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.&nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday (June 20) that Russia had information that Ukraine was planning to attack Russia-annexed Crimea. Shoigu warned that if Ukraine takes any such step, Russia would retaliate. Shoigu claimed that Ukraine was planning to attack Crimea with US and British long-range missiles.

Russia captured Crimea in 2014. But it considers the peninsula to be outside of the scope of its "special military operation" in Ukraine. The Russian attack this time is focused on eastern and southern Ukraine.

Ukraine says that it is fighting a war against a colonial conquest. It says it wants to reclaim all of its territory, including Crimea.&nbsp;

Shoigu attended a meeting of military officials in Moscow. He said in the meeting that Moscow had info about Ukraine planning to attack Crimea with US-supplied HIMARS long-range rocket systems and with British Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

<h2>Russia issues warning</h2>

"The use of these missiles outside the zone of our special military operation would mean that the United States and Britain would be fully dragged into the conflict and would entail immediate strikes on decision-making centres in Ukraine," said Shoigu.

Ukrainian generals and politicians have said many times they do not announce their military plans ahead of time.

Watch | Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons

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Shoigu claimed that since June 4, Ukrainian armed forces had carried out 263 attacks on Russian troops.

"Thanks to the smart and selfless actions of our units all of them (the attacks) have been repelled, the enemy has not accomplished its goals," said Shoigu.

Ukraine says it has recaptured eight villages in the early stages of its counteroffensive and a defence official has promised that Kyiv's "biggest blow" lay ahead despite tough resistance from Moscow's troops.

Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After gains in the early months of the conflict, Russian forces had to withdraw from large swathes of land in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

After the Russian invasion, the United States pushed for military support for Ukraine and quickly forged an international coalition to support Kyiv and coordinated aid from dozens of countries.

Russia has accused the West of directly waging war against it by providing weapons to Ukraine.

In recent weeks drone attacks have struck cities in Russia and targets in Crimea, but Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the incidents.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-air-strikes-hit-kyiv-other-regions-far-from-front-lines-606608">Ukraine war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from front lines</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met African leaders just a few days ago and ruled out negotiations with Russia.

"I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky told reporters after meeting several leaders including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday (June 20) that Russia had information that Ukraine was planning to attack Russia-annexed Crimea. Shoigu warned that if Ukraine takes any such step, Russia would retaliate. Shoigu claimed that Ukraine was planning to attack Crimea with US and British long-range missiles. Russia captured Crimea in 2014. But it considers the peninsula to be outside of the scope of its "special military operation" in Ukraine. The Russian attack this time is focused on eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukraine says that it is fighting a war against a colonial conquest. It says it wants to reclaim all of its territory, including Crimea. Shoigu attended a meeting of military officials in Moscow. He said in the meeting that Moscow had info about Ukraine planning to attack Crimea with US-supplied HIMARS long-range rocket systems and with British Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Russia issues warning "The use of these missiles outside the zone of our special military operation would mean that the United States and Britain would be fully dragged into the conflict and would entail immediate strikes on decision-making centres in Ukraine," said Shoigu. Ukrainian generals and politicians have said many times they do not announce their military plans ahead of time. Watch | Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons × Shoigu claimed that since June 4, Ukrainian armed forces had carried out 263 attacks on Russian troops. "Thanks to the smart and selfless actions of our units all of them (the attacks) have been repelled, the enemy has not accomplished its goals," said Shoigu. Ukraine says it has recaptured eight villages in the early stages of its counteroffensive and a defence official has promised that Kyiv's "biggest blow" lay ahead despite tough resistance from Moscow's troops. Russia attacked Ukraine in February last year. After gains in the early months of the conflict, Russian forces had to withdraw from large swathes of land in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. After the Russian invasion, the United States pushed for military support for Ukraine and quickly forged an international coalition to support Kyiv and coordinated aid from dozens of countries. Russia has accused the West of directly waging war against it by providing weapons to Ukraine. In recent weeks drone attacks have struck cities in Russia and targets in Crimea, but Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for the incidents. Also Read | Ukraine war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from front lines Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met African leaders just a few days ago and ruled out negotiations with Russia. "I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky told reporters after meeting several leaders including South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, claims Russia

A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage. This comes nearly a month after Moscow extended his pre-trial detention for three more months until late August.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention</h2>

“The appeal is rejected,” said the judge, as quoted by news agency AFP, after the short closed-door hearing. The Wall Street Journal reporter’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who left the Soviet Union for the US in 1979, were also in the court for the hearing on Thursday.

“The court considered the complaint brought by Gershkovich’s defence against the decision to extend his...detention, and ruled that the initial decision should be left unchanged and the complaint of the defendant’s defence should not be satisfied,” said the judge in Moscow court.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-on-charges-of-espionage-denied-bail-583727">Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail</a>

Images show Gershkovich in blue jeans and a black T-shirt as he stood in a glass box when the journalists were briefly allowed to film him before the start of the proceedings. Russia has previously said that the sensitivity of espionage charges against Gershkovich means the trial must be held in private and court documents should not be made public.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Wrongfully detained’: US ambassador</h2>

“We were extremely disappointed by the denial of his appeal,” said US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom but addressed the reporters outside the court in Moscow, on Thursday.&nbsp;

She added, “Despite Russian officials’ public assertions about Evan’s activities, let me reiterate the US government’s firm position: the charges against him are baseless.”

Similarly, the American newspaper has vehemently denied the accusations against Gershkovich while officials in Washington, including US President Joe Biden, have called for his release and called the charges against him “baseless”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-extends-wsj-journalist-evan-gershkovichs-detention-us-calls-for-immediate-release-595697">Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release</a>

“He’s an innocent journalist, who was carrying out journalistic activities and has been wrongfully detained. Such hostage diplomacy is unacceptable,” said the US ambassador.

<h2>The accusations and appeals</h2>

Gershkovich has been accused of collecting state secrets about the Russian industrial-military complex.&nbsp;Moscow claims&nbsp;to have caught him “red-handed” earlier this year in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. &nbsp;

Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

While Gershkovich has denied the spying charges against him, if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Last month (May 23), a Russian court extended the US journalist’s pre-trial detention till August 30.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-formally-charges-us-journalist-evan-gershkovich-with-espionage-580257">Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage</a>

The recent appeals by Gershkovich have been about his continued detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, for which no date has been set.

Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage.

A Russian court, on Thursday (June 22) rejected United States journalist Evan Gershkovich’s recent appeal against his pre-trial detention on charges of espionage. This comes nearly a month after Moscow extended his pre-trial detention for three more months until late August. Russian court upholds Gershkovich’s pre-trial detention “The appeal is rejected,” said the judge, as quoted by news agency AFP, after the short closed-door hearing. The Wall Street Journal reporter’s parents, Mikhail Gershkovich and Ella Milman, who left the Soviet Union for the US in 1979, were also in the court for the hearing on Thursday. “The court considered the complaint brought by Gershkovich’s defence against the decision to extend his...detention, and ruled that the initial decision should be left unchanged and the complaint of the defendant’s defence should not be satisfied,” said the judge in Moscow court. ALSO READ | Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail Images show Gershkovich in blue jeans and a black T-shirt as he stood in a glass box when the journalists were briefly allowed to film him before the start of the proceedings. Russia has previously said that the sensitivity of espionage charges against Gershkovich means the trial must be held in private and court documents should not be made public. ‘Wrongfully detained’: US ambassador “We were extremely disappointed by the denial of his appeal,” said US Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who was not allowed inside the courtroom but addressed the reporters outside the court in Moscow, on Thursday. She added, “Despite Russian officials’ public assertions about Evan’s activities, let me reiterate the US government’s firm position: the charges against him are baseless.” Similarly, the American newspaper has vehemently denied the accusations against Gershkovich while officials in Washington, including US President Joe Biden, have called for his release and called the charges against him “baseless”. ALSO READ | Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release “He’s an innocent journalist, who was carrying out journalistic activities and has been wrongfully detained. Such hostage diplomacy is unacceptable,” said the US ambassador. The accusations and appeals Gershkovich has been accused of collecting state secrets about the Russian industrial-military complex. Moscow claims to have caught him “red-handed” earlier this year in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg. Notably, the WSJ reporter is the first foreign journalist arrested on spying allegations since the collapse of the Soviet Union. While Gershkovich has denied the spying charges against him, if convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Last month (May 23), a Russian court extended the US journalist’s pre-trial detention till August 30. ALSO READ | Moscow formally charges US journalist Evan Gershkovich with espionage The recent appeals by Gershkovich have been about his continued detention in Moscow’s Lefortovo prison ahead of his trial, for which no date has been set. Gershkovich is currently being held at the Lefortovo prison along with others accused of treason and espionage in Moscow which in Soviet times was run by the KGB but is now operated by the Federal Penitentiary Service. (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.

WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich loses appeal against extended pre-trial detention

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day&nbsp;conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak</h2>

Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up".

Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)&nbsp;announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion&nbsp;commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM.&nbsp;

Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak.&nbsp;

The UK will also provide&nbsp;an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery.

<h2>US&nbsp;announces $1.3 billion additional aid</h2>

Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.”

The&nbsp;top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken.&nbsp;

<h2>EU and others</h2>

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27.&nbsp;

Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage.

<h2>Will it be enough?</h2>

A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London.&nbsp;

He added, that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/environmental-damage-from-ukraine-dam-breach-at-15-billion-says-kyiv-607053">cost of reconstruction</a> “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.”&nbsp;

Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy.&nbsp;

The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP.&nbsp; 
 
The Ukrainian PM&nbsp;urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as&nbsp;shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian president addresses the conference</h2>

“Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy.

“The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.”&nbsp;

<h2>EU announces new sanctions package against Russia</h2>

Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium.&nbsp;

However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones.&nbsp;

Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s allies in the West, including the United States and European Union, have pledged to send billions of dollars worth of aid to Ukraine as governments and private investors met to fund the war-torn country’s reconstruction. The two-day conference in London brought together more than 1,000 public and private sector decision-makers from across 60 countries. ‘Russia must pay’: UK PM Sunak Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London, the UK PM said, “It’s clear Russia must pay for the destruction that they’ve inflicted. So we’re working with allies to explore lawful routes to use Russian assets.” This comes as the UK proposed new legislation on Monday which would “keep sanctions in place until Russia pays up". Sunak also went on to announce loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years as a part of a “multi-year commitment to support Ukraine’s economy,” which would also allow Kyiv to unlock World Bank loans to help bolster its public services like schools and hospitals. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $15 billion plan for Ukraine over the next four years which is part of a $115 billion commitment by the Group of Seven (G7) nations and its partners, said the UK PM. Additionally, he also announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk insurance which could pave the way for de-risking investment without giving any further details. “Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine’s defence and for the counteroffensive, and we’ll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war,” said Sunak. The UK will also provide an extra $306 million in development aid funding for humanitarian projects. Furthermore, the UK PM said more than 400 companies from 38 countries had signed up for the Ukraine Business Compact, a statement of support for the war-torn country’s recovery. US announces $1.3 billion additional aid Addressing the conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world.” He added, “Let’s be clear: Russia is causing Ukraine’s destruction.” The top US diplomat then announced that with the support of Congress, Washington will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine. This would be in addition to the more than $20 billion in economic and development assistance that Washington has provided to Kyiv, said Blinken. EU and others European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros between 2024-27. Ajay Banga, president of the World Bank Group, UK’s $3 billion of additional guarantees would allow his group to continue to help “people rebuild their lives after devastation”. This comes as the World Bank has put an estimate of $14 billion on Ukraine’s immediate needs for repairing the damage. Will it be enough? A recent study by the World Bank, United Nations, EU and the Ukrainian government showed that the wider recovery of the war-torn country’s economy would cost $441 billion. Meanwhile, Kyiv on Wednesday said that the damages to the environment from the recent breach of the Russian-held Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine will be an estimated $1.5 billion. “Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine,” said the Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal at the conference in London. He added, that the cost of reconstruction “will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.” Rostyslav Shurma, a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, told Reuters ahead of the conference in London, that Kyiv has sought $40 billion to fund the first part of a “Green Marshall Plan” to rebuild its economy. The plan in question would first focus on the country’s iron and steel industry which accounted for a third of export revenues and employed around 600,000 people in 2021, contributing at least 10 per cent to the country’s GDP. The Ukrainian PM urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months as shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Ukrainian president addresses the conference “Every day of Russian aggression brings new ruins, thousands and thousands of destroyed houses, devastated industries, burnt lives,” said Zelensky to the delegates in London via video link. He also went on to talk about how despite the devastation from the war the country was ripe for development in various sectors including technology, green agriculture, and clean energy. “The world is watching to see if we will restore normal life in such a way that our transformation will land an ideological defeat on the aggressor,” said the Ukrainian president. He added, “We protect Ukraine, and thus we protect freedom. And when we build Ukraine, we’ll build freedom.” EU announces new sanctions package against Russia Hours after the British PM said that the UK will introduce legislation to keep Russian assets frozen till Russia “pays up” compensation to Ukraine. The EU also approved an 11th package of sanctions against Moscow. The announcement was made by Sweden which holds the 27-nation bloc’s rotating presidency and said it was approved at a meeting of EU ambassadors in Brussels, Belgium. However, some EU diplomats have said that the countries are close to reaching a limit on sanctions against Moscow and the bloc’s attention is also shifting from imposing additional sanctions to closing the loopholes in the existing ones. Speaking about the sanctions, the EU chief during the conference in London said the 27-nation bloc’s lawmakers will soon outline a plan for how to use the proceeds from seized Russian assets, “because the perpetrator has to be held accountable,” she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | The West announces billions in aid for Ukraine's recovery. Will it be enough?

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit&nbsp;warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt&nbsp;to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive.

The third drone's wreckage was found discovered around 20 kilometres (12 miles) away from the site where the drones crashed, reported Russian media. No casualties or damage were reported in the alleged drone attack.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia calls it an 'unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack'</h2>

The Russian defence ministry said that it was “an unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack” by “the Kyiv regime” on its facilities located in the region of Moscow. In a statement, the ministry added that they brought down all three drones by radio-electronic means.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims&nbsp;</a>

Ukraine, which generally does not confirm attacks it carries out on Russian soil, did not make any immediate comment about the drones which were downed. Earlier, Ukrainian officials emphasised the right of the country to strike any target in response to the invasion of Russia and the war that began in February 2022.

In December, Russia claimed to have shot down drones which were targeted at military air bases in the Ryazan and Saratov regions of western Russia.

<h2>Increasing drone attacks&nbsp;</h2>

As per reports, many drones have flown deep into Russia on several occasions. In February, a UJ-22 crashed 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Moscow, after which the Russian capital has allegedly been repeatedly approached by Ukrainian drones.&nbsp;

Last month, the Russian capital was jolted by a drone attack, although it suffered only slight damage. The attack was seen as one of the deepest and most daring strikes by Kyiv into Russia.&nbsp;

In that month, it was the second reported strike on Moscow after Russian authorities claimed that the Kremlin was targeted by two drones.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War

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During that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that the air defence of Moscow “worked in a satisfactory way,” but added it was “clear what we need to do to plug the gaps” in the system.

Meanwhile, there was a disruption in the train traffic on the Crimean Peninsula on Wednesday, as per its Russian-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov.

Aksyonov did not specify what led to the disruption, however, some Russian media outlets stated that apparent sabotage operations blew up the rail lines overnight.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive.

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive. The third drone's wreckage was found discovered around 20 kilometres (12 miles) away from the site where the drones crashed, reported Russian media. No casualties or damage were reported in the alleged drone attack. Russia calls it an 'unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack' The Russian defence ministry said that it was “an unsuccessful attempt at a terrorist attack” by “the Kyiv regime” on its facilities located in the region of Moscow. In a statement, the ministry added that they brought down all three drones by radio-electronic means. ALSO READ | Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Ukraine, which generally does not confirm attacks it carries out on Russian soil, did not make any immediate comment about the drones which were downed. Earlier, Ukrainian officials emphasised the right of the country to strike any target in response to the invasion of Russia and the war that began in February 2022. In December, Russia claimed to have shot down drones which were targeted at military air bases in the Ryazan and Saratov regions of western Russia. Increasing drone attacks As per reports, many drones have flown deep into Russia on several occasions. In February, a UJ-22 crashed 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Moscow, after which the Russian capital has allegedly been repeatedly approached by Ukrainian drones. Last month, the Russian capital was jolted by a drone attack, although it suffered only slight damage. The attack was seen as one of the deepest and most daring strikes by Kyiv into Russia. In that month, it was the second reported strike on Moscow after Russian authorities claimed that the Kremlin was targeted by two drones. WATCH | Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War During that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had stated that the air defence of Moscow “worked in a satisfactory way,” but added it was “clear what we need to do to plug the gaps” in the system. Meanwhile, there was a disruption in the train traffic on the Crimean Peninsula on Wednesday, as per its Russian-installed governor Sergei Aksyonov. Aksyonov did not specify what led to the disruption, however, some Russian media outlets stated that apparent sabotage operations blew up the rail lines overnight. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine

A free trade zone agreement between Iran, Russia and several countries that cover the vast Eurasian region spreading from the borders of Eastern Europe to Western China is possible by the end of the year, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Monday.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told the state TASS agency in an interview that talks between the Eurasian Economic Union - which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia - and Iran are in their final stages.

"We are moving forward," Overchuk said. "We very much hope that such an agreement can be signed by the end of the year."

Both the region and Iran have taken on additional significance for the Kremlin after Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion in Ukraine limited Russia's foreign trade routes and forced it to look for markets outside Europe.

However, despite tighter ties between Moscow and Tehran since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and began big purchases of Iranian-made drones to attack the country, trade between the two markets have grown only moderately.

Russian-Iranian commodity turnover rose 20% in 2022, according to government data, two-thirds the overall growth rate Moscow saw with China, another key partner with whom Russia has expanded political and economic alliance in the past two years.

The regional agreement with Iran would replace and expand an interim pact that already provides a reduction in customs duties on hundreds of categories of goods.

In November 2022, Russia started swapping oil products with Iran and in March, Tehran said it counts on "huge volumes" of both oil and gas swaps with Moscow.

Overchuk also told TASS, without providing much detail, that negotiations among the Eurasian Economic Union countries on creating a common gas market continue.

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A free trade zone agreement between Iran, Russia and several countries that cover the vast Eurasian region spreading from the borders of Eastern Europe to Western China is possible by the end of the year, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Monday.

