens-to-post-tropical-cyclone-nears-atlantic-coast-thousands-without-power-636688">Hurricane Lee weakens to post-tropical cyclone, nears Atlantic coast; thousands without power</a></p>

<p>RIA further quoted Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Vladivostok's Primorye region, as saying that he would have talks with the North Korean leader over partnership in sport, tourism and culture on Sunday (September 17).</p>

<h2><strong>Kim inspects Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kim also inspected the Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" in Vladivostok and saw a demonstration of the projectile control systems, said RIA.</p>

<p>The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation.</p>

<p>The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to Russia, inspected Moscow's nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic projectiles and also an advanced warship from its Pacific fleet on Saturday (September 16).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during his visit to Russia, inspected Moscow's nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic projectiles and also an advanced warship from its Pacific fleet on Saturday (September 16). He was accompanied by President Vladimir Putin's defence minister Sergei Shoigu in Vladivostok. In a video released by the Russian defence ministry, both were seen smiling as they inspected some of Russia's nuclear bombers at an airfield before boarding a warship. Shoigu showed Kim Russia's strategic bombers - the Tu-160, Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 - which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons and form the backbone of Russia's nuclear air attack force, said Russia's defence ministry. "It can fly from Moscow to Japan and then back again," Shoigu told Kim of one aircraft. Shoigu then showed him the MiG-31I supersonic interceptor aircraft equipped with "Kinzhal" hypersonic missiles. Russia's ambassador to North Korea, Alexander Matsegora, in a press briefing, said that Kim's programme was "very intense" and that it was not yet clear as to how long he would remain in Russia, state news agency RIA reported. Also read: Hurricane Lee weakens to post-tropical cyclone, nears Atlantic coast; thousands without power RIA further quoted Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Vladivostok's Primorye region, as saying that he would have talks with the North Korean leader over partnership in sport, tourism and culture on Sunday (September 17). Kim inspects Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate Kim also inspected the Russian Pacific Fleet's frigate "Marshal Shaposhnikov" in Vladivostok and saw a demonstration of the projectile control systems, said RIA. The US has warned that Russia’s move to gain access to North Korea’s stockpiles will amount to a violation of UN sanctions and will be met by a strong retaliation. The US also claimed that Russia was going to buy rockets from Pyongyang to use them against Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin earlier said he would help North Korea develop satellites, further drawing concerns from the US. "That is quite troubling and would potentially be in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions" which Russia itself had voted for in the past, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects Russian nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic missiles

<p>Two cosmonauts from Russia and an American astronaut, on Friday (September 15), rocketed toward the International Space Station, marking the first time Moscow launched astronauts to an orbiting outpost in almost a year.</p>

<p>The launch also came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft lifted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, at 11:44 am ET, with Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara on board.</p>

<p>As per reports, the crew was expected to dock at the ISS three hours later.</p>

<p>Kononenko, while hinting at the tensions between Washington and Moscow during a pre-flight press conference that took place on Thursday (September 14), said that "unlike on earth" cosmonauts and astronauts took care of each other in space.</p>

<p>"We hear each other there, and we understand each other, and we are very sensitive to our relationships," he said. "We always take care of each other."</p>

<p>O'Hara applauded the station's "legacy" and said it had been bringing the countries together.</p>

<p>"I'm excited to get on board and see the crewmates who are waiting for us," she added.</p>

<p>Kononenko, 59, and Chub, 39, are scheduled to spend a year on the ISS, while O'Hara, 40, is to spend six months aboard. It was the first mission to space for both O'Hara and Chub.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-aditya-l1-mission-successfully-undergoes-fourth-earth-bound-manoeuvre-says-isro-636091">India’s Aditya-L1 mission successfully undergoes fourth Earth-bound manoeuvre, says ISRO</a></p>

<p>Chub said that travelling to space was his "childhood dream" and he had dedicated "all his life" to reaching that goal.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s Luna-25 crashes into moon</strong></h2>

