Russian government has asked employees to refrain from using Apple iPhones and iPads for&nbsp;work purposes, as reported by Interfax. Russian ministry of digital development has put the ban due fears of espionage. Interfax quoted Maksut Shadaev, the minister.&nbsp;

"A ban is imposed on using (Apple) mobile devices - smartphones and tablets - to access work applications and work email exchange," he told reporters at a digital conference, the agency said.

"It's allowed to use iPhones for personal needs," Shadaev said.

The ministry issued the ban two months after claims by the Russian main domestic security service, the FSB, that several thousands Apple devices were compromised as a result of an espionage operation by the US

Apple denied the allegations. The US&nbsp;National Security Agency, which the FSB said cooperated with Apple, declined to comment on the claims at the time.

Watch | Can Ukraine stop the Russia aggression as Russia improves position on frontline? | WION Pulse

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/can-ukraine-stop-the-russia-aggression-as-russia-improves-position-on-frontline-wion-pulse-624694/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Digital espionage and hacking has become a cause of concern in diplomatic circles worldwide. Russia and China often find themselves at the receiving end of such allegations from the Western countries. The allegations of a particular company from a particular region helping that government to spy on assets of other countries often fly around.

The West is often seen to be wary of Chinese companies like Huawei, Lenovo and others which several US officials have said have ties with the Chinese regime. The companies have often attracted allegations of espionage conducted through there hardware, software and tech prowess.

Many governments in West have moved to eliminate usage of tech equipment&nbsp; manufactured by these companies due to concerns over possible spying.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-arrests-alleged-spy-over-suspicions-of-espionage-for-russia-624690">Germany arrests alleged spy over suspicions of espionage for Russia</a>

The allegations of spying go both ways.

On Friday (August 11) China claimed that it had uncovered a "case of espionage" carried out by USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). China said that operation involved a Chinese national named Zeng who was paid money for top secret information.

"After meticulous investigation, the state security authority obtained evidence of Zeng's espionage activities and, in accordance with the law, took coercive measures against him to eliminate the harm in a timely manner," Beijing's Ministry of State Security said in a statement published online.

There were no details about Zeng's punishment.

According to the statement, 52-year-old Zeng was sent to Italy for studies. The statement adds that Zeng befriended a CIA agent who was stationed at the US embassy in Rome.

This individual convinced Zeng to provide "sensitive information on the (Chinese) military" in exchange for "a huge amount of compensation" and assistance for Zeng and his family to move to the United States.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Russian government has asked employees to refrain from using Apple iPhones and iPads for work purposes, as reported by Interfax. Russian ministry of digital development has put the ban due fears of espionage.

Russian government has asked employees to refrain from using Apple iPhones and iPads for work purposes, as reported by Interfax. Russian ministry of digital development has put the ban due fears of espionage. Interfax quoted Maksut Shadaev, the minister. "A ban is imposed on using (Apple) mobile devices - smartphones and tablets - to access work applications and work email exchange," he told reporters at a digital conference, the agency said. "It's allowed to use iPhones for personal needs," Shadaev said. The ministry issued the ban two months after claims by the Russian main domestic security service, the FSB, that several thousands Apple devices were compromised as a result of an espionage operation by the US Apple denied the allegations. The US National Security Agency, which the FSB said cooperated with Apple, declined to comment on the claims at the time. Watch | Can Ukraine stop the Russia aggression as Russia improves position on frontline? | WION Pulse × Digital espionage and hacking has become a cause of concern in diplomatic circles worldwide. Russia and China often find themselves at the receiving end of such allegations from the Western countries. The allegations of a particular company from a particular region helping that government to spy on assets of other countries often fly around. The West is often seen to be wary of Chinese companies like Huawei, Lenovo and others which several US officials have said have ties with the Chinese regime. The companies have often attracted allegations of espionage conducted through there hardware, software and tech prowess. Many governments in West have moved to eliminate usage of tech equipment manufactured by these companies due to concerns over possible spying. Also Read | Germany arrests alleged spy over suspicions of espionage for Russia The allegations of spying go both ways. On Friday (August 11) China claimed that it had uncovered a "case of espionage" carried out by USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). China said that operation involved a Chinese national named Zeng who was paid money for top secret information. "After meticulous investigation, the state security authority obtained evidence of Zeng's espionage activities and, in accordance with the law, took coercive measures against him to eliminate the harm in a timely manner," Beijing's Ministry of State Security said in a statement published online. There were no details about Zeng's punishment. According to the statement, 52-year-old Zeng was sent to Italy for studies. The statement adds that Zeng befriended a CIA agent who was stationed at the US embassy in Rome. This individual convinced Zeng to provide "sensitive information on the (Chinese) military" in exchange for "a huge amount of compensation" and assistance for Zeng and his family to move to the United States. (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 ×

Russian ministry bans use of iPhones, iPad for government employees

China said on Friday (August 11) that Chinese coast guard held joint drills with Russian and South Korean coast guards. An official statement from the Chinese side said that the drills took place between August 7 and August 10.

The Chinese coast guard said in the statement that maritime law enforcement from countries including Russia and South Korea took part in the annual North Pacific coast guard drills in eastern Chinese city Ningbo. The drills targetted drug trafficking at sea.

China has a number of maritime and territorial disputes in waters around it. It claims entirety of Taiwan and has not ruled out use of force to retake the self-governing island. With Japan, it has dispute over Senkaku/ Diaoyu islands. China also claims the entirety of South China Sea. It cites ancient references for its claim. In the matter of South China Sea, China has disputes with a number of countries.

<h2>Assertive Philippines</h2>

The Philippines often finds itself at odds with China with respect to claims in South China Sea. On Thursday (August 10), the Southeast Asian country said that it will send more supplies to a remote outpost on a reef in the disputed South China Sea. The supplies will be sent as early as next week. This development has come after Chinese boats disrupted a delivery

On last Saturday, a resupply mission could not unload all of its cargo because Chinese coast guard ships blocked its way and fired water cannon at the Philippine coast guard vessels and charter boats attempting to unload food, water and fuel on Second Thomas Shoal.

This flare-up has started a diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing. It also sparked international criticism of China.

A handful of marines are based on a World War II-vintage ship called the BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded on the submerged reef in 1999 to check China's advance in the hotly contested waters. The tiny garrison depends on regular deliveries for their survival.

One of the charter boats that was carrying supplies was prevented from reaching the shoal. The other one was able to unload its cargo.

One of the charter boats carrying supplies to the outpost on Saturday was prevented from reaching the shoal, while the other succeeded in unloading its cargo.&nbsp;

The next delivery would be "early next week hopefully, but definitely before the supply runs out. We're on the clock now," Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, chief of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Palawan island, told reporters. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

China said on Friday (August 11) that Chinese coast guard held joint drills with Russian and South Korean coast guards. An official statement from the Chinese side said that the drills took place between August 7 and August 10.

China said on Friday (August 11) that Chinese coast guard held joint drills with Russian and South Korean coast guards. An official statement from the Chinese side said that the drills took place between August 7 and August 10. The Chinese coast guard said in the statement that maritime law enforcement from countries including Russia and South Korea took part in the annual North Pacific coast guard drills in eastern Chinese city Ningbo. The drills targetted drug trafficking at sea. China has a number of maritime and territorial disputes in waters around it. It claims entirety of Taiwan and has not ruled out use of force to retake the self-governing island. With Japan, it has dispute over Senkaku/ Diaoyu islands. China also claims the entirety of South China Sea. It cites ancient references for its claim. In the matter of South China Sea, China has disputes with a number of countries. Assertive Philippines The Philippines often finds itself at odds with China with respect to claims in South China Sea. On Thursday (August 10), the Southeast Asian country said that it will send more supplies to a remote outpost on a reef in the disputed South China Sea. The supplies will be sent as early as next week. This development has come after Chinese boats disrupted a delivery On last Saturday, a resupply mission could not unload all of its cargo because Chinese coast guard ships blocked its way and fired water cannon at the Philippine coast guard vessels and charter boats attempting to unload food, water and fuel on Second Thomas Shoal. This flare-up has started a diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing. It also sparked international criticism of China. A handful of marines are based on a World War II-vintage ship called the BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded on the submerged reef in 1999 to check China's advance in the hotly contested waters. The tiny garrison depends on regular deliveries for their survival. One of the charter boats that was carrying supplies was prevented from reaching the shoal. The other one was able to unload its cargo. One of the charter boats carrying supplies to the outpost on Saturday was prevented from reaching the shoal, while the other succeeded in unloading its cargo. The next delivery would be "early next week hopefully, but definitely before the supply runs out. We're on the clock now," Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, chief of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Palawan island, told reporters. (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 ×

Chinese coast guard holds maritime enforcement drills with Russia, South Korea

Russia's first probe to the Moon was launched in almost 50 years on Friday. The mission is aimed at giving fresh impetus to the country's space sector which has been struggling for years and is now facing isolation because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 
 
The Luna-25 probe's launch is the first lunar mission of Moscow since 1976 when the USSR had emerged as a pioneer in the arena of space conquest. 
 
The rocket, carrying the Luna-25 probe, lifted off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome at 02:10 am Moscow time (2310 GMT Thursday), as per live images broadcast by the Russian space agency Roscosmos. The spacecraft will be reaching the lunar orbit in five days. 
 
Around three to seven days will be spent by the spacecraft in choosing the right spot before the lunar probe lands in the south pole area.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/virgin-galactics-first-space-tourism-flight-takes-off-with-three-civilian-passengers-624309">Virgin Galactic's first space tourism flight takes off with three civilian passengers</a>

"For the first time in history, the lunar landing will take place on the lunar south pole. Until now, everyone has been landing in the equatorial zone," said senior Roscosmos official Alexander Blokhin in a recent interview with AFP. 
 
As per Roscosmos, the lunar probe should land on the Moon around August 21, said a source in the agency, while speaking to AFP.

<h2>Guided by ambition of our ancestors: Putin on space exploration</h2>

The Russian space agency stated that the spacecraft, which will stay on the Moon for a year, has been given the task of "taking (samples) and analysing the soil" as well as "conducting long-term scientific research", said the Russian space agency. 
 
The launch is the new lunar programme's first mission which gets underway at a time when Roscosmos does not have partnerships with the West as the conflict with Ukraine continues to escalate. 
 
As per Russian space expert Vitali Iegorov, this is the first time a mission has been launched by post-Soviet Russia with the aim to place a device on a celestial body. "The biggest question will be: can it land?" he said, while speaking AFP, emphasising that this mission is "of great importance" for Russia.

WATCH |&nbsp;China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-tiangong-space-station-faces-equipment-delay-from-india-623153/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Vladimir Putin has taken the pledge to continue the space programme in Russia despite sanctions, pointing to the mission of the USSR to send the first man into space in 1961.

"We are guided by the ambition of our ancestors to move forward, despite difficulties and external attempts to prevent us from doing so," Putin stated at the Vostochny Cosmodrome last year.

The Indian space agency, ISRO, tweeted, "Congratulations, Roscosmos on the successful launch of Luna-25. Wonderful to have another meeting point in our space journies. Wishes for Chandrayaan-3 &amp; 🇷🇺Luna-25 missions to achieve their goals."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations, Roscosmos on the successful launch of Luna-25 💐 
 
Wonderful to have another meeting point in our space journies 
 
Wishes for 
🇮🇳Chandrayaan-3 &amp; 
🇷🇺Luna-25 
missions to achieve their goals.
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1689831063806242816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:35 pm local time on July 14 in its second attempt at a soft landing on the surface of the moon. The spacecraft is expected to land on the lunar surface by&nbsp;August 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russia's first probe to the Moon was launched in almost 50 years on Friday. The mission is aimed at giving fresh impetus to the country's space sector which has been struggling for years and is now facing isolation because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Russia's first probe to the Moon was launched in almost 50 years on Friday. The mission is aimed at giving fresh impetus to the country's space sector which has been struggling for years and is now facing isolation because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Luna-25 probe's launch is the first lunar mission of Moscow since 1976 when the USSR had emerged as a pioneer in the arena of space conquest. The rocket, carrying the Luna-25 probe, lifted off from the Vostochny Cosmodrome at 02:10 am Moscow time (2310 GMT Thursday), as per live images broadcast by the Russian space agency Roscosmos. The spacecraft will be reaching the lunar orbit in five days. Around three to seven days will be spent by the spacecraft in choosing the right spot before the lunar probe lands in the south pole area. ALSO READ | Virgin Galactic's first space tourism flight takes off with three civilian passengers "For the first time in history, the lunar landing will take place on the lunar south pole. Until now, everyone has been landing in the equatorial zone," said senior Roscosmos official Alexander Blokhin in a recent interview with AFP. As per Roscosmos, the lunar probe should land on the Moon around August 21, said a source in the agency, while speaking to AFP. Guided by ambition of our ancestors: Putin on space exploration The Russian space agency stated that the spacecraft, which will stay on the Moon for a year, has been given the task of "taking (samples) and analysing the soil" as well as "conducting long-term scientific research", said the Russian space agency. The launch is the new lunar programme's first mission which gets underway at a time when Roscosmos does not have partnerships with the West as the conflict with Ukraine continues to escalate. As per Russian space expert Vitali Iegorov, this is the first time a mission has been launched by post-Soviet Russia with the aim to place a device on a celestial body. "The biggest question will be: can it land?" he said, while speaking AFP, emphasising that this mission is "of great importance" for Russia. WATCH | China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India President Vladimir Putin has taken the pledge to continue the space programme in Russia despite sanctions, pointing to the mission of the USSR to send the first man into space in 1961. "We are guided by the ambition of our ancestors to move forward, despite difficulties and external attempts to prevent us from doing so," Putin stated at the Vostochny Cosmodrome last year. The Indian space agency, ISRO, tweeted, "Congratulations, Roscosmos on the successful launch of Luna-25. Wonderful to have another meeting point in our space journies. Wishes for Chandrayaan-3 & 🇷🇺Luna-25 missions to achieve their goals." Congratulations, Roscosmos on the successful launch of Luna-25 💐 Wonderful to have another meeting point in our space journies Wishes for 🇮🇳Chandrayaan-3 & 🇷🇺Luna-25 missions to achieve their goals. — ISRO (@isro) August 11, 2023 × The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:35 pm local time on July 14 in its second attempt at a soft landing on the surface of the moon. The spacecraft is expected to land on the lunar surface by August 23. (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 launches first probe to the Moon in almost 50 years

Poland is planning to move up to 10,000 additional troops to the border with Belarus to support the Border Guard, said Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;

This comes a day after Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik told the state-run news agency PAP that Warsaw will deploy 2,000 additional troops to combat purported illegal crossings and maintain cross-border stability.

<h2>What did the Polish defence minister say?</h2>

The Polish defence minister told public radio, “About 10,000 soldiers will be on the border, of which 4,000 will directly support the Border Guard and 6,000 will be in the reserve.” He added, “We move the army closer to the border with Belarus to scare away the aggressor so that it does not dare to attack us.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/threat-from-wagner-poland-a-nato-ally-deploys-more-troops-on-belarus-border-623873">Threat from Wagner? Poland, a NATO ally, deploys more troops on Belarus border</a>

This comes as Warsaw has been ramping up security along its border with Belarus – a close ally of Russia – after mercenary group Wagner sent its troops to Minsk in exile following their chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s aborted mutiny in Russia.&nbsp;

Speaking about the decision to send 10,000 troops to the border, Blaszczak mentioned alleged violations of Polish air space by two military aircraft.&nbsp;

“The violation of Polish space by Belarusian helicopters cannot be underestimated because of the Belarusian approach,” said the Polish defence minister, describing the supposed move as another provocation.&nbsp;

He added, “Everything that is happening in Belarus is coordinated with the actions of Russia.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-send-more-troops-to-border-with-belarus-accuses-moscow-minsk-of-organising-new-migrant-influx-623538">Poland to send more troops to border with Belarus; accuses Moscow, Minsk of ‘organising’ new migrant influx</a>

<h2>Alleged migrant influx on Polish border</h2>

The Polish deputy interior minister, on Wednesday (August 9) told PAP that Warsaw will deploy 2,000 additional troops after the border guard chief said that as many as 19,000 people had tried to cross the Polish-Belarusian border illegally just this year, which is up from 16,000 people in 2022.

Wasik also accused Belarus and Russia of organising another migrant influx at their border. Late last month, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that hundreds of soldiers from the Wagner group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-fighters-move-closer-to-poland-border-could-pose-as-migrants-to-enter-eu-warns-polish-pm-620670">Wagner fighters move closer to Poland border, could pose as migrants to enter EU, warns Polish PM</a>

He also claimed that the fighters aim to destabilise the situation on NATO’s eastern flank.&nbsp;

Similar accusations were made against Belarus and its ally Russia starting in the summer of 2021 when tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossed or attempted to cross into Poland from neighbouring Belarus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Poland is planning to move up to 10,000 additional troops to the border with Belarus to support the Border Guard, said Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, on Thursday (August 10).

