The head of Russia’s mercenary outfit Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Monday (May 8) said that it began receiving the ammunition it needed to press its advance to capture the key eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;

This comes after he had said that he had previously threatened that his fighters will leave the besieged Ukrainian city and accused the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian military’s chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of withholding ammunition. He went on to claim their reluctance to send more ammunition, saying that because of lack of support, their forces were “facing a senseless death”.

What did Prigozhin say in the latest message?

In a message released by his spokespeople on Monday, Prigozhin said, “According to preliminary data, we are beginning to receive ammunition,” adding that “we have not (yet) seen it in practice.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, he also claimed that “today, the groups advanced a maximum of 130 metres (400 feet)...Fierce fighting is going on, but the groups are continuing to advance,” said the Wagner chief, in an audio message.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-asks-moscow-to-let-him-hand-over-bakhmut-positions-to-chechen-leader-589811">Wagner chief asks Moscow to let him hand over Bakhmut positions to Chechen leader</a>

He also indicated that Ukrainian forces were confined to an area of about 2.36 square kilometres (0.9 square miles) in the town.&nbsp;

Wagner chief threatens to leave Bakmut

In a series of scathing videos, Wagner’s chief blamed the Russian military’s top brass for “tens of thousands” of killed and wounded Russian fighters in Ukraine and vowed to hold them accountable over what he claimed was a failure to provide fighters from his mercenary group.&nbsp;

Subsequently, in a written statement on the messaging app Telegram, he wrote, “On May 10, 2023 we will have to hand over our positions in Bakhmut to units of the defence ministry and withdraw Wagner units to rear camps to lick our wounds.” The Wagner chief added, “I will pull out Wagner units from Bakhmut because, in the absence of ammunition, they are facing a senseless death.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-chief-says-russia-promised-more-ammo-after-threat-may-stay-in-bakhmut-589988">Wagner group chief says Russia promised more ammo after threat, may stay in Bakhmut</a>

The next day, he asked Moscow to let him hand over his positions in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. “I ask you to issue a combat order before 00:00 on May 10 concerning the transfer of the positions of the Wagner paramilitary units in Bakhmut and its periphery, to the units of the Akhmat battalion,” said Prigozhin, in a letter to Shoigu.

However, in a new message on Sunday, Prigozhin hinted at the possibility of backtracking his ultimatum after assurances from the Russian government. “The bottom line is the following: they promise to give us ammunition and weapons, as much as we need to continue further actions.”&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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The head of Russia’s mercenary outfit Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Monday (May 8) said that it began receiving the ammunition it needed to press its advance to capture the key eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

The head of Russia’s mercenary outfit Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Monday (May 8) said that it began receiving the ammunition it needed to press its advance to capture the key eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. This comes after he had said that he had previously threatened that his fighters will leave the besieged Ukrainian city and accused the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russian military’s chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of withholding ammunition. He went on to claim their reluctance to send more ammunition, saying that because of lack of support, their forces were “facing a senseless death”. What did Prigozhin say in the latest message? In a message released by his spokespeople on Monday, Prigozhin said, “According to preliminary data, we are beginning to receive ammunition,” adding that “we have not (yet) seen it in practice.” Furthermore, he also claimed that “today, the groups advanced a maximum of 130 metres (400 feet)...Fierce fighting is going on, but the groups are continuing to advance,” said the Wagner chief, in an audio message. ALSO READ | Wagner chief asks Moscow to let him hand over Bakhmut positions to Chechen leader He also indicated that Ukrainian forces were confined to an area of about 2.36 square kilometres (0.9 square miles) in the town. Wagner chief threatens to leave Bakmut In a series of scathing videos, Wagner’s chief blamed the Russian military’s top brass for “tens of thousands” of killed and wounded Russian fighters in Ukraine and vowed to hold them accountable over what he claimed was a failure to provide fighters from his mercenary group. Subsequently, in a written statement on the messaging app Telegram, he wrote, “On May 10, 2023 we will have to hand over our positions in Bakhmut to units of the defence ministry and withdraw Wagner units to rear camps to lick our wounds.” The Wagner chief added, “I will pull out Wagner units from Bakhmut because, in the absence of ammunition, they are facing a senseless death.” ALSO READ | Wagner group chief says Russia promised more ammo after threat, may stay in Bakhmut The next day, he asked Moscow to let him hand over his positions in the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. “I ask you to issue a combat order before 00:00 on May 10 concerning the transfer of the positions of the Wagner paramilitary units in Bakhmut and its periphery, to the units of the Akhmat battalion,” said Prigozhin, in a letter to Shoigu. However, in a new message on Sunday, Prigozhin hinted at the possibility of backtracking his ultimatum after assurances from the Russian government. “The bottom line is the following: they promise to give us ammunition and weapons, as much as we need to continue further actions.” (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.

Wagner chief says fighters begin to receive ammo after threatening to pull out of Bakhmut

In photos | Russia holds Victory Day parade amid shadow of Ukraine war

Russia's Wagner Group founder&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday claimed a Russian military unit had deserted one of the military positions near Bakhmut in east Ukraine, currently the epicentre of vicious fighting between the two sides.&nbsp;

"Today one of the units of the defence ministry fled from one of our flanks...exposing the front," said&nbsp;Prigozhin while repeating the threat that his mercenary group will leave the conflict zone if the Russian military did not step up and provide more ammunition.&nbsp;

He added that Russian soldiers were 'fleeing' the army as the defence ministry was 'scheming all the time', instead of 'fighting'.&nbsp;

In a scathing video,&nbsp;Prigozhin questioned,&nbsp;"Why is the state not able to defend its country?", adding that Kyiv was consistently hitting Russian border regions 'successfully'.&nbsp;

He also accused Moscow's top generals of trying to deceive&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

"If all the tasks are being carried out in such a way as to deceive the commander-in-chief (Putin), then either he will rip your arse or the Russian people will, who will be angry that the war is lost," Prigozhin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-will-soon-cease-to-exist-founder-tells-war-blogger-587166">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger</a>

<h2>Prigozhin and Putin's relationship turns frosty</h2>

The relationship between&nbsp;Prigozhin and&nbsp;Putin has turned frosty in recent times.&nbsp;Prigozhin has accused Putin of cutting him off completely, claiming that he was left alone in making war-related decisions about his army. He claimed that his paramilitary army has suffered heavy losses when trying to capture the eastern city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;

“To get me to stop asking for ammunition, all the hotlines to offices, to departments etc have been cut off from me. But the real humdinger is that they’ve also blocked agencies from making decisions [related to Wagner]," said Prigozhin.&nbsp;

Previously, reports claimed that Wagner Group was so hard-pressed for men that it was using Pornhub to recruit soldiers - urging them to stop pleasuring themselves and instead join the private militia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-wagner-group-decides-to-withdraw-from-bakhmut-due-to-shortage-of-ammunition-589490">WATCH |&nbsp;Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition</a>

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<h2>War unleashed against Russia: Putin</h2>

Notably, the statement by&nbsp;Prigozhin came on the same day as the country celebrates Victory Day - a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945.&nbsp;

During the&nbsp;Red Square Victory Day parade in Moscow, Putin said the world was at a 'turning point' and that a 'war' had been unleashed against Russia.&nbsp;

"Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point.&nbsp;A war has been unleashed against our motherland," said Putin.&nbsp;

He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!"

