A prominent Russian journalist and a lawyer were attacked by armed masked men in the Russian region of Chechnya, early Tuesday (July 4), said the journalist’s employer and rights groups. At the time of the attack, Yelena Milashina, accompanied by a lawyer, was travelling to the Chechen capital Grozny from the local airport to attend a court hearing in the morning when their&nbsp;car was forced to stop.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the incident?</h2>

The attack occurred when Yelena Milashina, an award-winning Russian investigative journalist working for the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, was travelling to the Chechen capital city along with Alexander Nemov, a lawyer, for a court hearing from the local airport.&nbsp;

The court hearing was reportedly related to a case of a woman who they believe was being unjustly persecuted. According to the Russian journalist’s employer, Novaya Gazeta, which is said to be a prominent independent publication in Moscow, Milashina and Nemov are in a hospital in Grozny.&nbsp;

“It was a classic kidnapping...They pinned (our driver) down, threw him out of his car, got in, bent our heads down, tied my hands, knelt me down there, and put a gun to my head,” Milashina told Mansur Soltayev, a Chechen human rights official, in a hospital at Grozny, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Memorial, a human rights group, which is banned in Russia, released a statement on Telegram and said that Milashina and Nemov were “brutally kicked, including in the face, received death threats and were threatened with a gun to the head.”&nbsp;

It added, “Their equipment was taken away and smashed. While being beaten, they were told: ‘You have been warned. Get out of here and don’t write anything’”.

<h2>What was the court hearing in Grozny about?</h2>

The Russian media outlet said&nbsp;that the duo were on their way to attend the sentencing of Zarema Musayeva who is the mother of three exiles who had been critical of the Head of the Chechen republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. Musayeva was detained by Chechen forces in January&nbsp;last year.&nbsp;

Musayeva, a Chechen woman was charged with assaulting a policeman and fraud. She has denied the charges. Meanwhile, critics have called it a case of revenge against her sons and husband who have since fled the country. The court found Musayeva guilty and sentenced her to five-and-a-half years in a penal colony.

<h2>The condition of the victims</h2>

Describing the victims’ injuries, the Memorial said, “Milashina’s fingers have been broken and “she is sometimes losing consciousness,” adding “She has bruises all over her body.”&nbsp;

The image of the Russian journalist released by the Committee Against Torture shows Milashina sitting on a hospital bed with her face covered in green dye, presumably thrown by the attackers, and her head shaven, also by the armed men.&nbsp;

Additionally, her left arm was covered in bandages while several of her fingers had been broken, as per reports. According to “Team against Torture”, Nemov was stabbed in the leg and cited the lawyer to claim that the masked attackers had used three cars to block their vehicle.&nbsp;

The Russian journalist and lawyer were taken to a hospital in the Chechen capital and are expected to be flown to Moscow for further treatment.

<h2>How has Russia reacted to the attack?</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday, told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been informed about what he called a “very serious attack” which will be investigated and followed by “energetic measures".

Notably, Milashina was also forced to leave Russia temporarily&nbsp;last year in February after receiving death threats from the Chechen leadership, said the Novaya Gazeta, whose licence was also revoked last year. Additionally, the Russian journalist had also been called a terrorist in a social media post by Kadyrov which prompted her employer to evacuate her from the country.&nbsp;

Milashina has been covering rights abuses in Chechnya for the Russian publication for years now, which Kadyrov has denied.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A prominent Russian journalist and a lawyer were attacked by armed masked men in the Russian region of Chechnya, early Tuesday (July 4), said the journalist’s employer and rights groups.

A prominent Russian journalist and a lawyer were attacked by armed masked men in the Russian region of Chechnya, early Tuesday (July 4), said the journalist’s employer and rights groups. At the time of the attack, Yelena Milashina, accompanied by a lawyer, was travelling to the Chechen capital Grozny from the local airport to attend a court hearing in the morning when their car was forced to stop. What do we know about the incident? The attack occurred when Yelena Milashina, an award-winning Russian investigative journalist working for the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, was travelling to the Chechen capital city along with Alexander Nemov, a lawyer, for a court hearing from the local airport. The court hearing was reportedly related to a case of a woman who they believe was being unjustly persecuted. According to the Russian journalist’s employer, Novaya Gazeta, which is said to be a prominent independent publication in Moscow, Milashina and Nemov are in a hospital in Grozny. “It was a classic kidnapping...They pinned (our driver) down, threw him out of his car, got in, bent our heads down, tied my hands, knelt me down there, and put a gun to my head,” Milashina told Mansur Soltayev, a Chechen human rights official, in a hospital at Grozny, as quoted by Reuters. Memorial, a human rights group, which is banned in Russia, released a statement on Telegram and said that Milashina and Nemov were “brutally kicked, including in the face, received death threats and were threatened with a gun to the head.” It added, “Their equipment was taken away and smashed. While being beaten, they were told: ‘You have been warned. Get out of here and don’t write anything’”. What was the court hearing in Grozny about? The Russian media outlet said that the duo were on their way to attend the sentencing of Zarema Musayeva who is the mother of three exiles who had been critical of the Head of the Chechen republic, Ramzan Kadyrov. Musayeva was detained by Chechen forces in January last year. Musayeva, a Chechen woman was charged with assaulting a policeman and fraud. She has denied the charges. Meanwhile, critics have called it a case of revenge against her sons and husband who have since fled the country. The court found Musayeva guilty and sentenced her to five-and-a-half years in a penal colony. The condition of the victims Describing the victims’ injuries, the Memorial said, “Milashina’s fingers have been broken and “she is sometimes losing consciousness,” adding “She has bruises all over her body.” The image of the Russian journalist released by the Committee Against Torture shows Milashina sitting on a hospital bed with her face covered in green dye, presumably thrown by the attackers, and her head shaven, also by the armed men. Additionally, her left arm was covered in bandages while several of her fingers had been broken, as per reports. According to “Team against Torture”, Nemov was stabbed in the leg and cited the lawyer to claim that the masked attackers had used three cars to block their vehicle. The Russian journalist and lawyer were taken to a hospital in the Chechen capital and are expected to be flown to Moscow for further treatment. How has Russia reacted to the attack? Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday, told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been informed about what he called a “very serious attack” which will be investigated and followed by “energetic measures". Notably, Milashina was also forced to leave Russia temporarily last year in February after receiving death threats from the Chechen leadership, said the Novaya Gazeta, whose licence was also revoked last year. Additionally, the Russian journalist had also been called a terrorist in a social media post by Kadyrov which prompted her employer to evacuate her from the country. Milashina has been covering rights abuses in Chechnya for the Russian publication for years now, which Kadyrov has denied. (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.

Prominent Russian journalist and lawyer ‘brutally’ attacked in Chechnya

Several Arabic media outlets, over the weekend, reported that Russian military forces raided Russia’s Wagner mercenary group’s offices in Syria and even detained some fighters. This comes after the Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his&nbsp;men said that they had gained control over the Russian city of Rostov and his army continued to ‘march’ towards the capital, Moscow.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the raids?</h2>

According to a report by Saudi Arabia TV news channel Al-Hadath, last week, Russian military police allegedly arrested the head of the Wagner unit in As Suwayda, southern Syria and three “high-ranking commanders” at the Khmeimim Air Base.&nbsp;

The media report also alleged that it was a joint raid conducted by Russian military police and Syrian intelligence who also launched an arrest campaign against the Wagner group in Syria, on Friday evening (June 23). On the same day, Prigozhin’s armed forces declared to have gained control over the Russian city and marched towards Moscow.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-issues-arrest-warrant-against-wagner-chief-after-his-call-for-mutiny-608089">Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny</a>

The Saudi news channel also reported that the police visited Wagner offices in multiple Syrian cities, including Deir ez-Zur, Hama, and Damascus. The Russian intervention in Syria began in 2015 and has since helped tip the scales in Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s favour.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Assad also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and said that he supported Russia’s war in Ukraine and recognises territories claimed by Russia in Ukraine. Syria would also welcome more Russian forces and new military bases which need not be temporary, the Syrian president told the Russian media.

<h2>Wagner leaders, fighters in Syria arrested?</h2>

Al-Hadath also reported that Wagner leaders, including recruiters and fighters, were rounded up amid raids in the three previously mentioned cities and Russian forces allegedly arrested three Wagner officers, one of whom is a lieutenant colonel.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-russia-weak-after-a-wagner-mutiny-611131">&nbsp;Is Russia weak after a Wagner Mutiny?</a>

According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergey Vershinin over the weekend also visited Damascus and urged Assad to not let any Wagner fighters leave Syria without Moscow’s permission.&nbsp;

The arrests were also confirmed by a Pentagon official in Washington and the German defence official, reported Sky News Arabia.

<h2>What did Wagner say about the alleged raids?</h2>

Media reports citing Telegram channels close to Wagner have since denied the reports of detention but did not deny reports of its offices being raided. Reports about the detention of fighters in Syria were “not true,” said a Telegram channel named ‘Orchestra Wagner’ which is said to be linked to the paramilitary group.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-treason-putin-appeals-for-unity-calls-wagner-mutiny-deadly-threat-to-russia-608154">'This is treason': Putin appeals for 'unity', calls Wagner mutiny 'deadly threat' to Russia</a>

Meanwhile, an Istanbul-based Syrian analyst, Waiel Olwan, told Al-Hadath channel that the Russian military conducted the raids as a “precautionary measure,” and has also allegedly put Wagner’s members under house arrest at the Khmeimim Air Base, reported the London-based media outlet Middle East Eye.&nbsp;

Olwan also reportedly said that while the Prigozhin had announced its march to Moscow, Wagner fighters did not rebel against Russian forces in Syria and even took orders from them.&nbsp; 
 
 
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Several Arabic media outlets, over the weekend, reported that Russian military forces raided Russia’s Wagner mercenary group’s offices in Syria and even detained some fighters.

Several Arabic media outlets, over the weekend, reported that Russian military forces raided Russia’s Wagner mercenary group’s offices in Syria and even detained some fighters. This comes after the Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his men said that they had gained control over the Russian city of Rostov and his army continued to ‘march’ towards the capital, Moscow. What do we know about the raids? According to a report by Saudi Arabia TV news channel Al-Hadath, last week, Russian military police allegedly arrested the head of the Wagner unit in As Suwayda, southern Syria and three “high-ranking commanders” at the Khmeimim Air Base. The media report also alleged that it was a joint raid conducted by Russian military police and Syrian intelligence who also launched an arrest campaign against the Wagner group in Syria, on Friday evening (June 23). On the same day, Prigozhin’s armed forces declared to have gained control over the Russian city and marched towards Moscow. ALSO READ | Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny The Saudi news channel also reported that the police visited Wagner offices in multiple Syrian cities, including Deir ez-Zur, Hama, and Damascus. The Russian intervention in Syria began in 2015 and has since helped tip the scales in Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s favour. Earlier this year, Assad also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and said that he supported Russia’s war in Ukraine and recognises territories claimed by Russia in Ukraine. Syria would also welcome more Russian forces and new military bases which need not be temporary, the Syrian president told the Russian media. Wagner leaders, fighters in Syria arrested? Al-Hadath also reported that Wagner leaders, including recruiters and fighters, were rounded up amid raids in the three previously mentioned cities and Russian forces allegedly arrested three Wagner officers, one of whom is a lieutenant colonel. ALSO WATCH | Is Russia weak after a Wagner Mutiny? According to a report by Wall Street Journal, Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergey Vershinin over the weekend also visited Damascus and urged Assad to not let any Wagner fighters leave Syria without Moscow’s permission. The arrests were also confirmed by a Pentagon official in Washington and the German defence official, reported Sky News Arabia. What did Wagner say about the alleged raids? Media reports citing Telegram channels close to Wagner have since denied the reports of detention but did not deny reports of its offices being raided. Reports about the detention of fighters in Syria were “not true,” said a Telegram channel named ‘Orchestra Wagner’ which is said to be linked to the paramilitary group. ALSO READ | 'This is treason': Putin appeals for 'unity', calls Wagner mutiny 'deadly threat' to Russia Meanwhile, an Istanbul-based Syrian analyst, Waiel Olwan, told Al-Hadath channel that the Russian military conducted the raids as a “precautionary measure,” and has also allegedly put Wagner’s members under house arrest at the Khmeimim Air Base, reported the London-based media outlet Middle East Eye. Olwan also reportedly said that while the Prigozhin had announced its march to Moscow, Wagner fighters did not rebel against Russian forces in Syria and even took orders from them. 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 military raided Wagner bases in Syria, detained fighters and leaders: Reports

China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. Whereas, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank. Development of infrastructure has been increased from both sides. On the other hand, Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency.

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Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides.&nbsp;Diplomatic talks keep happening from time to time to pacify the situation but tension continues to simmer as it emerged that there has been increased activity in the area around the Pangong Tso.&nbsp;

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Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency.

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India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi said that Russia's enhanced volumes of trade with Asian economies is because of the Ukraine conflict as the Western countries began closing their trade routes to Russia after that. Jaishankar also informed reporters in a separate comment that New Delhi has requested partner countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia not to give space to the Khalistani separatists.&nbsp;

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An explosion was heard in a building in Shimbashi district of central Tokyo on Monday (July 3). Media footage showed flames and smoke emerging from a second-floor business. The city's fire department has said that four people have been injured.

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England and Australia produced another thrilling clash in Ashes 2023 as Pat Cummins &amp; Co. won the second Test, at Lord's, on Day 5 by 43 runs in defence of 371. Resuming Day 5, English duo captain Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett (83) started positively before the latter fell and Australia dismissed Jonny Bairstow for cheap (10).

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Warner Bros' highly-anticipated movie Barbie has been banned by the Vietnamese government over a scene featuring a map that shows China's unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea. The map depicts the controversial nine-dash line, which was repudiated in an international arbitration ruling by a court in The Hague in 2016. China refuses to recognise the ruling.

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New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics.

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Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mayors-call-for-anti-riot-rally-amid-relative-calm-lower-arrests-611421">France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, lower arrests</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/03/364113-wion-images-2023-07-03t164756997.png?imwidth=1920" />

Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes as the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-israeli-military-operation-targets-palestinian-jenin-camp-in-west-bank-611307">Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/24/361979-the-battle-for-kyiv-6.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. Whereas, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank.