A free trade zone agreement between Iran, Russia and several countries that cover the vast Eurasian region spreading from the borders of Eastern Europe to Western China is possible by the end of the year, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Monday. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk told the state TASS agency in an interview that talks between the Eurasian Economic Union - which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia - and Iran are in their final stages. "We are moving forward," Overchuk said. "We very much hope that such an agreement can be signed by the end of the year." Both the region and Iran have taken on additional significance for the Kremlin after Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion in Ukraine limited Russia's foreign trade routes and forced it to look for markets outside Europe. However, despite tighter ties between Moscow and Tehran since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and began big purchases of Iranian-made drones to attack the country, trade between the two markets have grown only moderately. Russian-Iranian commodity turnover rose 20% in 2022, according to government data, two-thirds the overall growth rate Moscow saw with China, another key partner with whom Russia has expanded political and economic alliance in the past two years. The regional agreement with Iran would replace and expand an interim pact that already provides a reduction in customs duties on hundreds of categories of goods. In November 2022, Russia started swapping oil products with Iran and in March, Tehran said it counts on "huge volumes" of both oil and gas swaps with Moscow. Overchuk also told TASS, without providing much detail, that negotiations among the Eurasian Economic Union countries on creating a common gas market continue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia says regional free trade pact with Iran possible by year-end

Germany has run down its stocks of explosive artillery shells, having provided Ukraine with the stocks for its defence ever since the war began. The European nation has only 20,000 artillery shells left, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Germany has run down its stocks of explosive artillery shells, having provided Ukraine with the stocks for its defence ever since the war began. The European nation has only 20,000 artillery shells left, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to confidential defence ministry papers accessed by the magazine Der Spiegel, the budget committee is currently being convinced of the need for urgent purchases. The ministry is expected to lay out nine contracts for the accelerated purchase of artillery and tank ammunition in the coming months to the budget committee, Der Spiegel wrote. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Germany rushed supplies of 155-millimetre artillery rounds used by howitzers to Kyiv - leading to the dip in numbers. The German military needs to build up an inventory of 230,000 shells by 2031 to comply with NATO goals. According to the security bloc, this is the minimum amount required to withstand 30 days of intensive combat. It was earlier this year that the European Union agreed to deliver one million 155-millimetre shells to Ukraine over the next 12 months. However, experts are of the view that such an amount could easily be used up within five months, perhaps even in three, putting additional pressure on the EU, especially Germany. WATCH | Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War × Cascading effects of the weapon depletion The depletion of arms in Germany could have cascading effects. Ukraine, which is currently dependent on Western nations, including Germany for weapons, would be caught in a frightening situation. A recent NYT report stated Kyiv is hard-pressed for weapons whilst simultaneously being clueless about the millions it has spent to access those arms. "Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted. Also read | Zelensky administration cannot account for 'hundreds of millions of dollars' spent on weapons: Report Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat. Germany not pushing on under Scholz Last year, Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave the "Zeitenwende" (turning of the times) speech in the German parliament in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During the speech, he announced that the German military would receive a fund of 100 billion euros to be upgraded. However, a year into the speech, it looks like Scholz might be struggling massively. The country has entered a recession and its weapons arsenal is plummeting by the second. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany running out of explosive artillery shells, having provided it in bulk to Kyiv: Report

Ukraine, on Monday, released a statement on the latest development in its two-week-old counteroffensive, saying that it had driven Russian troops out of an eighth village, situated on a heavily girded part of the frontline near the route that is most direct to the country's Azov Sea coast.&nbsp;

A Russian-installed official on Sunday said that Ukraine had taken control of the village, Piatykhatky, in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, as per news agency Reuters.

Later, he said that Moscow had pushed them out and on Monday morning he said Ukraine was attacking again.

Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar released a statement saying that Ukrainian forces had not only retaken Piatykhatky but had also advanced by up to seven km (4.3 miles) into Russian lines in two weeks, capturing 113 square km (44 square miles) of land.

"In the course of two weeks of offensive operations in the Berdiansk and Melitopol directions, eight settlements were liberated," Maliar said on Telegram, referring to two cities on the Russian-occupied coastline.

He also said that Russian forces were coming up against fierce resistance in the east of the country, particularly around Bakhmut.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-kakhovka-dam-breach-rises-russia-reports-ukrainian-gains-near-zaporizhzhia-605777">Death toll in Kakhovka dam collapse increases to 45; Ukraine recaptures another village</a>

"The Russians have transferred additional units there and increased the amount of shelling," Maliar said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appreciated the efforts of the troops and said that he would continue talks with Western allies to get weapons and ammunition supplies to them as soon as possible.

"Our troops are advancing, position by position, step by step, we are moving forward," he said on Sunday evening. "The main thing is the speed of supply."

<h2>Russia says its troops thwarted Kyiv's counteroffensive</h2>

The Russian Defence Ministry, on Monday, said that its troops had averted an attempt by Ukraine to capture the village of Novodonetske in the eastern Donetsk region.

As per a Reuters report, the Russian Defence Ministry released a video which showed a soldier talking about capturing a&nbsp;French-made tank.

Both sides appear to have taken heavy losses in recent fighting and both say they have lost fewer troops than their foes.

"The enemy's 'wave-like' offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses," Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov said on Telegram in reporting the Piatykhatky fighting.

<h2>Ukraine claims to have destroyed ‘significant’ ammunition depot in Kherson</h2>

A spokesperson for the Odesa military administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, on Sunday, claimed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a “significant” ammunition depot near the Russian-occupied port city of Henichesk in Kherson. &nbsp;

In a video message, Bratchuk, said, “Our armed forces dealt a good blow in the morning - and a very loud one - in the village of Rykove, Henichesk district, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region.” He added, “There was a very significant ammunition depot. It was destroyed.”

(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 Monday, released a statement on the latest development in its two-week-old counteroffensive, saying that it had driven Russian troops out of an eighth village, situated on a heavily girded part of the frontline near the route that is most direct to the country's Azov Sea coast.

Ukraine, on Monday, released a statement on the latest development in its two-week-old counteroffensive, saying that it had driven Russian troops out of an eighth village, situated on a heavily girded part of the frontline near the route that is most direct to the country's Azov Sea coast. A Russian-installed official on Sunday said that Ukraine had taken control of the village, Piatykhatky, in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, as per news agency Reuters. Later, he said that Moscow had pushed them out and on Monday morning he said Ukraine was attacking again. Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar released a statement saying that Ukrainian forces had not only retaken Piatykhatky but had also advanced by up to seven km (4.3 miles) into Russian lines in two weeks, capturing 113 square km (44 square miles) of land. "In the course of two weeks of offensive operations in the Berdiansk and Melitopol directions, eight settlements were liberated," Maliar said on Telegram, referring to two cities on the Russian-occupied coastline. He also said that Russian forces were coming up against fierce resistance in the east of the country, particularly around Bakhmut. Also read: Death toll in Kakhovka dam collapse increases to 45; Ukraine recaptures another village "The Russians have transferred additional units there and increased the amount of shelling," Maliar said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appreciated the efforts of the troops and said that he would continue talks with Western allies to get weapons and ammunition supplies to them as soon as possible. "Our troops are advancing, position by position, step by step, we are moving forward," he said on Sunday evening. "The main thing is the speed of supply." Russia says its troops thwarted Kyiv's counteroffensive The Russian Defence Ministry, on Monday, said that its troops had averted an attempt by Ukraine to capture the village of Novodonetske in the eastern Donetsk region. As per a Reuters report, the Russian Defence Ministry released a video which showed a soldier talking about capturing a French-made tank. Both sides appear to have taken heavy losses in recent fighting and both say they have lost fewer troops than their foes. "The enemy's 'wave-like' offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses," Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov said on Telegram in reporting the Piatykhatky fighting. Ukraine claims to have destroyed ‘significant’ ammunition depot in Kherson A spokesperson for the Odesa military administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, on Sunday, claimed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a “significant” ammunition depot near the Russian-occupied port city of Henichesk in Kherson. In a video message, Bratchuk, said, “Our armed forces dealt a good blow in the morning - and a very loud one - in the village of Rykove, Henichesk district, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region.” He added, “There was a very significant ammunition depot. It was destroyed.” (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 recaptures eighth village from Russian troops on southern front

The hackers behind the recent attack on Microsoft are suspected to have Russian links, reported The Guardian, citing experts. The news report said that it is unlikely that the hackers are an Islamic group with links in Sudan as it is being claimed by them. The hacking attacks that took place in early June caused outages of some of Microsoft's services.

Anonymous Sudan, a group of hackers, has claimed responsibility for denial-of-service attacks on Australian companies. The companies include those from the aviation, healthcare and education sectors. The name of the group suggests that it is from Sudan. The group claimed that it was targetting Australian companies because of clothes worn at the Melbourne fashion festival with the words 'God walks with me' in Arabic.

Watch | AI: Microsoft's ticket to prosperity | World DNA

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The Guardian reported that cybersecurity firm CyberCX released a report on Monday that said that Anonymous Sudan is unlikely to be an authentic hacktivist organisation. The firm said that it is likely that it has links with the Russian state.&nbsp;

<h2>Means used an indication of origin</h2>

The firm said that the organisation used paid infrastructure in the attack. The operation to direct huge amounts of traffic to a service would need tens of thousands of dollars and hence it was unlikely that Anonymous Sudan was a loose collective.&nbsp;

CyberCX said that Anonymous Sudan was part of the pro-Russia hacker group Killnet.

Alastair MacGibbon, CyberCX’s chief strategy officer, told Guardian Australia that Anonymous Sudan's operations may be aimed at driving "division in society" and disrupting the West.

“It really stems from the Russian government's proclivities to drive division in society,” he said as quoted by The Guardian.

“They don’t really care about the issue … anti-racism, pro-environment or whatever – [they] just get into whatever it is that matters to [harm] targets. In this case, the West.”

MacGibbon said that there have been more and more instances of Russia-linked entities have been carrying out attacks against Australia in the recent past.

“There has to be a link to other forms of monetisation, potentially a state or some form of direction coming from the state that says ‘go and cause fear, uncertainty and doubt’,” he said.

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The hackers behind the recent attack on Microsoft are suspected to have Russian links, reported The Guardian, citing experts. The news report said that it is unlikely that the hackers are an Islamic group with links in Sudan as it is being claimed by them.

The hackers behind the recent attack on Microsoft are suspected to have Russian links, reported The Guardian, citing experts. The news report said that it is unlikely that the hackers are an Islamic group with links in Sudan as it is being claimed by them. The hacking attacks that took place in early June caused outages of some of Microsoft's services. Anonymous Sudan, a group of hackers, has claimed responsibility for denial-of-service attacks on Australian companies. The companies include those from the aviation, healthcare and education sectors. The name of the group suggests that it is from Sudan. The group claimed that it was targetting Australian companies because of clothes worn at the Melbourne fashion festival with the words 'God walks with me' in Arabic. Watch | AI: Microsoft's ticket to prosperity | World DNA × The Guardian reported that cybersecurity firm CyberCX released a report on Monday that said that Anonymous Sudan is unlikely to be an authentic hacktivist organisation. The firm said that it is likely that it has links with the Russian state. Means used an indication of origin The firm said that the organisation used paid infrastructure in the attack. The operation to direct huge amounts of traffic to a service would need tens of thousands of dollars and hence it was unlikely that Anonymous Sudan was a loose collective. CyberCX said that Anonymous Sudan was part of the pro-Russia hacker group Killnet. Alastair MacGibbon, CyberCX’s chief strategy officer, told Guardian Australia that Anonymous Sudan's operations may be aimed at driving "division in society" and disrupting the West. “It really stems from the Russian government's proclivities to drive division in society,” he said as quoted by The Guardian. “They don’t really care about the issue … anti-racism, pro-environment or whatever – [they] just get into whatever it is that matters to [harm] targets. In this case, the West.” MacGibbon said that there have been more and more instances of Russia-linked entities have been carrying out attacks against Australia in the recent past. “There has to be a link to other forms of monetisation, potentially a state or some form of direction coming from the state that says ‘go and cause fear, uncertainty and doubt’,” he said. 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 ×

Hackers who caused Microsoft outage have Russian links: Report

A Russia-installed official, on Sunday (June 18) acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have recaptured Piatykhatky village in the southern Zapororizhzhia region, in what might be the second&nbsp;reported gains in the region since Kyiv began its counteroffensive, earlier this month. Meanwhile, both Ukrainian and Russian officials have reported a rise in the death toll after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll due to Kakhovka dam breach rises</h2>

The death toll from the floods due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam rose to 16 in Ukraine, said the officials in Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Russia-installed official in the Moscow-occupied parts of the Kherson region, Andrei Alekseyenko, took to Telegram and said at least 29 people have lost their lives due to the flood, as of late Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian interior ministry, in a statement also said that more than 3,600 people have been evacuated from the flooded areas in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions and some 31 were still missing. Additionally, as of late Saturday, at least 1,300 were flooded, said the Ukrainian officials.&nbsp;

The destruction of the Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River has prompted the evacuation of thousands of people after it unleashed a flood in several parts of southern Ukraine and in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine.&nbsp;

While, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of destroying the dam, a team of international legal experts who are helping prosecutors in Kyiv with the investigation, in their preliminary findings on Friday said it was “highly likely” that the collapse of the Soviet-era dam was caused by explosives planted by Russians.

<h2>Ukrainian forces reportedly take over another village</h2>

In what might be the second gain&nbsp;for the Ukrainian forces along the southern Zaporizhzhia region front, a Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov reported that Kyiv has taken over the settlement of Piatykhatky. Rogov took to Telegram and said Ukrainian forces have entrenched themselves there while coming under fire from Russian troops.&nbsp;

“The enemy’s ‘wave-like’ offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses,” said the Russian official, adding that heavy fighting continues in the area. The claim was not immediately confirmed by Kyiv. This also comes days after&nbsp;Ukraine said it regained&nbsp;control of&nbsp;Lobkove, a village adjacent to Piatykhatky in Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry, in a statement on Sunday said&nbsp;its forces had repelled a series of Ukrainian attacks across three sections of the front line with "most active actions" in&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia direction while also mentioning&nbsp;attempts to attack in the&nbsp;South-Donetsk and Donetsk directions. However, the ministry did not confirm the Russian-installed official's claim.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine claims to have destroyed ‘significant’ ammunition depot in Kherson</h2>

A spokesperson for the Odesa military administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, on Sunday, claimed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a “significant” ammunition depot near the Russian-occupied port city of Henichesk in Kherson. &nbsp;

In a video message, Bratchuk, said, “Our armed forces dealt a good blow in the morning - and a very loud one - in the village of Rykove, Henichesk district, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region.” He added, “There was a very significant ammunition depot. It was destroyed.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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A Russia-installed official, on Sunday (June 18) acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have recaptured Piatykhatky village in the southern Zapororizhzhia region, in what might be the second reported gains in the region since Kyiv began its counteroffensive, earlier this month.

A Russia-installed official, on Sunday (June 18) acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have recaptured Piatykhatky village in the southern Zapororizhzhia region, in what might be the second reported gains in the region since Kyiv began its counteroffensive, earlier this month. Meanwhile, both Ukrainian and Russian officials have reported a rise in the death toll after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Death toll due to Kakhovka dam breach rises The death toll from the floods due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam rose to 16 in Ukraine, said the officials in Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Russia-installed official in the Moscow-occupied parts of the Kherson region, Andrei Alekseyenko, took to Telegram and said at least 29 people have lost their lives due to the flood, as of late Saturday. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian interior ministry, in a statement also said that more than 3,600 people have been evacuated from the flooded areas in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions and some 31 were still missing. Additionally, as of late Saturday, at least 1,300 were flooded, said the Ukrainian officials. The destruction of the Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River has prompted the evacuation of thousands of people after it unleashed a flood in several parts of southern Ukraine and in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine. While, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of destroying the dam, a team of international legal experts who are helping prosecutors in Kyiv with the investigation, in their preliminary findings on Friday said it was “highly likely” that the collapse of the Soviet-era dam was caused by explosives planted by Russians. Ukrainian forces reportedly take over another village In what might be the second gain for the Ukrainian forces along the southern Zaporizhzhia region front, a Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov reported that Kyiv has taken over the settlement of Piatykhatky. Rogov took to Telegram and said Ukrainian forces have entrenched themselves there while coming under fire from Russian troops. “The enemy’s ‘wave-like’ offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses,” said the Russian official, adding that heavy fighting continues in the area. The claim was not immediately confirmed by Kyiv. This also comes days after Ukraine said it regained control of Lobkove, a village adjacent to Piatykhatky in Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry, in a statement on Sunday said its forces had repelled a series of Ukrainian attacks across three sections of the front line with "most active actions" in Zaporizhzhia direction while also mentioning attempts to attack in the South-Donetsk and Donetsk directions. However, the ministry did not confirm the Russian-installed official's claim. Ukraine claims to have destroyed ‘significant’ ammunition depot in Kherson A spokesperson for the Odesa military administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, on Sunday, claimed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a “significant” ammunition depot near the Russian-occupied port city of Henichesk in Kherson. In a video message, Bratchuk, said, “Our armed forces dealt a good blow in the morning - and a very loud one - in the village of Rykove, Henichesk district, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region.” He added, “There was a very significant ammunition depot. It was destroyed.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Death toll in Kakhovka dam collapse increases to 45; Ukraine recaptures another village

Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (June 16) that Russian troops who destroy German-made Leopard tanks and US-supplied armoured vehicles&nbsp;being used by Ukraine will be rewarded with bonuses. The ministry described this to be part of a wider reward scheme under which 10,000 Russian servicemen received individual bonuses since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.

The ministry said that payments were being made on the basis of reports from Russian field commanders.

"...payments are currently being g made to servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces who in the course of military operations destroyed Leopard tanks, as well as armoured fighting vehicles made in the USA and other NATO countries," the ministry said.

Watch | Blasts heard in Kyiv as African peace mission visits Ukrainian capital

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On Tuesday (June 13), Russian military correspondent Semyon Pegov told President Vladimir Putin that the soldiers were not receiving the rewards. Putin said it was a surprise for him and promised to immediately take the issue up with the defence ministry.

On Sunday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu awarded "Hero of Russia gold star" medal to soldiers who Russia said had destroyed Leopard tanks and US-made Bradley fighting vehicles. The equipment, weapons and vehicles are being used by Ukraine in its long-anticipated counteroffensive.

The ministry said that up to May 31, a total of 10,257 servicemen had been rewarded for destroying 16,001 items of Ukrainian and Western military equipment.

<h2>So what's the bonus?</h2>

It said that an enemy armoured vehicle was worth 50,000 roubles (USD 596) and a tank was worth 100,000 roubles ($1220) it said.

Military pilots and air defence operators received 300,000 roubles for every destroyed Ukrainian plane or helicopter. A successful strike on Tochka-U and US-supplied HIMARS rocket launch systems were rewarded with the same amount.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-air-raid-sirens-greet-african-peace-mission-leaders-visiting-kyiv-605173">Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv</a>

The practice of financial rewards for destroyed enemy military hardware has existed for decades. It was even used in the Red Army during World War Two after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains on the battlefield in the first few months, Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Western countries, led by the US, have poured millions and millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid and weapons. This has helped Ukraine turn the tide in the war in which its armed forces were expected to quickly capitulate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (June 16) that Russian troops who destroy German-made Leopard tanks and US-supplied armoured vehicles being used by Ukraine will be rewarded with bonuses.

Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (June 16) that Russian troops who destroy German-made Leopard tanks and US-supplied armoured vehicles being used by Ukraine will be rewarded with bonuses. The ministry described this to be part of a wider reward scheme under which 10,000 Russian servicemen received individual bonuses since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. The ministry said that payments were being made on the basis of reports from Russian field commanders. "...payments are currently being g made to servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces who in the course of military operations destroyed Leopard tanks, as well as armoured fighting vehicles made in the USA and other NATO countries," the ministry said. Watch | Blasts heard in Kyiv as African peace mission visits Ukrainian capital × On Tuesday (June 13), Russian military correspondent Semyon Pegov told President Vladimir Putin that the soldiers were not receiving the rewards. Putin said it was a surprise for him and promised to immediately take the issue up with the defence ministry. On Sunday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu awarded "Hero of Russia gold star" medal to soldiers who Russia said had destroyed Leopard tanks and US-made Bradley fighting vehicles. The equipment, weapons and vehicles are being used by Ukraine in its long-anticipated counteroffensive. The ministry said that up to May 31, a total of 10,257 servicemen had been rewarded for destroying 16,001 items of Ukrainian and Western military equipment. So what's the bonus? It said that an enemy armoured vehicle was worth 50,000 roubles (USD 596) and a tank was worth 100,000 roubles ($1220) it said. Military pilots and air defence operators received 300,000 roubles for every destroyed Ukrainian plane or helicopter. A successful strike on Tochka-U and US-supplied HIMARS rocket launch systems were rewarded with the same amount. Also Read | Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv The practice of financial rewards for destroyed enemy military hardware has existed for decades. It was even used in the Red Army during World War Two after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains on the battlefield in the first few months, Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Western countries, led by the US, have poured millions and millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid and weapons. This has helped Ukraine turn the tide in the war in which its armed forces were expected to quickly capitulate. (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 to award bonuses to soldiers who destroy Western tanks

"War has no winners" is an adage that has been espoused since time immemorial to describe the futility of it. One saw it unfold on camera when a Russian soldier, left alone on the battlefield after his whole unit was decimated, pleaded desperately to the Ukrainian side or in this case, a drone, to spare him.&nbsp;

30-year-old Ruslan Anitin was one of the sole survivors after his platoon, stationed near the eastern city of Bakhmut was killed by Ukrainian drone and mortar attacks recently.&nbsp;

The drone footage has now emerged, showing Anitin haphazardly standing up without his rifle and gesturing towards the drone and asking pilots to spare his life if he surrendered.&nbsp;

“I thought I would end up staying in that trench forever,” Anitin was quoted as saying by The Washington Post.

The Ukrainian drone pilots were suspicious initially, fearing it was another trap by the Russian soldiers. However, after monitoring Anitin's body language, they started conversing by moving the drone up and down for yes, left and right for no.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-deliberately-hit-kakhovka-dam-with-himars-rockets-604095">Also read |&nbsp;Putin claims Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets</a>

<h2>I felt sorry for him: Ukrainian drone operator</h2>

An assault drone was nearby to complete the kill but the drone's pilot, whose call sign is Boxer, decided to spare the life of his enemy.&nbsp;

"Despite that he is an enemy, even though he has killed our boys, I still felt sorry for him,” said Boxer.&nbsp;

Boxer used a Sharpie marker to write in Russian on the packaging of his food rations: “Surrender follow the drone" and dropped it in front of the soldier. Anitin quickly jumped, grabbed the paper and started following the instructions.&nbsp;

Once Anitin agreed, he was guided for over an hour through the trenches with discarded grenades, rifles and lifeless bodies of Russian soldiers lying in them. During the trek, he came perilously close to a couple of grenade blasts, allegedly conducted by his own side.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: Video may be distressing for some. Please proceed at your own caution)

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On May 9, drone telepilots of the "CODE 9.2" team of the 3rd battalion of the 92nd brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine helped save the life of Russian serviceman Ruslan Anitin near Bakhmut 
 
When the drone prepared to attack him, the corporal showed signs that he was asking to… <a href="https://t.co/iwE4K4fujo">pic.twitter.com/iwE4K4fujo</a>
— Lew Anno Suport #Ukraine 24/2-22 (@anno1540) <a href="https://twitter.com/anno1540/status/1657483934278602752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Eventually, Anitin managed to reach across the enemy lines. Before entering the Ukrainian trench, Anitin raised his hands above his head and removed the helmet and flak jacket. He was later pinned to the ground by the Ukrainian soldiers who loaded him into a truck.&nbsp;

The Russian was later sent to the Kharkiv region while the Ukraine side captured the trench where Anitin had been stationed, a week later.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-studying-has-become-extremely-difficult-for-ukrainian-children-604980">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Studying has become extremely difficult for Ukrainian children</a>

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Anitin, who was drafted into the Army after the war began and did not even say goodbye to his three-year-old daughter, still wanted to return home, even if it meant being put behind bars for being a deserter.&nbsp;

“Let them lock me up,” he said. “I’d like to return home to my family, and never experience the sorts of things that I have seen here.”

(Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video or the claims made in the news article)

(With inputs from agencies)

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"War has no winners" is an adage that has been espoused since time immemorial to describe the futility of it. One saw it unfold on camera when a Russian soldier, left alone on the battlefield after his whole unit was decimated, pleaded desperately to the Ukrainian side or in this case, a drone, to spare him.

"War has no winners" is an adage that has been espoused since time immemorial to describe the futility of it. One saw it unfold on camera when a Russian soldier, left alone on the battlefield after his whole unit was decimated, pleaded desperately to the Ukrainian side or in this case, a drone, to spare him. 30-year-old Ruslan Anitin was one of the sole survivors after his platoon, stationed near the eastern city of Bakhmut was killed by Ukrainian drone and mortar attacks recently. The drone footage has now emerged, showing Anitin haphazardly standing up without his rifle and gesturing towards the drone and asking pilots to spare his life if he surrendered. “I thought I would end up staying in that trench forever,” Anitin was quoted as saying by The Washington Post. The Ukrainian drone pilots were suspicious initially, fearing it was another trap by the Russian soldiers. However, after monitoring Anitin's body language, they started conversing by moving the drone up and down for yes, left and right for no. Also read | Putin claims Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets I felt sorry for him: Ukrainian drone operator An assault drone was nearby to complete the kill but the drone's pilot, whose call sign is Boxer, decided to spare the life of his enemy. "Despite that he is an enemy, even though he has killed our boys, I still felt sorry for him,” said Boxer. Boxer used a Sharpie marker to write in Russian on the packaging of his food rations: “Surrender follow the drone" and dropped it in front of the soldier. Anitin quickly jumped, grabbed the paper and started following the instructions. Once Anitin agreed, he was guided for over an hour through the trenches with discarded grenades, rifles and lifeless bodies of Russian soldiers lying in them. During the trek, he came perilously close to a couple of grenade blasts, allegedly conducted by his own side. (Disclaimer: Video may be distressing for some. Please proceed at your own caution) On May 9, drone telepilots of the "CODE 9.2" team of the 3rd battalion of the 92nd brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine helped save the life of Russian serviceman Ruslan Anitin near Bakhmut When the drone prepared to attack him, the corporal showed signs that he was asking to… pic.twitter.com/iwE4K4fujo — Lew Anno Suport #Ukraine 24/2-22 (@anno1540) May 13, 2023 × Eventually, Anitin managed to reach across the enemy lines. Before entering the Ukrainian trench, Anitin raised his hands above his head and removed the helmet and flak jacket. He was later pinned to the ground by the Ukrainian soldiers who loaded him into a truck. The Russian was later sent to the Kharkiv region while the Ukraine side captured the trench where Anitin had been stationed, a week later. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Studying has become extremely difficult for Ukrainian children × Anitin, who was drafted into the Army after the war began and did not even say goodbye to his three-year-old daughter, still wanted to return home, even if it meant being put behind bars for being a deserter. “Let them lock me up,” he said. “I’d like to return home to my family, and never experience the sorts of things that I have seen here.” (Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video or the claims made in the news article) (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

VIDEO | Entire platoon gone, lone Russian soldier 'pleads and surrenders' before Ukrainian drone

The Armenian Defence Ministry, in a statement, on Wednesday (June 14) said two Indian citizens have been wounded after Azerbaijani shelling in the town of Yeraskh. The&nbsp;shelling follows recent clashes and tensions flaring up between the two countries.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Armenia say about the incident?</h2>

The statement, posted on the Telegram messenger app by the Armenian Defence Ministry said that two Indian nationals were involved in construction work at a metallurgical plant in Yeraskh, which is close to the border with Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has not confirmed the incident and the condition of those injured was not immediately known.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-ready-to-recognise-nagorno-karabakh-as-azeri-territory-amid-massive-protests-595145">Armenia ‘ready’ to recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as Azeri territory amid massive protests</a>

Notably, the two nations have been locked in conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region for three decades and witness&nbsp;regular exchange of fire across their shared borders but it does not usually affect foreign nations.&nbsp;

<h2>Recent clashes and attempts at peace talks&nbsp;</h2>

Last month, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire including mortars and drones on their border amid fresh clashes. The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, earlier this year, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.&nbsp;

The move has since sparked outrage with Armenia calling&nbsp;it a “gross violation” of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan said that it set up the checkpoint in the disputed region after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-soldiers-killed-in-clashes-on-armenia-azerbaijan-border-ahead-of-peace-talks-591841">At least two soldiers killed in clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border ahead of peace talks</a>

The two countries have fought two wars in the last three decades or so over the disputed territory which is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire.&nbsp;

As a part of that agreement, Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. 
 
Notably, Russia, the United States and the European Union are separately trying to ensure permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the beginning of this year.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia's Security Council, according to the Russian news agency TASS said negotiations were very intensive and there is a chance that a peace deal could be signed with Azerbaijan by the end of 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-iran-and-armenia-form-trilateral-grouping-to-deepen-ties-and-co-operation-584545">India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation</a> 
 
“If we can maintain this intensity and there is strong support from the international community to achieve progress, then there is a chance to have a peace treaty by the end of the year,” said Grigoryan, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan, last month, said&nbsp;his nation was willing to recognise the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in its entirety as a part of Azerbaijan given rights of ethnic Armenians living in the region are guaranteed.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The Armenian Defence Ministry, in a statement, on Wednesday (June 14) said two Indian citizens have been wounded after Azerbaijani shelling in the town of Yeraskh.

The Armenian Defence Ministry, in a statement, on Wednesday (June 14) said two Indian citizens have been wounded after Azerbaijani shelling in the town of Yeraskh. The shelling follows recent clashes and tensions flaring up between the two countries. What did Armenia say about the incident? The statement, posted on the Telegram messenger app by the Armenian Defence Ministry said that two Indian nationals were involved in construction work at a metallurgical plant in Yeraskh, which is close to the border with Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has not confirmed the incident and the condition of those injured was not immediately known. ALSO READ | Armenia ‘ready’ to recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as Azeri territory amid massive protests Notably, the two nations have been locked in conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region for three decades and witness regular exchange of fire across their shared borders but it does not usually affect foreign nations. Recent clashes and attempts at peace talks Last month, troops from Azerbaijan and Armenia exchanged fire including mortars and drones on their border amid fresh clashes. The tensions between the two former Soviet states have escalated after Azerbaijan, earlier this year, set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage with Armenia calling it a “gross violation” of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan said that it set up the checkpoint in the disputed region after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces. ALSO READ | At least two soldiers killed in clashes on Armenia-Azerbaijan border ahead of peace talks The two countries have fought two wars in the last three decades or so over the disputed territory which is recognised as part of Azerbaijan but populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire. As a part of that agreement, Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. Notably, Russia, the United States and the European Union are separately trying to ensure permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the beginning of this year. Earlier this month, Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of Armenia's Security Council, according to the Russian news agency TASS said negotiations were very intensive and there is a chance that a peace deal could be signed with Azerbaijan by the end of 2023. ALSO READ | India, Iran and Armenia form trilateral grouping to deepen ties and co-operation “If we can maintain this intensity and there is strong support from the international community to achieve progress, then there is a chance to have a peace treaty by the end of the year,” said Grigoryan, as quoted by Reuters. Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan, last month, said his nation was willing to recognise the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in its entirety as a part of Azerbaijan given rights of ethnic Armenians living in the region are guaranteed. (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.

Armenia claims two Indian nationals wounded in shelling by Azerbaijan near border

Kyiv on Thursday released a statement saying that the Ukrainian forces thwarted a cruise projectile and 20 explosive drones that were launched by Russia&nbsp;in its latest nighttime attack.

However, three other projectiles hit "industrial installations" in the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine's centre-east, it said.

The statement released by Kyiv came shortly after Moscow-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, said that the Russian forces had downed nine drones over its territory, without causing any casualties.&nbsp;

"Last night and this morning, nine drones were detected above the Republic of Crimea territory," Aksionov said on Telegram.

"Six devices were shot down by air-defence forces" while three others were "deactivated" before hitting the ground, he said, adding that there were no victims.

Nonetheless, one of the drones did explode in a village in the centre of the peninsula&nbsp;that broke the windows of several houses, he added.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-fsb-arrests-former-defence-industry-workers-suspected-of-spying-for-ukraines-military-intelligence-603962">&nbsp;Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence</a>

As Ukraine pursues a counter-offensive against Russian forces, drone attacks in Crimea have increased. However, the annexation of these drone attacks by Moscow has not yet been recognised by the international community.

Kyiv has repeatedly articulated taking back Crimea as a part of its efforts to regain the territory since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.

<h2>Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam, claims Putin</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (June 13) that he believed Ukraine was responsible for the breach last week of the Kakhovka dam. While speaking during a televised meeting of Russian war correspondents and military bloggers, Putin said that the damage has been caused by Kyiv shelling the structure with HIMARS missile systems, which were supplied by the United States.&nbsp;

Putin said, "They used HIMARS rockets deliberately and many times to hit Kakhovka dam - that's the point. Maybe they had some kind of plant there. I don't know."&nbsp;

He added, "Maybe they added something insignificant once again - and destruction began. As we understand - we are not interested in this (Kakhovka dam destruction) for sure, because there are harsh consequences for territories we control and that are Russian."&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's losses close to 'catastrophic'&nbsp;</h2>

Putin claimed that Ukraine was suffering massive losses in its highly touted counter-offensive against Russian positions in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Their losses are approaching a level that could be described as catastrophic," Putin said during a meeting.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine’s counter-offensive</h2>

On Monday, Kyiv claimed that it had taken control of seven villages in eastern and southern Ukraine that were initially occupied by the Russian forces over the last week.

Ukraine further said that it made small gains near the eastern city of Bakhmut after launching a long-awaited counteroffensive with Western weapons to claw back territory.

"Seven settlements were liberated," Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said on Telegram.

These are Lobkovo, Levadne and Novodarivka in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kyiv on Thursday released a statement saying that the Ukrainian forces thwarted a cruise projectile and 20 explosive drones that were launched by Russia in its latest nighttime attack.

Kyiv on Thursday released a statement saying that the Ukrainian forces thwarted a cruise projectile and 20 explosive drones that were launched by Russia in its latest nighttime attack. However, three other projectiles hit "industrial installations" in the Dnipropetrovsk region in Ukraine's centre-east, it said. The statement released by Kyiv came shortly after Moscow-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, said that the Russian forces had downed nine drones over its territory, without causing any casualties. "Last night and this morning, nine drones were detected above the Republic of Crimea territory," Aksionov said on Telegram. "Six devices were shot down by air-defence forces" while three others were "deactivated" before hitting the ground, he said, adding that there were no victims. Nonetheless, one of the drones did explode in a village in the centre of the peninsula that broke the windows of several houses, he added. Also read: Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence As Ukraine pursues a counter-offensive against Russian forces, drone attacks in Crimea have increased. However, the annexation of these drone attacks by Moscow has not yet been recognised by the international community. Kyiv has repeatedly articulated taking back Crimea as a part of its efforts to regain the territory since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam, claims Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (June 13) that he believed Ukraine was responsible for the breach last week of the Kakhovka dam. While speaking during a televised meeting of Russian war correspondents and military bloggers, Putin said that the damage has been caused by Kyiv shelling the structure with HIMARS missile systems, which were supplied by the United States. Putin said, "They used HIMARS rockets deliberately and many times to hit Kakhovka dam - that's the point. Maybe they had some kind of plant there. I don't know." He added, "Maybe they added something insignificant once again - and destruction began. As we understand - we are not interested in this (Kakhovka dam destruction) for sure, because there are harsh consequences for territories we control and that are Russian." Ukraine's losses close to 'catastrophic' Putin claimed that Ukraine was suffering massive losses in its highly touted counter-offensive against Russian positions in Ukraine. "Their losses are approaching a level that could be described as catastrophic," Putin said during a meeting. Ukraine’s counter-offensive On Monday, Kyiv claimed that it had taken control of seven villages in eastern and southern Ukraine that were initially occupied by the Russian forces over the last week. Ukraine further said that it made small gains near the eastern city of Bakhmut after launching a long-awaited counteroffensive with Western weapons to claw back territory. "Seven settlements were liberated," Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said on Telegram. These are Lobkovo, Levadne and Novodarivka in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, she said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukrainian forces intercept 1 cruise missile, 20 drones launched by Russia

The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs.

The ICRC said such visits are of importance to check detention conditions, offering support and sometimes books, hygiene items and other personal necessities. The visits are also vital to relay information between the prisoners and their loved ones.

"For the prisoners of war and their families who have been able to share news, the impact is... immeasurable," Ariane Bauer, ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told reporters.

Watch | Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan

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The ICRC&nbsp;and&nbsp;its partners have till now delivered around 2500 personal messages between POWs and their families in the Ukraine conflict.

The organisation said it had also helped provide around 5,500 families with information on the fate of their loved ones in the conflict.

Visiting the POWs forms the core to ICRC's mission which is enshrined in the Geneva conventions.

Geneva conventions define the laws of war.

<h2>Red Cross not pushing hard enough, feels Zelensky&nbsp;</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly criticised the Red Cross on the ultra-sensitive subject of POW visits. Zelensky has accused the&nbsp;Red Cross of not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukraine troops who are captured by Russian forces.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-belarus-begins-taking-delivery-of-russian-nuclear-weapons-604512">Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons</a>

The organisation sees it as a vital part of its mandate to "access prisoners of war on both sides", ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told reporters last week.

"We are progressing," she added.

The ICRC has said that it has access to POWs held by Russia including in recent weeks. However, the ICRC has not revealed breakdown of how many POWs on either side of the conflict it has visited on either side&nbsp;

The ICRC never reveals such numbers, nor any details on the conditions it finds in detention centres as part of its unrelenting commitment to neutrality.

Bauer acknowledged that this commitment during times of conflict, particularly Ukraine war, is often "misunderstood".

"Neutrality is not a moral position. It's a tool that helps us work and get access to prisoners of war, to populations in difficult situations," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs.