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia's Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday claimed a Russian military unit had deserted one of the military positions near Bakhmut in east Ukraine, currently the epicentre of vicious fighting between the two sides.

Russia's Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday claimed a Russian military unit had deserted one of the military positions near Bakhmut in east Ukraine, currently the epicentre of vicious fighting between the two sides. "Today one of the units of the defence ministry fled from one of our flanks...exposing the front," said Prigozhin while repeating the threat that his mercenary group will leave the conflict zone if the Russian military did not step up and provide more ammunition. He added that Russian soldiers were 'fleeing' the army as the defence ministry was 'scheming all the time', instead of 'fighting'. In a scathing video, Prigozhin questioned, "Why is the state not able to defend its country?", adding that Kyiv was consistently hitting Russian border regions 'successfully'. He also accused Moscow's top generals of trying to deceive Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If all the tasks are being carried out in such a way as to deceive the commander-in-chief (Putin), then either he will rip your arse or the Russian people will, who will be angry that the war is lost," Prigozhin said. ALSO READ | Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger Prigozhin and Putin's relationship turns frosty The relationship between Prigozhin and Putin has turned frosty in recent times. Prigozhin has accused Putin of cutting him off completely, claiming that he was left alone in making war-related decisions about his army. He claimed that his paramilitary army has suffered heavy losses when trying to capture the eastern city of Bakhmut. “To get me to stop asking for ammunition, all the hotlines to offices, to departments etc have been cut off from me. But the real humdinger is that they’ve also blocked agencies from making decisions [related to Wagner]," said Prigozhin. Previously, reports claimed that Wagner Group was so hard-pressed for men that it was using Pornhub to recruit soldiers - urging them to stop pleasuring themselves and instead join the private militia. WATCH | Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition × War unleashed against Russia: Putin Notably, the statement by Prigozhin came on the same day as the country celebrates Victory Day - a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. During the Red Square Victory Day parade in Moscow, Putin said the world was at a 'turning point' and that a 'war' had been unleashed against Russia. "Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A war has been unleashed against our motherland," said Putin. He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia-Ukraine war: Wagner Group boss says Russian unit fled combat in Bakhmut

A court in Berlin on Monday banned the display of Russian flags and symbols around three Soviet memorials in the city during Second World War commemorations. The higher administrative court was in agreement with the police who thought that Russian flags and St George ribbons may get interpreted as symbols of support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"In the current context, they could be understood as a declaration of sympathy for the war" and "convey a willingness to use violence", the court said in a statement.&nbsp;

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The European Union joined the US in imposing sanctions on Russia. Germany has also been involved in efforts to impose sanctions on Russia and provide humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.

Watch | EU takes aim at companies aiding Russia's war machine

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Initially, the police had prohibited both, Ukrainian and Russian flags at the memorials on May 8 and 9. The end of the Second World War is commemorated on these days.

While prohibiting Ukrainian as well as Russian flags at the memorial&nbsp;the police had argued that "respect for these memorials and monuments must be preserved against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accumulated-billions-of-rupees-in-indian-banks-but-why-cant-use-it-590244">Russia accumulated billions of rupees in Indian banks. But why can't it use it?</a>

But a lower court in the German capital on Saturday overturned the ban after the police decision was challenged by Ukrainian and Russian organisations. The court cited a "different view on our threat assessment".

Ukrainian activists welcomed the chance to fly their own flags but raised concerns over the green light for Russian symbols.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-speaks-of-developing-military-facilities-in-kyrghyzstan-590376">Russia speaks of developing military facilities in Kyrgyzstan</a>

Vitsche, an association of young Ukrainians in Germany, said the St George ribbon "has been used since 2014 to justify and glorify the Russian attack against Ukraine".&nbsp;

Police filed an appeal against the decision on Russian symbols, which was upheld on Monday by the higher court.&nbsp;

The decision to allow Ukrainian flags was unaffected since the police did not appeal against lifting the ban.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

A court in Berlin on Monday banned the display of Russian flags and symbols around three Soviet memorials in the city during Second World War commemorations. The higher administrative court was in agreement with the police who thought that Russian flags and St George ribbons may get interpreted as symbols of support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

A court in Berlin on Monday banned the display of Russian flags and symbols around three Soviet memorials in the city during Second World War commemorations. The higher administrative court was in agreement with the police who thought that Russian flags and St George ribbons may get interpreted as symbols of support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "In the current context, they could be understood as a declaration of sympathy for the war" and "convey a willingness to use violence", the court said in a statement. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. The European Union joined the US in imposing sanctions on Russia. Germany has also been involved in efforts to impose sanctions on Russia and provide humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine. Watch | EU takes aim at companies aiding Russia's war machine × Initially, the police had prohibited both, Ukrainian and Russian flags at the memorials on May 8 and 9. The end of the Second World War is commemorated on these days. While prohibiting Ukrainian as well as Russian flags at the memorial the police had argued that "respect for these memorials and monuments must be preserved against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war". Also Read | Russia accumulated billions of rupees in Indian banks. But why can't it use it? But a lower court in the German capital on Saturday overturned the ban after the police decision was challenged by Ukrainian and Russian organisations. The court cited a "different view on our threat assessment". Ukrainian activists welcomed the chance to fly their own flags but raised concerns over the green light for Russian symbols. Also Read | Russia speaks of developing military facilities in Kyrgyzstan Vitsche, an association of young Ukrainians in Germany, said the St George ribbon "has been used since 2014 to justify and glorify the Russian attack against Ukraine". Police filed an appeal against the decision on Russian symbols, which was upheld on Monday by the higher court. The decision to allow Ukrainian flags was unaffected since the police did not appeal against lifting the ban. (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 ×

No Russian flags at memorials on WW II anniversary, rules Berlin court

The Kremlin said on Monday (May 8) that Russia will 'develop' military installations in Kyrgyzstan, its Central Asian ally. The development has taken place after talks between the leaders of the two countries in Moscow.

"The heads of state emphasised the importance of strengthening the Kyrgyz Republic's armed forces and developing Russian military facilities on its territory," the Kremlin said in a statement.&nbsp;

Kyrgyzstan is a Muslim-majority country with a population of nearly seven million people. It hosts a Russian military base which has an airfield and a naval installation on Lake Issyk-Kul and several other sites.

Watch | EU takes aim at companies aiding Russia's war machine

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Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, on the eve of Victory Day. It is a Soviet war anniversary. This year, Japarov will be one of several foreign leaders to attend the parade.&nbsp;

Kyrgyzstan is an ex-Soviet republic. Russia and Kyrgyzstan are linked through a Moscow-led military alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). 