Poland is planning to move up to 10,000 additional troops to the border with Belarus to support the Border Guard, said Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, on Thursday (August 10). This comes a day after Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik told the state-run news agency PAP that Warsaw will deploy 2,000 additional troops to combat purported illegal crossings and maintain cross-border stability. What did the Polish defence minister say? The Polish defence minister told public radio, “About 10,000 soldiers will be on the border, of which 4,000 will directly support the Border Guard and 6,000 will be in the reserve.” He added, “We move the army closer to the border with Belarus to scare away the aggressor so that it does not dare to attack us.” ALSO READ | Threat from Wagner? Poland, a NATO ally, deploys more troops on Belarus border This comes as Warsaw has been ramping up security along its border with Belarus – a close ally of Russia – after mercenary group Wagner sent its troops to Minsk in exile following their chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s aborted mutiny in Russia. Speaking about the decision to send 10,000 troops to the border, Blaszczak mentioned alleged violations of Polish air space by two military aircraft. “The violation of Polish space by Belarusian helicopters cannot be underestimated because of the Belarusian approach,” said the Polish defence minister, describing the supposed move as another provocation. He added, “Everything that is happening in Belarus is coordinated with the actions of Russia.” ALSO READ | Poland to send more troops to border with Belarus; accuses Moscow, Minsk of ‘organising’ new migrant influx Alleged migrant influx on Polish border The Polish deputy interior minister, on Wednesday (August 9) told PAP that Warsaw will deploy 2,000 additional troops after the border guard chief said that as many as 19,000 people had tried to cross the Polish-Belarusian border illegally just this year, which is up from 16,000 people in 2022. Wasik also accused Belarus and Russia of organising another migrant influx at their border. Late last month, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that hundreds of soldiers from the Wagner group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border. ALSO READ | Wagner fighters move closer to Poland border, could pose as migrants to enter EU, warns Polish PM He also claimed that the fighters aim to destabilise the situation on NATO’s eastern flank. Similar accusations were made against Belarus and its ally Russia starting in the summer of 2021 when tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossed or attempted to cross into Poland from neighbouring Belarus. (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.

Poland to deploy around 10,000 soldiers to border with Belarus

Russia's defence ministry on Thursday (August 10) said that 11 Ukrainian drones were downed near Crimea overnight, as well as two drones which were flying toward the capital Moscow were shot down.

"Two UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) flying in the direction of the city of Moscow were destroyed," said the ministry in a statement. "Near the city of Sevastopol, two UAVs were hit by on-duty anti-aircraft defence equipment, another 9 were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and crashed in the Black Sea before reaching the target," it added.&nbsp;

The ministry stated that no reports of casualties or damage emerged from any of the affected areas. The strikes take place a day after Russia claimed two Ukrainian combat drones which were moving in the direction of Moscow were shot down, making it the fourth attack that took place near the capital city in a week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-west-getting-sobering-updates-on-ukrainian-counteroffensive-623572">Russia-Ukraine war: West getting 'sobering' updates on Ukrainian counteroffensive</a>

Till a series of attacks in recent months, Moscow was not being targeted during the conflict in Ukraine, which started more than a year ago. However, the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula has faced several strikes amid the hostilities and has witnessed more frequent attacks in recent weeks.

On Saturday, Russia said that a drone was downed over the ocean near Sevastopol, which was the base of its Black Sea fleet. In July, an ammunition depot was blown up by the Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea and the bridge across the Kerch Strait, which linked Russia's mainland to the peninsula was damaged.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month warned that "war" was coming to Russia, as the country's "symbolic centres and military bases" were becoming targets.

<h2>Air attacks escalate in wake of&nbsp;Kyiv's&nbsp;counteroffensive</h2>

Since Kyiv started a counteroffensive in June, air attacks have multiplied, though modest advances have been made by the Ukrainian forces on the ground in the face of stiff resistance from troops of Moscow.&nbsp;

Russian officials on Wednesday stated that one person lost his life and four others suffered injuries by Ukrainian shelling on the border town of Gorkovsky which is located in the southern Belgorod region, where regular strikes take place.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv unleashes drones near Russian capital, hit radar station

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-unleashes-drones-near-russian-capital-hit-radar-station-624016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the front line's other side, an oil depot in the Rivne region of Ukraine was destroyed during a "massive drone attack" on Thursday, said governor Vitaliy Koval, adding the investigators and emergency services were on the scene.

On Wednesday, two people were killed in a strike in Ukraine's southern city of Zaporizhzhia, while one woman and a young girl were killed in the Donetsk region.

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

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russia's defence ministry on Thursday (August 10) said that 11 Ukrainian drones were downed near Crimea overnight, as well as two drones which were flying toward the capital Moscow were shot down.

Russia's defence ministry on Thursday (August 10) said that 11 Ukrainian drones were downed near Crimea overnight, as well as two drones which were flying toward the capital Moscow were shot down. "Two UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) flying in the direction of the city of Moscow were destroyed," said the ministry in a statement. "Near the city of Sevastopol, two UAVs were hit by on-duty anti-aircraft defence equipment, another 9 were suppressed by means of electronic warfare and crashed in the Black Sea before reaching the target," it added. The ministry stated that no reports of casualties or damage emerged from any of the affected areas. The strikes take place a day after Russia claimed two Ukrainian combat drones which were moving in the direction of Moscow were shot down, making it the fourth attack that took place near the capital city in a week. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: West getting 'sobering' updates on Ukrainian counteroffensive Till a series of attacks in recent months, Moscow was not being targeted during the conflict in Ukraine, which started more than a year ago. However, the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula has faced several strikes amid the hostilities and has witnessed more frequent attacks in recent weeks. On Saturday, Russia said that a drone was downed over the ocean near Sevastopol, which was the base of its Black Sea fleet. In July, an ammunition depot was blown up by the Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea and the bridge across the Kerch Strait, which linked Russia's mainland to the peninsula was damaged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month warned that "war" was coming to Russia, as the country's "symbolic centres and military bases" were becoming targets. Air attacks escalate in wake of Kyiv's counteroffensive Since Kyiv started a counteroffensive in June, air attacks have multiplied, though modest advances have been made by the Ukrainian forces on the ground in the face of stiff resistance from troops of Moscow. Russian officials on Wednesday stated that one person lost his life and four others suffered injuries by Ukrainian shelling on the border town of Gorkovsky which is located in the southern Belgorod region, where regular strikes take place. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv unleashes drones near Russian capital, hit radar station On the front line's other side, an oil depot in the Rivne region of Ukraine was destroyed during a "massive drone attack" on Thursday, said governor Vitaliy Koval, adding the investigators and emergency services were on the scene. On Wednesday, two people were killed in a strike in Ukraine's southern city of Zaporizhzhia, while one woman and a young girl were killed in the Donetsk region. 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 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 claims 11 Ukrainian drones downed near Crimea, two more heading towards Moscow shot

At least eight people were killed and 31 injured after two Russian missiles struck an east Ukrainian city, including a residential building, Kyiv claimed.

Among the injured were 19 police officers, five rescuers and one child,&nbsp;Igor Klymenko, Ukraine's minister of internal affairs said in a Telegram message. "The rubble is being cleared," he added.&nbsp;The number of wounded was later revised to 31.

The first missile strike killed four civilians, and the second one claimed the life of an official from the emergency services.

Pokrovsk is situated around 70 kilometres (43 miles) northwest of Donetsk city—a Russian-occupied territory—and some 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the frontline.

<h2>Ukraine making small gains with Western equipment :Reports</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-making-small-gains-with-western-equipment-reports-russia-ukraine-war-623211/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Residential buildings, hotels destroyed&nbsp;</h2>

Governor of the Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko, said the missile strikes damaged two "private sector residential buildings, a hotel, catering establishments, shops and administrative buildings."

He warned of the "threat of repeated attacks" and urged residents to take shelter.&nbsp;

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Russia hit an "ordinary residential building" in Pokrovsk of the Donetsk region, warning of "victims".

"Two missile strikes. An ordinary residential building was hit," Zelensky said on the social media platform X.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskys-assassination-plot-thwarted-ukraine-detains-woman-over-alleged-plan-to-attack-president-623220">Zelensky assassination plot? Woman detained over 'plan' to attack president</a>

"Unfortunately, there are victims. Rescuers and all necessary services are on the scene. The rescue of people continues."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-asylum-seekers-enter-rishi-sunaks-quasi-floating-prison-bibby-stockholm-623184">First asylum seekers enter Sunak's 'quasi floating prison' Bibby Stockholm</a>

<h2>Zelensky vows counterattack&nbsp;</h2>

Zelensky vowed to hold Russia accountable for the attack.

"We have to stop the Russian terror. Everyone who fights for the freedom of Ukraine saves lives. Everyone in the world who helps Ukraine will defeat the terrorists together with us," Zelensky said.

"Russia will be held accountable for everything it has done in this terrible war," he added.

The Ukrainian leader also shared a video of people clearing rubble from a Soviet-era five-storey building that had its top floor destroyed.

The clip appeared to show civilians helping people lying on the floor outside a building and an ordinary car covered in rubble.&nbsp;

Pokrovsk had a pre-war population of around 60,000 people.&nbsp;

(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

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At least eight people were killed and 31 injured after two Russian missiles struck an east Ukrainian city, including a residential building, Kyiv claimed. Among the injured were 19 police officers, five rescuers and one child, Igor Klymenko, Ukraine's minister of internal affairs said in a Telegram message.

At least eight people were killed and 31 injured after two Russian missiles struck an east Ukrainian city, including a residential building, Kyiv claimed. Among the injured were 19 police officers, five rescuers and one child, Igor Klymenko, Ukraine's minister of internal affairs said in a Telegram message. "The rubble is being cleared," he added. The number of wounded was later revised to 31. The first missile strike killed four civilians, and the second one claimed the life of an official from the emergency services. Pokrovsk is situated around 70 kilometres (43 miles) northwest of Donetsk city—a Russian-occupied territory—and some 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the frontline. Ukraine making small gains with Western equipment :Reports Residential buildings, hotels destroyed Governor of the Donetsk region, Pavlo Kyrylenko, said the missile strikes damaged two "private sector residential buildings, a hotel, catering establishments, shops and administrative buildings." He warned of the "threat of repeated attacks" and urged residents to take shelter. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Russia hit an "ordinary residential building" in Pokrovsk of the Donetsk region, warning of "victims". "Two missile strikes. An ordinary residential building was hit," Zelensky said on the social media platform X. Also read | Zelensky assassination plot? Woman detained over 'plan' to attack president "Unfortunately, there are victims. Rescuers and all necessary services are on the scene. The rescue of people continues." Also read | First asylum seekers enter Sunak's 'quasi floating prison' Bibby Stockholm Zelensky vows counterattack Zelensky vowed to hold Russia accountable for the attack. "We have to stop the Russian terror. Everyone who fights for the freedom of Ukraine saves lives. Everyone in the world who helps Ukraine will defeat the terrorists together with us," Zelensky said. "Russia will be held accountable for everything it has done in this terrible war," he added. The Ukrainian leader also shared a video of people clearing rubble from a Soviet-era five-storey building that had its top floor destroyed. The clip appeared to show civilians helping people lying on the floor outside a building and an ordinary car covered in rubble. Pokrovsk had a pre-war population of around 60,000 people. (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

At least 8 killed, 31 injured after two Russian missiles strike Ukrainian city

The Polish defence ministry has agreed to send additional troops to the border with Belarus, reported the state-run news agency PAP on Tuesday (August 8), following a request from the border guard service. This also comes a day after Poland’s government accused Belarus and Russia of orchestrating another migration influx into the European Union (EU) via their border in order to destabilise the region.

<h2>Polish border guard asks for 1,000 more soldiers on border</h2>

Poland’s Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik on Monday (August 7) said that the head of the Border Guard, Tomasz Praga, has asked the Polish defence ministry to send another 1,000 troops to the border with Belarus.&nbsp;

This was after the border guard chief said that as many as 19,000 people had tried to cross the Polish-Belarusian border illegally just this year, which is up from 16,000 people in 2022. Poland’s defence ministry has since agreed to send additional troops.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-rushes-more-troops-to-east-after-accusing-belarus-of-intrusion-621589">Poland rushes more troops to east after accusing Belarus of intrusion</a>&nbsp;

“Due to the dynamic situation on the Polish-Belarusian border...the Minister of National Defence ordered that the request be implemented and that additional soldiers be assigned to patrol the Polish-Belarusian border,” the defence ministry was quoted as saying by PAP on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The request also comes weeks after Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that hundreds of soldiers from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border.&nbsp;

He also claimed that the fighters aim to destabilise the situation on NATO’s eastern flank. Poland has also built a face on the border with Belarus, equipped with electronic protection, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Poland alleges Russia, Belarus organised new migrant influx</h2>

During a press conference, on Monday, Wasik also accused Belarus and Russia of organising another migrant influx at their border. “We’re talking about an operation organised by the Russian and Belarusian secret services that is getting more and more intense,” the Polish deputy interior ministry told reporters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-fighters-move-closer-to-poland-border-could-pose-as-migrants-to-enter-eu-warns-polish-pm-620670">Wagner fighters move closer to Poland border, could pose as migrants to enter EU, warns Polish PM</a>

Meanwhile, Praga also said that the Belarusian services had become “a criminal group that is masterminding illegal migration”. He added, “Of course, they are making huge profits from it.”&nbsp;

Similar accusations were made against Belarus and its ally Russia starting in the summer of 2021 when tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossed or attempted to cross into Poland from neighbouring Belarus.&nbsp;

At the time, the West had accused the Belarusian regime of organising a “hybrid” attack along with Russia, a type of warfare using non-military tactics. Minsk has denied doing so.&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Polish defence ministry has agreed to send additional troops to the border with Belarus, reported the state-run news agency PAP on Tuesday (August 8), following a request from the border guard service.

The Polish defence ministry has agreed to send additional troops to the border with Belarus, reported the state-run news agency PAP on Tuesday (August 8), following a request from the border guard service. This also comes a day after Poland’s government accused Belarus and Russia of orchestrating another migration influx into the European Union (EU) via their border in order to destabilise the region. Polish border guard asks for 1,000 more soldiers on border Poland’s Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik on Monday (August 7) said that the head of the Border Guard, Tomasz Praga, has asked the Polish defence ministry to send another 1,000 troops to the border with Belarus. This was after the border guard chief said that as many as 19,000 people had tried to cross the Polish-Belarusian border illegally just this year, which is up from 16,000 people in 2022. Poland’s defence ministry has since agreed to send additional troops. ALSO READ | Poland rushes more troops to east after accusing Belarus of intrusion “Due to the dynamic situation on the Polish-Belarusian border...the Minister of National Defence ordered that the request be implemented and that additional soldiers be assigned to patrol the Polish-Belarusian border,” the defence ministry was quoted as saying by PAP on Tuesday. The request also comes weeks after Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that hundreds of soldiers from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border. He also claimed that the fighters aim to destabilise the situation on NATO’s eastern flank. Poland has also built a face on the border with Belarus, equipped with electronic protection, as per Reuters. Poland alleges Russia, Belarus organised new migrant influx During a press conference, on Monday, Wasik also accused Belarus and Russia of organising another migrant influx at their border. “We’re talking about an operation organised by the Russian and Belarusian secret services that is getting more and more intense,” the Polish deputy interior ministry told reporters. ALSO READ | Wagner fighters move closer to Poland border, could pose as migrants to enter EU, warns Polish PM Meanwhile, Praga also said that the Belarusian services had become “a criminal group that is masterminding illegal migration”. He added, “Of course, they are making huge profits from it.” Similar accusations were made against Belarus and its ally Russia starting in the summer of 2021 when tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossed or attempted to cross into Poland from neighbouring Belarus. At the time, the West had accused the Belarusian regime of organising a “hybrid” attack along with Russia, a type of warfare using non-military tactics. Minsk has denied doing so. (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.

Poland to send more troops to border with Belarus; accuses Moscow, Minsk of ‘organising’ new migrant influx

Officials in Kyiv on Monday (August 7) claimed that a woman was killed in the Ukrainian city of Kherson while two others lost their lives after Russian shelling of border areas of the Kharkiv region in the country’s northeast. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down another Ukrainian drone on Monday near its capital city of Moscow.

<h2>Russia shelling in Kherson, Kharkiv region</h2>

“A difficult night for Kherson...The Russian army continued to shell Kherson residents’ homes in the central part of the city,” said Ukrainian city’s governor Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram. According to the Ukrainian official, the shelling had started around midnight and lasted for several hours.

This comes as the Ukrainian military has reported an increase in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region in recent days. Notably, both the city of Kherson and parts of the Kharkiv region are directly adjacent to the front line.&nbsp;

Separately, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, also took to Telegram and said two civilians had been killed and three others wounded during Russian shelling of border areas of Kharkiv region on Monday morning.

The incident on Monday also comes nearly a week after Ukraine reported the death of a doctor in the Russian shelling of a Kherson hospital. Kyiv recaptured Kherson city and the surrounding region in November after months of Russian occupation.

<h2>22 soldiers return in prisoner swap with Russia: Ukraine&nbsp;</h2>

Russia and Ukraine carried out a series of prisoner exchanges on Monday, with 22 Ukrainian soldiers returning home, on Monday (August 7), said officials in Kyiv. The announcement was made by Yermak, who said that those released included two officers, sergeants and privates who fought in different parts of the front.&nbsp;

In a video posted on Telegram, soldiers wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags posing for pictures and shouting “Glory to Ukraine”. According to the Ukrainian official, some servicemen were also injured.&nbsp;

“Today we have returned 22 Ukrainian fighters home from captivity,” said Yermak. The oldest of them was 54 years old and the youngest 23, he added. However, there is no immediate comment from Moscow about the recent prisoner exchange.

<h2>Russia claims to have shot down drone near Moscow</h2>

In a recently reported rise of drone attacks in and around Moscow, Russia, on Monday (August 7) claimed that it shot down a Ukrainian drone southwest of the capital city. The incident is said to have taken place in Kaluga region, less than 200 kilometres from Moscow.&nbsp;

Addressing the supposed encounter, Russian regional governor Vladislav Shapsha took to Telegram and wrote that it “affected neither people nor infrastructure”. He also said that the drone was shot down by the anti-aircraft defence system in the Ferzikovsky district overnight.