China has amped up activities to complete a bridge across the Pangong Tso, which will connect the north and south banks. Whereas, India is constructing a road on its side on the north bank. Development of infrastructure has been increased from both sides. On the other hand, Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency. Click on the headlines to read more: India and China increase infrastructure near Pangong Tso lake: Report Ties between India and China worsened since the 2020 Galwan clashes when in the month of May, troops of both nations engaged in aggressive face-offs resulting in the deaths of soldiers on both sides. Diplomatic talks keep happening from time to time to pacify the situation but tension continues to simmer as it emerged that there has been increased activity in the area around the Pangong Tso. Russia detains a man it says Ukraine sent to assassinate Crimea's head Russia has accused Ukraine of pushing forward an assassination attempt on the head of what it deems as the 'Republic of Crimea', Sergei Akysonov. The said assassination attempt was thwarted, Moscow's intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB) told the state-run TASS agency. India's foreign minister Jaishankar flags Khalistani extremism to Canada, UK before propaganda rally India's foreign minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi said that Russia's enhanced volumes of trade with Asian economies is because of the Ukraine conflict as the Western countries began closing their trade routes to Russia after that. Jaishankar also informed reporters in a separate comment that New Delhi has requested partner countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia not to give space to the Khalistani separatists. Explosion in central Tokyo building, cause yet unknown An explosion was heard in a building in Shimbashi district of central Tokyo on Monday (July 3). Media footage showed flames and smoke emerging from a second-floor business. The city's fire department has said that four people have been injured. Underarm bowling on cards? Pat Cummins gives EPIC reply to English journalist after Lord's Test drama England and Australia produced another thrilling clash in Ashes 2023 as Pat Cummins & Co. won the second Test, at Lord's, on Day 5 by 43 runs in defence of 371. Resuming Day 5, English duo captain Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett (83) started positively before the latter fell and Australia dismissed Jonny Bairstow for cheap (10). Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling's Barbie film banned in Vietnam over South China Sea map Warner Bros' highly-anticipated movie Barbie has been banned by the Vietnamese government over a scene featuring a map that shows China's unilaterally claimed territory in the South China Sea. The map depicts the controversial nine-dash line, which was repudiated in an international arbitration ruling by a court in The Hague in 2016. China refuses to recognise the ruling. New Zealand takes lead in plastic bag ban, expands restrictions to thin bags New Zealand has set a groundbreaking precedent by becoming the first country in the world to extend its ban on plastic bags in supermarkets to include thin bags typically used for holding fruits and vegetables. This move, which came into effect on Saturday, marks a significant stride in the government's broader campaign against single-use plastics. Ukraine says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. France: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, lower arrests Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes as the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed. Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports.

Top 10 world news: Russia accuses Ukraine of assassination attempt, Jaishankar flags extremism, & more

Siberian locals discovered a prehistoric lair of cave hyenas, which palaeontologists believe is the largest ancient hyena lair ever found in Asia. The cave in question is located in Khakassia, the Russian Republic located in southern Siberia, and contained bones of both predators and prey which date back to the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago).

What did the palaeontologists find?

The locals had discovered the cave five years before the scientists could make their way there given the remoteness of the area and were unable to fully explore and examine the remains until last year. Researchers believe that it was a lair of cave hyenas for a long time and probably the largest one in Asia.&nbsp;

The cave contained around 400 kilogrammes of bones from both predator and prey animals – brown bears, wolves, rhinos, yaks, deer, bison, horses, rodents, birds, fish, and so on – dating back thousands of years. The site is said to be untouched for nearly 42,000 years. The bones have since been sent to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg for further analysis. 
 
Why cave hyenas?

A translated version of the statement released by the Russian institute, V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, said that palaeontologists also found two complete cave hyena skulls and suspect this is where they raised their cubs.&nbsp;

The researchers speculate that hyenas lived in the cave since the bones found had gnaw marks consistent with hyena teeth. Additionally, they also found bones of hyena pups which are also unusually intact after this long, considering their fragility which indicated that they were raised inside the cave.

“We even found a whole skull of a young (hyena), many lower jaws and milk teeth,” Dmitry Gimranov, senior researcher at the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said in a statement. The palaeontologists also found multiple whole skulls of young hyenas which could help them understand how their cubs grew, what they ate, and more.&nbsp;

He also spoke about how there is a similar one in Russia which was excavated at the end of the Soviet era but even there they did not find “so many remains of hyenas” or complete skulls.&nbsp;

“We already have two whole skulls - this is a very big rarity,” said Gimranov. He added, “In addition, we came across a series of bones in anatomical order. For example, in rhinos, the ulna and radius bones are together. This suggests that the hyenas dragged parts of the carcasses into the lair.”&nbsp; 
 
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Siberian locals discovered a prehistoric lair of cave hyenas, which palaeontologists believe is the largest ancient hyena lair ever found in Asia. The cave in question is located in Khakassia, the Russian Republic located in southern Siberia, and contained bones of both predators and prey which date back to the Pleistocene epoch (2.

Siberian locals discovered a prehistoric lair of cave hyenas, which palaeontologists believe is the largest ancient hyena lair ever found in Asia. The cave in question is located in Khakassia, the Russian Republic located in southern Siberia, and contained bones of both predators and prey which date back to the Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago). What did the palaeontologists find? The locals had discovered the cave five years before the scientists could make their way there given the remoteness of the area and were unable to fully explore and examine the remains until last year. Researchers believe that it was a lair of cave hyenas for a long time and probably the largest one in Asia. The cave contained around 400 kilogrammes of bones from both predator and prey animals – brown bears, wolves, rhinos, yaks, deer, bison, horses, rodents, birds, fish, and so on – dating back thousands of years. The site is said to be untouched for nearly 42,000 years. The bones have since been sent to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg for further analysis. Why cave hyenas? A translated version of the statement released by the Russian institute, V. S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, said that palaeontologists also found two complete cave hyena skulls and suspect this is where they raised their cubs. The researchers speculate that hyenas lived in the cave since the bones found had gnaw marks consistent with hyena teeth. Additionally, they also found bones of hyena pups which are also unusually intact after this long, considering their fragility which indicated that they were raised inside the cave. “We even found a whole skull of a young (hyena), many lower jaws and milk teeth,” Dmitry Gimranov, senior researcher at the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said in a statement. The palaeontologists also found multiple whole skulls of young hyenas which could help them understand how their cubs grew, what they ate, and more. He also spoke about how there is a similar one in Russia which was excavated at the end of the Soviet era but even there they did not find “so many remains of hyenas” or complete skulls. “We already have two whole skulls - this is a very big rarity,” said Gimranov. He added, “In addition, we came across a series of bones in anatomical order. For example, in rhinos, the ulna and radius bones are together. This suggests that the hyenas dragged parts of the carcasses into the lair.” 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.

Palaeontologists find over 42,000-year-old Asia’s largest lair for cave hyena

British media reports citing officials in Ukraine, on Sunday (July 2) reported that eight Hurricane fighter planes dating back to World War Two from the United Kingdom were found in a forest near Kyiv. The National Aviation Museum of Ukraine began excavations after a World War II-era bomb was discovered near Kyiv which prompted the local authorities to check the entire ravine with metal detectors when they stumbled upon the remains of the aircraft.&nbsp;

<h2>About the discovery</h2>

The remnants of the aircraft were found near an unexploded bomb dating back to the same conflict, in the forest south of Kyiv which until 1991 was a part of the USSR. “It is very rare to find this aircraft in Ukraine,” said Oleks Shtan, a former airline pilot who is leading the excavation, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It’s very important for our aviation history because no lend-lease aircraft have been found here before.”&nbsp; 
 
The British Hurricane fighter jets were sent as&nbsp;part of a package of Allied military support for the USSR by Britain after the invasion by Nazi Germany in 1941, and paid for by the United States under the so-called lend-lease scheme. Notably, Washington is currently using similar legislation to send military aid to Kyiv amid its conflict with Moscow.&nbsp;

The discovery is said to be unique since Hawker Hurricanes are rarely found in Ukraine. According to historians, some of these aircraft were purposely broken and buried by the Soviets so that they did not have to pay back the US as a part of the legislation requiring the USSR to pay for donated military equipment that remained intact.

<h2>What is the Hawker Hurricane fighter jet?</h2>

“The Hurricane was a strong, easy to fly machine,” said Shtan, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It was stable as a gun platform and suitable for inexperienced pilots. A reliable aircraft.” It is also reported that the rusty remains of the aircraft had been stripped of its valuable components like radios and machine guns as well as any useful scrap metal.&nbsp;

The Hawker Hurricane is said to be key in the Battle of Britain and shot down more than half of the enemy aircraft when Nazi Germany attempted to invade the UK. While its role was overshadowed by the Spitfire plane, Hurricane’s role was seen as significant in 1940.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per British media reports, a total of 3,000 Hurricanes were sent to the USSR between 1941 and 1944 to support their war efforts. However, most of them were destroyed in combat or dismantled later for parts. The &nbsp;National Aviation Museum of Ukraine aims to reassemble the Hurricanes fighter jets found and put them on display.

“The Hurricanes are a symbol of British assistance during the years of the Second World War, just as we are very appreciative of British assistance nowadays,” said the head of research at the museum, Valerii Romanenko, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “The UK is one of the largest suppliers of military equipment to our country now.”

He also spoke about how even in 1941, Britain was the first one to supply fighter aircraft to the Soviet Union on a mass scale and currently the UK is the first country to provide Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Ukrainian forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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British media reports citing officials in Ukraine, on Sunday (July 2) reported that eight Hurricane fighter planes dating back to World War Two from the United Kingdom were found in a forest near Kyiv.

British media reports citing officials in Ukraine, on Sunday (July 2) reported that eight Hurricane fighter planes dating back to World War Two from the United Kingdom were found in a forest near Kyiv. The National Aviation Museum of Ukraine began excavations after a World War II-era bomb was discovered near Kyiv which prompted the local authorities to check the entire ravine with metal detectors when they stumbled upon the remains of the aircraft. About the discovery The remnants of the aircraft were found near an unexploded bomb dating back to the same conflict, in the forest south of Kyiv which until 1991 was a part of the USSR. “It is very rare to find this aircraft in Ukraine,” said Oleks Shtan, a former airline pilot who is leading the excavation, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It’s very important for our aviation history because no lend-lease aircraft have been found here before.” The British Hurricane fighter jets were sent as part of a package of Allied military support for the USSR by Britain after the invasion by Nazi Germany in 1941, and paid for by the United States under the so-called lend-lease scheme. Notably, Washington is currently using similar legislation to send military aid to Kyiv amid its conflict with Moscow. The discovery is said to be unique since Hawker Hurricanes are rarely found in Ukraine. According to historians, some of these aircraft were purposely broken and buried by the Soviets so that they did not have to pay back the US as a part of the legislation requiring the USSR to pay for donated military equipment that remained intact. What is the Hawker Hurricane fighter jet? “The Hurricane was a strong, easy to fly machine,” said Shtan, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “It was stable as a gun platform and suitable for inexperienced pilots. A reliable aircraft.” It is also reported that the rusty remains of the aircraft had been stripped of its valuable components like radios and machine guns as well as any useful scrap metal. The Hawker Hurricane is said to be key in the Battle of Britain and shot down more than half of the enemy aircraft when Nazi Germany attempted to invade the UK. While its role was overshadowed by the Spitfire plane, Hurricane’s role was seen as significant in 1940. As per British media reports, a total of 3,000 Hurricanes were sent to the USSR between 1941 and 1944 to support their war efforts. However, most of them were destroyed in combat or dismantled later for parts. The National Aviation Museum of Ukraine aims to reassemble the Hurricanes fighter jets found and put them on display. “The Hurricanes are a symbol of British assistance during the years of the Second World War, just as we are very appreciative of British assistance nowadays,” said the head of research at the museum, Valerii Romanenko, as quoted by the BBC. He added, “The UK is one of the largest suppliers of military equipment to our country now.” He also spoke about how even in 1941, Britain was the first one to supply fighter aircraft to the Soviet Union on a mass scale and currently the UK is the first country to provide Storm Shadow cruise missiles to the Ukrainian forces. 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.

‘Very rare’: Ukraine finds remnants of British WWII Hurricane fighter planes outside Kyiv

An overnight drone attack was launched by Russia on Kyiv after a 12-day break, confirmed a Ukrainian military official on Sunday, with all targets being destroyed by air defence systems preliminarily on their approach. 
 
"Another enemy attack on Kyiv," said Serhiy Popko, a colonel general who heads Kyiv's military administration, in a post on the Telegram channel. "At this moment, there is no information about possible casualties or damage,” he added. 
 
As reported by Reuters, blasts which resembled the sound of targets being hit by air defence systems, were heard by its correspondents. Various regions of Kyiv and a number of eastern and central regions of Ukraine were under air raid alerts for around an hour after 2 am&nbsp;local time (2300 GMT).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-demands-ukraine-receive-invitation-to-join-nato-once-war-ends-610932">Zelensky demands Ukraine receive invitation to join NATO once war ends</a>

No immediate information was available about the scale of the attack. This comes a day after Ukrainian officials confirmed more civilian casualties due to shelling by Russia in the country’s eastern and southern regions. 
 
In the Donetsk region's eastern front line, at least three civilians lost their lives and 17 others were wounded on Friday and Saturday overnight, stated Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.

<h2 lang="en-US">Fierce clashes continue</h2>

The Ukrainian General Staff reported about the continuation of fierce clashes in three areas of Donetsk where it stated Russia has amassed troops and was trying to advance. The outskirts of three cities - Marinka, Lyman and Bakhmut – were named front-line hot spots. 
 
In the southern Kherson region of Ukraine, five people, which included a child, suffered injuries on Friday as well as in overnight attacks, as stated by Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. 
 
He stated that 82 artillery, drone, mortar shell and rocket attacks were launched by the Russian forces on the province, which has been divided into two by a stretch of the 1,500km (930 miles) front line and still faces flooding that occurred after Dnipro River dam's collapse.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine counter-offensive will be long and bloody, says US Gen Mark Milley

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Meanwhile, in the northwest of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;held talks with the top military command of the country and atomic energy officials at the Rivne nuclear power plant to discuss “the security of our northern regions and our measures to strengthen them”. 
 
The trip of Zelensky to Rivne was a rare journey taken by the Ukrainian leader to a region which is comparatively far from the fighting. 
 
However, it is near the border with Belarus, where Wagner mercenaries of Russia have a deal to go after their aborted uprising. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky also warned that a “serious threat” remained at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russia in Ukraine’s south and said Russia was “technically ready” to provoke a localised explosion at the facility.

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An overnight drone attack was launched by Russia on Kyiv after a 12-day break, confirmed a Ukrainian military official on Sunday, with all targets being destroyed by air defence systems preliminarily on their approach.