According to the statement released by the Kremlin, the two countries also expect to "deepen military and technical cooperation" as well as their economic and cultural relations in order to "reach a new level of integration". &nbsp;

The leaders agreed to boost military ties as Moscow's offensive in Ukraine stretches into its second year and the West is mulling new sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accumulated-billions-of-rupees-in-indian-banks-but-why-cant-use-it-590244">Russia accumulated billions of rupees in Indian banks. But why can't it use it?</a>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again struck a defiant tone and said Russia will be defeated just as Nazism was. His speech was recorded at a war memorial in Kyiv and came just a day ahead of Victory Day in Moscow. Zelensky was speaking on the anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender in the Second World War

"All the old evil that modern Russia is bringing back will be defeated just as Nazism was defeated," Zelensky said in a video at Kyiv's World War II memorial.&nbsp;

"Just as we destroyed evil together then, we are destroying a similar evil together now," he added.&nbsp;

He said he had submitted a bill to parliament to formally commemorate World War II in Ukraine also on May 8, which for years was marked on May 9 like in Russia and other ex-Soviet countries.&nbsp;

It is the latest in a series of steps taken by Ukraine in recent years to distance itself from Moscow, including by renaming streets and towns named after Soviet figures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Kremlin said on Monday (May 8) that Russia will 'develop' military installations in Kyrgyzstan, its Central Asian ally. The development has taken place after talks between the leaders of the two countries in Moscow.

The Kremlin said on Monday (May 8) that Russia will 'develop' military installations in Kyrgyzstan, its Central Asian ally. The development has taken place after talks between the leaders of the two countries in Moscow. "The heads of state emphasised the importance of strengthening the Kyrgyz Republic's armed forces and developing Russian military facilities on its territory," the Kremlin said in a statement. Kyrgyzstan is a Muslim-majority country with a population of nearly seven million people. It hosts a Russian military base which has an airfield and a naval installation on Lake Issyk-Kul and several other sites. Watch | EU takes aim at companies aiding Russia's war machine × Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, on the eve of Victory Day. It is a Soviet war anniversary. This year, Japarov will be one of several foreign leaders to attend the parade. Kyrgyzstan is an ex-Soviet republic. Russia and Kyrgyzstan are linked through a Moscow-led military alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).  According to the statement released by the Kremlin, the two countries also expect to "deepen military and technical cooperation" as well as their economic and cultural relations in order to "reach a new level of integration".  The leaders agreed to boost military ties as Moscow's offensive in Ukraine stretches into its second year and the West is mulling new sanctions against Moscow. Also Read | Russia accumulated billions of rupees in Indian banks. But why can't it use it? Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again struck a defiant tone and said Russia will be defeated just as Nazism was. His speech was recorded at a war memorial in Kyiv and came just a day ahead of Victory Day in Moscow. Zelensky was speaking on the anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender in the Second World War "All the old evil that modern Russia is bringing back will be defeated just as Nazism was defeated," Zelensky said in a video at Kyiv's World War II memorial. "Just as we destroyed evil together then, we are destroying a similar evil together now," he added. He said he had submitted a bill to parliament to formally commemorate World War II in Ukraine also on May 8, which for years was marked on May 9 like in Russia and other ex-Soviet countries. It is the latest in a series of steps taken by Ukraine in recent years to distance itself from Moscow, including by renaming streets and towns named after Soviet figures. (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 speaks of developing military facilities in Kyrgyzstan

Russia on Saturday blamed Ukraine and the West for the car explosion which involved the pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin.

A Russian nationalist and prominent pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin was injured in a car “explosion” on Saturday and one person was killed, informed the interior ministry after multiple drone attacks took place recently as the fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces escalated.

"According to initial reports, one person was killed by the explosion, and the writer Zakhar Prilepin, who was in the car, was injured" in the Nizhny Novgorod region, which is at a distance of 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Moscow, the ministry stated.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-accused-of-attacking-bakhmut-with-phosphorus-bombs-589677">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow accused of attacking Bakhmut with phosphorus bombs</a>

The Russian Investigative Committee, which investigates serious crimes, said that Prilepin was "travelling with his family" when the blast took place.

Russia's TASS news agency separately quoted an official from emergency services who stated that the writer was wounded in the explosion but was conscious after the incident.

Reacting to the incident, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Telegram, "The fact has come true: Washington and NATO fed another international terrorist cell — the Kyiv regime."

She added that it was the "direct responsibility of the US and Britain", but gave no evidence which can support the accusation made by her. "We pray for Zakhar," she stated.

TASS agency reported that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the incident in the wake of no information from investigators.

WATCH | Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition

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Russia started a terrorism probe into the car blast incident.&nbsp;

"The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case into a terrorist act in connection with the explosion of Zakhar Prilepin's car," said the committee that investigates major crimes, after the interior ministry said that a man has been detained who "may be involved" in the explosion.

Prilepin is a writer and novelist who has always spoken in support of actions taken by Russia against Ukraine, at a time when the invasion of Moscow has entered the 15th month.&nbsp;

Prilepin is a prolific writer with&nbsp;nationalist views and has garnered more than 300,000 followers on Telegram as well as on his YouTube channel and his website.&nbsp;

The writer spoke in favour of Russian proxy forces which are present in Donbas in eastern Ukraine before the full-scale invasion started in February 2022 and led a military unit&nbsp;about which the writer boasted in his YouTube interview published in 2019 in which he said&nbsp;that his unit "killed people in big numbers".

"These people are dead, they are buried and… there are many of them. Not a single unit among the Donetsk battalions had such results. It was outrageous chaos what we did there... Not a single field commander had such results as I had," he stated.&nbsp;

Regional governor Gleb Nikitin stated, "Law enforcement officers are now investigating the circumstances and causes of the incident. Zakhar is OK."

Two famous pro-war Russian propagandists have lost their lives in bombings since Ukraine has been invaded by Russia in February last year.

Darya Dugina, who was a nationalist ideologue Aleksandr Dugin's daughter, was killed in a car bombing near Moscow in August when military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky died in a bomb attack in St Petersburg cafe last month. 
&nbsp;

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Russia on Saturday blamed Ukraine and the West for the car explosion which involved the pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin. A Russian nationalist and prominent pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin was injured in a car “explosion” on Saturday and one person was killed, informed the interior ministry after multiple drone attacks took place recently as the fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces escalated.