&nbsp;Last week, on Thursday, Russia said that it shot down seven drones over the region, which did not result in any reported casualties. This also comes a day after Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a drone targeting the Russian capital had been shot down by the city’s air defences.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Officials in Kyiv on Monday (August 7) claimed that a woman was killed in the Ukrainian city of Kherson while two others lost their lives after Russian shelling of border areas of the Kharkiv region in the country’s northeast.

Officials in Kyiv on Monday (August 7) claimed that a woman was killed in the Ukrainian city of Kherson while two others lost their lives after Russian shelling of border areas of the Kharkiv region in the country’s northeast. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down another Ukrainian drone on Monday near its capital city of Moscow. Russia shelling in Kherson, Kharkiv region “A difficult night for Kherson...The Russian army continued to shell Kherson residents’ homes in the central part of the city,” said Ukrainian city’s governor Oleksandr Prokudin on Telegram. According to the Ukrainian official, the shelling had started around midnight and lasted for several hours. This comes as the Ukrainian military has reported an increase in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region in recent days. Notably, both the city of Kherson and parts of the Kharkiv region are directly adjacent to the front line. Separately, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak, also took to Telegram and said two civilians had been killed and three others wounded during Russian shelling of border areas of Kharkiv region on Monday morning. The incident on Monday also comes nearly a week after Ukraine reported the death of a doctor in the Russian shelling of a Kherson hospital. Kyiv recaptured Kherson city and the surrounding region in November after months of Russian occupation. 22 soldiers return in prisoner swap with Russia: Ukraine Russia and Ukraine carried out a series of prisoner exchanges on Monday, with 22 Ukrainian soldiers returning home, on Monday (August 7), said officials in Kyiv. The announcement was made by Yermak, who said that those released included two officers, sergeants and privates who fought in different parts of the front. In a video posted on Telegram, soldiers wrapped in blue and yellow Ukrainian flags posing for pictures and shouting “Glory to Ukraine”. According to the Ukrainian official, some servicemen were also injured. “Today we have returned 22 Ukrainian fighters home from captivity,” said Yermak. The oldest of them was 54 years old and the youngest 23, he added. However, there is no immediate comment from Moscow about the recent prisoner exchange. Russia claims to have shot down drone near Moscow In a recently reported rise of drone attacks in and around Moscow, Russia, on Monday (August 7) claimed that it shot down a Ukrainian drone southwest of the capital city. The incident is said to have taken place in Kaluga region, less than 200 kilometres from Moscow. Addressing the supposed encounter, Russian regional governor Vladislav Shapsha took to Telegram and wrote that it “affected neither people nor infrastructure”. He also said that the drone was shot down by the anti-aircraft defence system in the Ferzikovsky district overnight. Last week, on Thursday, Russia said that it shot down seven drones over the region, which did not result in any reported casualties. This also comes a day after Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said a drone targeting the Russian capital had been shot down by the city’s air defences. (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.

At least three killed after Russian shelling in Kherson, Kharkiv region: Ukraine

Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week. 
 
The combined naval patrol, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, looked like the largest such flotilla to approach US territory, as per experts who spoke to the media outlet. 
 
“It’s a historical first,” said Brent Sadler, a retired Navy captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, while speaking to the Journal. 
 
He further added that the proximity of the flotilla to Alaska was a “highly provocative” manoeuvre, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and political tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. Since then, the flotilla has left.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploying-more-warships-marines-in-west-asia-amid-iranian-aggression-618058">US deploying more warships, Marines in West Asia amid Iranian aggression</a>

US Northern Command, further confirming the combined naval patrol by Chinese and Russian officials, said, “Air and maritime assets under our commands conducted operations to assure the defence of the United States and Canada. The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.” 
 
The navy warships sent by the US, in response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, were made up of four destroyers and a Poseidon P-8 patrol aeroplane.

<h2>Patrol 'not targeted at any third party': Chinese embassy</h2>

The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, in a statement to the Journal, said that the patrol “is not targeted at any third party”. 
 
“According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, naval vessels of the two countries have recently conducted joint maritime patrols in relevant waters in the western and northern Pacific Ocean,” said Pengyu. “This action is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has China planted moles in the U.S. navy?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-china-planted-moles-in-the-us-navy-622564/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said that they are monitoring the situation after joint Chinese and Russian patrol came close to the Aleutian Islands. “We have been in close contact with leadership … for several days now and received detailed classified briefings about the foreign vessels that are transiting US waters in the Aleutians,” Murkowski said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal. 
 
“This is a stark reminder of Alaska’s proximity to both China and Russia, as well as the essential role our state plays in our national defence and territorial sovereignty,” he added.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week.

Four navy warships, along with a reconnaissance aeroplane, were dispatched by the United States after a joint naval patrol was carried out by multiple Chinese and Russian military vessels near Alaska last week. The combined naval patrol, which was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, looked like the largest such flotilla to approach US territory, as per experts who spoke to the media outlet. “It’s a historical first,” said Brent Sadler, a retired Navy captain and senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, while speaking to the Journal. He further added that the proximity of the flotilla to Alaska was a “highly provocative” manoeuvre, given the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and political tensions between the US and China over Taiwan. Since then, the flotilla has left. ALSO READ | US deploying more warships, Marines in West Asia amid Iranian aggression US Northern Command, further confirming the combined naval patrol by Chinese and Russian officials, said, “Air and maritime assets under our commands conducted operations to assure the defence of the United States and Canada. The patrol remained in international waters and was not considered a threat.” The navy warships sent by the US, in response to the Chinese and Russian flotilla, were made up of four destroyers and a Poseidon P-8 patrol aeroplane. Patrol 'not targeted at any third party': Chinese embassy The spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Washington DC, Liu Pengyu, in a statement to the Journal, said that the patrol “is not targeted at any third party”. “According to the annual cooperation plan between the Chinese and Russian militaries, naval vessels of the two countries have recently conducted joint maritime patrols in relevant waters in the western and northern Pacific Ocean,” said Pengyu. “This action is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current international and regional situation,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Has China planted moles in the U.S. navy? Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said that they are monitoring the situation after joint Chinese and Russian patrol came close to the Aleutian Islands. “We have been in close contact with leadership … for several days now and received detailed classified briefings about the foreign vessels that are transiting US waters in the Aleutians,” Murkowski said while speaking to the Wall Street Journal. “This is a stark reminder of Alaska’s proximity to both China and Russia, as well as the essential role our state plays in our national defence and territorial sovereignty,” he added. 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

US dispatches four navy warships after Russia, China send naval patrols near Alaska

Russia,on Monday (August 7) said it plans to launch a lunar lander later this week after multiple delays, in a bid to return to the Moon for the first time in half a century. Ahead of the launch scheduled for Friday, Moscow officials also said they would evacuate a village in the country’s far east.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Russian moon mission</h2>

In an update the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, said on Monday, “A Soyuz (rocket) for the launch of the Luna-25 (lander) has been assembled.” It added, “The launch is on August 11.”&nbsp;

Russia is set to return to the moon with its Luna-25 lunar lander for the first time since 1976.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-successfully-enters-moons-orbit-isro-622730">Chandrayaan-3 successfully inserted into Moon’s orbit, under lunar gravity now: ISRO</a>

Nearly a month ago, Russian aerospace company NPO Lavochkina, builder of the moon lander and part of the Roscosmos, announced, “work has been completed on the creation of the Luna-25 spacecraft.”

<h2>Why is the Russian village being evacuated?</h2>

The evacuation will take place in Russia’s Shakhtinsky settlement in the Khabarovsk region, southeast of the launch site on Friday as it lies in the predicted area where the rocket boosters will fall after they separate, according to the local official.&nbsp;

“The mouth of the Umalta, Ussamakh, Lepikan, Tastakh, Saganar rivers and the area of the ferry crossing on the Bureya River fall into the predicted (booster) fall zone,” said Alexei Maslov, head of the Verkhnebureinsky district in the Khabarovsk region, on messaging app, Telegram.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-space-agency-reveals-beijing-gave-russia-france-lunar-soil-heres-what-their-scientist-found-585817">Chinese space agency reveals Beijing gifted Russia, France lunar soil. Here's why</a>

He added, “The residents of Shakhtinsky will be evacuated.”&nbsp;

<h2>About the Russian lunar mission&nbsp;</h2>

According to the Russian space agency, the spacecraft will be launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome which is around 5,550 kilometres east of Moscow.&nbsp;Luna-25 will launch on a Soyuz-2 Fregat booster and will be the first lander to arrive on the South Pole of the moon, Roscosmos has said.&nbsp;

The objective of the recent moon mission is the development of soft-landing technologies, research of the internal structure of the Moon and exploration for resources, including water, said the Russian space agency.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-europe-cancels-joint-moon-missions-with-russia-475443">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Europe cancels joint moon missions with Russia</a>

“It is planned that the device will be the first in the world to carry out a soft landing on the surface of the moon in the south pole region and conduct contact studies of the lunar soil for the presence of ice at the landing site,” said the Russian aerospace company, last month. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The lander is expected to operate on the lunar surface for one year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russia,on Monday (August 7) said it plans to launch a lunar lander later this week after multiple delays, in a bid to return to the Moon for the first time in half a century.

Russia,on Monday (August 7) said it plans to launch a lunar lander later this week after multiple delays, in a bid to return to the Moon for the first time in half a century. Ahead of the launch scheduled for Friday, Moscow officials also said they would evacuate a village in the country’s far east. About the Russian moon mission In an update the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, said on Monday, “A Soyuz (rocket) for the launch of the Luna-25 (lander) has been assembled.” It added, “The launch is on August 11.” Russia is set to return to the moon with its Luna-25 lunar lander for the first time since 1976. ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3 successfully inserted into Moon’s orbit, under lunar gravity now: ISRO Nearly a month ago, Russian aerospace company NPO Lavochkina, builder of the moon lander and part of the Roscosmos, announced, “work has been completed on the creation of the Luna-25 spacecraft.” Why is the Russian village being evacuated? The evacuation will take place in Russia’s Shakhtinsky settlement in the Khabarovsk region, southeast of the launch site on Friday as it lies in the predicted area where the rocket boosters will fall after they separate, according to the local official. “The mouth of the Umalta, Ussamakh, Lepikan, Tastakh, Saganar rivers and the area of the ferry crossing on the Bureya River fall into the predicted (booster) fall zone,” said Alexei Maslov, head of the Verkhnebureinsky district in the Khabarovsk region, on messaging app, Telegram. ALSO READ | Chinese space agency reveals Beijing gifted Russia, France lunar soil. Here's why He added, “The residents of Shakhtinsky will be evacuated.” About the Russian lunar mission According to the Russian space agency, the spacecraft will be launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome which is around 5,550 kilometres east of Moscow. Luna-25 will launch on a Soyuz-2 Fregat booster and will be the first lander to arrive on the South Pole of the moon, Roscosmos has said. The objective of the recent moon mission is the development of soft-landing technologies, research of the internal structure of the Moon and exploration for resources, including water, said the Russian space agency. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Europe cancels joint moon missions with Russia “It is planned that the device will be the first in the world to carry out a soft landing on the surface of the moon in the south pole region and conduct contact studies of the lunar soil for the presence of ice at the landing site,” said the Russian aerospace company, last month. The lander is expected to operate on the lunar surface for one year. (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 to evacuate village ahead of first lunar mission launch in 50 years: Here's why

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hit out at Russian threats to use nuclear weapons as the nation marked 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Sunday (August 6).

Japan was at the receiving end of only two instances of military use of atomic bomb during Second World War. About 140,000 people died in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and 74,000 died in Nagasaki just three days later. The United States had dropped the bomb on the Japanese cities.

"Japan, as the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war, will continue efforts towards a nuclear-free world," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a ceremony in Hiroshima.

"The path towards it is becoming increasingly difficult because of deepening divisions in the international community over nuclear disarmament and Russia's nuclear threat," he said.

"Given this situation, it is all the more important to bring back international momentum towards realisation of a nuclear-free world," he said.

"Devastation brought to Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear weapons can never be repeated," said Kishida, whose family comes from Hiroshima.

Kishida's latest comments have resembled those of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The UN chief issued a statement on the Hiroshima anniversary saying "some countries are recklessly rattling the nuclear sabre once again, threatening to use these tools of annihilation."

"In the face of these threats, the global community must speak as one. Any use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable," Guterres said.

At a ceremony, thousands of people that included survivors, relatives and foreign dignitaries from a record 111 countries offered prayers for those who were killed or wounded in the bombing. They called for world peace.

Russia and Belarus were not invited to the ceremony for the second straight year because of the Ukraine crisis.

Participants, many dressed in black, offered a silent prayer at 8:15 am (2315 GMT Saturday) when the first nuclear weapon used in wartime was dropped.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Kishida hosted the G7 summit in the city.

Kishida has tried to move nuclear disarmament up the global agenda, taking leaders of wealthy democracies to Hiroshima's peace park memorials and museum.

However, there is little appetite in political arenas to reduce stockpiles and Russia has been repeatedly issuing thinly veiled warnings that it could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Reported North Korean missile tests and stalling efforts towards non-proliferation have made the progress towards a nuclear weapons-free world difficult.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hit out at Russian threats to use nuclear weapons as the nation marked 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Sunday (August 6).

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hit out at Russian threats to use nuclear weapons as the nation marked 78th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Sunday (August 6). Japan was at the receiving end of only two instances of military use of atomic bomb during Second World War. About 140,000 people died in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and 74,000 died in Nagasaki just three days later. The United States had dropped the bomb on the Japanese cities. "Japan, as the only nation to have suffered atomic bombings in war, will continue efforts towards a nuclear-free world," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a ceremony in Hiroshima. "The path towards it is becoming increasingly difficult because of deepening divisions in the international community over nuclear disarmament and Russia's nuclear threat," he said. "Given this situation, it is all the more important to bring back international momentum towards realisation of a nuclear-free world," he said. "Devastation brought to Hiroshima and Nagasaki by nuclear weapons can never be repeated," said Kishida, whose family comes from Hiroshima. Kishida's latest comments have resembled those of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The UN chief issued a statement on the Hiroshima anniversary saying "some countries are recklessly rattling the nuclear sabre once again, threatening to use these tools of annihilation." "In the face of these threats, the global community must speak as one. Any use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable," Guterres said. At a ceremony, thousands of people that included survivors, relatives and foreign dignitaries from a record 111 countries offered prayers for those who were killed or wounded in the bombing. They called for world peace. Russia and Belarus were not invited to the ceremony for the second straight year because of the Ukraine crisis. Participants, many dressed in black, offered a silent prayer at 8:15 am (2315 GMT Saturday) when the first nuclear weapon used in wartime was dropped. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Kishida hosted the G7 summit in the city. Kishida has tried to move nuclear disarmament up the global agenda, taking leaders of wealthy democracies to Hiroshima's peace park memorials and museum. However, there is little appetite in political arenas to reduce stockpiles and Russia has been repeatedly issuing thinly veiled warnings that it could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Reported North Korean missile tests and stalling efforts towards non-proliferation have made the progress towards a nuclear weapons-free world difficult. (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 ×

On Hiroshima bombing anniversary, Japan decries Russian nuclear threat

In pics | Ukraine rids 'Motherland' monument in Kyiv of Soviet era symbols

Russia claims to have intercepted a United States drone over the Black Sea, on Saturday (August 5). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukraine-based aeronautics group.

<h2>Russia's claims on US drone</h2>

The Russian defence ministry, in a statement, said that it scrambled a Su-30 fighter jet to “prevent a violation of the Russian state border” after a US Reaper MQ-9 military drone was detected over the Black Sea.

“As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign reconnaissance drone performed a U-turn away from the border,” said the Russian officials. The ministry also claimed that the drone belonged to the US Air Force.&nbsp;

It added, “The Russian aircraft returned safely to its airbase, there was no violation of the border.” This comes as reports about incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have multiplied over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea in recent months.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine drone strike</h2>

Both Russia and Ukraine reported that a Ukrainian sea drone laden with explosives struck a Russian fuel tanker overnight, on Saturday, near the Crimean bridge, in the second such attack in 24 hours.&nbsp;

The bridge, in question, links Russia to Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014. A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the drone with 450kg of explosives hit the SIG vessel as it transported fuel for the Russian military in Ukrainian territorial waters.

“The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the ‘fireworks’ were seen from afar,” said the report by Reuters citing an intelligence source.&nbsp;

Kyiv is in the midst of its long-awaited counteroffensive against Moscow to recapture its territory and has been destroying Russia’s military infrastructure inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, as per reports.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian missile strike hits Ukraine aeronautics firm</h2>

Zelensky, on Saturday (August 5), said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, one of the companies requisitioned by the government since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion back in February 2022.&nbsp;

“Today, there was another Russian missile attack against our country. Kinzhals, Calibers. They hit Motor Sich,” said Zelensky, during his evening address. The facility is located near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine around 300 kilometres southwest of Kyiv.&nbsp;

According to the Ukrainian president, the strike included Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal weapons, adding that “some of the missiles were shot down.” The Khmelnytskyi region which is hundreds of kilometres from the front lines is also home to a major Ukrainian airbase and is regularly targeted by Russian strikes.&nbsp;

Notably, Motor Sich makes plane and helicopter engines and other components and was taken over by the government in Kyiv as a part of its “strategic” firms taken over by Ukraine’s defence ministry last November.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russia claims to have intercepted a United States drone over the Black Sea, on Saturday (August 5). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukraine-based aeronautics group.