The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs. The ICRC said such visits are of importance to check detention conditions, offering support and sometimes books, hygiene items and other personal necessities. The visits are also vital to relay information between the prisoners and their loved ones. "For the prisoners of war and their families who have been able to share news, the impact is... immeasurable," Ariane Bauer, ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told reporters. Watch | Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan × The ICRC and its partners have till now delivered around 2500 personal messages between POWs and their families in the Ukraine conflict. The organisation said it had also helped provide around 5,500 families with information on the fate of their loved ones in the conflict. Visiting the POWs forms the core to ICRC's mission which is enshrined in the Geneva conventions. Geneva conventions define the laws of war. Red Cross not pushing hard enough, feels Zelensky Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly criticised the Red Cross on the ultra-sensitive subject of POW visits. Zelensky has accused the Red Cross of not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukraine troops who are captured by Russian forces. Also Read | Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons The organisation sees it as a vital part of its mandate to "access prisoners of war on both sides", ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told reporters last week. "We are progressing," she added. The ICRC has said that it has access to POWs held by Russia including in recent weeks. However, the ICRC has not revealed breakdown of how many POWs on either side of the conflict it has visited on either side The ICRC never reveals such numbers, nor any details on the conditions it finds in detention centres as part of its unrelenting commitment to neutrality. Bauer acknowledged that this commitment during times of conflict, particularly Ukraine war, is often "misunderstood". "Neutrality is not a moral position. It's a tool that helps us work and get access to prisoners of war, to populations in difficult situations," she said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia-Ukraine war: Red Cross visits POWs ‘on both sides’ of conflict

Russia has issued yet another warning regarding the Black Sea grain deal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday said the country has seen no positive prospects when it came to the deal as certain parts of the deal affecting Russia, remained unfulfilled.

Russia has issued yet another warning regarding the Black Sea grain deal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday said the country has seen no positive prospects when it came to the deal as certain parts of the deal affecting Russia, remained unfulfilled. "Work is ongoing, but to be honest we don't see any particularly positive prospects. Everything that was agreed on regarding us has not been fulfilled. The extension of the grain deal was a goodwill gesture. Russia has repeatedly made such gestures," said Peskov during a regular press briefing. "But unfortunately, in the absence of reciprocity, the lack of desire on the part of the collective West to fulfil part of the agreements concerning Russia, this manifestation of goodwill and political will cannot be endless. That is why our exit from the deal after its expiry is being considered. But there is no decision yet," he added. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the West had 'cheated' Moscow by failing to deliver on promises that might allow Russian agricultural exports to enter the world markets once again. WATCH | Ukraine accuses Russia of halting Black sea grain deal | US-Taiwan trade deal × Turkey brokers deal extension The development comes a few weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the extension of the deal. The two-month extension was agreed upon, hours before the expiration of the deal. “With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to prolong the Black Sea grain deal for two more months,” said the Turkish president, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Ukraine grain deal extended for two more months, Russia slams ‘distortions’ in implementation Russia scrapping the deal Notably, this is not the first instance when Russia has issued a threat to scrap the deal. Last year in October, Moscow pulled out of the deal citing alleged drone attacks on Russian ships in the Crimea Bay as the reason. "In light of the terrorist activities carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," read the statement by Kremlin. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the supply of grain shipments through the region was halted which nearly triggered a global food crisis before Turkey and the UN brokered the deal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Goodwill cannot be endless...': Russia on Black Sea grain deal extension

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. On the other hand, Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. &nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hints-at-his-dangerous-plan-to-attack-ukraines-capital-says-troops-already-near-kyiv-604365">Putin hints at his plan to attack Ukraine's capital, says ‘troops already near Kyiv’</a>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-indian-student-killed-another-woman-injured-after-double-stabbing-in-london-three-arrested-604349">UK: Indian student killed, another woman injured after double stabbing incident in London, three arrested</a>

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Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident, on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. The two women were found by the police in London’s Neeld Crescent with multiple knife injuries at around 10:00 am (local time).&nbsp;

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At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard. As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise much higher.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/images-taken-from-space-show-forming-of-cyclone-biparjoy-in-the-arabian-sea-604452">Images and video taken from space show Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea</a>

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Sultan Al Neyadi, who is a UAE astronaut, has clicked images of Cyclone Biparjoy from space. Al Neyadi, who is currently on the longest Arab space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), also shared a stunning video that shows the formation of a tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

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US Secretary of State Antony Bliken will be on a rare visit to China this weekend. The top diplomat will seek to reduce the chances of miscalculation in tense relations between the US and China. However, both countries are expecting that long-term tensions will fester. The US has confirmed that Blinken will go to China this weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/official-real-madrid-announce-jude-bellingham-signing-from-borussia-dortmund-to-be-unveiled-on-thursday-604342">Official: Real Madrid announce Jude Bellingham signing from Borussia Dortmund, to be unveiled on Thursday</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/14/359431-1-7.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of English star Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund after reaching an agreement in principle. Bellingham, a long-term target for the Spanish giants joins Brahim Diaz in the incomings with a reported fee of around $100 million being paid for the star. He will be presented to the Madrid crowd on Thursday, June 15 at 12 PM local time as he joins the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, and Steve McManaman to have played for the Madrid giants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-special-about-pm-modis-visit-to-us-this-time-604469">What’s special about PM Modi’s visit to US this time?</a>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on an official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. This visit holds greater significance compared to his previous trips to Washington as per diplomatic protocol.&nbsp;

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China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms.&nbsp;

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A team at the US Geological Survey's (USGS) Astrogeology Science Centre generated a map of planet Mars using the treasure trove of data which was collected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The newly-generated map of Mars will make viewing the Martian landscape more easier than before, allowing people to navigate through it even on their smartphones.&nbsp;

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Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests are stopped in Stockholm.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. On the other hand, Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. Click on the headlines to read more: Putin hints at his plan to attack Ukraine's capital, says ‘troops already near Kyiv’ Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters. UK: Indian student killed, another woman injured after double stabbing incident in London, three arrested Three people were arrested after a double stabbing incident, on Tuesday (June 13) which left one student from the Indian city of Hyderabad dead and another woman aged 28 injured in north-west London’s Wembley. The two women were found by the police in London’s Neeld Crescent with multiple knife injuries at around 10:00 am (local time). Dozens die, several missing after boat capsizes and sinks off Greece At least 78 migrants lost their lives after their boat capsized and sank off the Peloponnese early on Wednesday, said the country's coast guard. As per the coastguard, more people are feared missing in the incident and the death toll is expected to rise much higher. Images and video taken from space show Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea Sultan Al Neyadi, who is a UAE astronaut, has clicked images of Cyclone Biparjoy from space. Al Neyadi, who is currently on the longest Arab space mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), also shared a stunning video that shows the formation of a tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea. Blinken looks to avoid miscalculation in US-China ties US Secretary of State Antony Bliken will be on a rare visit to China this weekend. The top diplomat will seek to reduce the chances of miscalculation in tense relations between the US and China. However, both countries are expecting that long-term tensions will fester. The US has confirmed that Blinken will go to China this weekend. Official: Real Madrid announce Jude Bellingham signing from Borussia Dortmund, to be unveiled on Thursday Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of English star Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund after reaching an agreement in principle. Bellingham, a long-term target for the Spanish giants joins Brahim Diaz in the incomings with a reported fee of around $100 million being paid for the star. He will be presented to the Madrid crowd on Thursday, June 15 at 12 PM local time as he joins the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham, and Steve McManaman to have played for the Madrid giants. What’s special about PM Modi’s visit to US this time? Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on an official state visit to the United States from June 21 to 24. This visit holds greater significance compared to his previous trips to Washington as per diplomatic protocol. China's Hainan Airlines to ground 'overweight' female flight attendants China-based Hainan Airlines has been facing criticism for its policy of suspending flight attendants if they are above a certain weight limit. The carrier has defended the move of imposing weight requirements after the report went viral on social media platforms. Martian landscape on smartphone? New map of Mars created from data collected by NASA A team at the US Geological Survey's (USGS) Astrogeology Science Centre generated a map of planet Mars using the treasure trove of data which was collected by NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The newly-generated map of Mars will make viewing the Martian landscape more easier than before, allowing people to navigate through it even on their smartphones. Turkey won't support Sweden's NATO bid unless anti-Turkish protests are stopped: Erdogan Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that Ankara won't change its approach towards Sweden's NATO membership bid at the summit of the Western alliance next month unless anti-Turkey protests are stopped in Stockholm.

Top 10 world news: Putin hints at his plan to attack Kyiv, stabbing incident in UK, and more

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after&nbsp;the massive Kakhovka&nbsp;dam on the Dnipro River was breached.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi</h2>

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-deliberately-hit-kakhovka-dam-with-himars-rockets-604095">Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets</a>

The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP)&nbsp;but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.”

He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv,&nbsp;said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky.&nbsp;

Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a>

<h2>Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant?</h2>

The IAEA chief's&nbsp;trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed.&nbsp;

The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-frances-macron-promises-more-military-aid-to-kyiv-as-counteroffensive-begins-603681">Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins</a> 
 
The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief</h2>

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”.&nbsp;

Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-fsb-arrests-former-defence-industry-workers-suspected-of-spying-for-ukraines-military-intelligence-603962">Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence</a>

Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached.

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached. ‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory. This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.” He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv, said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky. Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant? The IAEA chief's trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed. The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough. ‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”. Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.” ALSO READ | Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added. (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.

‘Very concerned’: UN nuclear chief about Zaporizhzhia plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters.&nbsp;

Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. Moscow can try to carve out more territories of Ukraine to stop shelling into Russia, following attacks on the Belgorod and Kursk regions, explained Putin.&nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin termed it a "sanitary zone" at the border and said that the amount of territory Russia can capture depends "on potentials that emerge after the so-called [Ukrainian] counteroffensive".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-deliberately-hit-kakhovka-dam-with-himars-rockets-604095">Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets</a>

<h2>Russian missiles&nbsp;strike southern and eastern Ukraine</h2>

Meanwhile, southern and eastern Ukraine were hit by deadly Russian missile strikes on Wednesday. &nbsp;Air defences of Ukraine fought back as Russia fired four Kalibr missiles from a ship in the Black Sea on the port city Odesa, stated Ukraine's air force, adding that three of them were shot down.&nbsp;

A food warehouse was hit by one missile in which three employees were killed and seven others were wounded, said Oleg Kiper, the head of the region's military administration. "There may be people under the rubble," he added.

Meanwhile, six people suffered injuries after a business centre was hit. A residential complex in the city centre and a shop were damaged "as a result of air combat and the blast wave", he stated.&nbsp;

<h2>Belarus receives delivery of Russian nuclear weapons</h2>

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that his country is taking delivery of tactical nuclear weapons from Russia, some of which were claimed to be three times more powerful compared to the atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

WATCH |&nbsp;Putin admits Russia doesn’t have enough weapons and drones

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"We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia," said Lukashenko in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was shared on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel.

"The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he added.&nbsp;

"We have always been a target. They (the West) have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons," Lukashenko said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a statement, hinted at another attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital city Kyiv and threatened to launch a new offensive. Ignoring the botched attack by Russia on Kyiv which changed a "three-day special military operation" into months of full-scale war, Putin stated that he was taking into consideration a second attempt. The statement was made by Putin while speaking to military bloggers and war reporters. Russian troops "already were near Kyiv", he stated. “Should we come back there or not? Only I could give an answer,” Putin said. Moscow can try to carve out more territories of Ukraine to stop shelling into Russia, following attacks on the Belgorod and Kursk regions, explained Putin. President Vladimir Putin termed it a "sanitary zone" at the border and said that the amount of territory Russia can capture depends "on potentials that emerge after the so-called [Ukrainian] counteroffensive". ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets Russian missiles strike southern and eastern Ukraine Meanwhile, southern and eastern Ukraine were hit by deadly Russian missile strikes on Wednesday. Air defences of Ukraine fought back as Russia fired four Kalibr missiles from a ship in the Black Sea on the port city Odesa, stated Ukraine's air force, adding that three of them were shot down. A food warehouse was hit by one missile in which three employees were killed and seven others were wounded, said Oleg Kiper, the head of the region's military administration. "There may be people under the rubble," he added. Meanwhile, six people suffered injuries after a business centre was hit. A residential complex in the city centre and a shop were damaged "as a result of air combat and the blast wave", he stated. Belarus receives delivery of Russian nuclear weapons Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that his country is taking delivery of tactical nuclear weapons from Russia, some of which were claimed to be three times more powerful compared to the atomic bombs that destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. WATCH | Putin admits Russia doesn’t have enough weapons and drones "We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia," said Lukashenko in an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel which was shared on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel. "The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he added. "We have always been a target. They (the West) have wanted to tear us to pieces since 2020. No one has so far fought against a nuclear country, a country that has nuclear weapons," Lukashenko said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin hints at his plan to attack Ukraine's capital, says ‘troops already near Kyiv’

Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 13, Ukraine's military said early on Wednesday.

Russia launched four cruise missiles on the city, the South command of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. The military said earlier that two missiles were destroyed before hitting their targets.

"As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged," the South command said on the Telegram messaging app.

The three people killed were working at a retail chain's warehouse when a missile hit, setting it ablaze, the military added. Seven people were wounded there.

"Sifting through the debris continues," the military said. "There may be people under."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-to-retaken-ground-from-russian-forces-604064">WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces</a>

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Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military administration, posted a video and photographs showing multi-storey buildings with parts of their walls missing and windows blown out, as well as firefighters battling against flames in what appeared to be a warehouse.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in their military operations. 
 
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Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 13, Ukraine's military said early on Wednesday.

Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 13, Ukraine's military said early on Wednesday. Russia launched four cruise missiles on the city, the South command of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. The military said earlier that two missiles were destroyed before hitting their targets. "As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged," the South command said on the Telegram messaging app. The three people killed were working at a retail chain's warehouse when a missile hit, setting it ablaze, the military added. Seven people were wounded there. "Sifting through the debris continues," the military said. "There may be people under." WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces × Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military administration, posted a video and photographs showing multi-storey buildings with parts of their walls missing and windows blown out, as well as firefighters battling against flames in what appeared to be a warehouse. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in their military operations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Three killed, 13 wounded after Russian missiles strike civilian buildings in Odesa

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Monday (June 12) kicked-off its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance's history. It is to be a display of unity towards partners and potential threats like Russia.

The "Air Defender 23" exercise led by Germany will run till June 23. It will involve 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden. The latter is joining the alliance after years of maintaining neutrality.

The drills are aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to defend against drones and cruise missiles in case of an attack on cities, airports or sea ports. Up to 10,000 people will take part in the exercise.

Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine claims Russia blew up another dam

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Last week, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe presented the plan. He said that "Air Defender" was conceived in 2018 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Gerhartz maintained that the exercise was "not targeted at anyone".

He said that while NATO would defend "every centimetre" of its territory, the exercise would not "send any flights, for example, in the direction of Kaliningrad," the Russian enclave bordering alliance member states Poland and Lithuania. &nbsp;

"We are a defensive alliance and that is how this exercise is planned," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>US wants 'Mr Putin' to take note</h2>

The drills would show "beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force," said Amy Gutmann, US ambassador to Germany. &nbsp;Gutmann said that "Air Defender 23" was intended to send a message to countries including Russia.&nbsp;

"I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance, and that includes Mr Putin," she told reporters, referring to the Russian president.&nbsp;

"By synchronising together, we multiply our force."&nbsp;

NATO, a predominantly Western military alliance, was set up 75 years ago to check the influence of the Soviet Union.

Also Read | <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>

After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden sought NATO membership. Both countries for years, had maintained the stance of neutrality to avoid conflict with Moscow.

An attack on any member country of NATO is considered an attack on all countries of the alliance.

The exercise will include operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit pilots based at the Schleswig-Jagel airfield in northern Germany on Friday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Monday (June 12) kicked-off its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance's history. It is to be a display of unity towards partners and potential threats like Russia.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Monday (June 12) kicked-off its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance's history. It is to be a display of unity towards partners and potential threats like Russia. The "Air Defender 23" exercise led by Germany will run till June 23. It will involve 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden. The latter is joining the alliance after years of maintaining neutrality. The drills are aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to defend against drones and cruise missiles in case of an attack on cities, airports or sea ports. Up to 10,000 people will take part in the exercise. Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine claims Russia blew up another dam × Last week, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe presented the plan. He said that "Air Defender" was conceived in 2018 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Gerhartz maintained that the exercise was "not targeted at anyone". He said that while NATO would defend "every centimetre" of its territory, the exercise would not "send any flights, for example, in the direction of Kaliningrad," the Russian enclave bordering alliance member states Poland and Lithuania.  "We are a defensive alliance and that is how this exercise is planned," he said. US wants 'Mr Putin' to take note The drills would show "beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force," said Amy Gutmann, US ambassador to Germany. Gutmann said that "Air Defender 23" was intended to send a message to countries including Russia. "I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance, and that includes Mr Putin," she told reporters, referring to the Russian president. "By synchronising together, we multiply our force." NATO, a predominantly Western military alliance, was set up 75 years ago to check the influence of the Soviet Union. Also Read | Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden sought NATO membership. Both countries for years, had maintained the stance of neutrality to avoid conflict with Moscow. An attack on any member country of NATO is considered an attack on all countries of the alliance. The exercise will include operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit pilots based at the Schleswig-Jagel airfield in northern Germany on Friday. (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 ×

With eyes on Russia, NATO kicks off biggest-ever air drill in its history

Russia on Sunday claimed that its force repelled an attack by the Ukrainian army on a Russian warship which was guarding gas pipelines in the Black Sea. 
 
"Ukraine's armed forces made an unsuccessful attempt to attack the Black Sea Fleet's Priazovye ship," stated the Russian defence ministry, adding that the forces of Kyiv used six unmanned boats. 
 
"All the boats have been destroyed. There are no casualties,” the ministry said in a statement. 
 
The Priazovye battleship, which has been guarding the Blue Stream and the TurkStream gas pipelines, has been performing its tasks without much hindrance, said the defence ministry.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="Russian opposition failing to unite against Putin. Here's why">Russian opposition failing to unite against Putin. Here's why</a>

At the time of the attack, reconnaissance was being conducted by a remotely piloted US military aircraft called the RQ-4 Global Hawk in the Black Sea, Moscow stated.

<h2>35 people missing in Ukraine's devastating flood: Minister</h2>

Thirty-five people, which included seven children, went missing in southern Ukraine on Sunday in the devastating flood which prosecutors called the "worst environmental catastrophe since Chernobyl". 
 
On June 6, the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam located along the front line in the Kherson region blew up and forced thousands of people to flee, sparking fears of environmental and humanitarian disasters. 
 
Russia has been accused by Ukraine of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Moscow stated that Kyiv fired upon the structure. 
 
Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko stated that 77 towns and villages were flooded in the southern regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson. Klymenko stated that 35 people went missing in the Kherson region, which included seven children. 
 
Because of the flood, five people lost their lives in Kherson and one person was killed in the region of Mykolaiv.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia under way

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Around 3,700 people were evacuated from their homes in both regions, said the minister in a statement. “Separately, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin and representatives of the International Criminal Court visited the flooded territory,” stated his office. 
 
"This is the worst environmental catastrophe since Chernobyl so we are investigating not only a war crime but also an ecocide," said Kostin in a statement. "The situation is very complicated," he added.