<p>The liftoff took place after Russia's first lunar mission in nearly 50 years failed last month.</p>

<p>Russia's Luna-25 probe crashed into the Moon after it spun into an uncontrolled orbit. Roscosmos said that there had been an "abnormal situation" during a manoeuvre earlier.</p>

<p>Preliminary investigations showed that the lander "has ceased to exist following a collision with the Moon's surface". The scientists at the agency then started a probe to determine the cause of the crash. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"During the operation, an emergency situation occurred on board the automatic station, which did not allow the manoeuvre to be performed with the specified parameters," &nbsp;Roscosmos wrote in an update on Telegram.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Two cosmonauts from Russia and an American astronaut, on Friday (September 15), rocketed toward the International Space Station, marking the first time Moscow launched astronauts to an orbiting outpost in almost a year.

Two cosmonauts from Russia and an American astronaut, on Friday (September 15), rocketed toward the International Space Station, marking the first time Moscow launched astronauts to an orbiting outpost in almost a year. The launch also came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine war. Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft lifted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, at 11:44 am ET, with Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara on board. As per reports, the crew was expected to dock at the ISS three hours later. Kononenko, while hinting at the tensions between Washington and Moscow during a pre-flight press conference that took place on Thursday (September 14), said that "unlike on earth" cosmonauts and astronauts took care of each other in space. "We hear each other there, and we understand each other, and we are very sensitive to our relationships," he said. "We always take care of each other." O'Hara applauded the station's "legacy" and said it had been bringing the countries together. "I'm excited to get on board and see the crewmates who are waiting for us," she added. Kononenko, 59, and Chub, 39, are scheduled to spend a year on the ISS, while O'Hara, 40, is to spend six months aboard. It was the first mission to space for both O'Hara and Chub. Also read: India’s Aditya-L1 mission successfully undergoes fourth Earth-bound manoeuvre, says ISRO Chub said that travelling to space was his "childhood dream" and he had dedicated "all his life" to reaching that goal. Russia’s Luna-25 crashes into moon The liftoff took place after Russia's first lunar mission in nearly 50 years failed last month. Russia's Luna-25 probe crashed into the Moon after it spun into an uncontrolled orbit. Roscosmos said that there had been an "abnormal situation" during a manoeuvre earlier. Preliminary investigations showed that the lander "has ceased to exist following a collision with the Moon's surface". The scientists at the agency then started a probe to determine the cause of the crash. "During the operation, an emergency situation occurred on board the automatic station, which did not allow the manoeuvre to be performed with the specified parameters," Roscosmos wrote in an update on Telegram. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Rocket with two Russian cosmonauts, NASA astronaut launches toward International Space Station

<p>After the collapse of the grain deal with Russia aimed at ensuring ships exporting via the Black Sea are safe, the first set of cargo ships sailed to war-battered Ukraine to load grain for African and Asian markets, confirmed a Kyiv official on Saturday (September 16).<br />
<br />
"The first civilian ships used the temporary corridor to enter Ukrainian ports," said Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, in a statement on Facebook.<br />
<br />
He stated that the two ships, Aroyat and the Resilient Africa, are on their way to load around 20,000 tonnes of wheat for Asian and African countries. "The vessels are under the flag of Palau," he stated. As per shipping data, the two vessels were on routes in the northern Black Sea.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-russia-ready-to-discuss-the-grain-deal-632259">Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met</a></p>

<p>“While the UN is not involved in the movement of those vessels, we welcome all efforts for the resumption of normal trade, especially of vital food commodities that help supply and stabilize global food markets," said a UN official, while speaking to Reuters.<br />
<br />
"We continue our efforts to facilitate exports for agricultural products from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's withdrawal from UN-brokered grain deal</strong></h2>