Russia on Saturday blamed Ukraine and the West for the car explosion which involved the pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin. A Russian nationalist and prominent pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin was injured in a car “explosion” on Saturday and one person was killed, informed the interior ministry after multiple drone attacks took place recently as the fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces escalated. "According to initial reports, one person was killed by the explosion, and the writer Zakhar Prilepin, who was in the car, was injured" in the Nizhny Novgorod region, which is at a distance of 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Moscow, the ministry stated. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow accused of attacking Bakhmut with phosphorus bombs The Russian Investigative Committee, which investigates serious crimes, said that Prilepin was "travelling with his family" when the blast took place. Russia's TASS news agency separately quoted an official from emergency services who stated that the writer was wounded in the explosion but was conscious after the incident. Reacting to the incident, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Telegram, "The fact has come true: Washington and NATO fed another international terrorist cell — the Kyiv regime." She added that it was the "direct responsibility of the US and Britain", but gave no evidence which can support the accusation made by her. "We pray for Zakhar," she stated. TASS agency reported that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the incident in the wake of no information from investigators. WATCH | Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition Russia started a terrorism probe into the car blast incident. "The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case into a terrorist act in connection with the explosion of Zakhar Prilepin's car," said the committee that investigates major crimes, after the interior ministry said that a man has been detained who "may be involved" in the explosion. Prilepin is a writer and novelist who has always spoken in support of actions taken by Russia against Ukraine, at a time when the invasion of Moscow has entered the 15th month. Prilepin is a prolific writer with nationalist views and has garnered more than 300,000 followers on Telegram as well as on his YouTube channel and his website. The writer spoke in favour of Russian proxy forces which are present in Donbas in eastern Ukraine before the full-scale invasion started in February 2022 and led a military unit about which the writer boasted in his YouTube interview published in 2019 in which he said that his unit "killed people in big numbers". "These people are dead, they are buried and… there are many of them. Not a single unit among the Donetsk battalions had such results. It was outrageous chaos what we did there... Not a single field commander had such results as I had," he stated. Regional governor Gleb Nikitin stated, "Law enforcement officers are now investigating the circumstances and causes of the incident. Zakhar is OK." Two famous pro-war Russian propagandists have lost their lives in bombings since Ukraine has been invaded by Russia in February last year. Darya Dugina, who was a nationalist ideologue Aleksandr Dugin's daughter, was killed in a car bombing near Moscow in August when military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky died in a bomb attack in St Petersburg cafe last month. 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 blames Ukraine, West for pro-Kremlin writer Zakhar Prilepin’s car bombing

Ukraine announced on Saturday that it has downed a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile for the first time amid continuous attacks by Moscow that took place in the night between last Wednesday and Thursday in Kyiv.

The downing of Russian hypersonic missiles is being seen as a major setback to Russia's campaign of long-range air strikes.

The Ukraine Air Force announced that they shot down the Kh-47 Kinzhal missile in the skies of Kyiv using a US Patriot air defence system in the skies at around 2:30 am on Thursday (2330 GMT Wednesday).

"I congratulate the Ukrainian people on the historic event," said Ukrainian Air Force Commander General Mykola Oleshchuk on Telegram. "Yes, we shot down the 'unparallelled' Kinzhal'&nbsp;missile," he added.

The US Patriot system is among an array of sophisticated air defence units which was supplied to Ukraine by the West to repel Russia's month-long campaign of air strikes which had targeted the country's power facilities, critical infrastructure, and other sites.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-authorities-shoot-down-drone-near-airbase-in-crimea-588984">Ukraine shoots down its own drone that 'lost control' over Kyiv</a>

<h2>What is a Kinzhal missile?</h2>

The word Kinzhal means "dagger" in Russian. Kinzhal missile is among the six "next generation" weapons which President Vladimir Putin had unveiled in 2018 and had boasted as one of those missiles which cannot be shot down by any air defence system&nbsp;of the world.

Putin had termed Kinzhal missile as "an ideal weapon" that the missile defences find extremely difficult to intercept.

According to the Russian military, the ballistic missile boasts a range of up to 2,000km (1,250 miles) and flies 10 times faster than the speed of sound which makes it difficult to intercept.

The ballistic missile is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. Kinzhal missile is 8 metres long, has a body diameter of 1 metrer, and its launch weight is approximately 4,300 kg.

The missile has been designed to be launched using MiG-31 fighter jets from an altitude of about 18 km (59,000 ft). During all stages of the flight, this missile manoeuvres to overcome hostile air defence systems.

<h2>How much damage can a Kinzhal missile cause?</h2>

Although Russia has claimed that the missile is among “next generation” systems, however, experts in the West say that these claims are exaggerated.

The Centre for Strategic and International Studies states that “Russia’s designation of the Kinzhal as a ‘hypersonic’ missile is somewhat misleading, as nearly all ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds… at some point during their flight.”

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence said that the use of the Kinzhal was “likely intended to detract from a lack of progress in Russia’s ground campaign” and “unlikely to materially affect the outcome of Russia’s campaign” in Ukraine.

The major difference between Kinzhal and its purported predecessor is that the missile is launched using an airborne vehicle and not from the ground, which makes it less predictable and more difficult to intercept, and also more survivable compared to the Iskander ground system.

The Kinzhal missile can also be seen as a precision weapon which can easily strike key targets like command centres and with its high speed, the missile can easily penetrate even deeply buried bunkers. However, for achieving such a feat, good information about the target location is required.

Even though Kinzhal is considered as a dangerous weapon, most analysts agree that it is not very different from weapons which have been in use for decades.

Any previous use of Kinzhal for the attack was not previously disclosed by the Air Force, although Kyiv officials immediately stated that there has been an involvement of a ballistic missile.

WATCH | Is Russia's attempt of invading Ukraine fading away? | Russia-Ukraine War

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<h2>Ukraine's efforts to strengthen the air defence system</h2>

Ukraine also appealed to the Western allies to help in reinforcing the country's air defence system as its energy infrastructure has been pounded by Russia from the air over winter.

Ukraine in mid-April received the first Patriots which is considered as one of the most advanced air defence systems of the United States.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the system would "significantly" strengthen the defences of the country against Russian strikes.

Many civilians have lost their lives in the attacks which were escalated by Russia in October ahead of winter. The Russian strikes failed to

The strikes failed to paralyse the power grid but led to major power outages. Russia has constantly denied targeting civilians.

Russia made the air strikes on Thursday a day after it accused Ukraine of making a failed attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin through a drone attack over the Kremlin citadel in Moscow and said that it would retaliate.

Since then, Moscow has accused Washington of being involved in the assassination plan but the allegations were denied by both the United States and Ukraine.

The drone and missile attacks over regions of Ukraine have been intensified by Russia in the past week as Kyiv prepares for a counter-offensive against the Russian army who have dug in across occupied land in the south and east.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine announced on Saturday that it has downed a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile for the first time amid continuous attacks by Moscow that took place in the night between last Wednesday and Thursday in Kyiv.