Russia claims to have intercepted a United States drone over the Black Sea, on Saturday (August 5). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukraine-based aeronautics group. Russia's claims on US drone The Russian defence ministry, in a statement, said that it scrambled a Su-30 fighter jet to “prevent a violation of the Russian state border” after a US Reaper MQ-9 military drone was detected over the Black Sea. “As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign reconnaissance drone performed a U-turn away from the border,” said the Russian officials. The ministry also claimed that the drone belonged to the US Air Force. It added, “The Russian aircraft returned safely to its airbase, there was no violation of the border.” This comes as reports about incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have multiplied over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea in recent months. Ukraine drone strike Both Russia and Ukraine reported that a Ukrainian sea drone laden with explosives struck a Russian fuel tanker overnight, on Saturday, near the Crimean bridge, in the second such attack in 24 hours. The bridge, in question, links Russia to Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014. A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the drone with 450kg of explosives hit the SIG vessel as it transported fuel for the Russian military in Ukrainian territorial waters. “The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the ‘fireworks’ were seen from afar,” said the report by Reuters citing an intelligence source. Kyiv is in the midst of its long-awaited counteroffensive against Moscow to recapture its territory and has been destroying Russia’s military infrastructure inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, as per reports. Russian missile strike hits Ukraine aeronautics firm Zelensky, on Saturday (August 5), said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, one of the companies requisitioned by the government since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion back in February 2022. “Today, there was another Russian missile attack against our country. Kinzhals, Calibers. They hit Motor Sich,” said Zelensky, during his evening address. The facility is located near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine around 300 kilometres southwest of Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian president, the strike included Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal weapons, adding that “some of the missiles were shot down.” The Khmelnytskyi region which is hundreds of kilometres from the front lines is also home to a major Ukrainian airbase and is regularly targeted by Russian strikes. Notably, Motor Sich makes plane and helicopter engines and other components and was taken over by the government in Kyiv as a part of its “strategic” firms taken over by Ukraine’s defence ministry last November. (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.

Russia claims to have intercepted US drone over Black Sea

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia carried out the attack on one of the blood transfusion centres of the country, and&nbsp;termed the fatal strike as a “war crime”. 
 
Meanwhile, a key factory was struck in a separate attack as the two incidents on Saturday took place just hours after a Russian tanker was hit in the Kerch Strait by Kyiv. 
 
The attacks were the latest since Moscow exited a deal last month which would have ensured Ukraine can still export grain amid the&nbsp;ongoing conflict.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-captured-settlement-in-northeastern-ukraine-622700">Russia claims it captured&nbsp;settlement in northeastern Ukraine</a>

The blood transfusion centre in north-east Ukraine's Kharkiv region was struck by Russian forces, said Zelensky, adding that “dead and wounded are reported”. 
 
A “guided air bomb” blew up the centre in Kupiansk, a city which is a few dozen kilometres away from the Russian border, he stated. “Rescuers are extinguishing the fire,” the Ukrainian president wrote on social media, adding: “This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression.”

<h2>War escalates</h2>

The strike took place shortly after Zelensky confirmed Russian missiles struck a factory which belonged to Motor Sich, the company that makes plane and helicopter engines and other components. 
 
It is one of the many companies which has been requisitioned by the Ukraine government since the invasion of Moscow. The site is located near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine, which is at a distance of 300km (190 miles) from the south-west of Kyiv. 
 
The region, which houses a major Ukrainian airbase, has faced regular strikes by Russia in recent months. Zelensky, in his evening address, remained defiant, insisting that “no matter how many such Russian attacks there are, they will still do nothing for the enemy”.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas | Ukraine War: Poland rushes troops to its border with Belarus | Is the war expanding?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-war-poland-rushes-troops-to-its-border-with-belarus-is-the-war-expanding-622152/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine earlier on Saturday claimed to have “blown up” a Russian tanker, called the Sig, which was transporting fuel for Russian troops, said a Ukrainian security source, while speaking to AFP. 
 
The tanker was targetted at around 11:20 pm (20:20 GMT) on Friday (August 4) south of the Kerch Strait, said Russia’s Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport. The ship was hit&nbsp;in the area of the engine room when it was at the waterline but was still afloat, the agency stated. 
 
In the video of the attack which was seen by AFP, a vessel was seen approaching a big ship before the connection was broken. Ukrainian source said the “successful special operation”, which involved explosives and a naval drone was jointly carried out with the navy in Ukrainian territorial waters.

<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" dir="auto" title="Russia officials say Ukraine hit Donetsk university with cluster shells">Russia claims Ukraine's&nbsp;cluster shells&nbsp;hit Donetsk university&nbsp;</h2>

The wooden roof of a university building was engulfed in flames in Donetsk after&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;shelled bombs&nbsp;on Saturday (August 5), stated an emergency official in the Russia-controlled city in eastern Ukraine.

"As a result of the latest attack on Donetsk, the first building of the University of Economics and Trade is on fire," said Alexei Kulemzin, the Russia-installed mayor, on Telegram.

"We are using 12 water tanks, three ladders and 100 fire fighters," added Alexei Kostrubitsky, the Russia-installed emergency minister for the region that Moscow calls the Donetsk People's Republic. "The whole roof is on fire," he said.&nbsp;

Kostrubitsky alleged&nbsp;cluster munitions were used by Ukrainian forces&nbsp;in the shelling which caused the blaze.

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&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia carried out the attack on one of the blood transfusion centres of the country, and termed the fatal strike as a “war crime”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia carried out the attack on one of the blood transfusion centres of the country, and termed the fatal strike as a “war crime”. Meanwhile, a key factory was struck in a separate attack as the two incidents on Saturday took place just hours after a Russian tanker was hit in the Kerch Strait by Kyiv. The attacks were the latest since Moscow exited a deal last month which would have ensured Ukraine can still export grain amid the ongoing conflict. ALSO READ | Russia claims it captured settlement in northeastern Ukraine The blood transfusion centre in north-east Ukraine's Kharkiv region was struck by Russian forces, said Zelensky, adding that “dead and wounded are reported”. A “guided air bomb” blew up the centre in Kupiansk, a city which is a few dozen kilometres away from the Russian border, he stated. “Rescuers are extinguishing the fire,” the Ukrainian president wrote on social media, adding: “This war crime alone says everything about Russian aggression.” War escalates The strike took place shortly after Zelensky confirmed Russian missiles struck a factory which belonged to Motor Sich, the company that makes plane and helicopter engines and other components. It is one of the many companies which has been requisitioned by the Ukraine government since the invasion of Moscow. The site is located near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine, which is at a distance of 300km (190 miles) from the south-west of Kyiv. The region, which houses a major Ukrainian airbase, has faced regular strikes by Russia in recent months. Zelensky, in his evening address, remained defiant, insisting that “no matter how many such Russian attacks there are, they will still do nothing for the enemy”. WATCH | Gravitas | Ukraine War: Poland rushes troops to its border with Belarus | Is the war expanding? Ukraine earlier on Saturday claimed to have “blown up” a Russian tanker, called the Sig, which was transporting fuel for Russian troops, said a Ukrainian security source, while speaking to AFP. The tanker was targetted at around 11:20 pm (20:20 GMT) on Friday (August 4) south of the Kerch Strait, said Russia’s Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport. The ship was hit in the area of the engine room when it was at the waterline but was still afloat, the agency stated. In the video of the attack which was seen by AFP, a vessel was seen approaching a big ship before the connection was broken. Ukrainian source said the “successful special operation”, which involved explosives and a naval drone was jointly carried out with the navy in Ukrainian territorial waters. Russia claims Ukraine's cluster shells hit Donetsk university The wooden roof of a university building was engulfed in flames in Donetsk after Ukraine shelled bombs on Saturday (August 5), stated an emergency official in the Russia-controlled city in eastern Ukraine. "As a result of the latest attack on Donetsk, the first building of the University of Economics and Trade is on fire," said Alexei Kulemzin, the Russia-installed mayor, on Telegram. "We are using 12 water tanks, three ladders and 100 fire fighters," added Alexei Kostrubitsky, the Russia-installed emergency minister for the region that Moscow calls the Donetsk People's Republic. "The whole roof is on fire," he said. Kostrubitsky alleged cluster munitions were used by Ukrainian forces in the shelling which caused the blaze. 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

Zelensky slams Russia's attack on blood transfusion centre, terms it ‘war crime’

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople.

<h2>About the verdict</h2>

A footage of the trial shows Navalny appearing before the judge wearing his prison uniform, smiling and speaking with another defendant, on Friday in the court.&nbsp;

The court in the IK-6 penal colony in Russia’s Melekhovo, which is about 235 kilometres east of the capital Moscow, held the trial on six separate criminal charges, which included inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organisation.

“Alexey Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a maximum security penal colony,” said spokesperson Kira Yarmysh, as quoted by AFP. The Kremlin critic is already serving sentences totalling 11 and a half years on charges like fraud which he has since called bogus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-expects-to-be-jailed-for-many-more-years-who-is-he-622286">Explained: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years. Who is he?</a>

The sentence is said to be&nbsp;the longest of the three he has been handed. According to reports, the battery of new charges is related to alleged extremist activity by the Russian politician. Notably, his political movement has previously been outlawed and declared “extremist”.&nbsp;

Navalny’s team said that the judge had added 19 years to his sentence as a result of the new charges, while the state prosecutors had sought another 20 years in a penal colony. However, the Russian politician had predicted this a day prior to his trial and said he expected a lengthy, “Stalinist” prison term.

Navalny, 47, was already in the midst of serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony east of Moscow. Notably, the verdict marks the Russian politician's 5th&nbsp;criminal conviction.&nbsp;

<h2>Navalny urges Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin</h2>

In a first statement since the verdict, the Kremlin critic took to Facebook and wrote, “They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist.” He added, “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.”

<h2>‘Unacceptable’: Verdict sparks international criticism&nbsp;</h2>

The verdict has since sparked criticism from the United Nations, Germany and the European Union as well as rights groups who have condemned the decision and called it unacceptable. 
 
UN

In a statement, UN human rights agency chief, Volker Turk criticised the decision and called for Navalny’s immediate release. “The new sentence imposed today on opposition figure Alexei Navalny raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalisation of the court system for political purposes in Russia.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</a>

He also urged the Russian authorities to “immediately (cease) violations of Navalny’s human rights and release him”.&nbsp; 
 
Germany

“Russia’s arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on social media. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fears nothing more than standing up against war and corruption and for democracy – even from a prison cell. He will not silence critical voices with this.”&nbsp; 
 
EU

Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said, “The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Alexei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime.”&nbsp; 
 
France

The French government called for Navalny's release and said that the country&nbsp;condemned the verdict "in the strongest terms" and called the trial&nbsp;"judicial persecution". 
 
United States

The US slammed Russia over the trial and verdict of the Kremlin critic&nbsp;calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial." A statement by the US State Department also said how the Kremlin, for years, has "attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people." 
 
It added, "Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime."

Amnesty International

Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, called the sentence “a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country”.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople.

Imprisoned Russian opposition politician and Kremlin critic, Alexei Navalny has been sentenced to an additional 19 years in prison after being found guilty on a series of new charges, on Friday (August 4), according to media reports citing his supporters and spokespeople. About the verdict A footage of the trial shows Navalny appearing before the judge wearing his prison uniform, smiling and speaking with another defendant, on Friday in the court. The court in the IK-6 penal colony in Russia’s Melekhovo, which is about 235 kilometres east of the capital Moscow, held the trial on six separate criminal charges, which included inciting and financing extremist activity and creating an extremist organisation. “Alexey Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a maximum security penal colony,” said spokesperson Kira Yarmysh, as quoted by AFP. The Kremlin critic is already serving sentences totalling 11 and a half years on charges like fraud which he has since called bogus. ALSO READ | Explained: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years. Who is he? The sentence is said to be the longest of the three he has been handed. According to reports, the battery of new charges is related to alleged extremist activity by the Russian politician. Notably, his political movement has previously been outlawed and declared “extremist”. Navalny’s team said that the judge had added 19 years to his sentence as a result of the new charges, while the state prosecutors had sought another 20 years in a penal colony. However, the Russian politician had predicted this a day prior to his trial and said he expected a lengthy, “Stalinist” prison term. Navalny, 47, was already in the midst of serving a nine-year sentence for fraud and contempt of court in a penal colony east of Moscow. Notably, the verdict marks the Russian politician's 5th criminal conviction. Navalny urges Russians to keep resisting the Kremlin In a first statement since the verdict, the Kremlin critic took to Facebook and wrote, “They want to frighten you, not me, and deprive you of the will to resist.” He added, “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.” ‘Unacceptable’: Verdict sparks international criticism The verdict has since sparked criticism from the United Nations, Germany and the European Union as well as rights groups who have condemned the decision and called it unacceptable. UN In a statement, UN human rights agency chief, Volker Turk criticised the decision and called for Navalny’s immediate release. “The new sentence imposed today on opposition figure Alexei Navalny raises renewed serious concerns about judicial harassment and instrumentalisation of the court system for political purposes in Russia.” ALSO READ | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes He also urged the Russian authorities to “immediately (cease) violations of Navalny’s human rights and release him”. Germany “Russia’s arbitrary justice system imprisoning Alexei Navalny for another 19 years is pure injustice,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, on social media. She added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fears nothing more than standing up against war and corruption and for democracy – even from a prison cell. He will not silence critical voices with this.” EU Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel said, “The latest verdict in yet another sham trial against Alexei Navalny is unacceptable. This arbitrary conviction is the response to his courage to speak critically against the Kremlin's regime.” France The French government called for Navalny's release and said that the country condemned the verdict "in the strongest terms" and called the trial "judicial persecution". United States The US slammed Russia over the trial and verdict of the Kremlin critic calling it "an unjust conclusion to an unjust trial." A statement by the US State Department also said how the Kremlin, for years, has "attempted to silence Navalny and prevent his calls for transparency and accountability from reaching the Russian people." It added, "Russian authorities illustrated yet again both the baselessness of their case and the lack of due process afforded to those who dare to criticize the regime." Amnesty International Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, called the sentence “a sinister act of political vengeance that not only targets Navalny personally but serves as a warning to state critics across the country”. (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.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny jailed for 19 more years on series of new charges

Russian warplanes hit the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least three civilians from the same family, said a war monitor.

Russia over the years has repeatedly hit Syria's final major opposition stronghold, but attacks claiming the lives of civilians had been limited this year until an uptick in violence was recorded in late June.

"Russian air strikes this morning" to the west of the city left "three dead from the same family... and six people wounded", the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding rescue teams were still at work removing rubble.

The Observatory added there were four strikes in the area where rebel bases are present.

The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has regained most of the territory that it had lost to rebels early in the conflict with the support of Russia and Iran.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-now-bans-girl-students-from-attending-school-beyond-third-grade-622562">Taliban now ban girl students from attending school beyond third grade</a>

The war in Syria broke out in the year 2011 after the repression of peaceful anti-government protests spiralled into a deadly brawl that dragged in foreign powers and global jihadists.

The war has so far claimed the lives of more than half a million people and displaced millions.

Since 2020, a ceasefire deal brokered by Damascus ally Moscow and rebel-backer Ankara has largely held in Syria's northwest, despite periodic clashes.

But, in an uptick in violence, air strikes by Russia on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 people in Idlib province, which according to the Observatory was the deadliest such attack on the country this year.

The people who were killed included nine civilians and two children. Six of them were killed at a fruit and vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur.

On June 28, Damascus's defence ministry said Syrian and Russian forces had launched air strikes on rebel bases in the Idlib region.

The operation came "in response to daily and repeated attacks... on civilians" in residential areas in nearby Hama province, the ministry had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russian warplanes hit the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least three civilians from the same family, said a war monitor.

Russian warplanes hit the outskirts of the northwest Syrian city of Idlib, on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least three civilians from the same family, said a war monitor. Russia over the years has repeatedly hit Syria's final major opposition stronghold, but attacks claiming the lives of civilians had been limited this year until an uptick in violence was recorded in late June. "Russian air strikes this morning" to the west of the city left "three dead from the same family... and six people wounded", the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said, adding rescue teams were still at work removing rubble. The Observatory added there were four strikes in the area where rebel bases are present. The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has regained most of the territory that it had lost to rebels early in the conflict with the support of Russia and Iran. Also read: Taliban now ban girl students from attending school beyond third grade The war in Syria broke out in the year 2011 after the repression of peaceful anti-government protests spiralled into a deadly brawl that dragged in foreign powers and global jihadists. The war has so far claimed the lives of more than half a million people and displaced millions. Since 2020, a ceasefire deal brokered by Damascus ally Moscow and rebel-backer Ankara has largely held in Syria's northwest, despite periodic clashes. But, in an uptick in violence, air strikes by Russia on June 25, claimed the lives of at least 13 people in Idlib province, which according to the Observatory was the deadliest such attack on the country this year. The people who were killed included nine civilians and two children. Six of them were killed at a fruit and vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur. On June 28, Damascus's defence ministry said Syrian and Russian forces had launched air strikes on rebel bases in the Idlib region. The operation came "in response to daily and repeated attacks... on civilians" in residential areas in nearby Hama province, the ministry had 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.

Russian strikes on Syria claim lives of three civilians

Russia on Saturday released a statement saying that it captured a settlement in northeastern Ukraine, where Kyiv reported a spate of attacks.

"In the area of Kupiansk, as a result of the competent and professional actions of the military units of the Western command, the settlement of Novoselivske was liberated," the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram.