An overnight drone attack was launched by Russia on Kyiv after a 12-day break, confirmed a Ukrainian military official on Sunday, with all targets being destroyed by air defence systems preliminarily on their approach. "Another enemy attack on Kyiv," said Serhiy Popko, a colonel general who heads Kyiv's military administration, in a post on the Telegram channel. "At this moment, there is no information about possible casualties or damage,” he added. As reported by Reuters, blasts which resembled the sound of targets being hit by air defence systems, were heard by its correspondents. Various regions of Kyiv and a number of eastern and central regions of Ukraine were under air raid alerts for around an hour after 2 am local time (2300 GMT). ALSO READ | Zelensky demands Ukraine receive invitation to join NATO once war ends No immediate information was available about the scale of the attack. This comes a day after Ukrainian officials confirmed more civilian casualties due to shelling by Russia in the country’s eastern and southern regions. In the Donetsk region's eastern front line, at least three civilians lost their lives and 17 others were wounded on Friday and Saturday overnight, stated Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko. Fierce clashes continue The Ukrainian General Staff reported about the continuation of fierce clashes in three areas of Donetsk where it stated Russia has amassed troops and was trying to advance. The outskirts of three cities - Marinka, Lyman and Bakhmut – were named front-line hot spots. In the southern Kherson region of Ukraine, five people, which included a child, suffered injuries on Friday as well as in overnight attacks, as stated by Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. He stated that 82 artillery, drone, mortar shell and rocket attacks were launched by the Russian forces on the province, which has been divided into two by a stretch of the 1,500km (930 miles) front line and still faces flooding that occurred after Dnipro River dam's collapse. WATCH | Ukraine counter-offensive will be long and bloody, says US Gen Mark Milley Meanwhile, in the northwest of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with the top military command of the country and atomic energy officials at the Rivne nuclear power plant to discuss “the security of our northern regions and our measures to strengthen them”. The trip of Zelensky to Rivne was a rare journey taken by the Ukrainian leader to a region which is comparatively far from the fighting. However, it is near the border with Belarus, where Wagner mercenaries of Russia have a deal to go after their aborted uprising. Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky also warned that a “serious threat” remained at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is occupied by Russia in Ukraine’s south and said Russia was “technically ready” to provoke a localised explosion at the facility. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine faces first overnight drone attack by Russia in 12 days

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has asked Wagner Group mercenaries to the military of his country, in a new twist to the armed group's journey from Russia's pillar in the Ukraine war to the rebelled group and finally a unit exiled to Minsk, an ally of Moscow. 
 
According to state news agency Belta, Lukashenko said, “Unfortunately, they (Wagner mercenaries) are not here. “And if their instructors, as I already told them, come and pass on combat experience to us, we will accept this experience.” 
 
The proposal of Lukashenko comes just a week after he was given the credit for defusing Wagner forces' armed insurrection against Moscow. In a shocking series of events which seemed to threaten the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin in decades, Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had marched towards Moscow along with his forces and taken control of military facilities in two cities of Russia.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-orders-tighter-security-at-ukraine-belarus-border-after-arrival-of-wagner-fighters-610721">Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters</a>

The crisis came to an end after Lukashenko successfully brokered a deal according to which Prigozhin had to move to Belarus. In the same deal, Wagner troops were given the option to either go to Belarus, sign up with the Russian military or law enforcement agencies, or go back to their family and friends. 
 
Lukashenko, in his speech, said that he did not fear the members of the Wagner Group and had “known them for a long time.” “These are people who fought all over the world to establish a normal civilisation. The West hates them to the core,” he added. 
 
He further warned a “world-scale military-political crisis unprecedented in the history of mankind” was brewing, and slammed the West for not understanding the need for dialogue to resolve the situation.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Russia's Wagner group setting up a secret training base in Belarus?

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The European Union and the United States were accused of “arming Poland at an accelerated pace” and claimed that the West was making Poland into “a proxy training ground” to use against Russia and Belarus. 
 
“Thus, another hotbed of tension is being created, another stronghold is being created for the aggression of the most aggressive country in the world and, unfortunately, the most powerful – the United States,” he stated.

<h2 lang="en-US">CIA director meets Zelensky</h2>

Recently, CIA Director William Burns visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian intelligence officials, as per a US official. 
 
Speaking to CNN, the official said, “Director Burns recently travelled to Ukraine, as he has done regularly since the beginning of Russia’s recent aggression more than a year ago. As with other trips, the director met with his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts and President Zelensky, reaffirming the US commitment to sharing intelligence to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression.” 
 
He noted that Director Burns had travelled to Kyiv before the rebellion of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has asked Wagner Group mercenaries to the military of his country, in a new twist to the armed group's journey from Russia's pillar in the Ukraine war to the rebelled group and finally a unit exiled to Minsk, an ally of Moscow.

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko has asked Wagner Group mercenaries to the military of his country, in a new twist to the armed group's journey from Russia's pillar in the Ukraine war to the rebelled group and finally a unit exiled to Minsk, an ally of Moscow. According to state news agency Belta, Lukashenko said, “Unfortunately, they (Wagner mercenaries) are not here. “And if their instructors, as I already told them, come and pass on combat experience to us, we will accept this experience.” The proposal of Lukashenko comes just a week after he was given the credit for defusing Wagner forces' armed insurrection against Moscow. In a shocking series of events which seemed to threaten the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin in decades, Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had marched towards Moscow along with his forces and taken control of military facilities in two cities of Russia. ALSO READ | Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters The crisis came to an end after Lukashenko successfully brokered a deal according to which Prigozhin had to move to Belarus. In the same deal, Wagner troops were given the option to either go to Belarus, sign up with the Russian military or law enforcement agencies, or go back to their family and friends. Lukashenko, in his speech, said that he did not fear the members of the Wagner Group and had “known them for a long time.” “These are people who fought all over the world to establish a normal civilisation. The West hates them to the core,” he added. He further warned a “world-scale military-political crisis unprecedented in the history of mankind” was brewing, and slammed the West for not understanding the need for dialogue to resolve the situation. WATCH | Gravitas: Is Russia's Wagner group setting up a secret training base in Belarus? The European Union and the United States were accused of “arming Poland at an accelerated pace” and claimed that the West was making Poland into “a proxy training ground” to use against Russia and Belarus. “Thus, another hotbed of tension is being created, another stronghold is being created for the aggression of the most aggressive country in the world and, unfortunately, the most powerful – the United States,” he stated. CIA director meets Zelensky Recently, CIA Director William Burns visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian intelligence officials, as per a US official. Speaking to CNN, the official said, “Director Burns recently travelled to Ukraine, as he has done regularly since the beginning of Russia’s recent aggression more than a year ago. As with other trips, the director met with his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts and President Zelensky, reaffirming the US commitment to sharing intelligence to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression.” He noted that Director Burns had travelled to Kyiv before the rebellion of Yevgeny Prigozhin. (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

Belarusian President Lukashenko asks Wagner army to train his military

Member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have tentatively agreed to ask Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to continue to remain chief of the 31-member transatlantic alliance, Associated Press reported citing US officials familiar with the decision. The member states have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to ask Stoltenberg to extend his tenure by one year.

NATO is soon to hold its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The summit will be held on July 11-12. AP reported that it had been conveyed to Stoltenberg by US President Joe Biden that it was difficult to reach a consensus on picking a new leader.&nbsp;

Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian PM, has been at the helm of NATO since 2014. His term was set to expire last year, but it was extended for a second time after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic Senator from New Hampshire, who is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is leading a delegation to Vilnius next month. She told AP in an interview that she expected Stoltenberg's term to be extended and called it "very good news for NATO and for the allies."

“I think Stoltenberg has proved to be critical as the challenges to NATO have unfolded over the last couple of years,” Shaheen said. “He’s been very adept at working with all the NATO countries and I think any time we’re in the middle of a crisis — as we are now with what’s happening in the war in Ukraine — being able to maintain that kind of stability and leadership that he’s provided is really critical.”

Biden has already told Stoltenberg that he would welcome any development that sees the latter being NATO chief for a longer time.&nbsp;

NATO leaders have now reportedly agreed with Biden's sentiment that Stoltenberg should stick around for more time especially as no end to the Ukraine war is in sight and Sweden's inclusion in the bloc is still an uncertainty.

Douglas Lute, who served as US ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama, said extending Stoltenberg’s tenure offers NATO the path of least resistance.

“What the alliance does not need right now is a lack of solidarity over who to succeed him,” Lute said. “The simplest thing is for him to be extended.”

Lute was quoted by AP.

<h2>Other candidates</h2>

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was considered to be a favourite after a meeting with Biden recently. NATO has been keen to name a woman to the top post.&nbsp;

However, Frederiksen has publicly said that she was not seeking the job.&nbsp;

British PM Rishi Sunak has also lobbied Biden on behalf of British Defence Minister Ben Wallace.

Poland is opposed to the next secretary-general coming from a Nordic state given Stoltenberg's long tenure, AP reported citing the US official.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Stoltenberg's predecessor, is from Denmark. Poland is now reportedly lobbying that the next secretary-general of the bloc should come from a Baltic nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have tentatively agreed to ask Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to continue to remain chief of the 31-member transatlantic alliance, Associated Press reported citing US officials familiar with the decision.

Member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have tentatively agreed to ask Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to continue to remain chief of the 31-member transatlantic alliance, Associated Press reported citing US officials familiar with the decision. The member states have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to ask Stoltenberg to extend his tenure by one year. NATO is soon to hold its annual summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. The summit will be held on July 11-12. AP reported that it had been conveyed to Stoltenberg by US President Joe Biden that it was difficult to reach a consensus on picking a new leader. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian PM, has been at the helm of NATO since 2014. His term was set to expire last year, but it was extended for a second time after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democratic Senator from New Hampshire, who is a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is leading a delegation to Vilnius next month. She told AP in an interview that she expected Stoltenberg's term to be extended and called it "very good news for NATO and for the allies." “I think Stoltenberg has proved to be critical as the challenges to NATO have unfolded over the last couple of years,” Shaheen said. “He’s been very adept at working with all the NATO countries and I think any time we’re in the middle of a crisis — as we are now with what’s happening in the war in Ukraine — being able to maintain that kind of stability and leadership that he’s provided is really critical.” Biden has already told Stoltenberg that he would welcome any development that sees the latter being NATO chief for a longer time. NATO leaders have now reportedly agreed with Biden's sentiment that Stoltenberg should stick around for more time especially as no end to the Ukraine war is in sight and Sweden's inclusion in the bloc is still an uncertainty. Douglas Lute, who served as US ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama, said extending Stoltenberg’s tenure offers NATO the path of least resistance. “What the alliance does not need right now is a lack of solidarity over who to succeed him,” Lute said. “The simplest thing is for him to be extended.” Lute was quoted by AP. Other candidates Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was considered to be a favourite after a meeting with Biden recently. NATO has been keen to name a woman to the top post. However, Frederiksen has publicly said that she was not seeking the job. British PM Rishi Sunak has also lobbied Biden on behalf of British Defence Minister Ben Wallace. Poland is opposed to the next secretary-general coming from a Nordic state given Stoltenberg's long tenure, AP reported citing the US official. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Stoltenberg's predecessor, is from Denmark. Poland is now reportedly lobbying that the next secretary-general of the bloc should come from a Baltic nation. (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 ×

NATO countries open to extending Stoltenberg's tenure: Report

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday said the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner had "weakened" Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the ultimate consequences of the rebellion still remained unclear.

The revolt by the mercenary group that took place past weekend, has triggered speculations over Putin's grip on power as Moscow's war in Ukraine grinds on.&nbsp;

In his first extensive comments about the aborted rebellion, Scholz said it would "surely have long-term consequences in Russia".&nbsp;

"I do believe that he (Putin) is weakened," Scholz told public broadcaster ARD.

"It shows that the autocratic structures, the power structures, have cracks and he in no way sits as firmly in the saddle as he always claims," the German leader said.

"But I don't want to take part in speculation about how long he'll stay in office, it could be a long time or short, we don't know."&nbsp;

Scholz then added that his country and the Western allies would be keeping a close watch on further developments on this.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wished-to-wipe-out-wagner-chief-prigozhin-during-mutiny-claims-lukashenko-609677">Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko</a>

"Russia is a nuclear power, it is a very powerful country and that is why we have to watch very carefully when dangerous situations arise," he said.

<h2>Scholz reaffirms Berlin's support for Ukraine</h2>

Further reaffirming Berlin's support for Ukraine, Scholz highlighted that there could be no peace negotiations until Moscow withdrew its forces.

"Anything else would legitimise what's happened," he said. "And that is why it can't end up that the war is just frozen there where the line is between the various armies."

He said it was unclear whether the Wagner mutiny "would make it easier or harder" to end the war.

"That is why it is important for Ukraine to do its part to make it (a resolution) possible -- that is what it is trying to do with the current offensive."

Scholz said Western allies were "supporting Ukraine so it can defend itself" but stressed that "the goal of our support for Ukraine is not regime change in Russia".

On being asked about the potential risks posed by Wagner forces in Belarus, Scholz asserted that NATO would be closely monitoring the developments.

"Private armies are always threatening, even for the countries that maintain them -- Russia has now seen that," he told reporters.

Calling it a "situation that we are watching with great concern", Scholz said nevertheless that NATO was prepared to "defend every centimetre of its territory".

"At the same time, I am not currently expecting a change in the situation," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday said the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner had "weakened" Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the ultimate consequences of the rebellion still remained unclear.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday said the mutiny by mercenary group Wagner had "weakened" Russian President Vladimir Putin, but the ultimate consequences of the rebellion still remained unclear. The revolt by the mercenary group that took place past weekend, has triggered speculations over Putin's grip on power as Moscow's war in Ukraine grinds on. In his first extensive comments about the aborted rebellion, Scholz said it would "surely have long-term consequences in Russia". "I do believe that he (Putin) is weakened," Scholz told public broadcaster ARD. "It shows that the autocratic structures, the power structures, have cracks and he in no way sits as firmly in the saddle as he always claims," the German leader said. "But I don't want to take part in speculation about how long he'll stay in office, it could be a long time or short, we don't know." Scholz then added that his country and the Western allies would be keeping a close watch on further developments on this. Also read: Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko "Russia is a nuclear power, it is a very powerful country and that is why we have to watch very carefully when dangerous situations arise," he said. Scholz reaffirms Berlin's support for Ukraine Further reaffirming Berlin's support for Ukraine, Scholz highlighted that there could be no peace negotiations until Moscow withdrew its forces. "Anything else would legitimise what's happened," he said. "And that is why it can't end up that the war is just frozen there where the line is between the various armies." He said it was unclear whether the Wagner mutiny "would make it easier or harder" to end the war. "That is why it is important for Ukraine to do its part to make it (a resolution) possible -- that is what it is trying to do with the current offensive." Scholz said Western allies were "supporting Ukraine so it can defend itself" but stressed that "the goal of our support for Ukraine is not regime change in Russia". On being asked about the potential risks posed by Wagner forces in Belarus, Scholz asserted that NATO would be closely monitoring the developments. "Private armies are always threatening, even for the countries that maintain them -- Russia has now seen that," he told reporters. Calling it a "situation that we are watching with great concern", Scholz said nevertheless that NATO was prepared to "defend every centimetre of its territory". "At the same time, I am not currently expecting a change in the situation," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Russian President Putin 'weakened' by Wagner mutiny

Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and&nbsp;injured 56&nbsp;on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters.&nbsp;

"As of 07:00 (0400 GMT) on June 28, the bodies of eight dead people (including three children, two of them born in 2008 and 2011) were unblocked from under the rubble of the destroyed cafe building," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Telegram.

The educational department of Kramatorsk city council said in a Telegram post,&nbsp;"Two sisters, both age 14, died in the missile&nbsp;attack."&nbsp; 
 
The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the attack in Kramatorsk wounded another 56 people.

The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers.

As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city.&nbsp;The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately, but have&nbsp; been repurposed it for loosely targeted strikes on cities.&nbsp;

"There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant.

"We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast.

As per AFP reports, a crowd quickly gathered at the site of the strike where fires broke out after the strikes as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims.

President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;condemned the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks.

"Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where&nbsp;22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said.

"Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-plane-belonging-to-wagner-chief-reportedly-lands-in-belarus-609259">Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus</a>

According to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, two Russian rockets hit the city of 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east.

"There was a good crowd" at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, a 32-year-old Ruslan, told AFP.&nbsp;

"I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried," he said. "I was lucky."

Natalia, in tears, explained that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven.

"They can't get him out, he was covered&nbsp;by debris," she said.

The strike also caused destruction and damaged several nearby buildings which have often been targeted by Russian forces since the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022.

"People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion," a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as "Ghost", and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP.

He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. "A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out," he said. 
 
Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and injured 56 on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters.

Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and injured 56 on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters. "As of 07:00 (0400 GMT) on June 28, the bodies of eight dead people (including three children, two of them born in 2008 and 2011) were unblocked from under the rubble of the destroyed cafe building," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Telegram. The educational department of Kramatorsk city council said in a Telegram post, "Two sisters, both age 14, died in the missile attack." The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the attack in Kramatorsk wounded another 56 people. The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers. As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city. The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately, but have been repurposed it for loosely targeted strikes on cities. "There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant. "We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast. As per AFP reports, a crowd quickly gathered at the site of the strike where fires broke out after the strikes as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks. "Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said. "Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared." Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus According to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, two Russian rockets hit the city of 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east. "There was a good crowd" at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, a 32-year-old Ruslan, told AFP. "I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried," he said. "I was lucky." Natalia, in tears, explained that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven. "They can't get him out, he was covered by debris," she said. The strike also caused destruction and damaged several nearby buildings which have often been targeted by Russian forces since the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022. "People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion," a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as "Ghost", and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP. He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. "A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out," he said. Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian strikes at restaurant in Ukraine kill 11, including three kids, injure 56

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that he did not doubt the support of Russian citizens during the uprising by the mercenary group Wagner.

"I did not doubt the reaction in Dagestan and in all of the country," he said as he met Sergei Melikov, the head of the Caucasus region, according to an extract of the meeting aired on Russian television.

Putin released this statement in his response to Melikov, who had remarked that "there was not a single person in Dagestan who did not support decisions made by the leaders of the Russian Federation" over the aborted rebellion.

<h2>Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief after mutiny</h2>

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that he had requested Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "wipe out" mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin amid the armed mutiny of Wagner group that pushed Russia to the brink of civil war.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-vladimir-putin-wanted-to-kill-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-but-stopped-heres-how-609686">Explained | Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, but stopped. Here's what happened</a>

Initially, Putin had promised to crush the mutiny which it compared to the wartime turmoil that had led to the revolution of 1917 followed by civil war. However, hours later the Wagner chief finalised a deal which allowed him along with some of his fighters to go to Belarus.

On Tuesday, Wagner chief flew to Belarus from Russia. Lukashenko, while talking about the conversation he had with Putin on Saturday, made use of the Russian criminal slang phrase used for killing someone which is similar to the English phrase to "wipe out".

"I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putin's address) to wipe out the mutineers," said Lukashenko in a meeting of his army officials as well as journalists on Tuesday, as reported by the Belarusian state media.

"I suggested to Putin not to rush. 'Come on,' I said, 'Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders.' To which he told me: 'Listen, Sasha, it's useless. He doesn't even pick up the phone, he doesn’t want to talk to anyone'," he stated.&nbsp;

The same Russian verb was used by Putin in 1999 about Chechen militants, as he vowed to "wipe them out in the sh*thouse". The remarks made by Putin became a widely quoted emblem of the Russian leader's severe persona.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that he did not doubt the support of Russian citizens during the uprising by the mercenary group Wagner. "I did not doubt the reaction in Dagestan and in all of the country," he said as he met Sergei Melikov, the head of the Caucasus region, according to an extract of the meeting aired on Russian television.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that he did not doubt the support of Russian citizens during the uprising by the mercenary group Wagner. "I did not doubt the reaction in Dagestan and in all of the country," he said as he met Sergei Melikov, the head of the Caucasus region, according to an extract of the meeting aired on Russian television. Putin released this statement in his response to Melikov, who had remarked that "there was not a single person in Dagestan who did not support decisions made by the leaders of the Russian Federation" over the aborted rebellion. Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief after mutiny Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that he had requested Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "wipe out" mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin amid the armed mutiny of Wagner group that pushed Russia to the brink of civil war. Also read: Explained | Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, but stopped. Here's what happened Initially, Putin had promised to crush the mutiny which it compared to the wartime turmoil that had led to the revolution of 1917 followed by civil war. However, hours later the Wagner chief finalised a deal which allowed him along with some of his fighters to go to Belarus. On Tuesday, Wagner chief flew to Belarus from Russia. Lukashenko, while talking about the conversation he had with Putin on Saturday, made use of the Russian criminal slang phrase used for killing someone which is similar to the English phrase to "wipe out". "I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putin's address) to wipe out the mutineers," said Lukashenko in a meeting of his army officials as well as journalists on Tuesday, as reported by the Belarusian state media. "I suggested to Putin not to rush. 'Come on,' I said, 'Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders.' To which he told me: 'Listen, Sasha, it's useless. He doesn't even pick up the phone, he doesn’t want to talk to anyone'," he stated. The same Russian verb was used by Putin in 1999 about Chechen militants, as he vowed to "wipe them out in the sh*thouse". The remarks made by Putin became a widely quoted emblem of the Russian leader's severe persona. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Vladimir Putin says 'did not doubt' support of Russian citizens during mutiny

Eastern European NATO countries on Tuesday warned that Russian mercenary group, Wagner's move to Belarus would create greater regional instability. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is ready to defend itself against any threat.

"If Wagner deploys its serial killers in Belarus, all neighbouring countries face the even bigger danger of instability," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after a meeting in The Hague with Stoltenberg and government leaders from six other NATO allies.

"This is really serious and very concerning, and we have to make very strong decisions. It requires a very, very tough answer of NATO," Polish President Andrzej Duda added.

On Tuesday, mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Belarus under an agreement negotiated by President Alexander Lukashenko that ended mutiny by the group in Russia on Saturday.

NATO's Stoltenberg said it was too early to say what this could mean for NATO allies, and stressed the increased defence of the alliance's eastern flank in recent years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-plane-belonging-to-wagner-chief-reportedly-lands-in-belarus-609259">Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus</a>

"We have sent a clear message to Moscow and Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally, every inch of NATO territory," Stoltenberg said.

"We have already increased our military presence in the eastern part of the alliance and we will make further decisions to further strengthen our collective defence with more high-readiness forces and more capabilities at the upcoming summit."

Stoltenberg said the mutiny had shown that Putin's "illegal war" against Ukraine had deepened divisions in Russia.

"At the same time we must not underestimate Russia. So it's even more important that we continue to provide Ukraine with our support."

<h2>Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus'</h2>

In a televised address to the nation on Monday, President Putin said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families.

"I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Eastern European NATO countries on Tuesday warned that Russian mercenary group, Wagner's move to Belarus would create greater regional instability. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is ready to defend itself against any threat.

Eastern European NATO countries on Tuesday warned that Russian mercenary group, Wagner's move to Belarus would create greater regional instability. However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is ready to defend itself against any threat. "If Wagner deploys its serial killers in Belarus, all neighbouring countries face the even bigger danger of instability," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after a meeting in The Hague with Stoltenberg and government leaders from six other NATO allies. "This is really serious and very concerning, and we have to make very strong decisions. It requires a very, very tough answer of NATO," Polish President Andrzej Duda added. On Tuesday, mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin arrived in Belarus under an agreement negotiated by President Alexander Lukashenko that ended mutiny by the group in Russia on Saturday. NATO's Stoltenberg said it was too early to say what this could mean for NATO allies, and stressed the increased defence of the alliance's eastern flank in recent years. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus "We have sent a clear message to Moscow and Minsk that NATO is there to protect every ally, every inch of NATO territory," Stoltenberg said. "We have already increased our military presence in the eastern part of the alliance and we will make further decisions to further strengthen our collective defence with more high-readiness forces and more capabilities at the upcoming summit." Stoltenberg said the mutiny had shown that Putin's "illegal war" against Ukraine had deepened divisions in Russia. "At the same time we must not underestimate Russia. So it's even more important that we continue to provide Ukraine with our support." Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' In a televised address to the nation on Monday, President Putin said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families. "I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Eastern European NATO allies say Wagner's move to Belarus will create regional instability

In order to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, the United States on Tuesday announced a fresh set of arms for Kyiv which included armoured vehicles, precision munitions and mine-clearing equipment.

The package of $500 million came days after a mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner impacted Russia's war-making capacity.

The Pentagon released a statement saying that the weaponry included 30 Bradley fighting vehicles and 25 Stryker personnel carriers, more rockets for Patriot air defence and Himars precision attack systems; small arms and over 22 millions small arms rounds and grenades.

The package "includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people... and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression."

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-begins-address-to-russians-thanks-citizens-for-patriotism-during-wagner-revolt-609015">&nbsp;Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians</a>

The fresh set of arms is aimed at backing the Ukranian military's push to break through the front lines in the south of the country in hopes of driving occupying Russian troops out.

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite the short-lived Wagner revolt led by his longtime crony Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow did not need to redeploy any troops from fighting in Ukraine.

"We did not have to take combat units from the special military operation zone," Putin said, adding that "all military formations continued to wage a heroic fight at the front."

<h2>Putin accuses West of wanting Russians to "kill each other"</h2>

The Russian president on Monday accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to "kill each other". During a Monday night address, he also claimed that Prigozhin's uprising was "doomed to fail". He made a special mention to the civilians for showing "unity" in the face of a "treacherous" rebellion.&nbsp;

The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Putin's authority had not been weakened by the armed mutiny. Meanwhile, Putin said that the group of Wagner mercenaries failed to win the support of the Russian people or its army.&nbsp;

In a televised address to law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin, he said, "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them."&nbsp;

Putin told troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry, "You de facto stopped a civil war."&nbsp;

"In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," he said, before holding a minute's silence in their memory, without saying how many died.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In order to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, the United States on Tuesday announced a fresh set of arms for Kyiv which included armoured vehicles, precision munitions and mine-clearing equipment.

In order to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russian forces, the United States on Tuesday announced a fresh set of arms for Kyiv which included armoured vehicles, precision munitions and mine-clearing equipment. The package of $500 million came days after a mutiny by the mercenary group Wagner impacted Russia's war-making capacity. The Pentagon released a statement saying that the weaponry included 30 Bradley fighting vehicles and 25 Stryker personnel carriers, more rockets for Patriot air defence and Himars precision attack systems; small arms and over 22 millions small arms rounds and grenades. The package "includes key capabilities to support Ukraine's counteroffensive operations, strengthen its air defences to help Ukraine protect its people... and other equipment to help Ukraine push back on Russia's war of aggression." Also read: Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians The fresh set of arms is aimed at backing the Ukranian military's push to break through the front lines in the south of the country in hopes of driving occupying Russian troops out. Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that despite the short-lived Wagner revolt led by his longtime crony Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow did not need to redeploy any troops from fighting in Ukraine. "We did not have to take combat units from the special military operation zone," Putin said, adding that "all military formations continued to wage a heroic fight at the front." Putin accuses West of wanting Russians to "kill each other" The Russian president on Monday accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to "kill each other". During a Monday night address, he also claimed that Prigozhin's uprising was "doomed to fail". He made a special mention to the civilians for showing "unity" in the face of a "treacherous" rebellion. The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Putin's authority had not been weakened by the armed mutiny. Meanwhile, Putin said that the group of Wagner mercenaries failed to win the support of the Russian people or its army. In a televised address to law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin, he said, "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them." Putin told troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry, "You de facto stopped a civil war." "In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," he said, before holding a minute's silence in their memory, without saying how many died. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US announces $500 mn in armour, air defence for Ukraine to bolster counteroffensive against Russia

Taiwan's defence ministry, on Tuesday, released a statement saying that it spotted two Russian warships off its eastern coast and then sent its own aircraft and ships to keep watch.

In a statement, the ministry said the two frigates sailed in a northerly direction off Taiwan's east coast and then "departed from our response zone" in a southeasterly direction off the port city of Suao, which is home to a major Taiwanese naval base.

Taiwan's military sent aircraft and ships to keep a watch and also activated shore-based projectile systems, it further added without providing extensive details.

On Tuesday, Russia's Interfax news agency reported that a detachment of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet had entered the southern parts of the Philippine Sea to perform tasks as part of a long-range sea passage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-support-for-taiwan-president-at-4-year-low-after-her-party-becomes-caught-up-in-metoo-scandals-608522">Public support for Taiwan president at four-year low after her party gets mired in #MeToo allegations</a>

Taiwan has joined the United States and its allies in enacting wide-ranging sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

<h2>Taiwan scrambles jets as 10 Chinese warplanes cross median line of strait</h2>

Earlier this month, 10 Chinese warplanes were spotted crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait after which combat patrols were carried out by four Chinese warships.

For the second time in a week, renewed Chinese military activity has been reported by Taiwan after 37 Chinese military aircraft flew into the air defence zone of the island on Thursday, some of which then flew into the western Pacific.

China, which has continued to claim the democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, in the past three years has regularly flown its air force near the island, though it has not entered into the territorial air space of Taiwan.

Taiwan's defence ministry, in a short statement, said that around 2 pm (0600 GMT) on Sunday, 24 Chinese air force planes were detected by them, which included J-10, J-11, J-16 and Su-30 fighters, as well as H-6 bombers.

The ministry stated that 10 had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which separates the two countries and was considered an unofficial barrier earlier.

Four Chinese naval ships were also involved in "joint combat readiness patrols", stated the ministry.

Taiwan stated that it has its own fighters and deployed land-based missile systems and ships to keep watch.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Taiwan's defence ministry, on Tuesday, released a statement saying that it spotted two Russian warships off its eastern coast and then sent its own aircraft and ships to keep watch.

Taiwan's defence ministry, on Tuesday, released a statement saying that it spotted two Russian warships off its eastern coast and then sent its own aircraft and ships to keep watch. In a statement, the ministry said the two frigates sailed in a northerly direction off Taiwan's east coast and then "departed from our response zone" in a southeasterly direction off the port city of Suao, which is home to a major Taiwanese naval base. Taiwan's military sent aircraft and ships to keep a watch and also activated shore-based projectile systems, it further added without providing extensive details. On Tuesday, Russia's Interfax news agency reported that a detachment of ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet had entered the southern parts of the Philippine Sea to perform tasks as part of a long-range sea passage. Also read: Public support for Taiwan president at four-year low after her party gets mired in #MeToo allegations Taiwan has joined the United States and its allies in enacting wide-ranging sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Taiwan scrambles jets as 10 Chinese warplanes cross median line of strait Earlier this month, 10 Chinese warplanes were spotted crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait after which combat patrols were carried out by four Chinese warships. For the second time in a week, renewed Chinese military activity has been reported by Taiwan after 37 Chinese military aircraft flew into the air defence zone of the island on Thursday, some of which then flew into the western Pacific. China, which has continued to claim the democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, in the past three years has regularly flown its air force near the island, though it has not entered into the territorial air space of Taiwan. Taiwan's defence ministry, in a short statement, said that around 2 pm (0600 GMT) on Sunday, 24 Chinese air force planes were detected by them, which included J-10, J-11, J-16 and Su-30 fighters, as well as H-6 bombers. The ministry stated that 10 had crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which separates the two countries and was considered an unofficial barrier earlier. Four Chinese naval ships were also involved in "joint combat readiness patrols", stated the ministry. Taiwan stated that it has its own fighters and deployed land-based missile systems and ships to keep watch. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Taiwan spots 2 Russian warships off its eastern coast

Russia's defence ministry released a statement on Monday saying that it had dashed fighter jets after it intercepted two British warplanes approaching its border above the Black Sea.