<p>Russia had quit the grain deal in July, one year after it was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations to guarantee safe passage for shipments of grains which sailed from Ukrainian ports, claiming that the export of its own food and fertiliser was facing obstacles and not enough Ukrainian grain was reaching the countries in need.<br />
<br />
After withdrawing from the deal, Russia also escalated attacks on the port infrastructure of Ukraine.<br />
<br />
The humanitarian corridor's establishment was announced by Ukraine in the Black Sea in August to circumvent the blockade of Russia. Since then, the corridor has been used by five vessels to exit ports of Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Black Sea Grain Deal: Turkey's Erdogan fails to convince Putin</strong></p>

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<p>The Black Sea grain deal was finalised with the intention of combatting the global food crisis which had worsened after Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022, as per the United States. Both Ukraine and Russia are leading grain exporters.<br />
<br />
The loading and shipping of grains are a test of the ability of Ukraine to reopen shipping lanes at a time when efforts are being made by Russia to re-impose its de facto blockade, after abandoning the grain deal in July. Frequent drone and missile attacks have been launched by Russia on the grain export infrastructure of Ukraine.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After the collapse of the grain deal with Russia aimed at ensuring ships exporting via the Black Sea are safe, the first set of cargo ships sailed to war-battered Ukraine to load grain for African and Asian markets, confirmed a Kyiv official on Saturday (September 16).

After the collapse of the grain deal with Russia aimed at ensuring ships exporting via the Black Sea are safe, the first set of cargo ships sailed to war-battered Ukraine to load grain for African and Asian markets, confirmed a Kyiv official on Saturday (September 16). "The first civilian ships used the temporary corridor to enter Ukrainian ports," said Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov, in a statement on Facebook. He stated that the two ships, Aroyat and the Resilient Africa, are on their way to load around 20,000 tonnes of wheat for Asian and African countries. "The vessels are under the flag of Palau," he stated. As per shipping data, the two vessels were on routes in the northern Black Sea. ALSO READ | Russia may revive Black Sea grain deal if Putin's demands are met “While the UN is not involved in the movement of those vessels, we welcome all efforts for the resumption of normal trade, especially of vital food commodities that help supply and stabilize global food markets," said a UN official, while speaking to Reuters. "We continue our efforts to facilitate exports for agricultural products from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation,” he added. Russia's withdrawal from UN-brokered grain deal Russia had quit the grain deal in July, one year after it was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations to guarantee safe passage for shipments of grains which sailed from Ukrainian ports, claiming that the export of its own food and fertiliser was facing obstacles and not enough Ukrainian grain was reaching the countries in need. After withdrawing from the deal, Russia also escalated attacks on the port infrastructure of Ukraine. The humanitarian corridor's establishment was announced by Ukraine in the Black Sea in August to circumvent the blockade of Russia. Since then, the corridor has been used by five vessels to exit ports of Ukraine. WATCH | Black Sea Grain Deal: Turkey's Erdogan fails to convince Putin The Black Sea grain deal was finalised with the intention of combatting the global food crisis which had worsened after Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022, as per the United States. Both Ukraine and Russia are leading grain exporters. The loading and shipping of grains are a test of the ability of Ukraine to reopen shipping lanes at a time when efforts are being made by Russia to re-impose its de facto blockade, after abandoning the grain deal in July. Frequent drone and missile attacks have been launched by Russia on the grain export infrastructure of Ukraine. (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

After collapse of grain deal, first cargo ships sail to Ukraine to load grains

<p>The Russian government on Thursday (September 14) said it was expelling&nbsp;two US diplomats on accusations of collaborating with a spy.&nbsp;According to the Kremlin, the two diplomats had maintained contact with a Russian national who worked&nbsp;for the US Mission and had&nbsp;been accused of being an 'informant'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement informed&nbsp;it had summoned US envoy&nbsp;Lynne Tracy, instructing her that embassy First Secretary Jeffrey Sillin and Second Secretary David Bernstein must leave the country within seven days.</p>