It added "offensive operations on a broad front... improved the situation" of Russian forces.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian army, on Friday, said that it was facing an increase in the number of attacks in the east.

"The number of enemy attacks has increased. Heavy fighting is taking place," army spokeswoman Ganna Malyar said on Telegram.&nbsp;

Malyar further said that the Russian troops were seeking to draw Ukrainian resources to that area, as Ukraine is pursuing its counteroffensive in the south.

"In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy has set itself the goal of regaining the territories lost last fall," Malyar said.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-in-crimea-russian-tanker-hit-in-ukrainian-drone-attack-claim-officials-622535">Explosions in Crimea, Russian tanker hit in Ukrainian drone attack, claim officials</a>

Late July, Russia claimed it captured the village of Sergiivka in the eastern Donetsk region.

<h2>Russia claims it thwarted Ukrainian attacks on naval base in Black Sea</h2>

On Friday (August 4), the Russian defence ministry said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces.

"Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the use of two unmanned sea boats, attempted an attack on the Novorossiysk naval base of the Russian Armed Forces," said the ministry, on Telegram.

It stated that the naval drones were destroyed by the Russian ships. The terminus of a pipeline, which has been carrying out a maximum of Kazakh oil exports through Russia, has been hosted by the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

The operator of the fuel artery Caspian Pipeline Consortium said that it has continued the process of shipping oil to moored tankers at the terminal, reported the Russian state media on Friday.

But "a temporary ban has been established on the movement of ships in the port", stated the company, as Interfax news agency quoted it.

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)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Russia on Saturday released a statement saying that it captured a settlement in northeastern Ukraine, where Kyiv reported a spate of attacks. "In the area of Kupiansk, as a result of the competent and professional actions of the military units of the Western command, the settlement of Novoselivske was liberated," the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram.

Russia on Saturday released a statement saying that it captured a settlement in northeastern Ukraine, where Kyiv reported a spate of attacks. "In the area of Kupiansk, as a result of the competent and professional actions of the military units of the Western command, the settlement of Novoselivske was liberated," the Russian defence ministry said on Telegram. It added "offensive operations on a broad front... improved the situation" of Russian forces. The Ukrainian army, on Friday, said that it was facing an increase in the number of attacks in the east. "The number of enemy attacks has increased. Heavy fighting is taking place," army spokeswoman Ganna Malyar said on Telegram. Malyar further said that the Russian troops were seeking to draw Ukrainian resources to that area, as Ukraine is pursuing its counteroffensive in the south. "In the Kupiansk sector, the enemy has set itself the goal of regaining the territories lost last fall," Malyar said. Also read: Explosions in Crimea, Russian tanker hit in Ukrainian drone attack, claim officials Late July, Russia claimed it captured the village of Sergiivka in the eastern Donetsk region. Russia claims it thwarted Ukrainian attacks on naval base in Black Sea On Friday (August 4), the Russian defence ministry said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces. "Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the use of two unmanned sea boats, attempted an attack on the Novorossiysk naval base of the Russian Armed Forces," said the ministry, on Telegram. It stated that the naval drones were destroyed by the Russian ships. The terminus of a pipeline, which has been carrying out a maximum of Kazakh oil exports through Russia, has been hosted by the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The operator of the fuel artery Caspian Pipeline Consortium said that it has continued the process of shipping oil to moored tankers at the terminal, reported the Russian state media on Friday. But "a temporary ban has been established on the movement of ships in the port", stated the company, as Interfax news agency quoted it. 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) 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 claims it captured settlement in northeastern Ukraine

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reached Jeddah to take part in the Ukraine peace talks which are being hosted by Saudi Arabia. 
 
Doval received a warm welcome from Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam at the airport. 
 
“Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisers' meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam,” wrote Indian Embassy in Riyadh on X, formerly Twitter. 
 
The meeting is being held in the coastal city of Jeddah to talk about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. India's Ministry of External Affairs had earlier confirmed the participation of India in the summit.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Shri Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisors' meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://t.co/wmLQ10f17l">pic.twitter.com/wmLQ10f17l</a>
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbRiyadh/status/1687693617337450496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"India will participate in this event. Our participation is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had confirmed. 
 
The meeting is an effort by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to become a mediator in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which started in February last year. Zelensky was invited by the crown prince in May this year to a summit of Arab States where he appealed to Middle East nations to stand in solidarity with his country against Russia.

<h2>No attendance for Russia</h2>

According to reports, 30 countries have been invited by Saudi Arabia and although Ukraine is participating in the summit, Russia is not. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is also likely to participate in the peace talks, along with others. 
 
As per reports, the 30 invitees to the Jeddah summit include Brazil, South Africa, Chile, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia. 
 
Head of Ukraine’s presidential office Andriy Yermak on Sunday said that a Ukrainian-organised peace summit will be held in Saudi Arabia. This meeting is aimed that discussing how Ukraine's plan can be implemented “to restore lasting and just peace”.

<h2>Ukraine's peace plan</h2>

The peace plan of Ukraine calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops; release of prisoners; guarantees on nuclear safety, food and energy security; restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity; and a tribunal for those who should be held responsible for the aggression and security guarantees. 
 
As per the plan, Russia will be held accountable for war atrocities and will have to surrender all territories captured from Ukraine and pay damages. The plan has been rejected by Russia in the past.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-18="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reached Jeddah to take part in the Ukraine peace talks which are being hosted by Saudi Arabia. Doval received a warm welcome from Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam at the airport.

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval reached Jeddah to take part in the Ukraine peace talks which are being hosted by Saudi Arabia. Doval received a warm welcome from Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam at the airport. “Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisers' meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam,” wrote Indian Embassy in Riyadh on X, formerly Twitter. The meeting is being held in the coastal city of Jeddah to talk about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace plan amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. India's Ministry of External Affairs had earlier confirmed the participation of India in the summit. Shri Ajit Doval, NSA arrived in Jeddah to take part in National Security Advisors' meeting on Ukraine. He was welcomed at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam.@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/wmLQ10f17l — India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) August 5, 2023 × "India will participate in this event. Our participation is in consonance with our long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy is the way forward," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had confirmed. The meeting is an effort by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to become a mediator in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which started in February last year. Zelensky was invited by the crown prince in May this year to a summit of Arab States where he appealed to Middle East nations to stand in solidarity with his country against Russia. No attendance for Russia According to reports, 30 countries have been invited by Saudi Arabia and although Ukraine is participating in the summit, Russia is not. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is also likely to participate in the peace talks, along with others. As per reports, the 30 invitees to the Jeddah summit include Brazil, South Africa, Chile, Egypt, the European Union, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Zambia. Head of Ukraine’s presidential office Andriy Yermak on Sunday said that a Ukrainian-organised peace summit will be held in Saudi Arabia. This meeting is aimed that discussing how Ukraine's plan can be implemented “to restore lasting and just peace”. Ukraine's peace plan The peace plan of Ukraine calls for the withdrawal of Russian troops; release of prisoners; guarantees on nuclear safety, food and energy security; restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity; and a tribunal for those who should be held responsible for the aggression and security guarantees. As per the plan, Russia will be held accountable for war atrocities and will have to surrender all territories captured from Ukraine and pay damages. The plan has been rejected by Russia in the past. 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

India attends Saudi-hosted Ukraine peace talks, without Russia

The Russian defence ministry early on Friday (August 4) said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces.<o:p></o:p>

"Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the use of two unmanned sea boats, attempted an attack on the Novorossiysk naval base of the Russian Armed Forces," said the ministry, on Telegram.<o:p></o:p>

It stated that the naval drones were destroyed by the Russian ships. The terminus of a pipeline, which has been carrying out a maximum of Kazakh oil exports through Russia, has been hosted by the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.<o:p></o:p>

The operator of the fuel artery Caspian Pipeline Consortium said that it has continued the process of shipping oil to moored tankers at the terminal, reported the Russian state media on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

But "a temporary ban has been established on the movement of ships in the port", stated the company, as Interfax news agency quoted it.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-us-are-discussing-security-guarantees-official-622197">Ukraine, US begin discussions on security guarantees: Official</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Russia's Black Sea Fleet targetted multiple times</h2>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></h2>

The Black Sea Fleet of Russia has been targetted from the time the military campaign of Russia began in Ukraine more than a year ago, however, there has been a significant increase in the attacks in recent weeks.<o:p></o:p>

The defence ministry of Russia on Tuesday said that a Ukrainian drone attack, which was targeting patrol boats in the Black Sea, has been foiled. Black Sea is the region where tensions have been increasing after a deal to protect Ukrainian grain exports was exited by Moscow.<o:p></o:p>

A similar attack was repelled earlier this week also. On Friday, the ministry had claimed to have downed 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula. No casualties or damage were reported in either of the attacks, said the ministry.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia attacks main route for Ukranian exports since grain deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-attacks-main-route-for-ukranian-exports-since-grain-deal-621848/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Fight over Crimea</h2>

In 2014, Russia had annexed Crimea. Since then, it has been a target of Kyiv throughout the Ukraine offensive on Moscow but has come under more increased and intense attacks in recent weeks. In July, Ukrainian drone attacks blew up an ammunition depot and damaged a strategic and symbolic bridge in Crimea, which linked the peninsula to Russia’s mainland.<o:p></o:p>

Repeatedly, Kyiv has stated that it plans on taking back Crimea, which has become a regular target for its forces. Russian-installed authorities in Crimea on Sunday (July 30) said that 25 Ukrainian drones were downed over the peninsula.<o:p></o:p>

Kyiv claims Moscow, meanwhile, has attacked Ukraine's Odesa region, which is on the shores of the Black Sea, repeatedly.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-23="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

<o:p></o:p>

The Russian defence ministry early on Friday (August 4) said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces.

The Russian defence ministry early on Friday (August 4) said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces. "Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the use of two unmanned sea boats, attempted an attack on the Novorossiysk naval base of the Russian Armed Forces," said the ministry, on Telegram. It stated that the naval drones were destroyed by the Russian ships. The terminus of a pipeline, which has been carrying out a maximum of Kazakh oil exports through Russia, has been hosted by the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The operator of the fuel artery Caspian Pipeline Consortium said that it has continued the process of shipping oil to moored tankers at the terminal, reported the Russian state media on Friday. But "a temporary ban has been established on the movement of ships in the port", stated the company, as Interfax news agency quoted it. ALSO READ | Ukraine, US begin discussions on security guarantees: Official Russia's Black Sea Fleet targetted multiple times The Black Sea Fleet of Russia has been targetted from the time the military campaign of Russia began in Ukraine more than a year ago, however, there has been a significant increase in the attacks in recent weeks. The defence ministry of Russia on Tuesday said that a Ukrainian drone attack, which was targeting patrol boats in the Black Sea, has been foiled. Black Sea is the region where tensions have been increasing after a deal to protect Ukrainian grain exports was exited by Moscow. A similar attack was repelled earlier this week also. On Friday, the ministry had claimed to have downed 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula. No casualties or damage were reported in either of the attacks, said the ministry. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia attacks main route for Ukranian exports since grain deal Fight over Crimea In 2014, Russia had annexed Crimea. Since then, it has been a target of Kyiv throughout the Ukraine offensive on Moscow but has come under more increased and intense attacks in recent weeks. In July, Ukrainian drone attacks blew up an ammunition depot and damaged a strategic and symbolic bridge in Crimea, which linked the peninsula to Russia’s mainland. Repeatedly, Kyiv has stated that it plans on taking back Crimea, which has become a regular target for its forces. Russian-installed authorities in Crimea on Sunday (July 30) said that 25 Ukrainian drones were downed over the peninsula. Kyiv claims Moscow, meanwhile, has attacked Ukraine's Odesa region, which is on the shores of the Black Sea, repeatedly. (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 claims it thwarted Ukrainian attacks on naval base in Black Sea, Crimean peninsula

Microsoft researchers on Wednesday (August 2) alleged that a Russian government-linked hacking group targeted dozens of global organisations as part of its strategy to steal the users' login credentials by engaging them in Microsoft Teams chats and talking to them under the pretence of technical support.&nbsp;

Such "highly targeted" social engineering attacks have hit "fewer than 40 unique global organisations" since late May, stated Microsoft researchers in a blog, further adding that the company is carrying out&nbsp;an investigation.&nbsp;

No immediate response was issued by the Russian embassy in Washington over the allegations made.&nbsp;

The researchers stated that domains and accounts are set up by the researchers which look like technical support and efforts are made to engage Teams users in chats and make them give approval for multifactor authentication (MFA) prompts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hacks-into-email-of-us-envoy-in-beijing-nicholas-burns-617979">China hacks into email of US envoy in Beijing Nicholas Burns</a>

"Microsoft has mitigated the actor from using the domains and continues to investigate this activity and work to remediate the impact of the attack," they stated.&nbsp;

Teams is a proprietary business communication platform of Microsoft and has more than 280 million active users, as per the January financial statement of the company.&nbsp;

Security measures for the prevention of stealing credentials or hacking have&nbsp;been widely recommended by the MFAs. The ways in which the hackers are targeting the Teams suggest that they are looking for new ways to get past it.&nbsp;

<h2>Hackers' Russian connection</h2>

The researchers claim that the hacking group behind the activity, which is known as Midnight Blizzard or APT29 in the industry, is based in Russia and it has been linked to the country's foreign intelligence service by the governments of the UK and United States.&nbsp;

"The organisations targeted in this activity likely indicate specific espionage objectives by Midnight Blizzard directed at the government, non-government organizations (NGOs), IT services, technology, discrete manufacturing, and media sectors," the researchers said, without taking names of the targets.

"This latest attack, combined with past activity, further demonstrates Midnight Blizzard’s ongoing execution of their objectives using both new and common techniques," the researchers claimed.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian hackers demand ransom to restore systems after targeting Japan's port

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-hackers-demand-ransom-to-restore-systems-after-targeting-japans-port-612993/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

They stated that Midnight Blizzard is known for targeting similar organisations, mainly in the US and Europe.&nbsp;

The already-compromised Microsoft 365 accounts, which belong to small businesses, are being used by hackers to create new domains which appear as technical support entities and have the word "Microsoft" in them, as per the details revealed on the Microsoft blog. The researchers said accounts related to these domains then receive phishing messages aimed to bait people through Teams.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-17="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-22="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Microsoft researchers on Wednesday (August 2) alleged that a Russian government-linked hacking group targeted dozens of global organisations as part of its strategy to steal the users' login credentials by engaging them in Microsoft Teams chats and talking to them under the pretence of technical support.

Microsoft researchers on Wednesday (August 2) alleged that a Russian government-linked hacking group targeted dozens of global organisations as part of its strategy to steal the users' login credentials by engaging them in Microsoft Teams chats and talking to them under the pretence of technical support. Such "highly targeted" social engineering attacks have hit "fewer than 40 unique global organisations" since late May, stated Microsoft researchers in a blog, further adding that the company is carrying out an investigation. No immediate response was issued by the Russian embassy in Washington over the allegations made. The researchers stated that domains and accounts are set up by the researchers which look like technical support and efforts are made to engage Teams users in chats and make them give approval for multifactor authentication (MFA) prompts. ALSO READ | China hacks into email of US envoy in Beijing Nicholas Burns "Microsoft has mitigated the actor from using the domains and continues to investigate this activity and work to remediate the impact of the attack," they stated. Teams is a proprietary business communication platform of Microsoft and has more than 280 million active users, as per the January financial statement of the company. Security measures for the prevention of stealing credentials or hacking have been widely recommended by the MFAs. The ways in which the hackers are targeting the Teams suggest that they are looking for new ways to get past it. Hackers' Russian connection The researchers claim that the hacking group behind the activity, which is known as Midnight Blizzard or APT29 in the industry, is based in Russia and it has been linked to the country's foreign intelligence service by the governments of the UK and United States. "The organisations targeted in this activity likely indicate specific espionage objectives by Midnight Blizzard directed at the government, non-government organizations (NGOs), IT services, technology, discrete manufacturing, and media sectors," the researchers said, without taking names of the targets. "This latest attack, combined with past activity, further demonstrates Midnight Blizzard’s ongoing execution of their objectives using both new and common techniques," the researchers claimed. WATCH | Russian hackers demand ransom to restore systems after targeting Japan's port They stated that Midnight Blizzard is known for targeting similar organisations, mainly in the US and Europe. The already-compromised Microsoft 365 accounts, which belong to small businesses, are being used by hackers to create new domains which appear as technical support entities and have the word "Microsoft" in them, as per the details revealed on the Microsoft blog. The researchers said accounts related to these domains then receive phishing messages aimed to bait people through Teams. (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-linked hackers carrying out dozens of Teams phishing attacks, alleges Microsoft

Russian drone strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa continued, damaging the port infrastructure including grain silos, the regional Governor Oleg Kiper said on Wednesday (Aug 2).&nbsp;

"The enemy's obvious target was the port and industrial infrastructure of the region. Air defence forces worked non-stop for almost 3 hours,"&nbsp;said Oleg on Telegram, adding that emergency services had responded to the scene and that there were no reports of casualties.&nbsp;

“As a result of the attack, fires broke out at the facilities of the port and industrial infrastructure of the region, and an elevator was damaged."

According to senior Ukrainian officials, over the past fortnight, Russia has damaged&nbsp;dozens of port infrastructure facilities and multiple civilian vessels. Last month, a Chinese consulate in the port&nbsp;city was also damaged by the Russian strikes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-consulate-damaged-by-russian-strike-in-port-city-of-odesa-reports-617817" target="_blank">Also read | Chinese consulate damaged by Russian strike in port city of Odesa: Reports</a>

Apart from the port city, the capital Kyiv was also attacked by Russian drones in the early hours of Wednesday. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said drone debris had fallen in the central&nbsp;Solomianskyi district and that a non-residential building had been damaged.