<h2>Ukraine announces first gain of offensive, says retook village in southeast</h2>

On Sunday,&nbsp;Kyiv stated that Ukrainian forces have retaken a village in the&nbsp;south of the country which marked&nbsp;the first reported gain of the offensive. In a statement, Ukraine's ground forces stated that&nbsp;soldiers of the 68th separate ranger brigade had "liberated the settlement of Blagodatne" in the region of Donetsk. 
 
Earlier in the day, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia has started. "Counter-offensive and defensive actions are taking place," he stated. 
 
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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Russia on Sunday claimed that its force repelled an attack by the Ukrainian army on a Russian warship which was guarding gas pipelines in the Black Sea. "Ukraine's armed forces made an unsuccessful attempt to attack the Black Sea Fleet's Priazovye ship," stated the Russian defence ministry, adding that the forces of Kyiv used six unmanned boats.

Russia on Sunday claimed that its force repelled an attack by the Ukrainian army on a Russian warship which was guarding gas pipelines in the Black Sea. "Ukraine's armed forces made an unsuccessful attempt to attack the Black Sea Fleet's Priazovye ship," stated the Russian defence ministry, adding that the forces of Kyiv used six unmanned boats. "All the boats have been destroyed. There are no casualties,” the ministry said in a statement. The Priazovye battleship, which has been guarding the Blue Stream and the TurkStream gas pipelines, has been performing its tasks without much hindrance, said the defence ministry. ALSO READ | Russian opposition failing to unite against Putin. Here's why At the time of the attack, reconnaissance was being conducted by a remotely piloted US military aircraft called the RQ-4 Global Hawk in the Black Sea, Moscow stated. 35 people missing in Ukraine's devastating flood: Minister Thirty-five people, which included seven children, went missing in southern Ukraine on Sunday in the devastating flood which prosecutors called the "worst environmental catastrophe since Chernobyl". On June 6, the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam located along the front line in the Kherson region blew up and forced thousands of people to flee, sparking fears of environmental and humanitarian disasters. Russia has been accused by Ukraine of blowing up the dam on the Dnipro River, while Moscow stated that Kyiv fired upon the structure. Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko stated that 77 towns and villages were flooded in the southern regions of Mykolaiv and Kherson. Klymenko stated that 35 people went missing in the Kherson region, which included seven children. Because of the flood, five people lost their lives in Kherson and one person was killed in the region of Mykolaiv. WATCH | Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia under way Around 3,700 people were evacuated from their homes in both regions, said the minister in a statement. “Separately, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin and representatives of the International Criminal Court visited the flooded territory,” stated his office. "This is the worst environmental catastrophe since Chernobyl so we are investigating not only a war crime but also an ecocide," said Kostin in a statement. "The situation is very complicated," he added. Ukraine announces first gain of offensive, says retook village in southeast On Sunday, Kyiv stated that Ukrainian forces have retaken a village in the south of the country which marked the first reported gain of the offensive. In a statement, Ukraine's ground forces stated that soldiers of the 68th separate ranger brigade had "liberated the settlement of Blagodatne" in the region of Donetsk. Earlier in the day, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia has started. "Counter-offensive and defensive actions are taking place," he stated. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

The deal, called Black Sea Grain Initiative, was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year. Russia has been threatening to walk away from the deal if obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser shipments are not removed.

"I am concerned and we are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters.

Gravitas: Ukraine secures first victory in counter-offensive

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To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea grain deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which UN&nbsp;officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertiliser exports.

Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions which were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. However, Moscow says payment restrictions, logistics and insurance have created obstacles.

On Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that Russia "cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," TASS news agency reported. Vershinin was speaking after his meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, the top UN trade official. The meeting took place in Geneva on Friday.&nbsp;

Among the demands made by Russia are the resumption of its ammonia exports via a pipeline to Ukraine's port of Pivdennyi and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system.

Also Read &nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-swap-nearly-200-prisoners-kyiv-says-it-recaptured-two-villages-in-offensive-603241">Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins</a>

The United Nations has helped boost Russian exports of food and fertilisers, facilitating a steady flow of ships to its ports and lower freight and insurance rates, a UN&nbsp;spokesman said on Friday.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Due to its grain exports, Ukraine is often regarded as the "breadbasket of the world". Russian invasion made it difficult for grain export to continue and this raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The existence of a safe passage for grain shipments was thus deemed important. The United Nations and Turkey brokered the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, even after being struck, has almost always faced uncertainty.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday (June 12) that he had concerns that Russia will quit the Black Sea grain deal on July 17. The deal allows the safe wartime export of Ukrainian grain and fertilisers from three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The deal, called Black Sea Grain Initiative, was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year. Russia has been threatening to walk away from the deal if obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser shipments are not removed. "I am concerned and we are working hard in order to make sure that it will be possible to maintain the Black Sea initiative and at the same time that we are able to go on in our work to facilitate Russian exports," Guterres told reporters. Gravitas: Ukraine secures first victory in counter-offensive × To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea grain deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which UN officials agreed to help Russia with its own food and fertiliser exports. Russian food and fertiliser exports are not subject to Western sanctions which were imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. However, Moscow says payment restrictions, logistics and insurance have created obstacles. On Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said that Russia "cannot be satisfied with how this memorandum is being implemented," TASS news agency reported. Vershinin was speaking after his meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, the top UN trade official. The meeting took place in Geneva on Friday. Among the demands made by Russia are the resumption of its ammonia exports via a pipeline to Ukraine's port of Pivdennyi and the reconnection of the Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to the SWIFT international payment system. Also Read | Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins The United Nations has helped boost Russian exports of food and fertilisers, facilitating a steady flow of ships to its ports and lower freight and insurance rates, a UN spokesman said on Friday. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. Due to its grain exports, Ukraine is often regarded as the "breadbasket of the world". Russian invasion made it difficult for grain export to continue and this raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The existence of a safe passage for grain shipments was thus deemed important. The United Nations and Turkey brokered the grain deal between Russia and Ukraine. The deal, even after being struck, has almost always faced uncertainty. (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 ×

UN chief worried over Russia possibly quitting grain deal in July

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear closer than ever. The former has vowed to "hold hands" with his Russian counterpart and work towards their shared goal of building a powerful country, state media agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).&nbsp;

Conveying his full support and solidarity with Moscow, Kim sent&nbsp;the message to Putin on Russia's National Day.&nbsp;

"Justice is sure to win and the Russian people will continue to add glory to the history of victory," KCNA quoted Kim as saying.&nbsp;

The dictator called for "closer strategic cooperation" with Moscow, "holding hands firmly with the Russian president, in conformity with the common desire of the peoples of the two countries to fulfil the grand goal of building a powerful country."

Notably, this is not the first instance when Kim has attempted to serenade Putin with his sweet words. In May, Kim sent a letter to Putin, hailing Russia's "holy fight" against what he called "imperialists".&nbsp;

“We send warm wishes to you, the Russian army and the people of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;for their holy fight to preserve world peace,” read the letter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-putin-exchange-letters-on-north-koreas-liberation-day-507073">Watch |&nbsp;Kim, Putin exchange letters on North Korea's Liberation day</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2 data-testid="paragraph-3">The unlikely relationship of Kim, Putin</h2>

The unlikely equation between Kim and Putin developed after the latter invaded Ukraine last year.&nbsp;Kremlin has also attempted to bolster the relationship, as is evident from its actions.

Earlier this month,&nbsp;Russia and China ignored a US call to condemn North Korea in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its attempt to launch a satellite. Both countries instead blamed Washington for raising tensions in the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-china-russia-join-forces-to-ignore-us-call-to-condemn-north-korea-599864">Also read |&nbsp;UNSC: China, Russia join forces to ignore US call to condemn North Korea</a>

Earlier this year, the White House claimed to have found evidence that Russia is purchasing weapons from North Korea for its Ukrainian war, and in return providing food and water to the crisis-hit country.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Russia, which has been desperate for additional munitions and weapons in wake of western sanctions, is turning to “rogue” nations to fund its war.

“As part of this proposed deal, Russia would receive over two dozen kinds of weapons and munitions from Pyongyang,” said Kirby.&nbsp;

“We also understand that Russia is seeking to send a delegation to North Korea and that Russia is offering North Korea food in exchange for munitions,” he added.

In recent months, North Korea has accelerated its missile programme, much to the chagrin of the Western world. However, Putin and Moscow have remained in its corner, throughout the proceedings.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear closer than ever. The former has vowed to "hold hands" with his Russian counterpart and work towards their shared goal of building a powerful country, state media agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin appear closer than ever. The former has vowed to "hold hands" with his Russian counterpart and work towards their shared goal of building a powerful country, state media agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Conveying his full support and solidarity with Moscow, Kim sent the message to Putin on Russia's National Day. "Justice is sure to win and the Russian people will continue to add glory to the history of victory," KCNA quoted Kim as saying. The dictator called for "closer strategic cooperation" with Moscow, "holding hands firmly with the Russian president, in conformity with the common desire of the peoples of the two countries to fulfil the grand goal of building a powerful country." Notably, this is not the first instance when Kim has attempted to serenade Putin with his sweet words. In May, Kim sent a letter to Putin, hailing Russia's "holy fight" against what he called "imperialists". “We send warm wishes to you, the Russian army and the people of Russia for their holy fight to preserve world peace,” read the letter. Watch | Kim, Putin exchange letters on North Korea's Liberation day × The unlikely relationship of Kim, Putin The unlikely equation between Kim and Putin developed after the latter invaded Ukraine last year. Kremlin has also attempted to bolster the relationship, as is evident from its actions. Earlier this month, Russia and China ignored a US call to condemn North Korea in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its attempt to launch a satellite. Both countries instead blamed Washington for raising tensions in the Korean Peninsula. Also read | UNSC: China, Russia join forces to ignore US call to condemn North Korea Earlier this year, the White House claimed to have found evidence that Russia is purchasing weapons from North Korea for its Ukrainian war, and in return providing food and water to the crisis-hit country. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Russia, which has been desperate for additional munitions and weapons in wake of western sanctions, is turning to “rogue” nations to fund its war. “As part of this proposed deal, Russia would receive over two dozen kinds of weapons and munitions from Pyongyang,” said Kirby. “We also understand that Russia is seeking to send a delegation to North Korea and that Russia is offering North Korea food in exchange for munitions,” he added. In recent months, North Korea has accelerated its missile programme, much to the chagrin of the Western world. However, Putin and Moscow have remained in its corner, throughout the proceedings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kim serenades Putin, vows to 'hold hands' for strategic cooperation

A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the court appearance?</h2>

Khamovniki District Court of Moscow has said that the name of the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, the spelling of his name has since been disputed. The 51-year-old was described as a “former paratrooper and musician” and accused of running a drug dealing business.&nbsp;

He was seen on Russian state television locked in a metal cage. Meanwhile, REN TV has previously shown an image of him being detained on June 6 in Moscow, lying on the floor in his underpants and a t-shirt with his hands restrained behind his back, reported Reuters. The US citizen was reportedly presented in the court on June 10.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evan-gershkovich-us-journalist-arrested-in-russia-on-charges-of-espionage-denied-bail-583727">Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail</a>

In a statement, Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction said, “On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a US citizen.” The message on Telegram added, “The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023.”

According to Russian media reports, if convicted, the 51-year-old could face 12 years in prison. The suspicious substance was found at Leake’s apartment, reported REN TV.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the US citizen and his arrest?</h2>

As per media reports, the US citizen had been living in Russia for some years now. Notably, Leake’s arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington as Russia has arrested several US citizens recently.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brittney-griner-breaks-silence-on-return-from-russia-to-play-in-wnba-in-2023-543834">Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023</a>

Washington has also accused Moscow of arbitrary detentions of US citizens for use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians jailed in the United States. It was not immediately clear if Leake had access to legal counsel.&nbsp;

An anonymous source told Reuters, that the rock group that Leake was a part of had not played a concert since 2019. Additionally, when the US citizen first came to Moscow he worked as an English teacher and helped translate songs for Russian bands, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>How has the US responded to the arrest?</h2>

A US state department spokesperson said they are aware of the arrest but did not reveal any further details citing privacy concerns. “We are aware of reports of the recent arrest of a US citizen in Moscow. When a US citizen is detained overseas, the department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial.

A former United States paratrooper and musician was arrested on Sunday (June 11) in Russian capital Moscow on drug charges. He is reported to be in custody at least for two months pending a possible trial. What do we know about the court appearance? Khamovniki District Court of Moscow has said that the name of the American citizen is Michael Travis Leake, the spelling of his name has since been disputed. The 51-year-old was described as a “former paratrooper and musician” and accused of running a drug dealing business. He was seen on Russian state television locked in a metal cage. Meanwhile, REN TV has previously shown an image of him being detained on June 6 in Moscow, lying on the floor in his underpants and a t-shirt with his hands restrained behind his back, reported Reuters. The US citizen was reportedly presented in the court on June 10. Also read | Evan Gershkovich: US journalist arrested in Russia on charges of espionage denied bail In a statement, Moscow’s courts of general jurisdiction said, “On June 10, 2023, Moscow's Khamovniki District Court took a measure of restraint against a US citizen.” The message on Telegram added, “The former paratrooper and a musician, who is accused of running a drug dealing business involving young people, will remain in custody until Aug. 6, 2023.” According to Russian media reports, if convicted, the 51-year-old could face 12 years in prison. The suspicious substance was found at Leake’s apartment, reported REN TV. What do we know about the US citizen and his arrest? As per media reports, the US citizen had been living in Russia for some years now. Notably, Leake’s arrest comes amid deteriorating relations between Moscow and Washington as Russia has arrested several US citizens recently. Also read | Brittney Griner breaks silence on return from Russia, to play in WNBA in 2023 Washington has also accused Moscow of arbitrary detentions of US citizens for use as bargaining chips to secure the release of Russians jailed in the United States. It was not immediately clear if Leake had access to legal counsel. An anonymous source told Reuters, that the rock group that Leake was a part of had not played a concert since 2019. Additionally, when the US citizen first came to Moscow he worked as an English teacher and helped translate songs for Russian bands, reported Reuters. How has the US responded to the arrest? A US state department spokesperson said they are aware of the arrest but did not reveal any further details citing privacy concerns. “We are aware of reports of the recent arrest of a US citizen in Moscow. When a US citizen is detained overseas, the department pursues consular access as soon as possible and works to provide all appropriate consular assistance.” (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.

US citizen arrested in Russia over drug dealing charges

In what might be the first gains since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave the strongest indication yet that Kyiv’s long-awaited pushback of Russian troops has begun,&nbsp;Kyiv announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had retaken three villages in the eastern region of Donetsk. Ukraine, on Monday (June 12) also claimed that it&nbsp;recaptured a fourth village in a cluster of settlements in the country's&nbsp;southeast region.&nbsp;

“The settlements of Blahodatne and Makarivka were liberated,” Ukraine's deputy defence minister Hanna&nbsp;Maliar&nbsp;said in an&nbsp;update on Telegram.

A third village,&nbsp;Neskuchne, was also claimed by a Ukrainian army brigade on Sunday, though Kyiv defence leaders are yet to comment on the development. Russian military bloggers have&nbsp;made unofficial reports&nbsp;that Neskuchne has been recaptured by Ukraine's troops, reports CNN. 
 
Video footage posted online&nbsp;showed soldiers holding up the Ukrainian flag in&nbsp;Donetsk region's Storozheve with the defence minister thanking&nbsp;the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for regaining control of the village.

This comes after Zelensky said that the “relevant counter-offensive defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine,” on Saturday. “Neskuchne of the Donetsk region is under the Ukrainian flag again,” said the state border guard, along with a video of Ukrainian troops announcing the takeover.&nbsp;

Ukrainian soldiers were also seen shouting Kyiv’s traditional battle cries such as “Glory to Ukraine!” and reportedly derided Russian President Vladimir Putin.&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 to repel attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship</a>

This was hours after Ukrainian Land Forces announced that soldiers of the 68th Separate Hunting Brigade had retaken the village of Blahodatne in the Donetsk region.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-arrested-in-russia-over-drug-dealing-charges-603227">US citizen arrested in Russia over drug dealing charges</a>

The video showed soldiers hoisting a Ukrainian flag over a destroyed building. The Ukrainian government also has released a video for the third consecutive weekend that subtly acknowledges, without directly mentioning, the summer counteroffensive against Russia. &nbsp; 
 
The most recent video features Kyrylo Budanov, the head of military intelligence, sitting silently at his desk, gazing into the camera and after 20 seconds or so the words “More to Come” appear, which is followed by the slogan, “Plans Love Silence.” The recurring theme seems to point to the Kyiv government’s efforts symbolising the importance of maintaining silence.

<h2>Russia blows up another dam</h2>

Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing&nbsp;up another dam in the Zaporizhzhia region, following the destruction of the major Nova Kakhovka on Monday, which caused widespread flooding.

Ukraine says the dam was blown up by Russian forces, who have controlled it since February 2022.

Valeriy Shershen, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military, said Moscow's forces had chosen to blow up a second dam near the village of Novodarivka, which "led to the flooding on both banks of the Mokri Yaly river", Kyiv Independent reported.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia, Ukraine prisoner&nbsp;swap</h2>

The Russian defence ministry, on Telegram, announced 94 Russian servicemen “who were in mortal danger” are being released after negotiations and will be taken to medical institutes for examination.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-counter-offensive-against-russia-under-way-603074">Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia under way</a>

Head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, said 95 Ukrainian troops had been returned by the Russians. The Ukrainian official also said that some of them were injured and among those who returned were also members of the national guard and border guards.&nbsp;

<h2>Is Russia taking control of Wagner?</h2>

Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of Russia's Wagner mercenary, on Sunday, said his fighters would not sign any contract with the country’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-says-it-repels-many-attacks-by-ukraine-ukraine-claims-gains-in-bakhmut-603084">Russia says it repels many attacks by Ukraine; Ukraine claims gains in Bakhmut</a>

This comes after the Russian defence ministry on Saturday said Shoigu had ordered all “volunteer detachments” to sign contracts with his ministry by the end of the month. According to the defence ministry, it is in a bid to increase the effectiveness of the Russian army.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia underway</h2>

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While no particular group or forces were mentioned by the ministry, the move is being seen as an attempt to take direct control of Wagner. However, Prigozhin, in response to a request for comment on the matter said, “Wagner will not sign any contracts with Shoigu,” adding that the order did not apply to Wagner.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-dam-collapse-zelensky-says-world-shamefully-indifferent-to-disaster-603032">Ukraine dam collapse: Zelensky says world ‘shamefully indifferent’ to disaster</a>

This comes as the Wagner chief has repeatedly criticised the Russian military brass for incompetence and deliberately undersupplying Wagner fighters in Ukraine. “Shoigu cannot properly manage military formation,” said Wagner chief.&nbsp;

He also went on to say that his group is well integrated with the Russian military and its effectiveness would be affected if they are required to report to the defence minister.