"As the Russian fighter jets approached, the foreign warplanes turned around and distanced themselves from the Russian border," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the planes it chased away&nbsp;were two British Typhoon jets accompanied by an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft.

"The Russian planes safely returned to their airfield. There was no violation of the Russian border," said the ministry.

As Moscow continues its offensive in Ukraine, the incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have increased over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea.

<h2>Russia scrambles Su-27 to intercept two US military jets over Baltic Sea</h2>

Earlier, in the month of May, Russia claimed to have scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;

The Russian defence ministry said, "After removing the foreign military aircraft from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter went back to its air base."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-repel-attack-by-ukraine-on-black-sea-warship-603188">Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship</a>

The defence ministry claimed that the two aircraft were B-1 strategic bombers belonging to the US Air Force. According to the statement, the army prevented the violation of the border.&nbsp;

The ministry added, "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."&nbsp;

<h2>Russian jet collides with US drone</h2>

In the month of March, a major incident took place after an American drone crashed after colliding with a Russian jet over the Black Sea.

The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident.&nbsp;

A video was released by the Pentagon, which showed the Russian military jet coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept.&nbsp;

The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in sequential order.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea.&nbsp;

A ministry statement had said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia's defence ministry released a statement on Monday saying that it had dashed fighter jets after it intercepted two British warplanes approaching its border above the Black Sea.

Russia's defence ministry released a statement on Monday saying that it had dashed fighter jets after it intercepted two British warplanes approaching its border above the Black Sea. "As the Russian fighter jets approached, the foreign warplanes turned around and distanced themselves from the Russian border," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that the planes it chased away were two British Typhoon jets accompanied by an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft. "The Russian planes safely returned to their airfield. There was no violation of the Russian border," said the ministry. As Moscow continues its offensive in Ukraine, the incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have increased over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea. Russia scrambles Su-27 to intercept two US military jets over Baltic Sea Earlier, in the month of May, Russia claimed to have scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea. The Russian defence ministry said, "After removing the foreign military aircraft from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter went back to its air base." Also read: Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship The defence ministry claimed that the two aircraft were B-1 strategic bombers belonging to the US Air Force. According to the statement, the army prevented the violation of the border. The ministry added, "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace." Russian jet collides with US drone In the month of March, a major incident took place after an American drone crashed after colliding with a Russian jet over the Black Sea. The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident. A video was released by the Pentagon, which showed the Russian military jet coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept. The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in sequential order. Meanwhile, Russia denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea. A ministry statement had said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia claims it scrambled fighter jets after intercepting two British warplanes near border

Deutsche Bank&nbsp;has told clients it can no longer guarantee full access to Russian stocks that belong to them, underlining the challenges global investors face to recover stranded investments in the country's companies.

Germany's largest bank said in a note dated June 9 and viewed by Reuters that it had uncovered a shortfall in the shares that back the depositary receipts (DRs) the bank had issued before the Ukraine invasion. The shares have been held in Russia by a different depositary bank.

In the circular, Deutsche attributed the shortfall to a decision by Moscow to allow investors to convert some of the DRs into local stock. The conversion was carried out without the German bank's "involvement or oversight" and Deutsche was unable to reconcile the company shares with the depositary receipts.

It is the first major bank to formally inform depositary receipt holders that they may not get take ownership of precisely all the shares they are entitled to, two sources advising investors who continue to hold Russian DRs told Reuters.

DRs are certificates issued by a bank representing shares in a foreign company traded on a local stock exchange. Swapping DRs for shares in the Russian company is a first step towards an effort to recover their money.

Shares affected include those in national airline Aeroflot, construction firm LSR Group, mining and steel firm Mechel&nbsp;and Novolipetsk Steel. Mechel declined to comment, while the remaining companies did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments. 
 
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Deutsche Bank has told clients it can no longer guarantee full access to Russian stocks that belong to them, underlining the challenges global investors face to recover stranded investments in the country's companies.

Deutsche Bank has told clients it can no longer guarantee full access to Russian stocks that belong to them, underlining the challenges global investors face to recover stranded investments in the country's companies. Germany's largest bank said in a note dated June 9 and viewed by Reuters that it had uncovered a shortfall in the shares that back the depositary receipts (DRs) the bank had issued before the Ukraine invasion. The shares have been held in Russia by a different depositary bank. In the circular, Deutsche attributed the shortfall to a decision by Moscow to allow investors to convert some of the DRs into local stock. The conversion was carried out without the German bank's "involvement or oversight" and Deutsche was unable to reconcile the company shares with the depositary receipts. It is the first major bank to formally inform depositary receipt holders that they may not get take ownership of precisely all the shares they are entitled to, two sources advising investors who continue to hold Russian DRs told Reuters. DRs are certificates issued by a bank representing shares in a foreign company traded on a local stock exchange. Swapping DRs for shares in the Russian company is a first step towards an effort to recover their money. Shares affected include those in national airline Aeroflot, construction firm LSR Group, mining and steel firm Mechel and Novolipetsk Steel. Mechel declined to comment, while the remaining companies did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comments. 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.

Deutsche Bank tells investors some of their Russian shares are missing: Report

The White House on Monday released a statement saying that the US diplomats spoke to their Russian counterparts and discussed the security concerns involved during the revolt by the mercenary group Wagner.

The mutiny by Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin prompted this rare contact between Russia and the United States. The revolt had briefly taken control of a major city and had also threatened to attack Moscow. The turmoil ignited fears in Washington that nuclear-armed Russia could plunge into chaos.

"Instability in Russia is something that, you know, we take seriously and we certainly had lots of questions over the course of the weekend," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said when asked about fears over turmoil in nuclear-armed Russia.

"We did have and were able to have in real-time -- through diplomatic channels -- conversations with Russian officials about our concerns," he said.

Kirby further stated that United States officials continue to monitor Moscow's nuclear posture "very closely" during the invasion by Russian troops of pro-Western Ukraine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-begins-address-to-russians-thanks-citizens-for-patriotism-during-wagner-revolt-609015">Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians</a>

So far there is "no indication" that Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving in the "direction" of using nuclear weapons or "anything that will cause us to change our own deterrent posture," Kirby said.

<h2>West 'had nothing to do' with Russia's Wagner revolt, says Biden</h2>

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny.

Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.”&nbsp;

The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday.&nbsp;

In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine".

Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.”&nbsp;

However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House on Monday released a statement saying that the US diplomats spoke to their Russian counterparts and discussed the security concerns involved during the revolt by the mercenary group Wagner.

The White House on Monday released a statement saying that the US diplomats spoke to their Russian counterparts and discussed the security concerns involved during the revolt by the mercenary group Wagner. The mutiny by Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin prompted this rare contact between Russia and the United States. The revolt had briefly taken control of a major city and had also threatened to attack Moscow. The turmoil ignited fears in Washington that nuclear-armed Russia could plunge into chaos. "Instability in Russia is something that, you know, we take seriously and we certainly had lots of questions over the course of the weekend," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said when asked about fears over turmoil in nuclear-armed Russia. "We did have and were able to have in real-time -- through diplomatic channels -- conversations with Russian officials about our concerns," he said. Kirby further stated that United States officials continue to monitor Moscow's nuclear posture "very closely" during the invasion by Russian troops of pro-Western Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians So far there is "no indication" that Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving in the "direction" of using nuclear weapons or "anything that will cause us to change our own deterrent posture," Kirby said. West 'had nothing to do' with Russia's Wagner revolt, says Biden United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny. Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.” The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday. In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine". Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.” However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US spoke to Russian counterparts to discuss security concerns during Wagner revolt, says White House

Russian President Vladimir Putin, while addressing the troops gathered in Kremlin on Tuesday, said that the civil war was prevented by them after a revolt by Wagner mercenaries. The president also observed a minute of silence for pilots who lost their lives in clashes during the mutiny.&nbsp;

"You de facto stopped the civil war," said Putin, while speaking to troops from the FSB security service, National Guard, defence ministry, and interior ministry.

"You proved your loyalty to the people of Russia and the military oath. You showed responsibility for the fate of the motherland and its future," he added.

"In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," said Putin, before holding a minute of silence in memory of the lost lives.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-confirms-pilots-killed-during-wagner-mutiny-pays-tributes-609242">Russian President Putin confirms pilots killed during Wagner mutiny, pays tributes</a>

Putin further stated that the Wagner mercenaries, &nbsp;who had participated in an armed insurrection last week over the military leadership of Russia, failed to win the support of the Russian army or its people.

"People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them," said the Russian president in a televised address while speaking to the law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin.

He added that no soldier was deployed by Moscow to Ukraine to counter the Wagner's armed rebellion inside Russia, as the Kremlin insisted that its offensive against Kyiv will remain unaffected.

"We did not have to take combat units from the special military operation zone," said Putin, while speaking to law enforcement agencies at the Kremlin, adding that "all military formations continued to wage a heroic fight at the front during that time."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wagner Mutiny: Has Putin's credibility been damaged?

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<h2>Preparing to transfer Wagner hardware to the army: Russia&nbsp;</h2>

Russia on Tuesday said that they are preparing to take possession of heavy military hardware which was held by Wagner as Moscow took steps to take control of the mercenary group after its aborted mutiny.&nbsp;

"Preparations are underway for the transfer of heavy military equipment from the private military company Wagner to units of the Russian armed forces," said the defence ministry.

<h2>Mutiny is an event of no major significance: Orban&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he does not feel Russian President Vladimir Putin has been weakened by the Mutiny adding that it is an "event of no major significance".

"If someone speculates that he (Putin) could fail or be replaced, then he does not understand the Russian people and Russian power structures," he stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, while addressing the troops gathered in Kremlin on Tuesday, said that the civil war was prevented by them after a revolt by Wagner mercenaries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, while addressing the troops gathered in Kremlin on Tuesday, said that the civil war was prevented by them after a revolt by Wagner mercenaries. The president also observed a minute of silence for pilots who lost their lives in clashes during the mutiny. "You de facto stopped the civil war," said Putin, while speaking to troops from the FSB security service, National Guard, defence ministry, and interior ministry. "You proved your loyalty to the people of Russia and the military oath. You showed responsibility for the fate of the motherland and its future," he added. "In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," said Putin, before holding a minute of silence in memory of the lost lives. ALSO READ | Russian President Putin confirms pilots killed during Wagner mutiny, pays tributes Putin further stated that the Wagner mercenaries, who had participated in an armed insurrection last week over the military leadership of Russia, failed to win the support of the Russian army or its people. "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them," said the Russian president in a televised address while speaking to the law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin. He added that no soldier was deployed by Moscow to Ukraine to counter the Wagner's armed rebellion inside Russia, as the Kremlin insisted that its offensive against Kyiv will remain unaffected. "We did not have to take combat units from the special military operation zone," said Putin, while speaking to law enforcement agencies at the Kremlin, adding that "all military formations continued to wage a heroic fight at the front during that time." WATCH | Gravitas: Wagner Mutiny: Has Putin's credibility been damaged? Preparing to transfer Wagner hardware to the army: Russia Russia on Tuesday said that they are preparing to take possession of heavy military hardware which was held by Wagner as Moscow took steps to take control of the mercenary group after its aborted mutiny. "Preparations are underway for the transfer of heavy military equipment from the private military company Wagner to units of the Russian armed forces," said the defence ministry. Mutiny is an event of no major significance: Orban Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he does not feel Russian President Vladimir Putin has been weakened by the Mutiny adding that it is an "event of no major significance". "If someone speculates that he (Putin) could fail or be replaced, then he does not understand the Russian people and Russian power structures," he stated. (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

'You de facto stopped civil war,' says Putin to troops in Kremlin post failed mutiny

The government authorities in Russia on Tuesday said that they have dropped the criminal charges against Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin as well as other participants after the failed armed rebellion.&nbsp;

The Federal Security Service (FSB) said that the investigation discovered that those involved in the mutiny “ceased activities directed at committing the crime,” hence, the case would not be pursued.&nbsp;

The announcement made was the latest twist in a series of shocking events that took place in the last few days and seemed to threaten the leadership of President Vladimir Putin’s grip amid the 16-month-old war in Ukraine.

The Kremlin, over the weekend, vowed not to prosecute Prigozhin and his fighters after the revolt was stopped by the Wagner chief on Sunday, even though they were branded as 'traitors' by Putin.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/criminal-charges-against-prigozhin-not-dropped-even-after-exile-to-belarus-608906">Criminal charges against Prigozhin 'not dropped' even after exile to Belarus</a>

A person charged with leading an armed mutiny can face imprisonment for up to 20 years in Russia. However, the way Prigozhin escaped prosecution shows a stark contrast to how those leading anti-government protests have been treated in Russia.&nbsp;

Russian news agencies&nbsp;earlier reported on Monday that Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped.

"The criminal case against (Yevgeny) Prigozhin has not been dropped," a source in the prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the three main Russian news agencies on Monday.&nbsp;

At the time when the deal was finalised, the Kremlin had stated that all charges against Prigozhin will be dropped after the latter agreed to leave for Belarus.

<h2>Jet linked to Prigozhin flies to Belarus&nbsp;</h2>

A business jet, which is linked to Prigozhin flew to Belarus on Tuesday.&nbsp;

According to Flightradar24, the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet was seen in the Rostov region at 0232 GMT and started the descent at 0420 GMT near Minsk.

The aircraft's identification codes match those of a jet linked by the United States to Autolex Transport, which according to the US&nbsp;Office of Foreign Assets Control is linked to Prigozhin.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Crisis: Putin allows Prigozhin to avoid treason charges and accept exile

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As per the deal mediated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko which led to the end of the mutiny by mercenary fighters of Prigozhin, the Wagner chief was meant to move to Belarus.

In a video message, the Kremlin chief said he had asked Russian forces to avoid any bloodshed and appreciated the Wagner mercenaries who agreed to step back when they stood at the brink of "armed rebellion" and bloodshed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government authorities in Russia on Tuesday said that they have dropped the criminal charges against Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin as well as other participants after the failed armed rebellion.