"Groups of drones entered Kyiv simultaneously from several directions. However, all air targets -- more than 10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) -- were detected and destroyed in time by the forces and means of air defence," said&nbsp;Sergiy Popko, head of the city's military administration, adding that Russia used a barrage of Iranian-made Shahed drones.&nbsp;

The attacks come a day after Russia said it had thwarted a wave of Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, Crimea and vessels in the Black Sea. A skyscraper in the city's financial district was struck for the second time in days.&nbsp;

Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-30="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukrainian-president-aide-admits-counteroffensive-will-take-long-617623/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Russia has upped the ante</h2>

Ever since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal earlier this month, attacks have intensified on Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;

The deal granted safe passage to Ukrainian cargo ships carrying grain shipments. However, since the cancellation, Russia has said it was keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels and would consider them as&nbsp;potential military targets.

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)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russian drone strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa continued, damaging the port infrastructure including grain silos, the regional Governor Oleg Kiper said on Wednesday (Aug 2).

Russian drone strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa continued, damaging the port infrastructure including grain silos, the regional Governor Oleg Kiper said on Wednesday (Aug 2). "The enemy's obvious target was the port and industrial infrastructure of the region. Air defence forces worked non-stop for almost 3 hours," said Oleg on Telegram, adding that emergency services had responded to the scene and that there were no reports of casualties. “As a result of the attack, fires broke out at the facilities of the port and industrial infrastructure of the region, and an elevator was damaged." According to senior Ukrainian officials, over the past fortnight, Russia has damaged dozens of port infrastructure facilities and multiple civilian vessels. Last month, a Chinese consulate in the port city was also damaged by the Russian strikes. Also read | Chinese consulate damaged by Russian strike in port city of Odesa: Reports Apart from the port city, the capital Kyiv was also attacked by Russian drones in the early hours of Wednesday. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said drone debris had fallen in the central Solomianskyi district and that a non-residential building had been damaged. "Groups of drones entered Kyiv simultaneously from several directions. However, all air targets -- more than 10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) -- were detected and destroyed in time by the forces and means of air defence," said Sergiy Popko, head of the city's military administration, adding that Russia used a barrage of Iranian-made Shahed drones. The attacks come a day after Russia said it had thwarted a wave of Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, Crimea and vessels in the Black Sea. A skyscraper in the city's financial district was struck for the second time in days. Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long Russia has upped the ante Ever since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal earlier this month, attacks have intensified on Ukrainian cities. The deal granted safe passage to Ukrainian cargo ships carrying grain shipments. However, since the cancellation, Russia has said it was keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels and would consider them as potential military targets. 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) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine war: Russia pounds port, silos in Odesa again; drone debris found in Kyiv

On 17 July, nearly one year after it was signed in Istanbul, Russia decided to not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) that allows Ukraine to export agricultural goods to global markets. As underlined by the Secretary General of the UN, this initiative has been ‘a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs it’.&nbsp;

Before Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, a critical global food supplier, a fifth of the world’s barley came from Ukraine, as well as a sixth of the maize and an eighth of wheat. After Russia invaded Ukraine, attacking grain fields and silos and blocking Ukrainian ports, global food prices spiked to record levels and endangered much-needed food supply for many importer countries. The BSGI aimed to re-establish a vital route for agricultural exports from Ukraine and to lower global food prices.&nbsp;

Despite many challenges, it achieved its key purpose. Since August 2022, the export of almost 33 million tonnes of grains and food from Ukraine to 45 different countries played an instrumental role in reducing global food prices by some 25 per cent&nbsp;since the record high reached shortly after Russia’s attack. As public trade data shows, over half of the grain, including two-thirds of the wheat, went to developing countries.&nbsp;

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv drones target Moscow

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-drones-target-moscow-621305/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

In addition, the BSGI ensured continued access to grain for the World Food Programme (WFP). In 2023, Ukraine supplied 80% of the wheat procured to support humanitarian operations in the most food-insecure countries like Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Without the Black Sea route, the WFP has to get its grain elsewhere at higher prices and with a longer lead time at a time when the world is facing an unprecedented food crisis.&nbsp;

Russia’s decision was taken despite the UN Secretary General’s renewed proposals to work to address its concerns. In order to shift blame, Russia claims that its own agricultural exports were not sufficiently facilitated. This is not borne out by publicly available trade data, which shows that Russia’s agricultural exports are thriving. Russia gained also important benefits from the Memorandum of Understanding with the UN on fertiliser exports, which had been brokered in parallel to the BSGI. The UN has worked relentlessly to clarify regulatory frameworks and engage with the private sector to find dedicated solutions across the banking and insurance sectors. These efforts have been conducted in close collaboration with the EU and its partners.&nbsp;

Contrary to the lies spread by Russia, the EU has indeed ensured that our sanctions have no impact on global food security. There are no sanctions on Russian export of food and fertiliser to third countries and the EU has provided extensive guidance to economic operators, clarifying that these transfers to third countries are permitted. We have also worked with the UN to allow related payments.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-ukrainian-drone-hits-high-rise-office-tower-in-moscow-621216">Another Ukrainian drone hits same high-rise office tower in Moscow</a>

Despite these well-known and verifiable facts, Russia decided to pull out of the BSGI, using food as a weapon and endangering the global food supply. Hours after withdrawing from the initiative, Russia started also to destroy Ukraine’s grain storage facilities and port infrastructure with daily targeted attacks, not only in the Black Sea itself but also in the Danube. As an immediate reaction, wholesale wheat and maize prices saw their biggest increase since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. The increased food price volatility is likely to persist as long as Russia puts the global food supply under deliberate stress, aggravating the global cost-of-living crisis and most acutely for food-insecure people in import-dependent countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is unacceptable and should be resolutely condemned.&nbsp;

As the world deals with disrupted supplies and higher prices, Russia is now approaching vulnerable countries, notably in Africa, with bilateral offers of limited grain shipments, pretending to solve a problem it created itself. This is a cynical policy of deliberately using food as a weapon.

In response to Russia's irresponsible actions, the EU is active along three main lines. First, we will continue to support the tireless efforts of the United Nations and Türkiye to resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Second, we continue to strengthen our “Solidarity Lanes” as alternative routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports to reach global markets through the EU. These lanes have allowed the export of more than 41 million tonnes of Ukraine’s agricultural goods so far, and we are increasing this as much as possible to mitigate the consequences of Russia’s termination of the BSGI. Third, we increased our financial support to countries and people most in need, providing €18 billion (approx $19bn) to address food security until 2024.&nbsp;

We call on the international community and all countries to step up their own assistance in support of global food security. We ask all our partners to urge Russia to return to negotiations as the African Union already did, as well as to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure. With a clear and unified voice, we can get Russia to resume its participation in the BSGI. The world has a shared interest in responsible stewardship of global food security. We owe it to the people most in need.&nbsp;

(Josep Borrell Fontelles is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

On 17 July, nearly one year after it was signed in Istanbul, Russia decided to not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) that allows Ukraine to export agricultural goods to global markets.

On 17 July, nearly one year after it was signed in Istanbul, Russia decided to not renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) that allows Ukraine to export agricultural goods to global markets. As underlined by the Secretary General of the UN, this initiative has been ‘a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs it’. Before Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, a critical global food supplier, a fifth of the world’s barley came from Ukraine, as well as a sixth of the maize and an eighth of wheat. After Russia invaded Ukraine, attacking grain fields and silos and blocking Ukrainian ports, global food prices spiked to record levels and endangered much-needed food supply for many importer countries. The BSGI aimed to re-establish a vital route for agricultural exports from Ukraine and to lower global food prices. Despite many challenges, it achieved its key purpose. Since August 2022, the export of almost 33 million tonnes of grains and food from Ukraine to 45 different countries played an instrumental role in reducing global food prices by some 25 per cent since the record high reached shortly after Russia’s attack. As public trade data shows, over half of the grain, including two-thirds of the wheat, went to developing countries. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv drones target Moscow × In addition, the BSGI ensured continued access to grain for the World Food Programme (WFP). In 2023, Ukraine supplied 80% of the wheat procured to support humanitarian operations in the most food-insecure countries like Afghanistan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Without the Black Sea route, the WFP has to get its grain elsewhere at higher prices and with a longer lead time at a time when the world is facing an unprecedented food crisis. Russia’s decision was taken despite the UN Secretary General’s renewed proposals to work to address its concerns. In order to shift blame, Russia claims that its own agricultural exports were not sufficiently facilitated. This is not borne out by publicly available trade data, which shows that Russia’s agricultural exports are thriving. Russia gained also important benefits from the Memorandum of Understanding with the UN on fertiliser exports, which had been brokered in parallel to the BSGI. The UN has worked relentlessly to clarify regulatory frameworks and engage with the private sector to find dedicated solutions across the banking and insurance sectors. These efforts have been conducted in close collaboration with the EU and its partners. Contrary to the lies spread by Russia, the EU has indeed ensured that our sanctions have no impact on global food security. There are no sanctions on Russian export of food and fertiliser to third countries and the EU has provided extensive guidance to economic operators, clarifying that these transfers to third countries are permitted. We have also worked with the UN to allow related payments. Also Read | Another Ukrainian drone hits same high-rise office tower in Moscow Despite these well-known and verifiable facts, Russia decided to pull out of the BSGI, using food as a weapon and endangering the global food supply. Hours after withdrawing from the initiative, Russia started also to destroy Ukraine’s grain storage facilities and port infrastructure with daily targeted attacks, not only in the Black Sea itself but also in the Danube. As an immediate reaction, wholesale wheat and maize prices saw their biggest increase since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. The increased food price volatility is likely to persist as long as Russia puts the global food supply under deliberate stress, aggravating the global cost-of-living crisis and most acutely for food-insecure people in import-dependent countries. This is unacceptable and should be resolutely condemned. As the world deals with disrupted supplies and higher prices, Russia is now approaching vulnerable countries, notably in Africa, with bilateral offers of limited grain shipments, pretending to solve a problem it created itself. This is a cynical policy of deliberately using food as a weapon. In response to Russia's irresponsible actions, the EU is active along three main lines. First, we will continue to support the tireless efforts of the United Nations and Türkiye to resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Second, we continue to strengthen our “Solidarity Lanes” as alternative routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports to reach global markets through the EU. These lanes have allowed the export of more than 41 million tonnes of Ukraine’s agricultural goods so far, and we are increasing this as much as possible to mitigate the consequences of Russia’s termination of the BSGI. Third, we increased our financial support to countries and people most in need, providing €18 billion (approx $19bn) to address food security until 2024. We call on the international community and all countries to step up their own assistance in support of global food security. We ask all our partners to urge Russia to return to negotiations as the African Union already did, as well as to refrain from targeting Ukraine’s agricultural infrastructure. With a clear and unified voice, we can get Russia to resume its participation in the BSGI. The world has a shared interest in responsible stewardship of global food security. We owe it to the people most in need. (Josep Borrell Fontelles is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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 must stop using food as a weapon

India’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia declined by 34 per cent in July, according to energy cargo tracker Vortexa. A Moneycontrol report said that India imported 484,000 barrels of crude oil per day in July, compared to 734,000 barrels per day (bpd) in June.

The decline in India's imports came after the West Asian kingdom announced supply cuts of one million bpd in July.

Saudi Arabia and a number of other oil-producing nations have cut oil supply in a bid to stabilise the global oil prices, Apart from Saudi Arabia, Iraq had decided to lower its oil supply by over 200,000 bpd through the end of the year. In May, Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced a cut in oil production by 1.6 million bpd for the rest of the year.

Increase in crude oil imports from Russia

In the meantime, Russia continued to be India’s top crude oil supplier in July. According to Viktor Katona,&nbsp;head of crude analysis at&nbsp;Kpler's, daily volumes increased for the tenth straight month in June, reaching 2.2 million barrels per day. The data reveals that India received more crude oil from Moscow than it did from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, its usual suppliers, put together.

Following the invasion of Ukraine, India became a prime consumer of Russian oil, but due to infrastructural problems and the need to maintain good relations with other suppliers, the country’s oil purchase may have reached its limit.

Kpler however predicted that due to a decline in Russian oil production, imports may fall next month. According to a Bloomberg report, Reliance Industries Ltd. is the second-largest consumer of Russian crude after state-owned Indian Oil Corporation.

India, the third-largest consumer and importer of oil in the world, purchases more than 80 per cent of its oil from foreign markets.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

India’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia declined by 34 per cent in July, according to energy cargo tracker Vortexa. A Moneycontrol report said that India imported 484,000 barrels of crude oil per day in July, compared to 734,000 barrels per day (bpd) in June.

India’s crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia declined by 34 per cent in July, according to energy cargo tracker Vortexa. A Moneycontrol report said that India imported 484,000 barrels of crude oil per day in July, compared to 734,000 barrels per day (bpd) in June. The decline in India's imports came after the West Asian kingdom announced supply cuts of one million bpd in July. Saudi Arabia and a number of other oil-producing nations have cut oil supply in a bid to stabilise the global oil prices, Apart from Saudi Arabia, Iraq had decided to lower its oil supply by over 200,000 bpd through the end of the year. In May, Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries announced a cut in oil production by 1.6 million bpd for the rest of the year. Increase in crude oil imports from Russia In the meantime, Russia continued to be India’s top crude oil supplier in July. According to Viktor Katona, head of crude analysis at Kpler's, daily volumes increased for the tenth straight month in June, reaching 2.2 million barrels per day. The data reveals that India received more crude oil from Moscow than it did from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, its usual suppliers, put together. Following the invasion of Ukraine, India became a prime consumer of Russian oil, but due to infrastructural problems and the need to maintain good relations with other suppliers, the country’s oil purchase may have reached its limit. Kpler however predicted that due to a decline in Russian oil production, imports may fall next month. According to a Bloomberg report, Reliance Industries Ltd. is the second-largest consumer of Russian crude after state-owned Indian Oil Corporation. India, the third-largest consumer and importer of oil in the world, purchases more than 80 per cent of its oil from foreign markets. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India sees 34 per cent fall in oil imports from Saudi Arabia; supplies from Russia increase

In a significant move, Russia launched an e-visa programme on Tuesday, August 1, to improve tourism and facilitate travel. It will grant easy visa access to travellers from 55 countries.

In a significant move, Russia launched an e-visa programme on Tuesday, August 1, to improve tourism and facilitate travel. It will grant easy visa access to travellers from 55 countries. Indian passport holders are also eligible to apply for the Russian e-visa. The e-visa will have a 60-day validity and travellers can stay up to 16 days in Russia. According to the government portal, Russian e-visa holders can get a tourist visa for up to six months if they have a hotel reservation. The application process is fast and easy. Applicants are not required to submit any invitations or confirmations. They can conveniently fill in the application form on the official website, which is open 24/7. It eliminates the need to visit a consular agency during specific business hours. The facility will process the e-visa within four calendar days, including weekdays and bank holidays. ALSO READ | 'Racy' Chinese restaurant closed after videos surface waiters feeding women 'mouth-to-mouth' Here's everything you need to know about the application process for Russian e-visa. How to Apply for a Russian E-Visa 1. Open the newly-launched official website for the Russian e-visa, https://electronic-visa.kdmid.ru/. 2. Scroll down to find the "fill in an e-visa application form" option and click on it. 3. Read all the information on the official website before filling out the unified electronic visa application form. 4. Once you accept all the terms and conditions and click on "Fill out a new application form," a new page will appear. 5. Click on "Register as a new user." When you successfully register yourself, you can log in and move ahead to fill out the application form. 6. After completing the application form, the next step is paying the consular fee of $40 (₹3,290). 7. Approved applicants will receive a notification for the e-visa. The applicant has to get a printout of the verification mail and carry it on their trip to Russia. 8. Travellers will show the printed notification on their arrival to Russia to the immigration authorities. As per a report from the Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the tourist flow to the nation plunged by 96.1 per cent in 2022. Russia launched the e-visa initiative to attract international visitors, promote cultural exchange, and enhance economic ties between the countries involved. The programme is a boon for Indians who frequently travel to Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia launches e-visa for Indians: Check step-by-step application process, benefits & other details

A day after Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's capital city of Moscow, a police station was hit overnight in the frontier region of Briansk, the regional governor said on Monday.&nbsp;

"Ukrainian forces attacked the district of Trubchevsky at night.&nbsp;A drone hit the police station in this district. No victims," said&nbsp;Alexander Bogomaz on Telegram.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Russia claimed it had downed Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow and the Crimea peninsula in attacks that damaged two office towers and also led to a brief halt in services at an international airport.&nbsp;

The Russian defence ministry said while the drone in Mosocw was shot down on the city's outskirts, two others were&nbsp;"suppressed by electronic warfare".&nbsp;

Last week, Kremlin condemned the drone series and vowed retaliatory measures after Kyiv claimed responsibility for the attacks.&nbsp;

"We regard what happened as another use of terrorist methods by the military-political leadership of Ukraine, intimidation of the civilian population. These attacks had no military meaning,” Russia's foreign ministry was quoted as saying by CNN.&nbsp;

“The Russian side reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures,” the ministry said, adding that the Investigative Committee of Russia had opened criminal cases in response to these incidents and that those involved would be brought to justice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-budget-drones-in-ukraine-are-redefining-warfare-616102">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare&nbsp;</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-budget-drones-in-ukraine-are-redefining-warfare-616102/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-strikes-hit-two-buildings-in-moscow-russia-calls-it-a-terrorist-act-618735#" id="jqclosemark">×</a>

<h2>Previous instances of drone attacks&nbsp;</h2>

This is not the first instance when Russia has accused Ukraine of targetting the capital city using drones. In May, Kremlin claimed it was attacked by Ukrainian drones which it deemed was an attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin's life.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-strikes-hit-two-buildings-in-moscow-russia-calls-it-a-terrorist-act-618735" target="_blank">Also read | Drone strikes hit two buildings in Moscow, Russia calls it a 'terrorist act'</a>

At the time, Kremlin described the incident as a "planned terrorist attack" and an "assassination attempt on the president of Russia".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has upped the ante saying the "war" was coming to Russia, referring to the recent spate of drone attacks.&nbsp;

“Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks," said Zelensky.&nbsp;

“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” he added.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

A day after Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's capital city of Moscow, a police station was hit overnight in the frontier region of Briansk, the regional governor said on Monday.