Ukraine announced on Saturday that it has downed a Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missile for the first time amid continuous attacks by Moscow that took place in the night between last Wednesday and Thursday in Kyiv. The downing of Russian hypersonic missiles is being seen as a major setback to Russia's campaign of long-range air strikes. The Ukraine Air Force announced that they shot down the Kh-47 Kinzhal missile in the skies of Kyiv using a US Patriot air defence system in the skies at around 2:30 am on Thursday (2330 GMT Wednesday). "I congratulate the Ukrainian people on the historic event," said Ukrainian Air Force Commander General Mykola Oleshchuk on Telegram. "Yes, we shot down the 'unparallelled' Kinzhal' missile," he added. The US Patriot system is among an array of sophisticated air defence units which was supplied to Ukraine by the West to repel Russia's month-long campaign of air strikes which had targeted the country's power facilities, critical infrastructure, and other sites. ALSO READ | Ukraine shoots down its own drone that 'lost control' over Kyiv What is a Kinzhal missile? The word Kinzhal means "dagger" in Russian. Kinzhal missile is among the six "next generation" weapons which President Vladimir Putin had unveiled in 2018 and had boasted as one of those missiles which cannot be shot down by any air defence system of the world. Putin had termed Kinzhal missile as "an ideal weapon" that the missile defences find extremely difficult to intercept. According to the Russian military, the ballistic missile boasts a range of up to 2,000km (1,250 miles) and flies 10 times faster than the speed of sound which makes it difficult to intercept. The ballistic missile is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. Kinzhal missile is 8 metres long, has a body diameter of 1 metrer, and its launch weight is approximately 4,300 kg. The missile has been designed to be launched using MiG-31 fighter jets from an altitude of about 18 km (59,000 ft). During all stages of the flight, this missile manoeuvres to overcome hostile air defence systems. How much damage can a Kinzhal missile cause? Although Russia has claimed that the missile is among “next generation” systems, however, experts in the West say that these claims are exaggerated. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies states that “Russia’s designation of the Kinzhal as a ‘hypersonic’ missile is somewhat misleading, as nearly all ballistic missiles reach hypersonic speeds… at some point during their flight.” Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence said that the use of the Kinzhal was “likely intended to detract from a lack of progress in Russia’s ground campaign” and “unlikely to materially affect the outcome of Russia’s campaign” in Ukraine. The major difference between Kinzhal and its purported predecessor is that the missile is launched using an airborne vehicle and not from the ground, which makes it less predictable and more difficult to intercept, and also more survivable compared to the Iskander ground system. The Kinzhal missile can also be seen as a precision weapon which can easily strike key targets like command centres and with its high speed, the missile can easily penetrate even deeply buried bunkers. However, for achieving such a feat, good information about the target location is required. Even though Kinzhal is considered as a dangerous weapon, most analysts agree that it is not very different from weapons which have been in use for decades. Any previous use of Kinzhal for the attack was not previously disclosed by the Air Force, although Kyiv officials immediately stated that there has been an involvement of a ballistic missile. WATCH | Is Russia's attempt of invading Ukraine fading away? | Russia-Ukraine War Ukraine's efforts to strengthen the air defence system Ukraine also appealed to the Western allies to help in reinforcing the country's air defence system as its energy infrastructure has been pounded by Russia from the air over winter. Ukraine in mid-April received the first Patriots which is considered as one of the most advanced air defence systems of the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the system would "significantly" strengthen the defences of the country against Russian strikes. Many civilians have lost their lives in the attacks which were escalated by Russia in October ahead of winter. The Russian strikes failed to The strikes failed to paralyse the power grid but led to major power outages. Russia has constantly denied targeting civilians. Russia made the air strikes on Thursday a day after it accused Ukraine of making a failed attempt to assassinate President Vladimir Putin through a drone attack over the Kremlin citadel in Moscow and said that it would retaliate. Since then, Moscow has accused Washington of being involved in the assassination plan but the allegations were denied by both the United States and Ukraine. The drone and missile attacks over regions of Ukraine have been intensified by Russia in the past week as Kyiv prepares for a counter-offensive against the Russian army who have dug in across occupied land in the south and east. (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

Explained | Ukraine downs Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal missile. Here’s all you need to know

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.

Russia has been accused by Ukraine of using phosphorus munitions to attack the besieged city of Bakhmut.

Ukraine's military released drone footage in which Bakhmut was ablaze as what looked like white phosphorus was raining down on the city.

There is no ban on using white phosphorus weapons, but the use of such munitions in civilian areas falls under the category of “war crimes”.

White phosphorus bombs result in fast-spreading fires which are difficult to control. Russia has even earlier faced accusations of using the white phosphorus munitions.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-leader-ramzan-kadyrov-to-send-forces-replacing-wagner-in-bakhmut-589617">Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov to send forces replacing Wagner in Bakhmut</a>

For months, Russia has been tirelessly making attempts to capture Bakhmut, even though the region's strategic value is questionable.

According to Western officials, thousands of Russian troops have lost their lives in the assault.

Taking to Twitter, Ukraine's defence ministry stated that Russia's phosphorus attack targeted "unoccupied areas of Bakhmut with incendiary ammunition".

The special forces command of Kyiv added that the forces of Moscow continued "to destroy the city". It remains unclear when the alleged attack happened.

However, the footage posted by Ukraine's military showed high-rise towers engulfed in fire. The video was taken by a surveillance drone, as per reports.

Meanwhile, other videos shared on the social media platform showed fire spreading on the ground.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine on full-scale last year, it has faced accusations of using white phosphorus many times, especially during the siege of Mariupol, when the war began.

However, Moscow admitted publicly that it has used white phosphorous, in fact, last year Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said, "Russia has never violated international conventions" after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused them of using it.

White phosphorus is a wax-like element that ignites after coming in contact with oxygen and leads to bright plumes of smoke. A warning was issued by Human Rights Watch (HRW) which stated that the chemical is "notorious for the severity of the injuries it causes".

WATCH | Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition

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White phosphorus burns at 800 degrees Celsius and leads to extreme burns on human flesh. It is very sticky in nature and can re-ignite after bandages are removed.

Russia is among the signatories of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons which has placed a ban on incendiary weapons' use in civilian areas which are designed to catch fire.

However, HRW said that white phosphorus has not been covered under the treaty because it is generally used to "create a smokescreen to hide military operations".

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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. Russia has been accused by Ukraine of using phosphorus munitions to attack the besieged city of Bakhmut. Ukraine's military released drone footage in which Bakhmut was ablaze as what looked like white phosphorus was raining down on the city. There is no ban on using white phosphorus weapons, but the use of such munitions in civilian areas falls under the category of “war crimes”. White phosphorus bombs result in fast-spreading fires which are difficult to control. Russia has even earlier faced accusations of using the white phosphorus munitions. ALSO READ | Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov to send forces replacing Wagner in Bakhmut For months, Russia has been tirelessly making attempts to capture Bakhmut, even though the region's strategic value is questionable. According to Western officials, thousands of Russian troops have lost their lives in the assault. Taking to Twitter, Ukraine's defence ministry stated that Russia's phosphorus attack targeted "unoccupied areas of Bakhmut with incendiary ammunition". The special forces command of Kyiv added that the forces of Moscow continued "to destroy the city". It remains unclear when the alleged attack happened. However, the footage posted by Ukraine's military showed high-rise towers engulfed in fire. The video was taken by a surveillance drone, as per reports. Meanwhile, other videos shared on the social media platform showed fire spreading on the ground. Since Russia invaded Ukraine on full-scale last year, it has faced accusations of using white phosphorus many times, especially during the siege of Mariupol, when the war began. However, Moscow admitted publicly that it has used white phosphorous, in fact, last year Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said, "Russia has never violated international conventions" after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused them of using it. White phosphorus is a wax-like element that ignites after coming in contact with oxygen and leads to bright plumes of smoke. A warning was issued by Human Rights Watch (HRW) which stated that the chemical is "notorious for the severity of the injuries it causes". WATCH | Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition White phosphorus burns at 800 degrees Celsius and leads to extreme burns on human flesh. It is very sticky in nature and can re-ignite after bandages are removed. Russia is among the signatories of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons which has placed a ban on incendiary weapons' use in civilian areas which are designed to catch fire. However, HRW said that white phosphorus has not been covered under the treaty because it is generally used to "create a smokescreen to hide military operations". 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: Moscow accused of attacking Bakhmut with phosphorus bombs

Oil depots in both Ukraine and Russia caught fire on Wednesday as the drone war between the two countries targeting infrastructure escalated ahead of the planned spring counter-offensive of Kyiv.&nbsp;

Thousands of firefighters tried to control the huge fire at an oil terminal on the Russian side for which Moscow blamed a Ukrainian drone attack.