<h2>Russia said it hit Leopard tanks, Bradley vehicles and Ukrainian fighter jet</h2>

Earlier, on Sunday, Russia claimed that it destroyed at least seven German-made Leopard tanks and five United States-made Bradley vehicles in the past 48 hours while repelling Ukrainian attacks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-failing-to-unite-against-putin-heres-why-603145">Russian opposition leaders meet in Brussels, fail to unite against Putin. Here's why</a>

It also later claimed that it had successfully taken down a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region. Russian forces have also repelled three Ukrainian attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region, the ministry said.&nbsp;

(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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In what might be the first gains since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave the strongest indication yet that Kyiv’s long-awaited pushback of Russian troops has begun, Kyiv announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had retaken three villages in the eastern region of Donetsk.

In what might be the first gains since Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave the strongest indication yet that Kyiv’s long-awaited pushback of Russian troops has begun, Kyiv announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had retaken three villages in the eastern region of Donetsk. Ukraine, on Monday (June 12) also claimed that it recaptured a fourth village in a cluster of settlements in the country's southeast region. “The settlements of Blahodatne and Makarivka were liberated,” Ukraine's deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said in an update on Telegram. A third village, Neskuchne, was also claimed by a Ukrainian army brigade on Sunday, though Kyiv defence leaders are yet to comment on the development. Russian military bloggers have made unofficial reports that Neskuchne has been recaptured by Ukraine's troops, reports CNN. Video footage posted online showed soldiers holding up the Ukrainian flag in Donetsk region's Storozheve with the defence minister thanking the 35th Separate Brigade of Marines for regaining control of the village. This comes after Zelensky said that the “relevant counter-offensive defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine,” on Saturday. “Neskuchne of the Donetsk region is under the Ukrainian flag again,” said the state border guard, along with a video of Ukrainian troops announcing the takeover. Ukrainian soldiers were also seen shouting Kyiv’s traditional battle cries such as “Glory to Ukraine!” and reportedly derided Russian President Vladimir Putin. ALSO READ | Russia claims to repel attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship This was hours after Ukrainian Land Forces announced that soldiers of the 68th Separate Hunting Brigade had retaken the village of Blahodatne in the Donetsk region. ALSO READ | US citizen arrested in Russia over drug dealing charges The video showed soldiers hoisting a Ukrainian flag over a destroyed building. The Ukrainian government also has released a video for the third consecutive weekend that subtly acknowledges, without directly mentioning, the summer counteroffensive against Russia. The most recent video features Kyrylo Budanov, the head of military intelligence, sitting silently at his desk, gazing into the camera and after 20 seconds or so the words “More to Come” appear, which is followed by the slogan, “Plans Love Silence.” The recurring theme seems to point to the Kyiv government’s efforts symbolising the importance of maintaining silence. Russia blows up another dam Ukraine has accused Russia of blowing up another dam in the Zaporizhzhia region, following the destruction of the major Nova Kakhovka on Monday, which caused widespread flooding. Ukraine says the dam was blown up by Russian forces, who have controlled it since February 2022. Valeriy Shershen, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian military, said Moscow's forces had chosen to blow up a second dam near the village of Novodarivka, which "led to the flooding on both banks of the Mokri Yaly river", Kyiv Independent reported. Russia, Ukraine prisoner swap The Russian defence ministry, on Telegram, announced 94 Russian servicemen “who were in mortal danger” are being released after negotiations and will be taken to medical institutes for examination. ALSO WATCH | Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia under way Head of Ukraine’s presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, said 95 Ukrainian troops had been returned by the Russians. The Ukrainian official also said that some of them were injured and among those who returned were also members of the national guard and border guards. Is Russia taking control of Wagner? Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of Russia's Wagner mercenary, on Sunday, said his fighters would not sign any contract with the country’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. ALSO WATCH | Russia says it repels many attacks by Ukraine; Ukraine claims gains in Bakhmut This comes after the Russian defence ministry on Saturday said Shoigu had ordered all “volunteer detachments” to sign contracts with his ministry by the end of the month. According to the defence ministry, it is in a bid to increase the effectiveness of the Russian army. Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia underway While no particular group or forces were mentioned by the ministry, the move is being seen as an attempt to take direct control of Wagner. However, Prigozhin, in response to a request for comment on the matter said, “Wagner will not sign any contracts with Shoigu,” adding that the order did not apply to Wagner. ALSO READ | Ukraine dam collapse: Zelensky says world ‘shamefully indifferent’ to disaster This comes as the Wagner chief has repeatedly criticised the Russian military brass for incompetence and deliberately undersupplying Wagner fighters in Ukraine. “Shoigu cannot properly manage military formation,” said Wagner chief. He also went on to say that his group is well integrated with the Russian military and its effectiveness would be affected if they are required to report to the defence minister. Russia said it hit Leopard tanks, Bradley vehicles and Ukrainian fighter jet Earlier, on Sunday, Russia claimed that it destroyed at least seven German-made Leopard tanks and five United States-made Bradley vehicles in the past 48 hours while repelling Ukrainian attacks. ALSO READ | Russian opposition leaders meet in Brussels, fail to unite against Putin. Here's why It also later claimed that it had successfully taken down a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Kherson region. Russian forces have also repelled three Ukrainian attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region, the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kyiv recaptures four villages in Donetsk as Ukraine's counter-offensive begins

The White House said on Friday (June 9) that Russia appeared to deepen its defence cooperation with Iran and this had resulted in it getting hundreds of Iranian drones which it was using to strike Ukraine. 
 
The White House cited newly declassified information. It said that the Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) built in Iran were being shipped across the Caspian Sea and were then being used by Russia against Ukraine.

"Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," White House spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

"We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia."

Kirby said that the US was in possession of information that Russia was receiving materials from Iran which was required to build a drone manufacturing plant. This plant, said Kirby could be fully operational early next year.

"We are releasing satellite imagery of the planned location of this UAV manufacturing plant in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone," he said.

The US has previously sanctioned Iranian executives at a defence manufacturer over drone supplies to Russia. Iran has acknowledged sending drones to Russia but said in the past they were sent before Russia's February invasion. Moscow has denied its forces used Iranian drones in Ukraine. A White House official said Iran had transferred several hundred drones to Russia since August.

Kirby said that support between Iran and Russia was both ways. Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia. This includes helicopters and radars.

"Russia has been offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics, and air defense," he said.

"This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran’s neighbors, and to the international community. We are continuing to use all the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities including by sharing this with the public – and we are prepared to do more."

<h2>Violation of UN rules&nbsp;</h2>

Kirby said that drone transfer constituted violation of United Nations rules. He added that the US would seek to hold Russia and Iran accountable.

In addition to the US, countries like Britain, France, Germany and Ukraine say that supply of Iran-made drones to Russia violates a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution enshrining the Iran nuclear deal.

Under the 2015 U.N. resolution, a conventional arms embargo on Iran was in place until October 2020.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House said on Friday (June 9) that Russia appeared to deepen its defence cooperation with Iran and this had resulted in it getting hundreds of Iranian drones which it was using to strike Ukraine.

The White House said on Friday (June 9) that Russia appeared to deepen its defence cooperation with Iran and this had resulted in it getting hundreds of Iranian drones which it was using to strike Ukraine. The White House cited newly declassified information. It said that the Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) built in Iran were being shipped across the Caspian Sea and were then being used by Russia against Ukraine. "Russia has been using Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv and terrorize the Ukrainian population, and the Russia-Iran military partnership appears to be deepening," White House spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. "We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia." Kirby said that the US was in possession of information that Russia was receiving materials from Iran which was required to build a drone manufacturing plant. This plant, said Kirby could be fully operational early next year. "We are releasing satellite imagery of the planned location of this UAV manufacturing plant in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone," he said. The US has previously sanctioned Iranian executives at a defence manufacturer over drone supplies to Russia. Iran has acknowledged sending drones to Russia but said in the past they were sent before Russia's February invasion. Moscow has denied its forces used Iranian drones in Ukraine. A White House official said Iran had transferred several hundred drones to Russia since August. Kirby said that support between Iran and Russia was both ways. Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia. This includes helicopters and radars. "Russia has been offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics, and air defense," he said. "This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran’s neighbors, and to the international community. We are continuing to use all the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities including by sharing this with the public – and we are prepared to do more." Violation of UN rules Kirby said that drone transfer constituted violation of United Nations rules. He added that the US would seek to hold Russia and Iran accountable. In addition to the US, countries like Britain, France, Germany and Ukraine say that supply of Iran-made drones to Russia violates a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution enshrining the Iran nuclear deal. Under the 2015 U.N. resolution, a conventional arms embargo on Iran was in place until October 2020. (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 ×

Iran supplied hundreds of drones to Russia for attack on Ukraine: White House

Moscow, at the top United Nations court,&nbsp;denied accusations by Kyiv about backing pro-Russian separatists accused of shooting down an aircraft in 2014 over Ukraine and discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea, on Thursday (June 8). Russia also went on to call Ukraine’s accusations “blatant lies,” days after Kyiv called Moscow a “terrorist state.”&nbsp;

The hearing about the 2014 case came amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries and days after the attack on the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine for which both Moscow and Kyiv blamed each other.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the hearing about?</h2>

The hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was the first time Russian and Ukrainian lawyers faced each other since the beginning of what Moscow calls&nbsp;a “special military operation” in Ukraine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorist-state-ukraine-slams-russia-at-international-court-of-justice-hearing-601468">‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing</a>

The legal teams from both countries comprised dozens of representatives and two days after Ukraine presented the allegations, Russia was allowed to respond before a panel of 16 judges at the ICJ on the second day of the hearings.&nbsp;

According to Kyiv, Moscow violated the UN conventions for financing terrorism and racial discrimination as it allegedly equipped and funded pro-Russian forces who shot down the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine killing all 298 passengers and crew on board.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-long-awaited-counteroffensive-to-reclaim-russian-occupied-territory-report-602192">Ukraine launches long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory: Reports</a>

Violence broke out in 2014 in Ukraine when at least 13,000 people were killed after pro-European Union protesters overthrew Kyiv’s Moscow-allied government. It was not soon after that Russia forcibly annexed Crimea.&nbsp;

Ukraine has also called on the Hague-based court to order Russia to stop discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea and claimed that after the region was annexed Moscow then “engaged in a campaign of cultural erasure, taking aim at ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars".

<h2>How has Russia responded to the allegations?</h2>

Over the years, Russia has repeatedly denied these allegations. On Thursday, the Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin told the ICJ, “Ukraine is constantly turning to blatant lies and false accusations levelled against the Russian Federation.” He added, “Nothing could be further removed from the truth.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/collapse-of-critical-ukrainian-dam-sparks-evacuations-602151">Collapse of critical Ukrainian dam sparks evacuations</a>

Russia also reiterated the denial of claims and rejected the “scandalous” decision by the Dutch court in November that convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian separatist to life in absentia over the shooting of MH17 and their role. The court also found Russia had “overall control” over the separatist forces.

Furthermore, Russia’s ambassador-at-large, Gennady Kuzmin told the ICJ, that the verdict was biased against separatist forces in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, adding that “At the end of the day, Ukraine’s MH17 case boils down to nonsense.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a>

This comes days after Ukrainian lawyers said that the Russian officials were “guilty of terrorism financing” as they supplied the missile knowing it would be used to shoot down an aircraft.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian lawyers on the Nova Kakhovka dam collapse, neo-Nazis in Ukraine</h2>

Russia reiterated claims made by the Kremlin following the incident and said Ukraine destroyed the key dam with artillery strikes and that the government in Kyiv was led by neo-Nazis.&nbsp;

“Ukraine has declared that Russia blew up the large dam at Nova Kakhovka. In fact, it’s Ukraine that did it,” said Shulgin, adding the “Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery attacks against the dam…but it also deliberately raised the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-due-to-flooding-from-kakhovka-dam-breach-600-sq-kms-of-kherson-oblast-under-water-602125">Three dead due to flooding from Kakhovka dam breach, 600 sq kms of Kherson Oblast under water</a>

This comes after a Ukrainian diplomat, reiterating&nbsp;statements from officials in Kyiv, on Tuesday, said “Just today, Russia blew up a major dam…causing significant civilian evacuations, ecological damage and threatening the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.”

The Russian lawyer also repeated President Vladimir Putin’s claim which he used to justify the war in Ukraine which is that Kyiv’s current government had “neo-Nazis” in key posts and accused them of “brutal repression” in the eastern Donbas region.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-visits-flood-hit-areas-medical-facility-after-nova-kakhovka-dam-collapse-602166">Zelensky visits flood-hit areas, medical facility after Nova Kakhovka dam collapse</a>

This comes after Putin said one of the goals of his “special military operation” was the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine. Representatives from Ukraine are expected to respond to these allegations next week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Moscow, at the top United Nations court, denied accusations by Kyiv about backing pro-Russian separatists accused of shooting down an aircraft in 2014 over Ukraine and discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea, on Thursday (June 8).

Moscow, at the top United Nations court, denied accusations by Kyiv about backing pro-Russian separatists accused of shooting down an aircraft in 2014 over Ukraine and discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea, on Thursday (June 8). Russia also went on to call Ukraine’s accusations “blatant lies,” days after Kyiv called Moscow a “terrorist state.” The hearing about the 2014 case came amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries and days after the attack on the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine for which both Moscow and Kyiv blamed each other. What was the hearing about? The hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was the first time Russian and Ukrainian lawyers faced each other since the beginning of what Moscow calls a “special military operation” in Ukraine. ALSO READ | ‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing The legal teams from both countries comprised dozens of representatives and two days after Ukraine presented the allegations, Russia was allowed to respond before a panel of 16 judges at the ICJ on the second day of the hearings. According to Kyiv, Moscow violated the UN conventions for financing terrorism and racial discrimination as it allegedly equipped and funded pro-Russian forces who shot down the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine killing all 298 passengers and crew on board. ALSO READ | Ukraine launches long-awaited counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territory: Reports Violence broke out in 2014 in Ukraine when at least 13,000 people were killed after pro-European Union protesters overthrew Kyiv’s Moscow-allied government. It was not soon after that Russia forcibly annexed Crimea. Ukraine has also called on the Hague-based court to order Russia to stop discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea and claimed that after the region was annexed Moscow then “engaged in a campaign of cultural erasure, taking aim at ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars". How has Russia responded to the allegations? Over the years, Russia has repeatedly denied these allegations. On Thursday, the Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin told the ICJ, “Ukraine is constantly turning to blatant lies and false accusations levelled against the Russian Federation.” He added, “Nothing could be further removed from the truth.” ALSO WATCH | Collapse of critical Ukrainian dam sparks evacuations Russia also reiterated the denial of claims and rejected the “scandalous” decision by the Dutch court in November that convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian separatist to life in absentia over the shooting of MH17 and their role. The court also found Russia had “overall control” over the separatist forces. Furthermore, Russia’s ambassador-at-large, Gennady Kuzmin told the ICJ, that the verdict was biased against separatist forces in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, adding that “At the end of the day, Ukraine’s MH17 case boils down to nonsense.” ALSO READ | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine This comes days after Ukrainian lawyers said that the Russian officials were “guilty of terrorism financing” as they supplied the missile knowing it would be used to shoot down an aircraft. Russian lawyers on the Nova Kakhovka dam collapse, neo-Nazis in Ukraine Russia reiterated claims made by the Kremlin following the incident and said Ukraine destroyed the key dam with artillery strikes and that the government in Kyiv was led by neo-Nazis. “Ukraine has declared that Russia blew up the large dam at Nova Kakhovka. In fact, it’s Ukraine that did it,” said Shulgin, adding the “Kyiv regime not only launched massive artillery attacks against the dam…but it also deliberately raised the water level of the Kakhovka reservoir to a critical level.” ALSO READ | Three dead due to flooding from Kakhovka dam breach, 600 sq kms of Kherson Oblast under water This comes after a Ukrainian diplomat, reiterating statements from officials in Kyiv, on Tuesday, said “Just today, Russia blew up a major dam…causing significant civilian evacuations, ecological damage and threatening the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.” The Russian lawyer also repeated President Vladimir Putin’s claim which he used to justify the war in Ukraine which is that Kyiv’s current government had “neo-Nazis” in key posts and accused them of “brutal repression” in the eastern Donbas region. ALSO READ | Zelensky visits flood-hit areas, medical facility after Nova Kakhovka dam collapse This comes after Putin said one of the goals of his “special military operation” was the “de-Nazification” of Ukraine. Representatives from Ukraine are expected to respond to these allegations next week. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

MH17 crash: Russia calls Ukraine’s accusations 'blatant lies'; blames Kyiv for Kakhovka dam breach

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the flood-hit region in the country’s eastern region Kherson, on Thursday (June 8) after the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam. He also visited a medical facility and met people evacuated from the region and thanked the “heroic” staff for their work.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Kremlin&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;said that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not have any plans to visit the Russian-occupied areas of Kherson affected by the flooding.

<h2>Situation in flood-hit Kherson</h2>

So far, at least three people have been killed due to the floods triggered by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine, according to The Kyiv Independent. On the other hand, Russian-installed authorities have said that at least five people were killed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president visited Kherson to discuss emergency operations in the region. The destruction of the dam, for which both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other,&nbsp;has unleashed flood water from the Dnipro River and prompted the evacuation of thousands of people.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Governor Oleksandr Prokudin&nbsp;on Thursday said that 600 square kilometres of Kherson Oblast has been flooded, with some 68 per cent of the flooded land on the Russian-occupied east bank of the Dnipro River and 32 per cent on the Ukrainian-controlled west bank.

<h2>Zelensky visits Kherson to oversee response to the flood-hit regions</h2>

Kherson lies some 60 kilometres downstream from the Nova Kakhovka dam. Zelensky&nbsp;took to social media and wrote, “Working trip to Kherson region. A coordination meeting on the liquidation of consequences of the Kakhovka HPP (Hydroelectric Power Plant)&nbsp;dam explosion.”&nbsp;

“Many important issues were discussed. The operational situation in the region as a result of the disaster, evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, elimination of the emergency caused by the dam explosion, organization of life support for the flooded areas,” said Zelensky, on Telegram along with a video of his visit.

He added, “Also, the prospects for restoring the region’s ecosystem and the operational military situation in the man-made disaster area.” In a separate post, he also said that he visited the road crossing where people were being evacuated.&nbsp;

“It is important to calculate the damage and allocate funds to compensate residents affected by the disaster and develop a programme to compensate for losses or relocate businesses within the Kherson region,” said Zelensky.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian president says Kherson will be rebuilt</h2>

Zelensky also visited the medical facility where he met with the locals and assured them that Kherson will be rebuilt after the floods. He took to Twitter and posted a video of himself visiting the medical facility and wrote, “At the evacuation point at one of Kherson’s medical institutions, I talked to our people affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.” 
&nbsp;

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У пункті евакуації на базі одного з медзакладів Херсона поспілкувався з нашими людьми, які постраждали внаслідок руйнування Каховської ГЕС. 
 
Ми допоможемо, і все, що треба відновити, ми відбудуємо. Дякую вам і бажаю здоров’я. 
 