The government authorities in Russia on Tuesday said that they have dropped the criminal charges against Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin as well as other participants after the failed armed rebellion. The Federal Security Service (FSB) said that the investigation discovered that those involved in the mutiny “ceased activities directed at committing the crime,” hence, the case would not be pursued. The announcement made was the latest twist in a series of shocking events that took place in the last few days and seemed to threaten the leadership of President Vladimir Putin’s grip amid the 16-month-old war in Ukraine. The Kremlin, over the weekend, vowed not to prosecute Prigozhin and his fighters after the revolt was stopped by the Wagner chief on Sunday, even though they were branded as 'traitors' by Putin. ALSO READ | Criminal charges against Prigozhin 'not dropped' even after exile to Belarus A person charged with leading an armed mutiny can face imprisonment for up to 20 years in Russia. However, the way Prigozhin escaped prosecution shows a stark contrast to how those leading anti-government protests have been treated in Russia. Russian news agencies earlier reported on Monday that Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped. "The criminal case against (Yevgeny) Prigozhin has not been dropped," a source in the prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the three main Russian news agencies on Monday. At the time when the deal was finalised, the Kremlin had stated that all charges against Prigozhin will be dropped after the latter agreed to leave for Belarus. Jet linked to Prigozhin flies to Belarus A business jet, which is linked to Prigozhin flew to Belarus on Tuesday. According to Flightradar24, the Embraer Legacy 600 business jet was seen in the Rostov region at 0232 GMT and started the descent at 0420 GMT near Minsk. The aircraft's identification codes match those of a jet linked by the United States to Autolex Transport, which according to the US Office of Foreign Assets Control is linked to Prigozhin. WATCH | Wagner Crisis: Putin allows Prigozhin to avoid treason charges and accept exile As per the deal mediated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko which led to the end of the mutiny by mercenary fighters of Prigozhin, the Wagner chief was meant to move to Belarus. In a video message, the Kremlin chief said he had asked Russian forces to avoid any bloodshed and appreciated the Wagner mercenaries who agreed to step back when they stood at the brink of "armed rebellion" and bloodshed. (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 drops criminal charges against Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin after failed mutiny

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny. 
 
What did the US president say?

Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.”&nbsp;

The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-global-leaders-are-reacting-on-rebellion-in-southern-russian-city-of-rostov-on-don-608271">How global leaders reacted to rebellion in Russia, Wagner's control of Rostov-on-Don</a>

In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine".

Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-posts-first-message-since-mutiny-says-march-not-aimed-at-overthrowing-government-608952">Wagner chief posts first message since mutiny, says 'march not aimed at overthrowing government'</a>

However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting.

Russia is investigating Western involvement in Wagner mutiny: Lavrov

In an interview with Russian RT television, Lavrov said that the Russian intelligence services are investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the recently aborted mutiny by Wagner, reported TASS.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign minister said that US Ambassador Lynne Tracy had spoken to Russian representatives on Sunday and given “signals” that Washington was not involved and that the US hopes that Moscow’s nuclear arsenal would be kept safe.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-makes-first-public-appearance-in-video-address-since-aborted-mutiny-608861">Russia's Putin makes first public appearance in video address since aborted mutiny</a>

He also said that the US representative called Wagner’s move Russia’s internal affair. When asked about any evidence of neither Ukrainian nor Western intelligence services being involved in Wagner’s mutiny, Lavrov said, “I work in a department that does not collect evidence about illegal actions, but we have such structures, and I assure you, they already understand this."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it.

United States President Joe Biden, on Monday (June 26), said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has “no excuse” to blame the Wagner group’s aborted march on Washington and that the West had “had nothing to do” with it. This comes as Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reportedly said that the country’s intelligence services are in the midst of investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the Wagner mutiny. What did the US president say? Addressing a press conference, on Monday, the US president spoke about how when the revolt began he spoke to his key allies about the situation which was unfolding in Russia at the time. “I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call,” said Biden. He added, “They agreed that we had to make sure we gave Putin no excuse...to blame this on the West and to blame this on NATO.” The US president also said that the turmoil was “part of the struggle within the Russian system.” This comes after mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin declared an armed rebellion in Russia with Putin saying that he is determined to quash the said revolt, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, on Saturday. ALSO READ | How global leaders reacted to rebellion in Russia, Wagner's control of Rostov-on-Don In a brief statement, the White House, on Saturday said that Biden held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss the “situation in Russia” and “affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine". Furthermore, the US president also said that it’s “too early” to draw any definitive conclusions on “where this is going.” He added, “We’re going to keep assessing the fallout of this weekend’s events and the implications for Russia and Ukraine.” ALSO READ | Wagner chief posts first message since mutiny, says 'march not aimed at overthrowing government' However, Biden also stressed that his key Western allies are in touch with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and they will “continue to support Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty and its territorial integrity.” The US president also said that he will be calling key allies again Monday without mentioning who would be a part of this meeting. Russia is investigating Western involvement in Wagner mutiny: Lavrov In an interview with Russian RT television, Lavrov said that the Russian intelligence services are investigating if Western spy agencies played a role in the recently aborted mutiny by Wagner, reported TASS. The Russian foreign minister said that US Ambassador Lynne Tracy had spoken to Russian representatives on Sunday and given “signals” that Washington was not involved and that the US hopes that Moscow’s nuclear arsenal would be kept safe. ALSO READ | Russia's Putin makes first public appearance in video address since aborted mutiny He also said that the US representative called Wagner’s move Russia’s internal affair. When asked about any evidence of neither Ukrainian nor Western intelligence services being involved in Wagner’s mutiny, Lavrov said, “I work in a department that does not collect evidence about illegal actions, but we have such structures, and I assure you, they already understand this." (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.

West had 'nothing to do' with Wagner's aborted Russia mutiny: US President Biden

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in his first video message released on Monday (June 26) since his aborted mutiny, said that his rebellion was aimed at saving his embattled mercenary group and not overthrowing the Russian leadership. 
 
"We went to demonstrate our protest and not to overthrow power in the country," said Prigozhin, in the first audio message released since the Wagner&nbsp;group's march towards Moscow was called off on the weekend. 
 
“We stopped at that moment when it became clear that much blood would be spilt,” he stated, while emphasising the military convoy's progress and that it was at a striking distance from Moscow.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-prigozhin-commands-fighters-to-retreat-from-advance-on-moscow-to-prevent-bloodshed-608369">Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed</a>

“That’s why we believe that the demonstration of what we were planning to do was enough. Our decision to turn back had two factors: we didn’t want to spill Russian blood. Secondly, we marched as a demonstration of our protest,” he added. 
 
The Wagner mercenary group's leader said that the march towards Moscow showed up "very serious security problems" in Russia. In the released audio file, Yevgeny Prigozhin said the convoy of armed rebellions was only 200 kilometres (125 miles) away from Moscow and had "blocked all military infrastructure", which included air bases along its path. 
 
He once again accused the defence ministry of Russia of targeting his armed forces with artillery fire, calling it the “trigger for us to move out immediately”. 
 
“The goal of the march was to not allow the destruction of the Wagner private military company and hold to account the officials who through their unprofessional actions have committed a massive number of errors. Society demanded it,” he added. 
 
Prigozhin said that his fighters received support from "happy" civilians in the towns they passed through while advancing towards Moscow. "In Russian towns, civilians met us with Russian flags and the symbols of Wagner. They were all happy when we passed through,” he stated.

WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Mutiny Aftermath: Lukashenko overshadows Putin by playing peacemaker with Wagner

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He also acknowledged that his armed troops killed Russian airmen during the rebellion, stating that they “regretted that they were required to carry out strikes against aircraft but they were hitting our forces with bombs and rocket strikes”. 
 
He also stated that the incursion of Wagner forces into Russia was a “masterclass” in how Moscow should have invaded Ukraine in 2022.

<h2 lang="en-US">Lukashenko proposed ways in which Wagner can continue to work</h2>

The Wagner chief said that ways in which his mercenary group can continue to work were proposed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko after the weekend rebellion was called off. 
 
"Lukashenko held out his hand and offered to find solutions for the continuation of the work of the Wagner private military company in a legal jurisdiction," said Yevgeny Prigozhin&nbsp;in the audio message.

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Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in his first video message released on Monday (June 26) since his aborted mutiny, said that his rebellion was aimed at saving his embattled mercenary group and not overthrowing the Russian leadership.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, in his first video message released on Monday (June 26) since his aborted mutiny, said that his rebellion was aimed at saving his embattled mercenary group and not overthrowing the Russian leadership. "We went to demonstrate our protest and not to overthrow power in the country," said Prigozhin, in the first audio message released since the Wagner group's march towards Moscow was called off on the weekend. “We stopped at that moment when it became clear that much blood would be spilt,” he stated, while emphasising the military convoy's progress and that it was at a striking distance from Moscow. ALSO READ | Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed “That’s why we believe that the demonstration of what we were planning to do was enough. Our decision to turn back had two factors: we didn’t want to spill Russian blood. Secondly, we marched as a demonstration of our protest,” he added. The Wagner mercenary group's leader said that the march towards Moscow showed up "very serious security problems" in Russia. In the released audio file, Yevgeny Prigozhin said the convoy of armed rebellions was only 200 kilometres (125 miles) away from Moscow and had "blocked all military infrastructure", which included air bases along its path. He once again accused the defence ministry of Russia of targeting his armed forces with artillery fire, calling it the “trigger for us to move out immediately”. “The goal of the march was to not allow the destruction of the Wagner private military company and hold to account the officials who through their unprofessional actions have committed a massive number of errors. Society demanded it,” he added. Prigozhin said that his fighters received support from "happy" civilians in the towns they passed through while advancing towards Moscow. "In Russian towns, civilians met us with Russian flags and the symbols of Wagner. They were all happy when we passed through,” he stated. WATCH | Wagner Mutiny Aftermath: Lukashenko overshadows Putin by playing peacemaker with Wagner He also acknowledged that his armed troops killed Russian airmen during the rebellion, stating that they “regretted that they were required to carry out strikes against aircraft but they were hitting our forces with bombs and rocket strikes”. He also stated that the incursion of Wagner forces into Russia was a “masterclass” in how Moscow should have invaded Ukraine in 2022. Lukashenko proposed ways in which Wagner can continue to work The Wagner chief said that ways in which his mercenary group can continue to work were proposed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko after the weekend rebellion was called off. "Lukashenko held out his hand and offered to find solutions for the continuation of the work of the Wagner private military company in a legal jurisdiction," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in the audio message. 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

Wagner chief posts first message since mutiny, says 'march not aimed at overthrowing government'

Head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped, reported Russian news agencies on Monday, even after the mercenary group agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to end the mutiny. 
 
"The criminal case against (Yevgeny) Prigozhin has not been dropped," a source in the prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the three main Russian news agencies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-prigozhin-commands-fighters-to-retreat-from-advance-on-moscow-to-prevent-bloodshed-608369">Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed</a>

The main state news service of Russia, Ria Novosti, on Monday citing the source confirmed that the charges against Prigozhin have not been dropped. Russian business newspaper Kommersant further reported that Prigozhin is still being investigated by Russia’s main security service FSB and said “not enough time has passed to take another decision”. 
 
Since he evacuated the southern army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Prigozhin has not been seen or heard anywhere. At the time when the deal was finalised, the Kremlin had stated that all charges against Prigozhin will be dropped after the latter agreed to leave for Belarus.

<h2 lang="en-US">Wagner to continue operations in Mali, C.Africa, says Lavrov</h2>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that the country's Wagner mercenary group will&nbsp;continue its operations in the Central African Republic and Mali. Wagner members "are working there as instructors. This work, of course, will continue," said Lavrov in an interview with RT, adding that the rebellion will not impact the ties of Russia with "partners and friends".

<h2 lang="en-US">Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visits troops</h2>

The images of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visiting troops were released on Monday which marked the first public appearance of the minister since Prigozhin rebelled against the senior military leadership of the country. 
 
In the video shared by the defence ministry, Shoigu is seen inspecting a Russian command point and receiving a report on the progress made by Russia in the war against Ukraine from subordinates. 
 
Rybar, which is a social media channel run by the country's former defence ministry press secretary, said that it appeared that the video was filmed when the defence minister visited the Belgorod region, which is on Ukraine's border, before Prigozhin’s revolt.

WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Mutiny Aftermath: Lukashenko overshadows Putin by playing peacemaker with Wagner

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There were speculations that Russian President Vladimir Putin had given a nod to the removal of Shoigu as part of a deal finalised with Prigozhin to end the rebellion, however, it was denied by the Kremlin. 
 
As per media reports, the video may be a way to show that the business has returned to normalcy just two days after Wagner group's armed forces marched most of the way to Moscow, posing a threat to Putin's regime. 
 
On Monday, the defence ministry said that Shoigu was given a report about “the current situation, (the) nature of the enemy’s activities and fulfilment of the (army’s) combat tasks in the main tactical directions” from Yevgeny Nikiforov, who is the commander of Russia’s Western Military District. 
 
Shoigu appreciated the army for its “high effectiveness” and ordered it to “uncover the enemy’s plans and stop them from being realised”.&nbsp;

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Head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped, reported Russian news agencies on Monday, even after the mercenary group agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to end the mutiny.

Head of the Wagner group Yevgeny Prigozhin is still under investigation and the charges against him for organising armed rebellion have not been dropped, reported Russian news agencies on Monday, even after the mercenary group agreed to a deal with the Kremlin to end the mutiny. "The criminal case against (Yevgeny) Prigozhin has not been dropped," a source in the prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the three main Russian news agencies. ALSO READ | Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed The main state news service of Russia, Ria Novosti, on Monday citing the source confirmed that the charges against Prigozhin have not been dropped. Russian business newspaper Kommersant further reported that Prigozhin is still being investigated by Russia’s main security service FSB and said “not enough time has passed to take another decision”. Since he evacuated the southern army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, Prigozhin has not been seen or heard anywhere. At the time when the deal was finalised, the Kremlin had stated that all charges against Prigozhin will be dropped after the latter agreed to leave for Belarus. Wagner to continue operations in Mali, C.Africa, says Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday said that the country's Wagner mercenary group will continue its operations in the Central African Republic and Mali. Wagner members "are working there as instructors. This work, of course, will continue," said Lavrov in an interview with RT, adding that the rebellion will not impact the ties of Russia with "partners and friends". Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visits troops The images of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visiting troops were released on Monday which marked the first public appearance of the minister since Prigozhin rebelled against the senior military leadership of the country. In the video shared by the defence ministry, Shoigu is seen inspecting a Russian command point and receiving a report on the progress made by Russia in the war against Ukraine from subordinates. Rybar, which is a social media channel run by the country's former defence ministry press secretary, said that it appeared that the video was filmed when the defence minister visited the Belgorod region, which is on Ukraine's border, before Prigozhin’s revolt. WATCH | Wagner Mutiny Aftermath: Lukashenko overshadows Putin by playing peacemaker with Wagner There were speculations that Russian President Vladimir Putin had given a nod to the removal of Shoigu as part of a deal finalised with Prigozhin to end the rebellion, however, it was denied by the Kremlin. As per media reports, the video may be a way to show that the business has returned to normalcy just two days after Wagner group's armed forces marched most of the way to Moscow, posing a threat to Putin's regime. On Monday, the defence ministry said that Shoigu was given a report about “the current situation, (the) nature of the enemy’s activities and fulfilment of the (army’s) combat tasks in the main tactical directions” from Yevgeny Nikiforov, who is the commander of Russia’s Western Military District. Shoigu appreciated the army for its “high effectiveness” and ordered it to “uncover the enemy’s plans and stop them from being realised”. 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