Meanwhile, a fuel depot in the central city of Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine also caught fire after a suspected Russian drone strike.

Across Ukraine, a drone hit an administrative building in the southern Dnipropetrovsk region igniting a fire. Ukraine claimed to have shot down around 21 of 26 Iranian-made drones.

Long-range strikes are being launched by the two sides since last week in anticipation of the upcoming counteroffensive of Ukraine, which is expected to mark the most decisive phases of the ongoing war.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-military-suffered-100000-casualties-in-last-five-months-white-house-588028">Russia's military suffered 100,000 casualties in last five months: White House</a>

A wave of missiles was fired by Russia last Friday, which included one that killed 23 civilians sleeping in an apartment building in Uman, a city which lies hundreds of miles from the front.

A suspected Ukrainian drone strike on Saturday put&nbsp;a Russian oil terminal on fire in occupied Crimea. Dozens of homes as well as one industrial enterprise were&nbsp;hit by Russia in the Dnipropetrovsk region on Monday which Kyiv did not identify. Meanwhile, freight trains were derailed in blasts that took place on the last two days in a row in Russia’s Bryansk region near border with Ukraine.&nbsp;

Moscow claims military targets have been struck by its long-range attacks though no evidence has been produced by it to support this.

No comments were made by Kyiv on incidents in occupied Crimea or Russia but it said that destroying infrastructure which supports the Russian military is part of Ukraine's preparation for its planned ground assault.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war : Kyiv's spring offensive begins with assassination bid on Putin

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Black smoke and flames billowed over big tanks which had red warnings of “Flammable” in videos shared by Russian social media.&nbsp;

“The fire has been classified as the highest rank of difficulty,” said Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of the Krasnodar region on the Telegram messaging app, further stating that there were no casualties.

Citing emergency services, Russia’s TASS news agency said that the facility caught fire due to the drone strike. Moscow also blamed another drone for a huge fire caused in Crimea, in Sevastopol, which is the naval base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

(With inputs from agencies)

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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Oil depots in both Ukraine and Russia caught fire on Wednesday as the drone war between the two countries targeting infrastructure escalated ahead of the planned spring counter-offensive of Kyiv.

Oil depots in both Ukraine and Russia caught fire on Wednesday as the drone war between the two countries targeting infrastructure escalated ahead of the planned spring counter-offensive of Kyiv. Thousands of firefighters tried to control the huge fire at an oil terminal on the Russian side for which Moscow blamed a Ukrainian drone attack. Meanwhile, a fuel depot in the central city of Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine also caught fire after a suspected Russian drone strike. Across Ukraine, a drone hit an administrative building in the southern Dnipropetrovsk region igniting a fire. Ukraine claimed to have shot down around 21 of 26 Iranian-made drones. Long-range strikes are being launched by the two sides since last week in anticipation of the upcoming counteroffensive of Ukraine, which is expected to mark the most decisive phases of the ongoing war. ALSO READ | Russia's military suffered 100,000 casualties in last five months: White House A wave of missiles was fired by Russia last Friday, which included one that killed 23 civilians sleeping in an apartment building in Uman, a city which lies hundreds of miles from the front. A suspected Ukrainian drone strike on Saturday put a Russian oil terminal on fire in occupied Crimea. Dozens of homes as well as one industrial enterprise were hit by Russia in the Dnipropetrovsk region on Monday which Kyiv did not identify. Meanwhile, freight trains were derailed in blasts that took place on the last two days in a row in Russia’s Bryansk region near border with Ukraine. Moscow claims military targets have been struck by its long-range attacks though no evidence has been produced by it to support this. No comments were made by Kyiv on incidents in occupied Crimea or Russia but it said that destroying infrastructure which supports the Russian military is part of Ukraine's preparation for its planned ground assault. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war : Kyiv's spring offensive begins with assassination bid on Putin Black smoke and flames billowed over big tanks which had red warnings of “Flammable” in videos shared by Russian social media. “The fire has been classified as the highest rank of difficulty,” said Veniamin Kondratyev, governor of the Krasnodar region on the Telegram messaging app, further stating that there were no casualties. Citing emergency services, Russia’s TASS news agency said that the facility caught fire due to the drone strike. Moscow also blamed another drone for a huge fire caused in Crimea, in Sevastopol, which is the naval base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. (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

Oil depots in Russia and Ukraine on fire, warring nations blame drone attacks

In an audio message published on social media, Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of Russia’s Wagner Group, on Wednesday (May 3), said he believes&nbsp;that Ukraine has “already begun” its counter-offensive. This comes after he claimed that his forces have seen heightened activity by Ukrainian troops along the front lines.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the death toll from Russian strikes on the country’s southern Kherson region has risen to 21 after authorities in Kyiv said Russian strikes hit both the city and nearby villages.&nbsp;

The Pentagon, on Wednesday, announced a $300 million military aid package to Ukraine as it prepares for the spring counter-offensive.&nbsp;

Wagner chief about Ukraine’s spring offensive

In the clip posted on social media, Prigozhin also said that the “active phase” of Ukraine's counteroffensive would begin in the coming days. “I believe the advance of the Ukrainian army has already begun...We are seeing the greatest possible activity both on the perimeter and within the front lines,” said the Wagner chief, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “I therefore believe that it has all already started. And I believe it will all enter an active phase in the very near future. It could be a matter of days.” This comes as the Ukrainian forces have long promised to launch a counteroffensive and start taking back territory in the east which Russia has occupied after it began its invasion in February 2022.&nbsp;

In a subsequent statement, Prigozhin said his forces have advanced some 700 feet in the eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut which has witnessed some of the most intense battles since the conflict began, reported Reuters. 
 
He also reiterated his complaint about the Russian government ignoring his pleas to increase supplies of shells and said, “We only have resources for a few days. They (ministry of defence)&nbsp;ignore all requests from Wagner.”&nbsp;

Zelensky about shelling in Kherson&nbsp;

Zelensky took to Telegram and said, “As of now, 21 people have been killed! 48 wounded!” Officials in the region also imposed a curfew in the main city of Kherson starting Friday. The Ukrainian president also said the strikes hit “a railway station and a crossing, a house, a hardware store, a grocery supermarket and a gas station.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
He also published images of bodies and wounded people on the floor of a supermarket and said “The world needs to see and know this.” According to Kherson prosecutors, who have since called these attacks “massive,” 12 people were killed in the city and others in nearby villages.&nbsp;

“On the morning of May 3, Russian troops began massive shelling of the city of Kherson and the region's settlements,” said the prosecutors, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

United States announces more aid for Ukraine

The United States, on Wednesday, announced that it is sending a new $300 million military aid package to Ukraine which will also include “additional ammunition” for the US-provided HIMARS.&nbsp;

Among other weapons, are “howitzers, artillery and mortar rounds, and anti-armour capabilities,” which the US says, “Ukraine is using to push back against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression.” Notably, the US has now committed a little over $35 billion in military to Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In an audio message published on social media, Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of Russia’s Wagner Group, on Wednesday (May 3), said he believes that Ukraine has “already begun” its counter-offensive.