Хочу подякувати всьому персоналу медзакладу за роботу… <a href="https://t.co/8omzH8pVzy">pic.twitter.com/8omzH8pVzy</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1666747862598799367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Addressing the locals he also said, “We will help you and rebuild everything that needs to be restored. I thank you and wish you good health.” Zelensky also went on to thank “all the staff of the medical institution for their work even under fire. You are heroic people".

Is Putin going to visit the Russian-occupied flood-hit areas? 
&nbsp; 
The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin does not have any plans to visit the Russian-occupied areas of Kherson affected by the flooding and was monitoring the situation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the flood-hit region in the country’s eastern region Kherson, on Thursday (June 8) after the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the flood-hit region in the country’s eastern region Kherson, on Thursday (June 8) after the collapse of the Nova Kakhovka dam. He also visited a medical facility and met people evacuated from the region and thanked the “heroic” staff for their work. Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Thursday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not have any plans to visit the Russian-occupied areas of Kherson affected by the flooding. Situation in flood-hit Kherson So far, at least three people have been killed due to the floods triggered by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine, according to The Kyiv Independent. On the other hand, Russian-installed authorities have said that at least five people were killed. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president visited Kherson to discuss emergency operations in the region. The destruction of the dam, for which both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other, has unleashed flood water from the Dnipro River and prompted the evacuation of thousands of people. Ukrainian Governor Oleksandr Prokudin on Thursday said that 600 square kilometres of Kherson Oblast has been flooded, with some 68 per cent of the flooded land on the Russian-occupied east bank of the Dnipro River and 32 per cent on the Ukrainian-controlled west bank. Zelensky visits Kherson to oversee response to the flood-hit regions Kherson lies some 60 kilometres downstream from the Nova Kakhovka dam. Zelensky took to social media and wrote, “Working trip to Kherson region. A coordination meeting on the liquidation of consequences of the Kakhovka HPP (Hydroelectric Power Plant) dam explosion.” “Many important issues were discussed. The operational situation in the region as a result of the disaster, evacuation of the population from potential flood zones, elimination of the emergency caused by the dam explosion, organization of life support for the flooded areas,” said Zelensky, on Telegram along with a video of his visit. He added, “Also, the prospects for restoring the region’s ecosystem and the operational military situation in the man-made disaster area.” In a separate post, he also said that he visited the road crossing where people were being evacuated. “It is important to calculate the damage and allocate funds to compensate residents affected by the disaster and develop a programme to compensate for losses or relocate businesses within the Kherson region,” said Zelensky. Ukrainian president says Kherson will be rebuilt Zelensky also visited the medical facility where he met with the locals and assured them that Kherson will be rebuilt after the floods. He took to Twitter and posted a video of himself visiting the medical facility and wrote, “At the evacuation point at one of Kherson’s medical institutions, I talked to our people affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant.” У пункті евакуації на базі одного з медзакладів Херсона поспілкувався з нашими людьми, які постраждали внаслідок руйнування Каховської ГЕС. Ми допоможемо, і все, що треба відновити, ми відбудуємо. Дякую вам і бажаю здоров’я. Хочу подякувати всьому персоналу медзакладу за роботу… pic.twitter.com/8omzH8pVzy — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 8, 2023 × Addressing the locals he also said, “We will help you and rebuild everything that needs to be restored. I thank you and wish you good health.” Zelensky also went on to thank “all the staff of the medical institution for their work even under fire. You are heroic people". Is Putin going to visit the Russian-occupied flood-hit areas? The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin does not have any plans to visit the Russian-occupied areas of Kherson affected by the flooding and was monitoring the situation. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky visits flood-hit areas, medical facility following Nova Kakhovka dam collapse

A United States-bound Air India flight which took off from the Indian capital city of&nbsp;Delhi was diverted to Russia’s Magadan, on Tuesday after a “technical issue” in one of the engines. The diversion incidentally took place a day after the CEO of a US carrier raised concerns about flights using Russian airspace with American citizens on board amid the ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow.&nbsp;

Air India, on Thursday (June 7) also sent a replacement flight from Mumbai to Magadan to take the passengers to San Francisco from the Russian town. The flight&nbsp;touched down in San Francisco a little after midnight (local time). The incident took place in the midst of Moscow’s ban on some Western carriers and about the use of Russian airspace&nbsp;by&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;airlines with&nbsp;American passengers&nbsp;on board.&nbsp;

Here’s what the Russian airspace row with the West is all about:&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to the Air India flight?</h2>

The San Francisco-bound flight&nbsp;from Delhi was carrying&nbsp;216 passengers and 16 crew. However, after facing some “technical issue” in one of the engines the AI173 was reported to have safely landed in the Russian town of Magadan.&nbsp;

The Indian airline went to assure that passengers were provided support on the ground and later confirmed that it would send an alternative aircraft while passengers are accommodated in local hotels in the Russian town.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-san-francisco-air-india-flight-diverted-to-russia-after-technical-issue-601306">Delhi-San Francisco Air India flight diverted to Russia after 'technical issue', US says closley monitoring</a>&nbsp;

The emergency landing was confirmed by the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia. Citing a source present at the Magadan airport, Reuters reported that Air India engineers would arrive on the reserve plane with spare parts, on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
 
It was not until Thursday that Air India addressed the "technical issue"&nbsp;Boeing 777 encountered which was an indication of low oil pressure in one of the engines.&nbsp;"The aircraft encountered a technical issue whereby the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine. Out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport rather than continue the journey," said Air India.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Washington is closely monitoring the situation</h2>

US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters they are aware of the incident and “are continuing to monitor the&nbsp;situation closely.”&nbsp;He added that since the flight was bound for the US, it is “likely” that there are American citizens on board. 
 
So far, Air India has not mentioned anything about the passengers'&nbsp;nationalities. It was on Wednesday, that&nbsp;Patel told reporters that less than 50 US&nbsp;citizens were aboard the Air India flight.&nbsp;

<h2>Row between Moscow and the West over airspace</h2>

The Air India incident has brought the recent tensions between the West and Russia over its airspace to the forefront. In a retaliatory move over the thousands of sanctions against Russia, it had last year banned certain foreign carriers from using its airspace, causing disruptions in the global air transport network.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;affected the aviation industry&nbsp;as it was forced to redraw air routes to avoid flying over the largest country in the world. Multiple airlines from the US, Europe, and Japan have already stopped flying over Russia. However, Gulf, China, as well as Air India, continue to use Russian airspace which has made flying times shorter and cut costs giving them an edge over their competitors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-airline-industry-to-report-billions-in-losses-this-year-may-return-to-profit-in-2023-iata-540639">Global airline industry to report billions in losses this year; may return to profit in 2023: IATA</a>

Over a year ago, days after Russia began what it calls its “special military operation in Ukraine,” Moscow had moved to ban airlines from 36 countries over the sanctions imposed, which included all 27 member nations of the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This was after the US, UK, Canada, and Europe banned Russian aircraft from flying over their airspace.&nbsp;

This move prompted US airlines to lobby in Capitol Hill and at the White House as they were losing business to foreign competitors who could take passengers between the US and Asia faster and at a lower cost. Industry lobbying group Airlines for America told lawmakers in Washington last year that the US carriers are expected to witness collective losses of up to $2 billion per year.&nbsp;

Over the years, US airlines were able to access to Russian airspace following a series of agreements between Moscow and Washington. The US-based and other foreign carriers would pay what amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the Russian government as a fee for their air traffic control support, reported the New York Times, citing industry sources.

<h2>United Airlines, Air India chiefs argue at recent global industry meet</h2>

The incident in Russia took place a day after the CEOs of United Airlines and Air India butted heads at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) annual meeting&nbsp;held in Istanbul. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, raised concerns about planes flying through Russian airspace with American citizens onboard.&nbsp;

“What’s going to happen if an airline lands in Russia with some prominent US citizens on board? That is a potential crisis in the making,” said Kirby, adding that this issue should be solved “before the crisis happens".

However, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson defended the airline’s use of Russian airspace. “Air India, we operate according to the ambit of what is provided to us by the nation of India and not all nations agree,” said Wilson. He added, “So there are going to be different outcomes as a consequence.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-air-india-inks-one-of-the-biggest-deals-in-aviation-history-562464">Gravitas: Air India inks one of the biggest deals in aviation history</a>

The disagreement, yet again, has&nbsp;brought to the fore&nbsp;the strategic and geographic importance of Russia as the world’s largest country in global aviation. Kirby also said United was forced to stop operating several flights to India before the COVID-19 pandemic and now “we fly one and it’s an extra two hours.”&nbsp;

“It’s clearly a big impact to us,” said the US carrier’s CEO, adding that even with the extra time it cannot fly the other routes non-stop. Additionally, US carriers have also pushed for the government to discourage carriers from landing on US soil after crossing Russian airspace as they are paying Moscow for it.&nbsp;

Some Chinese airlines have also avoided flying over Russian airspace to and from the US, months after Senators urged President Joe Biden administration’s to stop Chinese airlines and foreign carriers from flying over Russia, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Should geopolitical differences affect aviation?</h2>

During the meeting in Istanbul, IATA Director General Willie Walsh told Reuters, “What we would like to see is everybody using Russian airspace. I’m clear that it's not a security or a safety issue.” Similarly, Vinod Kannan, CEO of Indian airline Vistara said as long as the “law of the land” is not violated, it should not be an issue.&nbsp;

“It's a sensitive geopolitical issue and applying geopolitics to the aviation industry that does so much to link the world, I’m not sure that’s a link that should be made,” said Wilson, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

It is also worth noting that Kirby’s concerns are not entirely unfounded. In 2018, a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing in Iran weeks after Washington had re-imposed sanctions. While the passengers flew out of Iran the next day, the aircraft was stranded for two months as its engines were made by US-based General Electric which waited weeks for a US Treasury export licence.

<h2>Air India sends replacement flight</h2>

Air India sent a replacement plane to ferry stranded passengers in Russia from Mumbai, on Thursday. “The ferry flight is carrying essentials in addition to a sufficient amount of food to cater to all passengers on the onward flight scheduled from GDX (Magadan airport) to San Francisco (SFO),” said the Indian carrier, in a statement.&nbsp;

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UPDATE: FERRY FLIGHT TO MAGADAN AIRBORNE 
 
Our ferry flight AI195 from Mumbai (BOM) to Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne, and is expected to arrive at GDX at 0630 Hours (local time) on 08 June 2023. 
 
An Air India team is on board the flight to provide any support that the… <a href="https://t.co/oIwrqrF3po">pic.twitter.com/oIwrqrF3po</a>
— Air India (@airindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindia/status/1666387382629793792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The airline also said that “given the infrastructural limitations around the remote airport, we can confirm that all passengers were eventually moved to makeshift accommodation&nbsp;after making sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotels locally with the help of local government authorities.”&nbsp;

“As we do not have Air India staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, all ground support being provided to passengers is the best possible in this unusual circumstance,” said Air India. The Indian Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also confirmed that Air India told the ministry some passengers had been housed in a school building near the airport.&nbsp; 
 
In an update, on Thursday (June 8), Air India said&nbsp;Flight AI173D from Magadan (GDX) landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 12:07 am&nbsp;(local time). It added, "All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support."&nbsp;

Air India Chief Customer Experience and Ground Handling Officer Rajesh Dogra, on Thursday, issuing an apology said, "We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India," as quoted by PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Air India’s passengers affected by US sanctions on Russia</h2>

A report by the Associated Press, citing Delhi-San Francisco flight passengers, said that they have been barred from leaving the makeshift accommodation where they have been staying and cannot use their credit cards to buy items from vending machines or stores because of the sanctions.&nbsp;

Additionally, speaking to the Indian media, a passenger also said how many US citizens were worried due to the ongoing tensions between Moscow and Washington.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A United States-bound Air India flight which took off from the Indian capital city of Delhi was diverted to Russia’s Magadan, on Tuesday after a “technical issue” in one of the engines.

A United States-bound Air India flight which took off from the Indian capital city of Delhi was diverted to Russia’s Magadan, on Tuesday after a “technical issue” in one of the engines. The diversion incidentally took place a day after the CEO of a US carrier raised concerns about flights using Russian airspace with American citizens on board amid the ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow. Air India, on Thursday (June 7) also sent a replacement flight from Mumbai to Magadan to take the passengers to San Francisco from the Russian town. The flight touched down in San Francisco a little after midnight (local time). The incident took place in the midst of Moscow’s ban on some Western carriers and about the use of Russian airspace by foreign airlines with American passengers on board. Here’s what the Russian airspace row with the West is all about: What happened to the Air India flight? The San Francisco-bound flight from Delhi was carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew. However, after facing some “technical issue” in one of the engines the AI173 was reported to have safely landed in the Russian town of Magadan. The Indian airline went to assure that passengers were provided support on the ground and later confirmed that it would send an alternative aircraft while passengers are accommodated in local hotels in the Russian town. ALSO READ | Delhi-San Francisco Air India flight diverted to Russia after 'technical issue', US says closley monitoring The emergency landing was confirmed by the Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia. Citing a source present at the Magadan airport, Reuters reported that Air India engineers would arrive on the reserve plane with spare parts, on Wednesday. It was not until Thursday that Air India addressed the "technical issue" Boeing 777 encountered which was an indication of low oil pressure in one of the engines. "The aircraft encountered a technical issue whereby the pilots received an indication of low oil pressure in one engine. Out of caution, they elected to land the aircraft at a nearby airport rather than continue the journey," said Air India. Washington is closely monitoring the situation US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters they are aware of the incident and “are continuing to monitor the situation closely.” He added that since the flight was bound for the US, it is “likely” that there are American citizens on board. So far, Air India has not mentioned anything about the passengers' nationalities. It was on Wednesday, that Patel told reporters that less than 50 US citizens were aboard the Air India flight. Row between Moscow and the West over airspace The Air India incident has brought the recent tensions between the West and Russia over its airspace to the forefront. In a retaliatory move over the thousands of sanctions against Russia, it had last year banned certain foreign carriers from using its airspace, causing disruptions in the global air transport network. This affected the aviation industry as it was forced to redraw air routes to avoid flying over the largest country in the world. Multiple airlines from the US, Europe, and Japan have already stopped flying over Russia. However, Gulf, China, as well as Air India, continue to use Russian airspace which has made flying times shorter and cut costs giving them an edge over their competitors. ALSO READ | Global airline industry to report billions in losses this year; may return to profit in 2023: IATA Over a year ago, days after Russia began what it calls its “special military operation in Ukraine,” Moscow had moved to ban airlines from 36 countries over the sanctions imposed, which included all 27 member nations of the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This was after the US, UK, Canada, and Europe banned Russian aircraft from flying over their airspace. This move prompted US airlines to lobby in Capitol Hill and at the White House as they were losing business to foreign competitors who could take passengers between the US and Asia faster and at a lower cost. Industry lobbying group Airlines for America told lawmakers in Washington last year that the US carriers are expected to witness collective losses of up to $2 billion per year. Over the years, US airlines were able to access to Russian airspace following a series of agreements between Moscow and Washington. The US-based and other foreign carriers would pay what amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the Russian government as a fee for their air traffic control support, reported the New York Times, citing industry sources. United Airlines, Air India chiefs argue at recent global industry meet The incident in Russia took place a day after the CEOs of United Airlines and Air India butted heads at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) annual meeting held in Istanbul. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, raised concerns about planes flying through Russian airspace with American citizens onboard. “What’s going to happen if an airline lands in Russia with some prominent US citizens on board? That is a potential crisis in the making,” said Kirby, adding that this issue should be solved “before the crisis happens". However, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson defended the airline’s use of Russian airspace. “Air India, we operate according to the ambit of what is provided to us by the nation of India and not all nations agree,” said Wilson. He added, “So there are going to be different outcomes as a consequence.” ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Air India inks one of the biggest deals in aviation history The disagreement, yet again, has brought to the fore the strategic and geographic importance of Russia as the world’s largest country in global aviation. Kirby also said United was forced to stop operating several flights to India before the COVID-19 pandemic and now “we fly one and it’s an extra two hours.” “It’s clearly a big impact to us,” said the US carrier’s CEO, adding that even with the extra time it cannot fly the other routes non-stop. Additionally, US carriers have also pushed for the government to discourage carriers from landing on US soil after crossing Russian airspace as they are paying Moscow for it. Some Chinese airlines have also avoided flying over Russian airspace to and from the US, months after Senators urged President Joe Biden administration’s to stop Chinese airlines and foreign carriers from flying over Russia, as per Reuters. Should geopolitical differences affect aviation? During the meeting in Istanbul, IATA Director General Willie Walsh told Reuters, “What we would like to see is everybody using Russian airspace. I’m clear that it's not a security or a safety issue.” Similarly, Vinod Kannan, CEO of Indian airline Vistara said as long as the “law of the land” is not violated, it should not be an issue. “It's a sensitive geopolitical issue and applying geopolitics to the aviation industry that does so much to link the world, I’m not sure that’s a link that should be made,” said Wilson, as quoted by Reuters. It is also worth noting that Kirby’s concerns are not entirely unfounded. In 2018, a Norwegian Air Boeing 737 was forced to make an emergency landing in Iran weeks after Washington had re-imposed sanctions. While the passengers flew out of Iran the next day, the aircraft was stranded for two months as its engines were made by US-based General Electric which waited weeks for a US Treasury export licence. Air India sends replacement flight Air India sent a replacement plane to ferry stranded passengers in Russia from Mumbai, on Thursday. “The ferry flight is carrying essentials in addition to a sufficient amount of food to cater to all passengers on the onward flight scheduled from GDX (Magadan airport) to San Francisco (SFO),” said the Indian carrier, in a statement. UPDATE: FERRY FLIGHT TO MAGADAN AIRBORNE Our ferry flight AI195 from Mumbai (BOM) to Magadan, Russia (GDX) is now airborne, and is expected to arrive at GDX at 0630 Hours (local time) on 08 June 2023. An Air India team is on board the flight to provide any support that the… pic.twitter.com/oIwrqrF3po — Air India (@airindia) June 7, 2023 × The airline also said that “given the infrastructural limitations around the remote airport, we can confirm that all passengers were eventually moved to makeshift accommodation after making sincere attempts to accommodate passengers in hotels locally with the help of local government authorities.” “As we do not have Air India staff based in the remote town of Magadan or in Russia, all ground support being provided to passengers is the best possible in this unusual circumstance,” said Air India. The Indian Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also confirmed that Air India told the ministry some passengers had been housed in a school building near the airport. In an update, on Thursday (June 8), Air India said Flight AI173D from Magadan (GDX) landed safely in San Francisco (SFO) at 12:07 am (local time). It added, "All our passengers are being extended maximum on-ground assistance with clearance formalities and provided other necessary support." Air India Chief Customer Experience and Ground Handling Officer Rajesh Dogra, on Thursday, issuing an apology said, "We will fully refund the fare for your journey and, in addition, provide you a voucher for future travel on Air India," as quoted by PTI. Air India’s passengers affected by US sanctions on Russia A report by the Associated Press, citing Delhi-San Francisco flight passengers, said that they have been barred from leaving the makeshift accommodation where they have been staying and cannot use their credit cards to buy items from vending machines or stores because of the sanctions. Additionally, speaking to the Indian media, a passenger also said how many US citizens were worried due to the ongoing tensions between Moscow and Washington. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Air India’s diverted flight to Russia landed amid airspace row between Moscow, the West

The Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine came under attack on Tuesday (June 6) amid&nbsp;the ongoing conflict. The partial destruction of the dam, as per both officials in Moscow and Kyiv has unleashed a torrent of water.&nbsp;

Officials in Ukraine,&nbsp;hours after the damage, confirmed that some two dozen settlements had been flooded and at least 17,000 people have since been evacuated. The Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka in southern Ukraine is home to the dam that both sides have accused each other of attacking.&nbsp;

Kyiv has also called for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)&nbsp;to hold an emergency meeting over what it has described as a&nbsp;“Russian terrorist act”.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dubbed the attack on the Nova Kakhovka dam as a “deliberate sabotage” by Ukraine. The UNSC has agreed to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the dam issue after both Moscow and Kyiv called for the meeting.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Nova Kakhovka dam</h2>

The Soviet-era dam, which is 98 feet tall and 3.2 kilometres long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River and holds significant amounts of water. The dam is a part of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Russia-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region.&nbsp;

According to Reuters, the water that the dam can hold amounts to that of the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah which is approximately 18 cubic kilometres. It is also one of the six dams that sit along the Dnipro River and is often referred to as the Kakhovka Sea as one cannot see the other bank in certain places, reported BBC.&nbsp;

The dam is also responsible for the water supply to southern Ukraine’s agricultural land, the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula and the Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The reservoir also feeds the Soviet-era North Crimean Canal which supplies around 85 per cent of Crimea’s water.&nbsp;

The dam’s reservoir also provides water&nbsp;essential for cooling the six reactors at the power plant. Additionally, farmers in the surrounding area&nbsp;also rely on the water from this dam to grow their crops and thousands are now set to face trouble in the region.&nbsp;

Notably, Geneva Conventions explicitly bans targeting dams during wars, due to the dangers posed to civilians by the destruction of such “works and installations containing dangerous forces”.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened at Nova Kakhovka dam?</h2>

Russia and Ukraine have both blamed each other for the supposed attack which has led to massive damage to the dam's structure. Kyiv, which was reportedly the first one to report the damage to the Nova Kakhovka dam, blamed Russia. On the other hand,&nbsp;there have been conflicting reports from the Russia-installed officials.