<p>Sillin and&nbsp;Bernstein were accused of having conducted&nbsp;"illegal activities by liaising with a Russian citizen, (Robert) Shonov".</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-12">"It was also emphasised (to Tracy) that illegal activities of the US diplomatic mission, including interference in the internal affairs of the host country, are unacceptable and will be resolutely suppressed," it said.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-13">"The Russian side expects Washington to draw the right conclusions and refrain from confrontational steps."</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-13"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-vadim-krasikov-hitman-russia-wants-in-prisoner-swap-with-us-634765"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Vadim Krasikov? Assassin Russia wants in prisoner swap for US WSJ journalist</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably,&nbsp;Shonov was on the payroll of the US Consulate General in the Far East city of Vladivostok for more than 25 years, until Moscow&nbsp;ordered the dismissal of the&nbsp;mission's local staff in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a confession video, published by the country's&nbsp;FSB security service,&nbsp;Shonov could be seen admitting that&nbsp;Sillin and Bernstein had asked him to collect information about Russia's war effort in Ukraine, the annexation of "new territories",&nbsp;its military mobilisation and the 2024 presidential election.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vladimir-putin-lauds-indias-pm-modi-putin-kim-summit-635615"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Vladimir Putin lauds India's PM Modi | Putin-Kim Summit</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>US vows retaliation</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>After the announcement, Washington denounced the expulsion and vowed to take countermeasures soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This unprovoked expulsion of our diplomatic personnel is wholly without merit, as is the case against a former Russian contractor of our embassy who was arrested for the supposedly nefarious task of performing such activities as providing our embassy with media clips,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Miller added that Russia had once again chosen "confrontation and escalation over constructive diplomatic engagement", whilst adding that Washington will take action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We regret that Russia has taken this path and you can certainly expect that we will respond appropriately to their actions. It continues to harass employees of our embassy, just as it continues to intimidate its own citizens.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Russian government on Thursday (September 14) said it was expelling two US diplomats on accusations of collaborating with a spy. According to the Kremlin, the two diplomats had maintained contact with a Russian national who worked for the US Mission and had been accused of being an 'informant'.

The Russian government on Thursday (September 14) said it was expelling two US diplomats on accusations of collaborating with a spy. According to the Kremlin, the two diplomats had maintained contact with a Russian national who worked for the US Mission and had been accused of being an 'informant'. The Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement informed it had summoned US envoy Lynne Tracy, instructing her that embassy First Secretary Jeffrey Sillin and Second Secretary David Bernstein must leave the country within seven days. Sillin and Bernstein were accused of having conducted "illegal activities by liaising with a Russian citizen, (Robert) Shonov". "It was also emphasised (to Tracy) that illegal activities of the US diplomatic mission, including interference in the internal affairs of the host country, are unacceptable and will be resolutely suppressed," it said. "The Russian side expects Washington to draw the right conclusions and refrain from confrontational steps." Also read | Who is Vadim Krasikov? Assassin Russia wants in prisoner swap for US WSJ journalist Notably, Shonov was on the payroll of the US Consulate General in the Far East city of Vladivostok for more than 25 years, until Moscow ordered the dismissal of the mission's local staff in 2021. In a confession video, published by the country's FSB security service, Shonov could be seen admitting that Sillin and Bernstein had asked him to collect information about Russia's war effort in Ukraine, the annexation of "new territories", its military mobilisation and the 2024 presidential election. Watch | Vladimir Putin lauds India's PM Modi | Putin-Kim Summit × US vows retaliation After the announcement, Washington denounced the expulsion and vowed to take countermeasures soon. “This unprovoked expulsion of our diplomatic personnel is wholly without merit, as is the case against a former Russian contractor of our embassy who was arrested for the supposedly nefarious task of performing such activities as providing our embassy with media clips,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Miller added that Russia had once again chosen "confrontation and escalation over constructive diplomatic engagement", whilst adding that Washington will take action. "We regret that Russia has taken this path and you can certainly expect that we will respond appropriately to their actions. It continues to harass employees of our embassy, just as it continues to intimidate its own citizens.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia expels two US diplomats as Washington vows 'retaliation'