Criminal charges against Prigozhin 'not dropped' even after exile to Belarus

In what is being described as a major flare-up of violence in Syria’s last opposition stronghold, Russian jets reportedly bombed villages and towns near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Sunday (June 25), reported Reuters. Meanwhile, a Syrian war monitor told AFP, that at least 11 people, including seven civilians, were killed in the region, while dozens of others were wounded.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the bombings?</h2>

The Western-backed White Helmets emergency service, on Sunday, said that warplanes flying at high altitudes dropped bombs on a vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur which was crowded ahead of the Eid festival which has left at least nine dead and 30 others injured. A report by Reuters citing tracking centres said that the warplanes were Russia’s Sukhoi jets.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russian jets bomb Syrian city of Idlib, nine dead and 30 injured

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Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP, “Six civilians were killed in Jisr al-Shughur and three rebel fighters were killed nearby by Russian air strikes”. Similarly, the SOHR and AFP said that a fruit and vegetable market in the city was hit by the Russian strike.&nbsp;

According to Ahmed Yezidi of the civil defence in Jisr al-Shughur, which is a city in the rebel-held, Idlib province said that nine people were killed, without mentioning if they were civilians or fighters. He called this bombing a “direct attack on the popular market, which is a basic source of income for farmers” in the area, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-discusses-international-issues-amid-wagner-mutiny-608538">Russian diplomat in China discusses ‘international’ issues, Beijing 'supports' Moscow over Wagner mutiny</a>

Abdel Rahman told AFP, that one civilian and one rebel fighter were also killed in a strike on the outskirts of Idlib city, adding that at least 30 civilians were wounded in Sunday’s strikes and the death toll might rise.&nbsp;

<h2>Attacks in Jabal al Zawya region</h2>

Similarly, Reuters citing witnesses and rescuers said that Russian jets reportedly also attacked villages in the mountainous Jabal al Zawya region which are on the western outskirts of Idlib city. Notably, the region is said to be a buffer zone carved out by Russia and Turkey which also ended major fighting half a decade ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-rebellion-when-putins-former-chef-served-a-dish-of-treason-ten-points-608452">Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points</a>

There were no official statements about the supposed attacks by Syria or Russia. According to Abdel Rahman, Moscow, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, carried out the reported air strikes in response to rebel drone attacks over the past week that killed four civilians including two children, reported AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In what is being described as a major flare-up of violence in Syria’s last opposition stronghold, Russian jets reportedly bombed villages and towns near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Sunday (June 25), reported Reuters.

In what is being described as a major flare-up of violence in Syria’s last opposition stronghold, Russian jets reportedly bombed villages and towns near the northwestern Syrian city of Idlib, on Sunday (June 25), reported Reuters. Meanwhile, a Syrian war monitor told AFP, that at least 11 people, including seven civilians, were killed in the region, while dozens of others were wounded. What do we know about the bombings? The Western-backed White Helmets emergency service, on Sunday, said that warplanes flying at high altitudes dropped bombs on a vegetable market in Jisr al-Shughur which was crowded ahead of the Eid festival which has left at least nine dead and 30 others injured. A report by Reuters citing tracking centres said that the warplanes were Russia’s Sukhoi jets. ALSO WATCH | Russian jets bomb Syrian city of Idlib, nine dead and 30 injured Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP, “Six civilians were killed in Jisr al-Shughur and three rebel fighters were killed nearby by Russian air strikes”. Similarly, the SOHR and AFP said that a fruit and vegetable market in the city was hit by the Russian strike. According to Ahmed Yezidi of the civil defence in Jisr al-Shughur, which is a city in the rebel-held, Idlib province said that nine people were killed, without mentioning if they were civilians or fighters. He called this bombing a “direct attack on the popular market, which is a basic source of income for farmers” in the area, as quoted by AFP. ALSO READ | Russian diplomat in China discusses ‘international’ issues, Beijing 'supports' Moscow over Wagner mutiny Abdel Rahman told AFP, that one civilian and one rebel fighter were also killed in a strike on the outskirts of Idlib city, adding that at least 30 civilians were wounded in Sunday’s strikes and the death toll might rise. Attacks in Jabal al Zawya region Similarly, Reuters citing witnesses and rescuers said that Russian jets reportedly also attacked villages in the mountainous Jabal al Zawya region which are on the western outskirts of Idlib city. Notably, the region is said to be a buffer zone carved out by Russia and Turkey which also ended major fighting half a decade ago. ALSO READ | Wagner rebellion: When Putin’s former favourite chef served a dish of ‘treason’ | 10 points There were no official statements about the supposed attacks by Syria or Russia. According to Abdel Rahman, Moscow, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, carried out the reported air strikes in response to rebel drone attacks over the past week that killed four civilians including two children, reported AFP. (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 jets step up strikes in rebel-held Syria, at least 11 killed: Reports

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared for the first time since the Wagner mercenary group's aborted mutiny, in a Kremlin video address on Monday.

In the video, Putin was seen addressing a youth forum titled the "Engineers of the Future" where he appreciated companies for ensuring "the stable operation" of the Russian industry "in the face of severe external challenges".

"Dear friends! I congratulate you on the opening of the International Industrial "Engineers of the Future" Youth Forum. It has brought together young engineers, scientists, technologists, students, graduate students and representatives of public organisations from the majority of Russia's regions and an array of foreign countries. It is symbolic that the forum is taking place on Tula (city south of Moscow) soil, which has always been famous for its craftsmen, its dynasties of workers, engineers and arms makers. The development of Russian industry depends on the quality of its specialists," said Putin, in his video address.

The address did not have any mention of the Wagner mutiny which rattled Russia over the weekend.

<h2>Working as normal after mutiny, says Wagner HQ</h2>

Wagner mercenary group's main Saint Petersburg office on Monday said that it was working in "normal mode". "Despite events that have taken place, the centre continues to work in normal mode in accordance with the law of the Russian Federation," said the group's main office, in a statement.

It stated that Wagner has "worked for the future of Russia" and extended thanks to its supporters.

<h2>Raisi extends 'full support' to Putin: Kremlin</h2>

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday and extended his "full support" following the Wagner group's aborted mutiny, the Kremlin said.

"The Iranian president expressed full support for the Russian leadership in connection with the June 24 events," the Kremlin stated. Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also called Putin and expressed his support, said the Kremlin.

<h2>Ukraine recaptures Russian-occupied settlement</h2>

Another formerly Russian-held settlement was recaptured by the Ukrainian forces on the southern front, said deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar on Monday.

"Defence forces returned Rivnopil under our control. Let's push on," stated the minister on her Telegram account, referring to a rural community in the Donetsk region.

A counter-offensive was launched this month by Ukraine against the Russian troops which have occupied almost a fifth of its territory in the country's southern and eastern regions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accepted that the advance did not accelerate as fast as estimated, even though more Western-supplied weapons and tanks were deployed by Ukraine.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that the city's situation is "stable", and thanked&nbsp;Muscovites for their "calm and understanding" during the crisis.

The government had ordered a “counter-terrorist" regime in the capital city on Saturday as Wagner columns marched towards the city while clashing with Russian armed forces in Voronezh.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared for the first time since the Wagner mercenary group's aborted mutiny, in a Kremlin video address on Monday. In the video, Putin was seen addressing a youth forum titled the "Engineers of the Future" where he appreciated companies for ensuring "the stable operation" of the Russian industry "in the face of severe external challenges".

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared for the first time since the Wagner mercenary group's aborted mutiny, in a Kremlin video address on Monday. In the video, Putin was seen addressing a youth forum titled the "Engineers of the Future" where he appreciated companies for ensuring "the stable operation" of the Russian industry "in the face of severe external challenges". "Dear friends! I congratulate you on the opening of the International Industrial "Engineers of the Future" Youth Forum. It has brought together young engineers, scientists, technologists, students, graduate students and representatives of public organisations from the majority of Russia's regions and an array of foreign countries. It is symbolic that the forum is taking place on Tula (city south of Moscow) soil, which has always been famous for its craftsmen, its dynasties of workers, engineers and arms makers. The development of Russian industry depends on the quality of its specialists," said Putin, in his video address. The address did not have any mention of the Wagner mutiny which rattled Russia over the weekend. Working as normal after mutiny, says Wagner HQ Wagner mercenary group's main Saint Petersburg office on Monday said that it was working in "normal mode". "Despite events that have taken place, the centre continues to work in normal mode in accordance with the law of the Russian Federation," said the group's main office, in a statement. It stated that Wagner has "worked for the future of Russia" and extended thanks to its supporters. Raisi extends 'full support' to Putin: Kremlin Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi held a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday and extended his "full support" following the Wagner group's aborted mutiny, the Kremlin said. "The Iranian president expressed full support for the Russian leadership in connection with the June 24 events," the Kremlin stated. Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani also called Putin and expressed his support, said the Kremlin. Ukraine recaptures Russian-occupied settlement Another formerly Russian-held settlement was recaptured by the Ukrainian forces on the southern front, said deputy defence minister Ganna Malyar on Monday. "Defence forces returned Rivnopil under our control. Let's push on," stated the minister on her Telegram account, referring to a rural community in the Donetsk region. A counter-offensive was launched this month by Ukraine against the Russian troops which have occupied almost a fifth of its territory in the country's southern and eastern regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accepted that the advance did not accelerate as fast as estimated, even though more Western-supplied weapons and tanks were deployed by Ukraine. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that the city's situation is "stable", and thanked Muscovites for their "calm and understanding" during the crisis. The government had ordered a “counter-terrorist" regime in the capital city on Saturday as Wagner columns marched towards the city while clashing with Russian armed forces in Voronezh. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia's Putin makes first public appearance in video address since aborted mutiny

Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
All criminal charges against Prigozhin will also be dropped under the deal that ends the&nbsp;armed insurrection&nbsp;that appeared as the gravest threat to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Peskov further added that under the deal, Wagner fighters will also not be prosecuted. "We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front," he said.

"An agreement has been reached that Wagner would return to its bases," Peskov said, adding that those fighters who had not participated in the rebellion would be allowed to formally join the Russian army.

<h2>Wagner chief Prigozhin orders his fighters to retreat</h2>

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance towards Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases.

This comes as Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years.

Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;

Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”

The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.”

“At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Lukashenko</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Yegevy Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.&nbsp;

"The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday. All criminal charges against Prigozhin will also be dropped under the deal that ends the armed insurrection that appeared as the gravest threat to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov further added that under the deal, Wagner fighters will also not be prosecuted. "We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front," he said. "An agreement has been reached that Wagner would return to its bases," Peskov said, adding that those fighters who had not participated in the rebellion would be allowed to formally join the Russian army. Wagner chief Prigozhin orders his fighters to retreat Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance towards Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases. This comes as Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years. Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.” “At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Lukashenko Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group Wagner Yegevy Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces. "The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to quit Russia and move to Belarus under deal to end mutiny

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, on Sunday (June 25), in Beijing, where the two countries discussed “international” issues. This comes amid Russia’s mercenary group Wagner group’s mutinous threat to storm the capital city of Moscow, challenging President Vladimir Putin’s decades-long power over the country. &nbsp;

<h2>What did Russian and Chinese diplomats discuss?</h2>

In a one-line statement, on their website, the Chinese foreign ministry said Rudenko and Qin discussed China-Russia relations as well as “international and regional issues of common concern”.&nbsp; 
 
However, a statement released by the Russian&nbsp;foreign ministry said&nbsp;Beijing had backed Moscow's efforts to counter the Wagner fighters. "The Chinese side expressed support for the efforts of the leadership of the Russian Federation to stabilise the situation in the country in connection with the events of June 24, and reaffirmed its interest in strengthening the unity and further prosperity of Russia," said the&nbsp;Russian foreign ministry.&nbsp;

The statement was released following a meeting between&nbsp;China's deputy foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu and&nbsp;Rudenko.

Subsequently,&nbsp;the Chinese foreign ministry released another statement, in&nbsp;Beijing's first official remarks on the Wagner rebellion and said, "As a friendly neighbour and a new era comprehensive strategic cooperative partner, China supports Russia in protecting national stability and achieving development and prosperity," adding that it was&nbsp;Russia's "internal affair".

<h2>Russian diplomat’s visit to Beijing</h2>

While it was not immediately clear when the Russian diplomat arrived in Beijing and if it was before or after the Wagner fighters threatened to storm Moscow or even in response to the apparent rebellion by heavily armed mercenaries on Friday.

China, Russia’s key ally, was&nbsp;yet to publicly comment on the situation that unfolded near Moscow and which Putin said threatened Russia’s very existence, prior to the Russian diplomat's visit. This comes as several countries in the West including the United States said that they would be closely monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pointed to the emerging political instability in Moscow, indicating that the armed insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group reveals Russia’s weakness.&nbsp;

On the other hand, countries like North Korea expressed their full support for Russia in dealing with the mutiny, the country’s state media reported on Sunday.&nbsp;

During a meeting with the Russian ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora, the North Korea vice foreign minister Im Chon Il “expressed firm belief that the recent armed rebellion in Russia would be successfully put down,” quoted Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).&nbsp;

<h2>Chinese people about the Wagner mutiny</h2>

“China will support Russia while stressing no interference of its internal affairs,” a prominent Chinese military expert and TV commentator Song Zhongping told Reuters. Notably, as per the news agency, for&nbsp;Song, the rebellion has ended. “Prigozhin realises that it is difficult to achieve the desired results through rebellion.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, many Chinese citizens, as per Reuters, took to social media in support of Putin and wrote, “You can do it, Russia!” However, several reports have said that Putin’s problems will continue as he was forced to accept an amnesty deal and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s move against the Kremlin has exposed fragility in the Russian president’s rule.&nbsp;

The security measures imposed under Russia’s “anti-terrorism operation” were still in place in Moscow, on Sunday. This comes as the long and ongoing tensions between the Wagner chief and the Russian military’s top brass boiled over when Prigozhin’s forces seized the base in Rostov-on-Don and were reportedly on their way to Moscow.&nbsp;