Images and videos from the scene show a massive breach in the dam with a large amount of water flowing downstream in the direction of the Ukrainian city of Kherson. Meanwhile, neither Kyiv nor Moscow have offered immediate public evidence to back up their claims.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Terrorist attack,’ ‘ecocide’: Ukraine about&nbsp;Nova Kakhovka dam&nbsp;incident</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused “Russian terrorists” of destroying the dam. He went on to allege that the Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station from the inside and must be held accountable for this “terrorist attack.”

The Ukrainian president after an emergency meeting of senior officials said that the incident took place at around 2:50 am (local time) and an “internal detonation of the structures of the Kakhovskaya HPP" occurred. "About 80 settlements are in the zone of flooding”.&nbsp;

Zelensky also said that the “world must react,” adding, “This is just one Russian act of terrorism. This is just one Russian war crime,” and went on to accuse Moscow of committing an act of “ecocide.” “Russia is at war with life, with nature, with civilisation. Russia must leave Ukrainian land and must be held fully accountable for its terror,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

A Ukrainian military spokesperson has also alleged that the dam was attacked to prevent Kyiv’s troops from crossing the Dnipro River to attack Russian troops occupying the area. The incident comes as Ukraine said Monday it was conducting “offensive action"&nbsp;on the front line amid speculation that the long-expected counteroffensive is underway.&nbsp;

<h2>From no attack to ‘deliberate sabotage’: What did Russia say about the&nbsp;accusations?</h2>

As per initial reports, a Russia-installed official in Zaporizhzhia Vladimir Rogov said no attack had taken place and that the dam collapsed due to existing damage and the pressure of the water. It was not until&nbsp;later that the Kremlin spokesperson said that it was a Ukrainian attempt to stop the water&nbsp;supply to the Crimean peninsula which Russia had annexed back in 2014.&nbsp;

“We can state unequivocally that we are talking about deliberate sabotage by the Ukrainian side,” said the Kremlin spokesperson. He added, “All responsibility lies with the Kyiv regime.”&nbsp;

“Clearly one of the aims of this act of sabotage was to deprive Crimea of water - the water level in the reservoir is dropping and, accordingly, the water supply to the canal is being drastically reduced,” said Peskov.&nbsp;

However, Russia had taken steps to deal with the water supply issue in Crimea, he added. The Kremlin spokesperson also went on to say that this “sabotage is also connected with the fact that having started large-scale offensive actions two days ago”.&nbsp;

Moscow has also “decisively rejected” accusations by Kyiv and the West that Russian troops were behind a blast that caused damage to the dam. Meanwhile, the Russian-backed head of Crimea said there was no immediate threat to the peninsula’s water supply or flooding risk but warned of potential threats that the Northern Crimean Canal “will get more shallow,” said Sergei Aksyonov.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Completely destroyed’: What’s the damage at the dam?</h2>

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said that 17,000 people were being evacuated from flooded areas and more than 40,000 people are in danger of being flooded. He also warned that some 25,000 more people should be evacuated on the Russian-occupied side of the Dnipro River.&nbsp;

In an interview, Igor Syrota, head of Ukrhydroenergo, a Ukrainian state-owned energy company said that the Nova Kakhovka dam had been “completely destroyed” and the station “cannot be restored,” reported AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ukrainian officials have reported that some 150 tonnes of engine oil spilt in the Dnipro River due to the attack it has blamed on Russia, while Zelensky said there was “a risk of further leakage of more than 300 tons".

Speaking about the environmental impact, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the floods have caused “long and irreversible harm” to the ecosystems and reported that animals at the Nova Kakhovka Zoo have "already died in the rising water".&nbsp;

Europe’s largest ZNPP, which is currently under Russian control, was reported not to be under “immediate risk” by the International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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The Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine came under attack on Tuesday (June 6) amid the ongoing conflict.

The Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine came under attack on Tuesday (June 6) amid the ongoing conflict. The partial destruction of the dam, as per both officials in Moscow and Kyiv has unleashed a torrent of water. Officials in Ukraine, hours after the damage, confirmed that some two dozen settlements had been flooded and at least 17,000 people have since been evacuated. The Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka in southern Ukraine is home to the dam that both sides have accused each other of attacking. Kyiv has also called for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to hold an emergency meeting over what it has described as a “Russian terrorist act”. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has dubbed the attack on the Nova Kakhovka dam as a “deliberate sabotage” by Ukraine. The UNSC has agreed to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the dam issue after both Moscow and Kyiv called for the meeting. About the Nova Kakhovka dam The Soviet-era dam, which is 98 feet tall and 3.2 kilometres long, was built in 1956 on the Dnipro River and holds significant amounts of water. The dam is a part of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Russia-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region. According to Reuters, the water that the dam can hold amounts to that of the Great Salt Lake in the US state of Utah which is approximately 18 cubic kilometres. It is also one of the six dams that sit along the Dnipro River and is often referred to as the Kakhovka Sea as one cannot see the other bank in certain places, reported BBC. The dam is also responsible for the water supply to southern Ukraine’s agricultural land, the Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula and the Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The reservoir also feeds the Soviet-era North Crimean Canal which supplies around 85 per cent of Crimea’s water. The dam’s reservoir also provides water essential for cooling the six reactors at the power plant. Additionally, farmers in the surrounding area also rely on the water from this dam to grow their crops and thousands are now set to face trouble in the region. Notably, Geneva Conventions explicitly bans targeting dams during wars, due to the dangers posed to civilians by the destruction of such “works and installations containing dangerous forces”. What happened at Nova Kakhovka dam? Russia and Ukraine have both blamed each other for the supposed attack which has led to massive damage to the dam's structure. Kyiv, which was reportedly the first one to report the damage to the Nova Kakhovka dam, blamed Russia. On the other hand, there have been conflicting reports from the Russia-installed officials. Images and videos from the scene show a massive breach in the dam with a large amount of water flowing downstream in the direction of the Ukrainian city of Kherson. Meanwhile, neither Kyiv nor Moscow have offered immediate public evidence to back up their claims. ‘Terrorist attack,’ ‘ecocide’: Ukraine about Nova Kakhovka dam incident Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused “Russian terrorists” of destroying the dam. He went on to allege that the Russian forces blew up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station from the inside and must be held accountable for this “terrorist attack.” The Ukrainian president after an emergency meeting of senior officials said that the incident took place at around 2:50 am (local time) and an “internal detonation of the structures of the Kakhovskaya HPP" occurred. "About 80 settlements are in the zone of flooding”. Zelensky also said that the “world must react,” adding, “This is just one Russian act of terrorism. This is just one Russian war crime,” and went on to accuse Moscow of committing an act of “ecocide.” “Russia is at war with life, with nature, with civilisation. Russia must leave Ukrainian land and must be held fully accountable for its terror,” said the Ukrainian president. A Ukrainian military spokesperson has also alleged that the dam was attacked to prevent Kyiv’s troops from crossing the Dnipro River to attack Russian troops occupying the area. The incident comes as Ukraine said Monday it was conducting “offensive action" on the front line amid speculation that the long-expected counteroffensive is underway. From no attack to ‘deliberate sabotage’: What did Russia say about the accusations? As per initial reports, a Russia-installed official in Zaporizhzhia Vladimir Rogov said no attack had taken place and that the dam collapsed due to existing damage and the pressure of the water. It was not until later that the Kremlin spokesperson said that it was a Ukrainian attempt to stop the water supply to the Crimean peninsula which Russia had annexed back in 2014. “We can state unequivocally that we are talking about deliberate sabotage by the Ukrainian side,” said the Kremlin spokesperson. He added, “All responsibility lies with the Kyiv regime.” “Clearly one of the aims of this act of sabotage was to deprive Crimea of water - the water level in the reservoir is dropping and, accordingly, the water supply to the canal is being drastically reduced,” said Peskov. However, Russia had taken steps to deal with the water supply issue in Crimea, he added. The Kremlin spokesperson also went on to say that this “sabotage is also connected with the fact that having started large-scale offensive actions two days ago”. Moscow has also “decisively rejected” accusations by Kyiv and the West that Russian troops were behind a blast that caused damage to the dam. Meanwhile, the Russian-backed head of Crimea said there was no immediate threat to the peninsula’s water supply or flooding risk but warned of potential threats that the Northern Crimean Canal “will get more shallow,” said Sergei Aksyonov. ‘Completely destroyed’: What’s the damage at the dam? Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said that 17,000 people were being evacuated from flooded areas and more than 40,000 people are in danger of being flooded. He also warned that some 25,000 more people should be evacuated on the Russian-occupied side of the Dnipro River. In an interview, Igor Syrota, head of Ukrhydroenergo, a Ukrainian state-owned energy company said that the Nova Kakhovka dam had been “completely destroyed” and the station “cannot be restored,” reported AFP. Ukrainian officials have reported that some 150 tonnes of engine oil spilt in the Dnipro River due to the attack it has blamed on Russia, while Zelensky said there was “a risk of further leakage of more than 300 tons". Speaking about the environmental impact, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the floods have caused “long and irreversible harm” to the ecosystems and reported that animals at the Nova Kakhovka Zoo have "already died in the rising water". Europe’s largest ZNPP, which is currently under Russian control, was reported not to be under “immediate risk” by the International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine

Kyiv called Russia a “terrorist state,” on Tuesday (June 6), at the top United Nations court at the hearing of Moscow’s alleged backing of pro-Russian separatists accused of shooting down an aircraft in 2014 over Ukraine which killed nearly 300 people.&nbsp;

The hearing about the 2014 case also came amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries and hours after the attack on the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine with both Moscow and Kyiv blaming&nbsp;each other.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the hearing about?</h2>

Notably, the hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was the first time where Russian and Ukrainian lawyers faced each other since the beginning of what Moscow has called its “special military operation” in Ukraine. The case was filed by Kyiv in 2017 at the World Court against the&nbsp;Moscow-backed rebels and accused Russia of violating the UN anti-terrorism treaty. &nbsp;

The legal teams from both countries comprised&nbsp;dozens of representatives but on Tuesday only Ukraine presented arguments before a panel of 16 judges at the ICJ.&nbsp;Russia will get the opportunity to respond on Thursday. Ukraine will then respond on June 12 and Russia will present again two days later.&nbsp;

According to Kyiv, Moscow violated the UN conventions for financing terrorism and racial discrimination as it allegedly equipped and funded pro-Russian forces who shot down the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine killing all 298 passengers and crew on board.

The&nbsp;Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 plane&nbsp;was reportedly shot down by a Russian-made missile in July. Moscow&nbsp;has since denied these allegations. There was also violence that&nbsp;took place in 2014 in Ukraine when at least 13,000 people were killed when pro-European Union protesters overthrew Kyiv’s Moscow-allied government. It was not soon after that Russia had forcibly annexed Crimea.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian representatives call Russia ‘terrorist state’</h2>

In his opening remarks, Ukrainian Ambassador-at-Large Anton Korynevych spoke about the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam which Kyiv has blamed Moscow for. “Russia cannot defeat us on the battlefield, so it targets civilian infrastructure to try to freeze us into submission,” said the Ukrainian diplomat.&nbsp;

“Russia’s actions are the actions of a terrorist state, an aggressor. But such actions did not appear out of the blue. They are the tragic but logical outcome of the situation we brought to this court’s attention back in 2017,”&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Ukrainian diplomat reiterating statements from officials in Kyiv, said, “Just today, Russia blew up a major dam…causing significant civilian evacuations, ecological damage and threatening the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.”

Ukraine has also called on the Hague-based court to order Russia to stop discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea. Korynevych also said that Russia’s “contempt for international law didn't start in 2022” but when it annexed Crimea in 2014, adding that Moscow then “engaged in a campaign of cultural erasure, taking aim at ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars.”&nbsp;

However, Russia is now “trying to wipe us from the map” with the ongoing invasion, said the Ukrainian lawyer. Moscow&nbsp;has denied the claims of systematic human rights abuses in the Ukrainian territory that it controls.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian lawyers also spoke about the Dutch court verdict in November that convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian separatist to life in absentia over the shooting of MH17 and their role. The court also found Russia had “overall control” over the separatist forces.&nbsp;

Ukrainian lawyers said that the Russian officials were “guilty of terrorism financing” as they supplied the missile knowing it would be used to shoot down an aircraft. Ukrainian lawyer Marney Cheek also said how Moscow also supplied rebels with rocket systems that were used in a “reign of terror” on civilians in 2015.&nbsp;

“What did Russia do to prevent and suppress this financing of terrorism? Nothing,” the lawyer added. 
 
Notably, Russia has previously tried to get the case filed by Ukraine&nbsp;thrown out saying that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not have jurisdiction.&nbsp;

In 2022, after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv filed a separate case which accused Moscow of planning genocide. This led the ICJ to order a suspension of the invasion. The ICC also issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, on war crimes over forced deportations of Ukrainian children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Kyiv called Russia a “terrorist state,” on Tuesday (June 6), at the top United Nations court at the hearing of Moscow’s alleged backing of pro-Russian separatists accused of shooting down an aircraft in 2014 over Ukraine which killed nearly 300 people.

Kyiv called Russia a “terrorist state,” on Tuesday (June 6), at the top United Nations court at the hearing of Moscow’s alleged backing of pro-Russian separatists accused of shooting down an aircraft in 2014 over Ukraine which killed nearly 300 people. The hearing about the 2014 case also came amid the ongoing conflict between the two countries and hours after the attack on the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine with both Moscow and Kyiv blaming each other. What was the hearing about? Notably, the hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was the first time where Russian and Ukrainian lawyers faced each other since the beginning of what Moscow has called its “special military operation” in Ukraine. The case was filed by Kyiv in 2017 at the World Court against the Moscow-backed rebels and accused Russia of violating the UN anti-terrorism treaty. The legal teams from both countries comprised dozens of representatives but on Tuesday only Ukraine presented arguments before a panel of 16 judges at the ICJ. Russia will get the opportunity to respond on Thursday. Ukraine will then respond on June 12 and Russia will present again two days later. According to Kyiv, Moscow violated the UN conventions for financing terrorism and racial discrimination as it allegedly equipped and funded pro-Russian forces who shot down the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine killing all 298 passengers and crew on board. The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 plane was reportedly shot down by a Russian-made missile in July. Moscow has since denied these allegations. There was also violence that took place in 2014 in Ukraine when at least 13,000 people were killed when pro-European Union protesters overthrew Kyiv’s Moscow-allied government. It was not soon after that Russia had forcibly annexed Crimea. Ukrainian representatives call Russia ‘terrorist state’ In his opening remarks, Ukrainian Ambassador-at-Large Anton Korynevych spoke about the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam which Kyiv has blamed Moscow for. “Russia cannot defeat us on the battlefield, so it targets civilian infrastructure to try to freeze us into submission,” said the Ukrainian diplomat. “Russia’s actions are the actions of a terrorist state, an aggressor. But such actions did not appear out of the blue. They are the tragic but logical outcome of the situation we brought to this court’s attention back in 2017,” he added. The Ukrainian diplomat reiterating statements from officials in Kyiv, said, “Just today, Russia blew up a major dam…causing significant civilian evacuations, ecological damage and threatening the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.” Ukraine has also called on the Hague-based court to order Russia to stop discrimination against the Tatar ethnic group in Crimea. Korynevych also said that Russia’s “contempt for international law didn't start in 2022” but when it annexed Crimea in 2014, adding that Moscow then “engaged in a campaign of cultural erasure, taking aim at ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars.” However, Russia is now “trying to wipe us from the map” with the ongoing invasion, said the Ukrainian lawyer. Moscow has denied the claims of systematic human rights abuses in the Ukrainian territory that it controls. The Ukrainian lawyers also spoke about the Dutch court verdict in November that convicted two Russians and a Ukrainian separatist to life in absentia over the shooting of MH17 and their role. The court also found Russia had “overall control” over the separatist forces. Ukrainian lawyers said that the Russian officials were “guilty of terrorism financing” as they supplied the missile knowing it would be used to shoot down an aircraft. Ukrainian lawyer Marney Cheek also said how Moscow also supplied rebels with rocket systems that were used in a “reign of terror” on civilians in 2015. “What did Russia do to prevent and suppress this financing of terrorism? Nothing,” the lawyer added. Notably, Russia has previously tried to get the case filed by Ukraine thrown out saying that the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not have jurisdiction. In 2022, after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv filed a separate case which accused Moscow of planning genocide. This led the ICJ to order a suspension of the invasion. The ICC also issued a warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, on war crimes over forced deportations of Ukrainian children. (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.

‘Terrorist state’: Ukraine slams Russia at International Court of Justice hearing

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