A day after Ukrainian drones attacked Russia's capital city of Moscow, a police station was hit overnight in the frontier region of Briansk, the regional governor said on Monday. "Ukrainian forces attacked the district of Trubchevsky at night. A drone hit the police station in this district. No victims," said Alexander Bogomaz on Telegram. On Sunday, Russia claimed it had downed Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow and the Crimea peninsula in attacks that damaged two office towers and also led to a brief halt in services at an international airport. The Russian defence ministry said while the drone in Mosocw was shot down on the city's outskirts, two others were "suppressed by electronic warfare". Last week, Kremlin condemned the drone series and vowed retaliatory measures after Kyiv claimed responsibility for the attacks. "We regard what happened as another use of terrorist methods by the military-political leadership of Ukraine, intimidation of the civilian population. These attacks had no military meaning,” Russia's foreign ministry was quoted as saying by CNN. “The Russian side reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures,” the ministry said, adding that the Investigative Committee of Russia had opened criminal cases in response to these incidents and that those involved would be brought to justice. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare × Previous instances of drone attacks This is not the first instance when Russia has accused Ukraine of targetting the capital city using drones. In May, Kremlin claimed it was attacked by Ukrainian drones which it deemed was an attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin's life. Also read | Drone strikes hit two buildings in Moscow, Russia calls it a 'terrorist act' At the time, Kremlin described the incident as a "planned terrorist attack" and an "assassination attempt on the president of Russia". Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has upped the ante saying the "war" was coming to Russia, referring to the recent spate of drone attacks. “Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks," said Zelensky. “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” he added. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Police station struck in overnight strikes as Ukraine continues drone attacks on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday (July 30) warned that the “war” was coming to Russia after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. The statement comes hours after Russia claimed three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow, early Sunday. Meanwhile, Pope Francis called for Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky’s warning</h2>

Hours after the two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, Zelensky said, “Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks.”

“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky, who was in the midst of a visit to the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, added.&nbsp;

“Ukraine is getting stronger,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian attacks on Ukrainian power grids?</h2>

However, Zelensky also warned that Kyiv expects Moscow to resume its attacks on Ukraine’s energy system once cold weather returns later this year.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 per cent of the Ukrainian energy system was damaged in Russian missile and drone strikes over the past winter, according to a report by Reuters, the attacks had plunged Ukrainian cities into darkness and cold.&nbsp;

Kyiv has since alleged that the attacks targeting its energy grids were a deliberate strategy to harm civilians and called it a war crime. However, Moscow said that the attacks were launched to reduce Ukraine’s ability to fight.

“It is obvious that this fall and...in the winter the enemy will try to repeat the terror against the Ukrainian energy industry. We should be ready for this in any case,” said Zelensky, while addressing senior government, security, and regional officials.&nbsp;

“At the government and security level, we will do everything possible,” he added. The Ukrainian government security officials and energy workers were working to protect the energy system from physical damage, sabotage or cyberattacks, said Zelensky, as per Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
However, every city and town across Ukraine must prepare to handle energy sector emergencies, he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Drone attack on Moscow</h2>

The Russian defence ministry, early Sunday said that three Ukrainian drones were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-russia-does-not-reject-peace-talks-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-moscow-city-620699">downed</a> over Moscow after Kyiv’s “attempted terrorist attack,” adding that one was shot down and two, “suppressed by electronic warfare”, crashed into a building complex.

The attack damaged two office towers and briefly shut down an international airport. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to Telegram and said no one suffered injuries and reported “slight damage” to the facades of two city office towers.

<h2>Pope urges Russia to restore Black Sea grain deal</h2>

During his weekly Angelus message, on Sunday (July 30), Pope Francis called on Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal. This comes after Moscow, earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637">formally backed out</a> of the deal which provided a safe passage to Ukraine through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war.&nbsp;

“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, so that the Black Sea initiative may be resumed and grain may be transported safely,” said Francis. He also urged the crowd gathered at St Peter’s Square to continue praying “for martyred Ukraine, where war is destroying everything, even grain,” calling this “a grave insult to God.”&nbsp;

The pope also said that the “cry of millions of brothers and sisters who are suffering from hunger is rising up to the sky.” The Ukrainian president took to X, formerly known as Twitter and welcomed Francis’ remarks.&nbsp;

“The reaction of the world’s religious leaders to the Russian missile terror and destruction of Ukrainian agricultural products is extremely important to protect the whole world, and especially the peoples of Africa and Asia, who suffer the most from the threat of hunger, from a food crisis,” Zelensky wrote on the microblogging platform.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday (July 30) warned that the “war” was coming to Russia after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. The statement comes hours after Russia claimed three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow, early Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday (July 30) warned that the “war” was coming to Russia after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. The statement comes hours after Russia claimed three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow, early Sunday. Meanwhile, Pope Francis called for Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal. Zelensky’s warning Hours after the two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, Zelensky said, “Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks.” “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky, who was in the midst of a visit to the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, added. “Ukraine is getting stronger,” said the Ukrainian president. Russian attacks on Ukrainian power grids? However, Zelensky also warned that Kyiv expects Moscow to resume its attacks on Ukraine’s energy system once cold weather returns later this year. Nearly 40 per cent of the Ukrainian energy system was damaged in Russian missile and drone strikes over the past winter, according to a report by Reuters, the attacks had plunged Ukrainian cities into darkness and cold. Kyiv has since alleged that the attacks targeting its energy grids were a deliberate strategy to harm civilians and called it a war crime. However, Moscow said that the attacks were launched to reduce Ukraine’s ability to fight. “It is obvious that this fall and...in the winter the enemy will try to repeat the terror against the Ukrainian energy industry. We should be ready for this in any case,” said Zelensky, while addressing senior government, security, and regional officials. “At the government and security level, we will do everything possible,” he added. The Ukrainian government security officials and energy workers were working to protect the energy system from physical damage, sabotage or cyberattacks, said Zelensky, as per Reuters. However, every city and town across Ukraine must prepare to handle energy sector emergencies, he added. Drone attack on Moscow The Russian defence ministry, early Sunday said that three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow after Kyiv’s “attempted terrorist attack,” adding that one was shot down and two, “suppressed by electronic warfare”, crashed into a building complex. The attack damaged two office towers and briefly shut down an international airport. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to Telegram and said no one suffered injuries and reported “slight damage” to the facades of two city office towers. Pope urges Russia to restore Black Sea grain deal During his weekly Angelus message, on Sunday (July 30), Pope Francis called on Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal. This comes after Moscow, earlier this month, formally backed out of the deal which provided a safe passage to Ukraine through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war. “I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, so that the Black Sea initiative may be resumed and grain may be transported safely,” said Francis. He also urged the crowd gathered at St Peter’s Square to continue praying “for martyred Ukraine, where war is destroying everything, even grain,” calling this “a grave insult to God.” The pope also said that the “cry of millions of brothers and sisters who are suffering from hunger is rising up to the sky.” The Ukrainian president took to X, formerly known as Twitter and welcomed Francis’ remarks. “The reaction of the world’s religious leaders to the Russian missile terror and destruction of Ukrainian agricultural products is extremely important to protect the whole world, and especially the peoples of Africa and Asia, who suffer the most from the threat of hunger, from a food crisis,” Zelensky wrote on the microblogging platform. (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.

‘War’ is coming to Russia, says Ukraine’s Zelensky after Moscow drone attack

President Vladimir Putin reviewed the country’s warships and nuclear submarines in St Petersburg, on Sunday (July 30), and praised the Russian navy in an address at the annual warship parade which he attended with several African leaders. Meanwhile, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow would have to use a nuclear weapon if Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive was a success.

<h2>Russia to get 30 new vessels this year: Putin</h2>

The Russian president reviewed 45 ships, submarines and other vessels that took part in the annual Navy Day parade, which is said to be a traditional show of military might that takes place in the Gulf of Finland and on the River Neva in Putin’s native St Petersburg.&nbsp;

Putin, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Navy Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, inspected some ships from a launch boat on the Neva before making a speech, as per media reports.&nbsp;

The event took place amid Russia’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine while Moscow also claimed to have downed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-russia-does-not-reject-peace-talks-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-moscow-city-620699">three Ukrainian</a> drones in the Russian capital city, early on Sunday.&nbsp;

Notably, the Russian Navy has played a significant role in the Ukraine war by pummelling the Western-backed country with ship and submarine-launched cruise missiles.&nbsp;

According to the Kremlin, some 3,000 navy personnel took part in the parade on land. During his speech, Putin said that the Russian Navy would receive 30 new vessels “of different classes” this year and hailed the “brave crews of ships and submarines,” without mentioning Ukraine.&nbsp;

“In the name of Russia, our sailors give all their strength, show true heroism and fight valiantly, like our great ancestors,” said Putin. He added, “Today, Russia is confidently implementing major elements of its national maritime policy and is consistently building up the power of its navy.”&nbsp;

The African heads of state and representatives from other countries who were present for the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg which concluded on Friday, also accompanied the Russian president for the event, said the Kremlin.&nbsp;

<h2>Ex-Russian president about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine</h2>

While the incumbent president did not address the war in Ukraine in St Petersburg, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to his official social media accounts, on Sunday, and said Moscow would be forced to fall back on its own nuclear doctrine if Kyiv’s counteroffensive was successful.&nbsp;

“Imagine if the..offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia,” said Medvedev.&nbsp;

He added, “There would simply be no other option. So our enemies should pray for our warriors’ (success). They are making sure that a global nuclear fire is not ignited.” The former Russian president has previously been accused by Kremlin critics of making extreme statements in a bid to stop the West from supplying arms to Ukraine.&nbsp;

In his statement, Medvedev seemed to be referring to the part of the Russian nuclear doctrine that says that nuclear weapons can be used in response to aggression against Moscow carried out using conventional weapons which threatens the existence of the Russian state, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

President Vladimir Putin reviewed the country’s warships and nuclear submarines in St Petersburg, on Sunday (July 30), and praised the Russian navy in an address at the annual warship parade which he attended with several African leaders.

President Vladimir Putin reviewed the country’s warships and nuclear submarines in St Petersburg, on Sunday (July 30), and praised the Russian navy in an address at the annual warship parade which he attended with several African leaders. Meanwhile, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow would have to use a nuclear weapon if Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive was a success. Russia to get 30 new vessels this year: Putin The Russian president reviewed 45 ships, submarines and other vessels that took part in the annual Navy Day parade, which is said to be a traditional show of military might that takes place in the Gulf of Finland and on the River Neva in Putin’s native St Petersburg. Putin, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Navy Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, inspected some ships from a launch boat on the Neva before making a speech, as per media reports. The event took place amid Russia’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine while Moscow also claimed to have downed three Ukrainian drones in the Russian capital city, early on Sunday. Notably, the Russian Navy has played a significant role in the Ukraine war by pummelling the Western-backed country with ship and submarine-launched cruise missiles. According to the Kremlin, some 3,000 navy personnel took part in the parade on land. During his speech, Putin said that the Russian Navy would receive 30 new vessels “of different classes” this year and hailed the “brave crews of ships and submarines,” without mentioning Ukraine. “In the name of Russia, our sailors give all their strength, show true heroism and fight valiantly, like our great ancestors,” said Putin. He added, “Today, Russia is confidently implementing major elements of its national maritime policy and is consistently building up the power of its navy.” The African heads of state and representatives from other countries who were present for the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg which concluded on Friday, also accompanied the Russian president for the event, said the Kremlin. Ex-Russian president about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine While the incumbent president did not address the war in Ukraine in St Petersburg, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to his official social media accounts, on Sunday, and said Moscow would be forced to fall back on its own nuclear doctrine if Kyiv’s counteroffensive was successful. “Imagine if the..offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia,” said Medvedev. He added, “There would simply be no other option. So our enemies should pray for our warriors’ (success). They are making sure that a global nuclear fire is not ignited.” The former Russian president has previously been accused by Kremlin critics of making extreme statements in a bid to stop the West from supplying arms to Ukraine. In his statement, Medvedev seemed to be referring to the part of the Russian nuclear doctrine that says that nuclear weapons can be used in response to aggression against Moscow carried out using conventional weapons which threatens the existence of the Russian state, according to Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin reviews Russian warships and nuclear subs, says navy to receive 30 new vessels this year

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (July 29) said that an initiative by African countries could be a basis for peace with Ukraine but the attacks by Ukrainian forces made it hard to realise, hours before a Ukrainian drone attack took place on Moscow. 
 
Putin was addressing a press conference after holding a meeting with African leaders in St Petersburg and listening to their calls for Moscow to take steps and go ahead with their plan. "There are provisions of this peace initiative that are being implemented. But there are things that are difficult or impossible to implement,” he said. 
 
Putin stated that the ceasefire was one of the points in the African initiative. "But the Ukrainian army is on the offensive, they are attacking, they are implementing a large-scale strategic offensive operation... We cannot cease fire when we are under attack,” he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-attacks-are-intensifying-claims-putin-620046">Ukraine intensifying attacks on frontline, Russian forces inflicted heavy losses, claims Putin</a>

Answering the question of initiating peace talks, Putin said, "We did not reject them... In order for this process to begin, there needs to be agreement on both sides."

<h2>Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow</h2>

Two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, said the mayor of the Russian capital early on Sunday (July 30), adding that no one suffered injuries. "Ukrainian drones attacked tonight. The facades of two city office towers were slightly damaged. There are no victims or injured," posted Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram. 
 
"The glazing was shattered as a result of the blast at the level of fifth and sixth floors of the 50-story building on Presnenskaya embankment," an official said, as reported by TASS.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Footage of a drone explosion over a skyscraper in Moscow City <a href="https://t.co/aVC1auiOvz">pic.twitter.com/aVC1auiOvz</a>
— Spriter Team (@SpriterTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpriterTeam/status/1685465081662803968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia's defence ministry, confirming that three Ukrainian drones were downed by them,&nbsp;said on Telegram, "The Kyiv regime's attempted terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted,"&nbsp;adding that one was shot down and two, "suppressed by electronic warfare", crashed into a building complex.

Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport was shut down to traffic on Sunday, a Russian state news agency report said. "The capital's Vnukovo airport is closed for departures and arrivals, flights are redirected to other airports. This was reported by the aviation services,” TASS reported.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Africa summit: Putin promises free grain to African nations

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-africa-summit-putin-promises-free-grain-to-african-nations-620334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, one civilian was killed in a Russian missile attack on Saturday (July 29) in the northeast Ukrainian city of Sumy, informed the national police, further stating that five people were injured in the strike on an education centre. 
 
"On the evening of July 29, an enemy missile hit an educational institution. Law enforcement officers are working at the scene, recording the effects," the force shared on Telegram, confirming the initial toll as "at least one civilian dead and five injured". "Police, rescue workers and medics are on the scene", it stated.

<h2>Saudi invites developing nations for Ukraine peace talks</h2>

The leading developing nations have been invited by Saudi Arabia to hold the meeting in a bid to win their backing for Ukraine peace talks. Senior government officials from China, Brazil, South Africa and India have been invited for talks in Jeddah which will be held for two days. 
 