<p>A zoo in Scotland is all set to adopt an Asiatic black bear who suffered severe trauma in Russian-occupied Ukraine.</p>

<p>The Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland, in a press release on Tuesday, said that it will not only provide a new home to the bear but will also continue to support his recovery.</p>

<p>The bear was rescued from an abandoned zoo on the outskirts of Yampil in Donetsk Oblast, when Ukrainian forces freed the village in October 2022, as per The Kyiv Independent.</p>

<p>The rescuers at the scene said that the 12-year-old bear was one of the few left alive. He was starving, filthy, and close to death.</p>

<p>After being rescued, he was named Yampil, after the village where he was found.</p>

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<p>He is set to leave for his new home in Edinburgh&nbsp;early next year.</p>

<p>“War and conflict…is a horrible thing and it’s very traumatic for people. It’s often forgotten that it’s traumatic for animals as well,” Five Sisters Zoo's head Romain Pizzi was quoted as saying by CNN.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-sceptic-over-purported-alien-bodies-made-no-sense-635982">Experts sceptic over purported 'alien' bodies: 'Many elements made no sense'</a></p>

<p>“There are many species like the Asiatic black bear who are really intelligent,” he said.</p>

<p>“We want to make sure that what we build for him as a sanctuary enclosure in…Scotland is going to meet his needs and they’ll be specific to him, depending on what trauma he’s gone through and what maladaptive behaviours he may have developed in that time,” Pizzi added.</p>

<p>The Five Sisters Zoo, which has rescued bears and lions who have been ill-treated at circuses in the past, first heard about Yampil through Natuurhulpcentrum Wildlife Rescue charity in northeastern Belgium.</p>

<p>“I was quite emotional about it and it’s kind of unimaginable some of the stuff that he’s gone through,” the zoo’s head carnivore keeper, Gary Curran was quoted as saying by CNN. “And so we were really keen to do our best to make sure that we create a home for the rest of his life no matter the cost.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A zoo in Scotland is all set to adopt an Asiatic black bear who suffered severe trauma in Russian-occupied Ukraine. The Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland, in a press release on Tuesday, said that it will not only provide a new home to the bear but will also continue to support his recovery.

A zoo in Scotland is all set to adopt an Asiatic black bear who suffered severe trauma in Russian-occupied Ukraine. The Five Sisters Zoo in Scotland, in a press release on Tuesday, said that it will not only provide a new home to the bear but will also continue to support his recovery. The bear was rescued from an abandoned zoo on the outskirts of Yampil in Donetsk Oblast, when Ukrainian forces freed the village in October 2022, as per The Kyiv Independent. The rescuers at the scene said that the 12-year-old bear was one of the few left alive. He was starving, filthy, and close to death. After being rescued, he was named Yampil, after the village where he was found. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Five Sisters Zoo (@fivesisters.zoo) × He is set to leave for his new home in Edinburgh early next year. “War and conflict…is a horrible thing and it’s very traumatic for people. It’s often forgotten that it’s traumatic for animals as well,” Five Sisters Zoo's head Romain Pizzi was quoted as saying by CNN. Also read: Experts sceptic over purported 'alien' bodies: 'Many elements made no sense' “There are many species like the Asiatic black bear who are really intelligent,” he said. “We want to make sure that what we build for him as a sanctuary enclosure in…Scotland is going to meet his needs and they’ll be specific to him, depending on what trauma he’s gone through and what maladaptive behaviours he may have developed in that time,” Pizzi added. The Five Sisters Zoo, which has rescued bears and lions who have been ill-treated at circuses in the past, first heard about Yampil through Natuurhulpcentrum Wildlife Rescue charity in northeastern Belgium. “I was quite emotional about it and it’s kind of unimaginable some of the stuff that he’s gone through,” the zoo’s head carnivore keeper, Gary Curran was quoted as saying by CNN. “And so we were really keen to do our best to make sure that we create a home for the rest of his life no matter the cost.” (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Zoo in Scotland to adopt bear who suffered severe trauma in Russian-occupied Ukraine

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