In an audio message published on social media, Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of Russia’s Wagner Group, on Wednesday (May 3), said he believes that Ukraine has “already begun” its counter-offensive. This comes after he claimed that his forces have seen heightened activity by Ukrainian troops along the front lines. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the death toll from Russian strikes on the country’s southern Kherson region has risen to 21 after authorities in Kyiv said Russian strikes hit both the city and nearby villages. The Pentagon, on Wednesday, announced a $300 million military aid package to Ukraine as it prepares for the spring counter-offensive. Wagner chief about Ukraine’s spring offensive In the clip posted on social media, Prigozhin also said that the “active phase” of Ukraine's counteroffensive would begin in the coming days. “I believe the advance of the Ukrainian army has already begun...We are seeing the greatest possible activity both on the perimeter and within the front lines,” said the Wagner chief, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “I therefore believe that it has all already started. And I believe it will all enter an active phase in the very near future. It could be a matter of days.” This comes as the Ukrainian forces have long promised to launch a counteroffensive and start taking back territory in the east which Russia has occupied after it began its invasion in February 2022. In a subsequent statement, Prigozhin said his forces have advanced some 700 feet in the eastern Ukrainian town of Bakhmut which has witnessed some of the most intense battles since the conflict began, reported Reuters. He also reiterated his complaint about the Russian government ignoring his pleas to increase supplies of shells and said, “We only have resources for a few days. They (ministry of defence) ignore all requests from Wagner.” Zelensky about shelling in Kherson Zelensky took to Telegram and said, “As of now, 21 people have been killed! 48 wounded!” Officials in the region also imposed a curfew in the main city of Kherson starting Friday. The Ukrainian president also said the strikes hit “a railway station and a crossing, a house, a hardware store, a grocery supermarket and a gas station.” He also published images of bodies and wounded people on the floor of a supermarket and said “The world needs to see and know this.” According to Kherson prosecutors, who have since called these attacks “massive,” 12 people were killed in the city and others in nearby villages. “On the morning of May 3, Russian troops began massive shelling of the city of Kherson and the region's settlements,” said the prosecutors, as quoted by AFP. United States announces more aid for Ukraine The United States, on Wednesday, announced that it is sending a new $300 million military aid package to Ukraine which will also include “additional ammunition” for the US-provided HIMARS. Among other weapons, are “howitzers, artillery and mortar rounds, and anti-armour capabilities,” which the US says, “Ukraine is using to push back against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression.” Notably, the US has now committed a little over $35 billion in military to Ukraine. (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.

Wagner leader says Ukraine counter-offensive has begun; Kherson shelling toll rises to 21

The Kremlin on Thursday accused the United States of playing the role of 'mastermind' in the drone attack which took place over the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was claimed to have been carried out by Ukraine.

"Decisions on such attacks are not made in Kyiv, but in Washington," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Kyiv only does what it is told to do,” he added.

Meanwhile, calling claims made by Russia&nbsp;'false', White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, “I can assure you that there was no involvement by the United States in this. Whatever it was did not involve us."

“We had nothing to do with this," Kirby said in an interview with&nbsp;MSNBC. Washington never enables or encourages Ukraine to strike beyond its borders, he said.&nbsp;

“We still don’t really know what happened” and Washington is still assessing the situation,"&nbsp;Kirby stated.

Peskov said that the security arrangements in Moscow are being stepped up by the Kremlin in the wake of World War II Victory Day celebrations which will take place next week in the city.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-depots-set-ablaze-in-russia-and-ukraine-as-nations-press-drone-war-588648">Oil depots in Russia and Ukraine on fire, warring nations blame drone attacks</a>

"Everything will be strengthened. Everything has already been strengthened in preparation for the Victory Day parade,” he said.

The spokesman further confirmed that Putin has been working in his office in the Kremlin on Thursday, a day after Kyiv was accused by Moscow of attacking it with drones and trying to assassinate the president.

"Putin is working in the Kremlin. He will have an important discussion with the economic development minister," Peskov said.

The Russian foreign ministry, meanwhile, stated that Russia has been facing an "unprecedented" wave of Ukrainian "sabotage", a day after it called the drone attack an act of “terrorism”.

"The terrorist and sabotage activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are gaining unprecedented momentum," stated the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. It further said that Russia "reserves the right to take retaliatory measures."

After the drone attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv had no connection with the reported drone attack in Kremlin.

"We don't attack Putin or Moscow, we fight on our territory," Zelensky had stated in a press conference in Finland.

Peskov further stated that he knew Pope Francis was finding ways to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but he was not aware of the Vatican's peace plans.

WATCH | War at Ukraine: Russia opens probe into Kremlin attack | Russia-Ukraine War

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"We know that the pontiff is constantly thinking about peace, and we know that the pontiff is thinking about how this conflict can be ended. But we are not aware of any detailed plans that have been proposed by the Vatican in this context,” Peskov said.

Since Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022, Pope Francis has proposed to act as a broker between Kyiv and Moscow and appealed for peace on a weekly basis.

Peskov said that the Vatican was involved in a peace mission on Sunday to resolve the conflict, but it was "not yet public".

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The Kremlin on Thursday accused the United States of playing the role of 'mastermind' in the drone attack which took place over the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was claimed to have been carried out by Ukraine.

The Kremlin on Thursday accused the United States of playing the role of 'mastermind' in the drone attack which took place over the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was claimed to have been carried out by Ukraine. "Decisions on such attacks are not made in Kyiv, but in Washington," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "Kyiv only does what it is told to do,” he added. Meanwhile, calling claims made by Russia 'false', White House national security spokesman John Kirby said, “I can assure you that there was no involvement by the United States in this. Whatever it was did not involve us." “We had nothing to do with this," Kirby said in an interview with MSNBC. Washington never enables or encourages Ukraine to strike beyond its borders, he said. “We still don’t really know what happened” and Washington is still assessing the situation," Kirby stated. Peskov said that the security arrangements in Moscow are being stepped up by the Kremlin in the wake of World War II Victory Day celebrations which will take place next week in the city. ALSO READ | Oil depots in Russia and Ukraine on fire, warring nations blame drone attacks "Everything will be strengthened. Everything has already been strengthened in preparation for the Victory Day parade,” he said. The spokesman further confirmed that Putin has been working in his office in the Kremlin on Thursday, a day after Kyiv was accused by Moscow of attacking it with drones and trying to assassinate the president. "Putin is working in the Kremlin. He will have an important discussion with the economic development minister," Peskov said. The Russian foreign ministry, meanwhile, stated that Russia has been facing an "unprecedented" wave of Ukrainian "sabotage", a day after it called the drone attack an act of “terrorism”. "The terrorist and sabotage activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are gaining unprecedented momentum," stated the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. It further said that Russia "reserves the right to take retaliatory measures." After the drone attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv had no connection with the reported drone attack in Kremlin. "We don't attack Putin or Moscow, we fight on our territory," Zelensky had stated in a press conference in Finland. Peskov further stated that he knew Pope Francis was finding ways to end the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but he was not aware of the Vatican's peace plans. WATCH | War at Ukraine: Russia opens probe into Kremlin attack | Russia-Ukraine War "We know that the pontiff is constantly thinking about peace, and we know that the pontiff is thinking about how this conflict can be ended. But we are not aware of any detailed plans that have been proposed by the Vatican in this context,” Peskov said. Since Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022, Pope Francis has proposed to act as a broker between Kyiv and Moscow and appealed for peace on a weekly basis. Peskov said that the Vatican was involved in a peace mission on Sunday to resolve the conflict, but it was "not yet public". (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 calls US 'mastermind' of drone attack in Kremlin, Washington refutes claim