The meeting will aim at persuading countries from South America, Africa and south-east Asia to support the Ukrainian peace plan&nbsp;which calls for an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war by letting Kyiv reclaim&nbsp;its territory occupied by Russian troops.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<main>
<section>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-19="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday (July 29) said that an initiative by African countries could be a basis for peace with Ukraine but the attacks by Ukrainian forces made it hard to realise, hours before a Ukrainian drone attack took place on Moscow. Putin was addressing a press conference after holding a meeting with African leaders in St Petersburg and listening to their calls for Moscow to take steps and go ahead with their plan. "There are provisions of this peace initiative that are being implemented. But there are things that are difficult or impossible to implement,” he said. Putin stated that the ceasefire was one of the points in the African initiative. "But the Ukrainian army is on the offensive, they are attacking, they are implementing a large-scale strategic offensive operation... We cannot cease fire when we are under attack,” he said. ALSO READ | Ukraine intensifying attacks on frontline, Russian forces inflicted heavy losses, claims Putin Answering the question of initiating peace talks, Putin said, "We did not reject them... In order for this process to begin, there needs to be agreement on both sides." Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow Two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, said the mayor of the Russian capital early on Sunday (July 30), adding that no one suffered injuries. "Ukrainian drones attacked tonight. The facades of two city office towers were slightly damaged. There are no victims or injured," posted Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Telegram. "The glazing was shattered as a result of the blast at the level of fifth and sixth floors of the 50-story building on Presnenskaya embankment," an official said, as reported by TASS. Footage of a drone explosion over a skyscraper in Moscow City pic.twitter.com/aVC1auiOvz — Spriter Team (@SpriterTeam) July 30, 2023 × Russia's defence ministry, confirming that three Ukrainian drones were downed by them, said on Telegram, "The Kyiv regime's attempted terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on objects in the city of Moscow was thwarted," adding that one was shot down and two, "suppressed by electronic warfare", crashed into a building complex. Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport was shut down to traffic on Sunday, a Russian state news agency report said. "The capital's Vnukovo airport is closed for departures and arrivals, flights are redirected to other airports. This was reported by the aviation services,” TASS reported. WATCH | Russia-Africa summit: Putin promises free grain to African nations Meanwhile, on the Ukrainian side, one civilian was killed in a Russian missile attack on Saturday (July 29) in the northeast Ukrainian city of Sumy, informed the national police, further stating that five people were injured in the strike on an education centre. "On the evening of July 29, an enemy missile hit an educational institution. Law enforcement officers are working at the scene, recording the effects," the force shared on Telegram, confirming the initial toll as "at least one civilian dead and five injured". "Police, rescue workers and medics are on the scene", it stated. Saudi invites developing nations for Ukraine peace talks The leading developing nations have been invited by Saudi Arabia to hold the meeting in a bid to win their backing for Ukraine peace talks. Senior government officials from China, Brazil, South Africa and India have been invited for talks in Jeddah which will be held for two days. The meeting will aim at persuading countries from South America, Africa and south-east Asia to support the Ukrainian peace plan which calls for an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war by letting Kyiv reclaim its territory occupied by Russian troops. (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

Amid Ukrainian drone attack in Moscow, Putin claims Russia is not against peace talks

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, on Saturday (July 29) said that a group of a hundred soldiers from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border. This comes weeks after Poland’s defence minister said that they are moving more than 1,000 troops to the east of the country amid concerns over the presence of Wagner fighters in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

<h2>Polish PM’s warning</h2>

Morawiecki warned that the Wagner fighters – who are living in exile in Belarus after their chief Yevgeny Prigozhin aborted a mutiny in Russia – may engage in what Poland describes as “hybrid warfare,” where the Russian group's fighters&nbsp;in Belarus could facilitate illegal migration from Belarus, said the Polish PM. &nbsp;

The fighters could pose as migrants from the city of Grodno, close to the Polish and Lithuanian borders, and enter the European Union, said Morawiecki. Poland, a former Warsaw Pact member and now a member of the United States-led NATO military alliance, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022.&nbsp;

However, Warsaw has also expressed concerns about the possible spillover of the Ukraine war onto its territory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-to-spread-poland-to-move-soldiers-to-east-due-to-wagner-risks-618116">Will Ukraine war expand to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus</a>

“The situation is getting increasingly dangerous...Most likely they (the Wagner personnel) will be disguised as the Belarusian border guard and help illegal migrants get to the Polish territory (and) destabilise Poland,” said Morawiecki&nbsp;during a press conference in western Poland.

“This is certainly a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory,” he added. Notably, the Polish PM did not give a source of information that Wagner fighters were moving closer to Grodno.&nbsp;

However, given the location of the city, it may be potentially significant as it is near the Suwalki Gap, a strategic strip of 95 kilometres of land along the Polish-Lithuanian border, which divides Belarus, Russia’s ally, from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

According to Morawiecki, there have been 16,000 attempts to cross the border between Belarus and Poland&nbsp;so far this year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-fighters-reached-belarus-confirm-ukraine-poland-616171">Wagner fighters have reached Belarus, confirm Ukraine, Poland</a>

The statement by the Polish PM also comes after Warsaw’s interior minister, on Thursday, said Poland, Lithuania and Latvia could jointly decide to shut their borders with Belarus if there are any incidents involving the Wagner group near their borders.&nbsp;

<h2>Poland ramps up border security</h2>

Earlier this <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-official-seemingly-claims-responsibility-for-crimea-bridge-blast-613657">month</a>, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said, “Over 1,000 soldiers and almost 200 units of equipment from the 12th and 17th Mechanized Brigades are starting to move to the east of the country.” This was&nbsp;amid concerns over the presence of Wagner&nbsp;fighters in neighbouring Belarus.

He added, “This is a demonstration of our readiness to respond to attempts at destabilisation near the border of our country.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, on Saturday (July 29) said that a group of a hundred soldiers from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, on Saturday (July 29) said that a group of a hundred soldiers from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group have moved closer to the Belarusian city of Grodno near the Polish border. This comes weeks after Poland’s defence minister said that they are moving more than 1,000 troops to the east of the country amid concerns over the presence of Wagner fighters in the neighbouring country. Polish PM’s warning Morawiecki warned that the Wagner fighters – who are living in exile in Belarus after their chief Yevgeny Prigozhin aborted a mutiny in Russia – may engage in what Poland describes as “hybrid warfare,” where the Russian group's fighters in Belarus could facilitate illegal migration from Belarus, said the Polish PM. The fighters could pose as migrants from the city of Grodno, close to the Polish and Lithuanian borders, and enter the European Union, said Morawiecki. Poland, a former Warsaw Pact member and now a member of the United States-led NATO military alliance, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022. However, Warsaw has also expressed concerns about the possible spillover of the Ukraine war onto its territory. ALSO READ | Will Ukraine war expand to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus “The situation is getting increasingly dangerous...Most likely they (the Wagner personnel) will be disguised as the Belarusian border guard and help illegal migrants get to the Polish territory (and) destabilise Poland,” said Morawiecki during a press conference in western Poland. “This is certainly a step towards a further hybrid attack on Polish territory,” he added. Notably, the Polish PM did not give a source of information that Wagner fighters were moving closer to Grodno. However, given the location of the city, it may be potentially significant as it is near the Suwalki Gap, a strategic strip of 95 kilometres of land along the Polish-Lithuanian border, which divides Belarus, Russia’s ally, from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. According to Morawiecki, there have been 16,000 attempts to cross the border between Belarus and Poland so far this year. ALSO READ | Wagner fighters have reached Belarus, confirm Ukraine, Poland The statement by the Polish PM also comes after Warsaw’s interior minister, on Thursday, said Poland, Lithuania and Latvia could jointly decide to shut their borders with Belarus if there are any incidents involving the Wagner group near their borders. Poland ramps up border security Earlier this month, Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said, “Over 1,000 soldiers and almost 200 units of equipment from the 12th and 17th Mechanized Brigades are starting to move to the east of the country.” This was amid concerns over the presence of Wagner fighters in neighbouring Belarus. He added, “This is a demonstration of our readiness to respond to attempts at destabilisation near the border of our country.” (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.

Wagner fighters move closer to Poland border, could pose as migrants to enter EU, warns Polish PM

North Korea on Thursday unveiled two new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which, as per NK News, closely resembled US drones.

The country showcased its military prowess during the "Weapons and Equipment Exhibition 2023" that was held in Pyongyang. The event was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted the fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War.

It displayed the country's most advanced weaponry, including two previously unseen unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

<h2>On display, copies&nbsp;of US drones</h2>

The two new North Korean drones closely resemble the US military's RQ-4A Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper, which experts say signifies the nation's progress in developing combat and reconnaissance drone capabilities comparable to those of the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-mp-faces-investigation-after-allegedly-faking-sick-leave-to-holiday-abroad-during-wartime-restrictions-620042">Ukraine MP faces investigation after allegedly faking sick leave to&nbsp;holiday abroad during wartime restrictions</a>

However, as per a report in 'Independent,' Joseph Dempsey, a research associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies said that while the UAVs visually resemble&nbsp;the US drones, they might not match their American counterparts in terms of performance capabilities.

"North Korea’s new UAV designs clearly emulate the US Global Hawk and Reaper visually but the key capabilities associated with both types–particularly in terms of flight performance, avionics or sensor payloads – will not be replicated so closely," he said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEW: North Korea airs the first video footage of its two new military drones in action, showing a combat UAV firing missiles during flight. Read more about the unveiling here: <a href="https://t.co/AoOvLYVg2l">https://t.co/AoOvLYVg2l</a> <a href="https://t.co/07uYQGJv3g">pic.twitter.com/07uYQGJv3g</a>
— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) <a href="https://twitter.com/nknewsorg/status/1684448601123217409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

As per the NK News report, one of the exhibited UAVs was equipped with two different types of missiles under its wings, reminiscent of the US MQ-9 Reaper combat UAV. The other model, which first seen during testing last month, boasts a wingspan of approximately 115 feet (35 metres) and a v-tail design.

Talking to the publication, Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said that while "the design does resemble several known drone designs, but that's not necessarily evidence that the North Koreans are relying on stolen information or knowledge."

<h2>Other features</h2>

The exhibition also featured North Korea's Hwasong-17 liquid-fuel ICBM, first launched in November 2022, along with its transporter erector launch vehicle (TEL).&nbsp;

Both, as per Independent, were displayed in camouflage paint schemes, indicating potential deployment to individual military units. Additionally, the Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM, successfully tested in April and July, was showcased separately on stands next to its transporter. Another missile displayed was the Hwasong-12Na (Hwasong-12B), equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hailing-historic-cooperation-russian-defence-minister-shoigu-says-north-korea-an-important-partner-619608">North Korea an 'important partner', says Russian Defence Minister Shoigu hailing historic cooperation</a>

<h2>Russian and Chinese presence</h2>

The extravagant exhibition was attended by a Russian delegation led by defence minister Sergei Shoigu and a Chinese delegation led by politburo member Li Hongzhong. The presence of Russian and Chinese officials at the exhibition marked rare diplomatic exchanges amid years of isolation for North Korea during the pandemic.

As per the national news outlet KCNA, during the event, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un engaged in a "friendly talk" with Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, who presented Kim with an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

North Korea on Thursday unveiled two new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which, as per NK News, closely resembled US drones. The country showcased its military prowess during the "Weapons and Equipment Exhibition 2023" that was held in Pyongyang.

North Korea on Thursday unveiled two new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which, as per NK News, closely resembled US drones. The country showcased its military prowess during the "Weapons and Equipment Exhibition 2023" that was held in Pyongyang. The event was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted the fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War. It displayed the country's most advanced weaponry, including two previously unseen unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). On display, copies of US drones The two new North Korean drones closely resemble the US military's RQ-4A Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper, which experts say signifies the nation's progress in developing combat and reconnaissance drone capabilities comparable to those of the United States. Also read | Ukraine MP faces investigation after allegedly faking sick leave to holiday abroad during wartime restrictions However, as per a report in 'Independent,' Joseph Dempsey, a research associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies said that while the UAVs visually resemble the US drones, they might not match their American counterparts in terms of performance capabilities. "North Korea’s new UAV designs clearly emulate the US Global Hawk and Reaper visually but the key capabilities associated with both types–particularly in terms of flight performance, avionics or sensor payloads – will not be replicated so closely," he said. NEW: North Korea airs the first video footage of its two new military drones in action, showing a combat UAV firing missiles during flight. Read more about the unveiling here: https://t.co/AoOvLYVg2l pic.twitter.com/07uYQGJv3g — NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) July 27, 2023 × As per the NK News report, one of the exhibited UAVs was equipped with two different types of missiles under its wings, reminiscent of the US MQ-9 Reaper combat UAV. The other model, which first seen during testing last month, boasts a wingspan of approximately 115 feet (35 metres) and a v-tail design. Talking to the publication, Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said that while "the design does resemble several known drone designs, but that's not necessarily evidence that the North Koreans are relying on stolen information or knowledge." Other features The exhibition also featured North Korea's Hwasong-17 liquid-fuel ICBM, first launched in November 2022, along with its transporter erector launch vehicle (TEL). Both, as per Independent, were displayed in camouflage paint schemes, indicating potential deployment to individual military units. Additionally, the Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM, successfully tested in April and July, was showcased separately on stands next to its transporter. Another missile displayed was the Hwasong-12Na (Hwasong-12B), equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV). Also read | North Korea an 'important partner', says Russian Defence Minister Shoigu hailing historic cooperation Russian and Chinese presence The extravagant exhibition was attended by a Russian delegation led by defence minister Sergei Shoigu and a Chinese delegation led by politburo member Li Hongzhong. The presence of Russian and Chinese officials at the exhibition marked rare diplomatic exchanges amid years of isolation for North Korea during the pandemic. As per the national news outlet KCNA, during the event, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un engaged in a "friendly talk" with Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, who presented Kim with an autographed letter from Russian President Vladimir Putin. (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 Korea unveils US-like drones during exhibition attended by Russian, Chinese delegations

The Russian military claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles, on Friday (July 28), over the southwestern city of Taganrog near the border with Ukraine and a second one near the city of Azov. Over a dozen people were reported injured in Taganrog, said the regional governor, which Moscow claimed was after it intercepted a missile over the city.&nbsp;

<h2>Over a dozen injured in Taganrog</h2>

Addressing the incident, the Russian defence ministry said, it was the fragments of the Ukrainian missile that injured civilians and damaged buildings in the city of Taganrog.&nbsp;

“Russian air defence equipment detected the Ukrainian missile and intercepted it in the air. The debris of the downed Ukrainian missile fell on the territory of Taganrog,” claimed the Russian military.&nbsp;

It also alleged that the modified “Soviet-made S-200 missile”&nbsp;was aimed at the “residential infrastructure” of the city which is 40 kilometres from the border with Ukraine and home to around 250,000 people.&nbsp;

Rostov region governor Vasily Golubev reported that some 12&nbsp;people suffered “light injuries” due to the blast which took place near the “Chekhov Garden” cafe in the centre of the city.&nbsp;

He had previously also said that the “rescuers are at the scene. There are no dead. There are several injured to whom ambulances have been dispatched.” Nine people have been taken to the hospital, said Golubev.&nbsp;One of the victims suffered a “traumatic brain injury,” and had surgery, he added.

The Russian official also said that the Taganrog Art Museum was the “epicentre of the explosion” which is a few hundred metres away from the cafe, and its roof and buildings were destroyed. Additionally, a nearby three-storey residential building was also damaged due to the explosion.&nbsp;

Images and videos from the site of the blast show rubble and a damaged building with multiple emergency service personnel present. Ukraine is yet to comment on the incident and respond to the allegations but it rarely addresses attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory.

<h2>Second Ukrainian missile near Azov</h2>

It was not long after the first alleged attack was reported by the Russian military that it claimed to have shot another Ukrainian missile over the southwestern part of the country, but this time the debris reportedly fell in a “deserted area.”&nbsp;

“Russian air defence systems intercepted a Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov in the Rostov region. Fragments of the downed Ukrainian missile fell in a deserted area,” said the defence ministry.

<h2>Another blast reported in Samara</h2>

In a separate incident, Member of parliament Alexander Khinshtein reported an explosion at a refinery owned by Rosneft in Russia’s Samara region which appeared to have been caused by a bomb.

“Fortunately there is no serious damage and no casualties,” said the Russian official on Telegram.&nbsp;

Russian state media had earlier&nbsp;reported&nbsp;that a person believed to have been responsible for the Samara blast has been arrested.&nbsp;RIA news agency, citing Rosneft, said the incident occurred at a non-operational old building and that no one was injured and no equipment was damaged.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Russian military claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles, on Friday (July 28), over the southwestern city of Taganrog near the border with Ukraine and a second one near the city of Azov.

The Russian military claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles, on Friday (July 28), over the southwestern city of Taganrog near the border with Ukraine and a second one near the city of Azov. Over a dozen people were reported injured in Taganrog, said the regional governor, which Moscow claimed was after it intercepted a missile over the city. Over a dozen injured in Taganrog Addressing the incident, the Russian defence ministry said, it was the fragments of the Ukrainian missile that injured civilians and damaged buildings in the city of Taganrog. “Russian air defence equipment detected the Ukrainian missile and intercepted it in the air. The debris of the downed Ukrainian missile fell on the territory of Taganrog,” claimed the Russian military. It also alleged that the modified “Soviet-made S-200 missile” was aimed at the “residential infrastructure” of the city which is 40 kilometres from the border with Ukraine and home to around 250,000 people. Rostov region governor Vasily Golubev reported that some 12 people suffered “light injuries” due to the blast which took place near the “Chekhov Garden” cafe in the centre of the city. He had previously also said that the “rescuers are at the scene. There are no dead. There are several injured to whom ambulances have been dispatched.” Nine people have been taken to the hospital, said Golubev. One of the victims suffered a “traumatic brain injury,” and had surgery, he added. The Russian official also said that the Taganrog Art Museum was the “epicentre of the explosion” which is a few hundred metres away from the cafe, and its roof and buildings were destroyed. Additionally, a nearby three-storey residential building was also damaged due to the explosion. Images and videos from the site of the blast show rubble and a damaged building with multiple emergency service personnel present. Ukraine is yet to comment on the incident and respond to the allegations but it rarely addresses attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory. Second Ukrainian missile near Azov It was not long after the first alleged attack was reported by the Russian military that it claimed to have shot another Ukrainian missile over the southwestern part of the country, but this time the debris reportedly fell in a “deserted area.” “Russian air defence systems intercepted a Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov in the Rostov region. Fragments of the downed Ukrainian missile fell in a deserted area,” said the defence ministry. Another blast reported in Samara In a separate incident, Member of parliament Alexander Khinshtein reported an explosion at a refinery owned by Rosneft in Russia’s Samara region which appeared to have been caused by a bomb. “Fortunately there is no serious damage and no casualties,” said the Russian official on Telegram. Russian state media had earlier reported that a person believed to have been responsible for the Samara blast has been arrested. RIA news agency, citing Rosneft, said the incident occurred at a non-operational old building and that no one was injured and no equipment was damaged. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (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.

Moscow claims to have shot down Ukrainian missiles over Russian cities Taganrog, Azov

russia-0

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

russia 0