The Russian president called the move an act of “treason” and vowed to punish the perpetrators. However, hours later, in a surprise announcement, Prigozhin said his forces could return to base to avoid “spilling Russian blood”. Subsequently, the Kremlin announced that Putin’s former ally would leave for Belarus and Russia would neither prosecute him nor Wagner’s troops.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, on Sunday (June 25), in Beijing, where the two countries discussed “international” issues.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko, on Sunday (June 25), in Beijing, where the two countries discussed “international” issues. This comes amid Russia’s mercenary group Wagner group’s mutinous threat to storm the capital city of Moscow, challenging President Vladimir Putin’s decades-long power over the country. What did Russian and Chinese diplomats discuss? In a one-line statement, on their website, the Chinese foreign ministry said Rudenko and Qin discussed China-Russia relations as well as “international and regional issues of common concern”. However, a statement released by the Russian foreign ministry said Beijing had backed Moscow's efforts to counter the Wagner fighters. "The Chinese side expressed support for the efforts of the leadership of the Russian Federation to stabilise the situation in the country in connection with the events of June 24, and reaffirmed its interest in strengthening the unity and further prosperity of Russia," said the Russian foreign ministry. The statement was released following a meeting between China's deputy foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu and Rudenko. Subsequently, the Chinese foreign ministry released another statement, in Beijing's first official remarks on the Wagner rebellion and said, "As a friendly neighbour and a new era comprehensive strategic cooperative partner, China supports Russia in protecting national stability and achieving development and prosperity," adding that it was Russia's "internal affair". Russian diplomat’s visit to Beijing While it was not immediately clear when the Russian diplomat arrived in Beijing and if it was before or after the Wagner fighters threatened to storm Moscow or even in response to the apparent rebellion by heavily armed mercenaries on Friday. China, Russia’s key ally, was yet to publicly comment on the situation that unfolded near Moscow and which Putin said threatened Russia’s very existence, prior to the Russian diplomat's visit. This comes as several countries in the West including the United States said that they would be closely monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pointed to the emerging political instability in Moscow, indicating that the armed insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group reveals Russia’s weakness. On the other hand, countries like North Korea expressed their full support for Russia in dealing with the mutiny, the country’s state media reported on Sunday. During a meeting with the Russian ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora, the North Korea vice foreign minister Im Chon Il “expressed firm belief that the recent armed rebellion in Russia would be successfully put down,” quoted Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Chinese people about the Wagner mutiny “China will support Russia while stressing no interference of its internal affairs,” a prominent Chinese military expert and TV commentator Song Zhongping told Reuters. Notably, as per the news agency, for Song, the rebellion has ended. “Prigozhin realises that it is difficult to achieve the desired results through rebellion.” Meanwhile, many Chinese citizens, as per Reuters, took to social media in support of Putin and wrote, “You can do it, Russia!” However, several reports have said that Putin’s problems will continue as he was forced to accept an amnesty deal and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s move against the Kremlin has exposed fragility in the Russian president’s rule. The security measures imposed under Russia’s “anti-terrorism operation” were still in place in Moscow, on Sunday. This comes as the long and ongoing tensions between the Wagner chief and the Russian military’s top brass boiled over when Prigozhin’s forces seized the base in Rostov-on-Don and were reportedly on their way to Moscow. The Russian president called the move an act of “treason” and vowed to punish the perpetrators. However, hours later, in a surprise announcement, Prigozhin said his forces could return to base to avoid “spilling Russian blood”. Subsequently, the Kremlin announced that Putin’s former ally would leave for Belarus and Russia would neither prosecute him nor Wagner’s troops. (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 diplomat in China discusses ‘international’ issues, Beijing 'supports' Moscow over Wagner mutiny

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.&nbsp;

"The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague."

<h2>Wagner chief commands fighters to retreat</h2>

In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary, commanded his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed.

His move came after Belarus asserted that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years.&nbsp;

Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;

Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”

The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement.&nbsp;

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;had made an emergency television broadcast railing against the “deadly threat to our state”.

Progozhin said that he wanted to avoid shedding Russian blood and would order his troops back to their bases instead.

“Now the moment has come when blood can be shed,” he said. “Therefore, realising all the responsibility for the fact that Russian blood will be shed from one side, we will turn our convoys around and go in the opposite direction to our field camps.” 
 
The Kremlin announced later on Saturday night that Prigozhin would move to Belarus under a deal to end what was in effect the country’s first armed coup in decades.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case that had been opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped, and the Wagner fighters who had taken part in his “march for justice” would not face any action in recognition of their previous service to Russia.

The Kremlin had earlier been forced to mobilise its forces and prepare defences as Prigozhin sent a convoy of armed troops towards Moscow.

Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops within the country on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces. "The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague." Wagner chief commands fighters to retreat In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary, commanded his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. His move came after Belarus asserted that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years. Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had made an emergency television broadcast railing against the “deadly threat to our state”. Progozhin said that he wanted to avoid shedding Russian blood and would order his troops back to their bases instead. “Now the moment has come when blood can be shed,” he said. “Therefore, realising all the responsibility for the fact that Russian blood will be shed from one side, we will turn our convoys around and go in the opposite direction to our field camps.” The Kremlin announced later on Saturday night that Prigozhin would move to Belarus under a deal to end what was in effect the country’s first armed coup in decades. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case that had been opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped, and the Wagner fighters who had taken part in his “march for justice” would not face any action in recognition of their previous service to Russia. The Kremlin had earlier been forced to mobilise its forces and prepare defences as Prigozhin sent a convoy of armed troops towards Moscow. Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops within the country on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Belarus leader after Wagner chief announces turnaround

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the Russians on Saturday, said that necessary orders have been given to the troops to neutralise those who have orchestrated the armed rebellion. 
 
The president addressed the nation as Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's armed forces declared to have gained control over the Russian city of RostoV and his army continued to 'march' towards the capital to oust the military leadership of the country.

<h2 lang="en-US">Putin appeals for 'unity', says won't allow civil war</h2>

"I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and special services, to the soldiers and commanders who are now fighting in their combat positions, repelling enemy attacks – they are doing it heroically. I know. Today, I once again spoke with the commanders of all directions. I also appeal to those who, by deceit or threats, were dragged into a criminal adventure, pushed onto the path of a grave crime – an armed rebellion,” Putin said, in his address.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-issues-arrest-warrant-against-wagner-chief-after-his-call-for-mutiny-608089">Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny</a>

"This is a battle when the fate of our people is being decided, it requires the unity of all forces, unity, consolidation and responsibility, when everything that weakens us, any strife that our external enemies can use and use to undermine us from the inside must be thrown aside".

<h2 lang="en-US">Putin calls Wagner chief's actions 'stab in the back', 'betrayal'</h2>

"The actions that split our unity are, in fact, apostasy from our people, from our comrades-in-arms who are now fighting at the front. This is a stab in the back to our country and our people. We will protect both our people and our statehood from any threats, including from internal betrayal, and what we are faced with is precisely betrayal&nbsp;to the cause for which, side by side with our other units and subunits, the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group fought and died,” the Russian president said. 
 
"I believe that we will save and defend what is dear and sacred to us. Together with our homeland, we will overcome any trials, we will become even stronger. Everyone who deliberately took the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, took the path of rebellion and terrorist methods will suffer inevitable punishment, will answer before the law and before our people,” he added. 
 
The Wagner chief is facing accusations of "incitement to armed rebellion" as he asked Russians to support his 25,000 Wagner fighters against Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Prigozhin has been charged with armed mutiny and can face up to 20 years of imprisonment, as per TASS.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner chief accuses Russia military of bombing its forces

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"Amid the seriousness of the situation and the threat of escalation of confrontation in the Russian Federation the FSB has opened a criminal case into the fact of a call for an armed rebellion on the part of Yevgeny Prigozhin," the Federal Security Service’s Public Relations Centre said. 
 
Russia, which has been engaging with Ukraine in one of the longest wars, is on the brink of civil war and feared a coup as it faced a rebellion from the Wagner group. Amid the escalating situation, an "anti-terrorist operation regime" has been declared in Moscow and all public events have been cancelled.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the Russians on Saturday, said that necessary orders have been given to the troops to neutralise those who have orchestrated the armed rebellion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the Russians on Saturday, said that necessary orders have been given to the troops to neutralise those who have orchestrated the armed rebellion. The president addressed the nation as Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's armed forces declared to have gained control over the Russian city of RostoV and his army continued to 'march' towards the capital to oust the military leadership of the country. Putin appeals for 'unity', says won't allow civil war "I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and special services, to the soldiers and commanders who are now fighting in their combat positions, repelling enemy attacks – they are doing it heroically. I know. Today, I once again spoke with the commanders of all directions. I also appeal to those who, by deceit or threats, were dragged into a criminal adventure, pushed onto the path of a grave crime – an armed rebellion,” Putin said, in his address. ALSO READ | Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny "This is a battle when the fate of our people is being decided, it requires the unity of all forces, unity, consolidation and responsibility, when everything that weakens us, any strife that our external enemies can use and use to undermine us from the inside must be thrown aside". Putin calls Wagner chief's actions 'stab in the back', 'betrayal' "The actions that split our unity are, in fact, apostasy from our people, from our comrades-in-arms who are now fighting at the front. This is a stab in the back to our country and our people. We will protect both our people and our statehood from any threats, including from internal betrayal, and what we are faced with is precisely betrayal to the cause for which, side by side with our other units and subunits, the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group fought and died,” the Russian president said. "I believe that we will save and defend what is dear and sacred to us. Together with our homeland, we will overcome any trials, we will become even stronger. Everyone who deliberately took the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, took the path of rebellion and terrorist methods will suffer inevitable punishment, will answer before the law and before our people,” he added. The Wagner chief is facing accusations of "incitement to armed rebellion" as he asked Russians to support his 25,000 Wagner fighters against Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Prigozhin has been charged with armed mutiny and can face up to 20 years of imprisonment, as per TASS. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner chief accuses Russia military of bombing its forces "Amid the seriousness of the situation and the threat of escalation of confrontation in the Russian Federation the FSB has opened a criminal case into the fact of a call for an armed rebellion on the part of Yevgeny Prigozhin," the Federal Security Service’s Public Relations Centre said. Russia, which has been engaging with Ukraine in one of the longest wars, is on the brink of civil war and feared a coup as it faced a rebellion from the Wagner group. Amid the escalating situation, an "anti-terrorist operation regime" has been declared in Moscow and all public events have been cancelled. (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

'This is treason': Putin appeals for 'unity', calls Wagner mutiny 'deadly threat' to Russia

Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country.

"Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media.

The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

"The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said.

Air raid alerts rang across&nbsp; Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas.

The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type.

Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems.

<h2>Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky</h2>

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Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south.

“We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television.

Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive.

So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he&nbsp;would have expected.

<h2>‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’</h2>

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula.

In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol.

“In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said.

“In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.”

(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.

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Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.

Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media. The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. "The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said. Air raid alerts rang across Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas. The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type. Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems. Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south. “We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television. Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive. So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he would have expected. ‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’ The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula. In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol. “In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said. “In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.” (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

Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia

Russia has mounted a legal challenge to save the embassy it was planning to construct near&nbsp;the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. Moscow was seeking an injunction at the country's highest court&nbsp;on the grounds that the move was unconstitutional.&nbsp;

“The Russian Federation has informed the commonwealth of its intention to commence legal proceedings in the high court, in which they will challenge the validity of the legislation on constitutional grounds,” a government spokesperson&nbsp;was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;

"Russia's challenge to the validity of the law is not unexpected.&nbsp;This is part of the Russian playbook."

<h2>Lone Russian diplomat lodges&nbsp;protest&nbsp;</h2>

Apart from knocking on the court's door, a lone Russian diplomat remained at the site, squatting to prevent authorities from taking the land back. Federal agencies are unable to move and arrest the man due to his diplomatic immunity.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-introduces-bill-to-kill-russias-plans-of-building-embassy-right-next-to-parliament-604570">Also read |&nbsp;Australia introduces bill to kill Russia’s plans of building embassy right next to parliament</a>

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to the man&nbsp;as “some bloke standing on a blade of grass” who posed no threat to national security.

“We are confident of our legal position and our national security committee, and of course members, when we considered this of course we anticipated that Russia would not be happy with our response,” said Albanese.

“The national security threat that was represented by a Russian embassy on-site is not the same as some bloke standing on a blade of grass that we don’t see as a threat to our national security," he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australian-pm-anthony-albanese-reiterates-support-for-ukraine-556504">WATCH |&nbsp;Australian PM Anthony Albanese reiterates support for Ukraine</a>

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<h2>Why was the bill introduced?</h2>

The legal challenge comes a week after the federal government passed legislation to cancel the&nbsp;Russian government’s lease on the Yarralumla site, citing national security concerns over its proximity to parliament.

The bill was introduced and eventually passed&nbsp;in an attempt to circumvent a recent Federal Court ruling that declared an eviction order by the National Capital Authority unlawful, thus paving the way for Russia to erect a sovereign structure in the close vicinity of the Parliament House.&nbsp;

Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, who introduced the bill, said the location of the embassy was the principal reason for Canberra's resistance.&nbsp;

“The principal problem with the proposed second Russian embassy in Canberra is its location.&nbsp;This location sits directly adjacent to Parliament House.”

The decision to introduce the legislation was made during a meeting of the government's national security committee at the end of last month.

Currently, Russia has a diplomatic presence at its existing embassy in Griffith.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia has mounted a legal challenge to save the embassy it was planning to construct near the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. Moscow was seeking an injunction at the country's highest court on the grounds that the move was unconstitutional.

Russia has mounted a legal challenge to save the embassy it was planning to construct near the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. Moscow was seeking an injunction at the country's highest court on the grounds that the move was unconstitutional. “The Russian Federation has informed the commonwealth of its intention to commence legal proceedings in the high court, in which they will challenge the validity of the legislation on constitutional grounds,” a government spokesperson was quoted as saying by AFP. "Russia's challenge to the validity of the law is not unexpected. This is part of the Russian playbook." Lone Russian diplomat lodges protest Apart from knocking on the court's door, a lone Russian diplomat remained at the site, squatting to prevent authorities from taking the land back. Federal agencies are unable to move and arrest the man due to his diplomatic immunity. Also read | Australia introduces bill to kill Russia’s plans of building embassy right next to parliament Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese referred to the man as “some bloke standing on a blade of grass” who posed no threat to national security. “We are confident of our legal position and our national security committee, and of course members, when we considered this of course we anticipated that Russia would not be happy with our response,” said Albanese. “The national security threat that was represented by a Russian embassy on-site is not the same as some bloke standing on a blade of grass that we don’t see as a threat to our national security," he added. WATCH | Australian PM Anthony Albanese reiterates support for Ukraine × Why was the bill introduced? The legal challenge comes a week after the federal government passed legislation to cancel the Russian government’s lease on the Yarralumla site, citing national security concerns over its proximity to parliament. The bill was introduced and eventually passed in an attempt to circumvent a recent Federal Court ruling that declared an eviction order by the National Capital Authority unlawful, thus paving the way for Russia to erect a sovereign structure in the close vicinity of the Parliament House. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, who introduced the bill, said the location of the embassy was the principal reason for Canberra's resistance. “The principal problem with the proposed second Russian embassy in Canberra is its location. This location sits directly adjacent to Parliament House.” The decision to introduce the legislation was made during a meeting of the government's national security committee at the end of last month. Currently, Russia has a diplomatic presence at its existing embassy in Griffith. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament

The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders.

<h2 dir="ltr">What was the report about?</h2>

The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022.&nbsp;

The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals.

The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict.&nbsp;

Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war.&nbsp;

The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen.&nbsp;

Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters.

<h2>What did it find about Russia and Ukraine?</h2>

According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”.&nbsp;

Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago.

<h2>‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings</h2>

In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces.&nbsp;

“I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021.&nbsp;

Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22).

The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders. What was the report about? The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022. The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals. The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict. Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war. The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen. Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters. What did it find about Russia and Ukraine? According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters. The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP. On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”. Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago. ‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces. “I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP. It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021. Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. (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.

UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why

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