A freight train derailment occurred in the western Russian region bordering Ukraine, on Tuesday (May 2), for the second day in a row due to an “explosive device” on the tracks, said the governor of Russia’s Bryansk region.&nbsp;

Media reports citing local officials have said that the locomotive and some cars of the train were derailed after a similar incident occurred, on Monday, near Unecha where the locomotive and seven freight wagons were derailed.&nbsp;

The incident, on Tuesday, occurred in the western Bryansk region, which borders both Ukraine and Belarus where Russian officials have reported multiple attacks by pro-Ukrainian sabotage groups since Moscow invaded Kyiv over a year ago.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Bryansk region governor Alexander Bogomaz said, “An unidentified explosive device went off near the Snezhestkaya railway station,” as quoted by the news agency AFP. He added, “A locomotive and several wagons of the train derailed,” adding that there were no casualties. He also did not indicate who was responsible for the incident.&nbsp;

Russian Railways also released a statement without mentioning an explosive device, and said that the train had derailed due to “the intervention of unauthorised persons in the work of rail transport”.&nbsp;

The state operator also confirmed that the incident took place at 7:47 pm (local time) between Snezhetskaya, just to the southeast of Bryansk, and the nearby village of Belye Berega where the rail traffic has&nbsp;been suspended. The railway authorities also said the train’s front locomotive and “around 20 wagons” were derailed.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, the Russian news agency TASS&nbsp;citing officials reported&nbsp;that&nbsp;firefighters were working at the scene and two recovery trains had been dispatched to the area. The local prosecutors have also launched an investigation into the incident, said news agency.&nbsp;

What happened on Monday?

This comes a day after Bogomaz took to Telegram and wrote, “An unidentified explosive device went off, as a result of which a locomotive of a freight train derailed,” adding that there were “no casualties”. Images and videos from the site shared on social media platforms showed plumes of dark grey smoke rising into the air and several tank carriages also seen lying on their side.&nbsp;

The incident occurred at 10:17 am (Moscow time) between regional hub Bryansk and the town of Unecha and the train was reportedly carrying oil products and timber. Notably, the governor of the northern Leningrad region, Alexander Drozdenko, on Monday had said that local power lines were blown up by an “explosive device.”

(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 freight train derailment occurred in the western Russian region bordering Ukraine, on Tuesday (May 2), for the second day in a row due to an “explosive device” on the tracks, said the governor of Russia’s Bryansk region.

A freight train derailment occurred in the western Russian region bordering Ukraine, on Tuesday (May 2), for the second day in a row due to an “explosive device” on the tracks, said the governor of Russia’s Bryansk region. Media reports citing local officials have said that the locomotive and some cars of the train were derailed after a similar incident occurred, on Monday, near Unecha where the locomotive and seven freight wagons were derailed. The incident, on Tuesday, occurred in the western Bryansk region, which borders both Ukraine and Belarus where Russian officials have reported multiple attacks by pro-Ukrainian sabotage groups since Moscow invaded Kyiv over a year ago. In a statement, the Bryansk region governor Alexander Bogomaz said, “An unidentified explosive device went off near the Snezhestkaya railway station,” as quoted by the news agency AFP. He added, “A locomotive and several wagons of the train derailed,” adding that there were no casualties. He also did not indicate who was responsible for the incident. Russian Railways also released a statement without mentioning an explosive device, and said that the train had derailed due to “the intervention of unauthorised persons in the work of rail transport”. The state operator also confirmed that the incident took place at 7:47 pm (local time) between Snezhetskaya, just to the southeast of Bryansk, and the nearby village of Belye Berega where the rail traffic has been suspended. The railway authorities also said the train’s front locomotive and “around 20 wagons” were derailed. Meanwhile, the Russian news agency TASS citing officials reported that firefighters were working at the scene and two recovery trains had been dispatched to the area. The local prosecutors have also launched an investigation into the incident, said news agency. What happened on Monday? This comes a day after Bogomaz took to Telegram and wrote, “An unidentified explosive device went off, as a result of which a locomotive of a freight train derailed,” adding that there were “no casualties”. Images and videos from the site shared on social media platforms showed plumes of dark grey smoke rising into the air and several tank carriages also seen lying on their side. The incident occurred at 10:17 am (Moscow time) between regional hub Bryansk and the town of Unecha and the train was reportedly carrying oil products and timber. Notably, the governor of the northern Leningrad region, Alexander Drozdenko, on Monday had said that local power lines were blown up by an “explosive device.” (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.

‘Explosive device’ causes another freight train derailment in Russian region near Ukraine

Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine is all set to affect its citizens' dating lives. One year into the Ukraine war, Tinder has finally announced that it will be quitting Russia. Citing the need to protect human rights, the popular dating application's owner, Match Group on Monday, announced that it will quit Russia by June 30.&nbsp;

In its annual impact report published on Monday, "We are committed to protecting human rights."

Match Group, whose brands along with Tinder include dating apps like Hinge and PlentyOfFish said that its brands were taking steps to "restrict access" to services and would withdraw from the Russian market completely by June 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-ukraines-volodymyr-zelensky-behind-tucker-carlsons-exit-from-fox-news-588245">Is Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky behind Tucker Carlson’s exit from Fox News?</a>

"Our brands are taking steps to restrict access to their services in Russia and will complete their withdrawal from the Russian market by June 30, 2023," said the Tinder owner.

Match group shareholder Friends Fiduciary Corp told Reuters that the company had good reason to leave Russia.

"It's not a good look for a trusted brand to be continuing operations in a nation where the head of state has been indicted by the International Criminal Court," it said.

On March 17, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin. The international agency accused the Russian leader of war crimes over Russia's illegal deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian Children. Moscow denies the charges and claims it has not committed any war crimes and also says that the ICC warrant and the decision are meaningless since the country isn't even a member of the forum.

The shareholder also said that by tying its decision to the human rights risks faced by the Ukrainian people, Match had set an example for others to follow.

Tinder's competition Bumble blocked downloads in Russia, back in March of last year (2022).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-defense-ministrys-tweet-showing-hindu-goddess-kali-in-awkward-pose-triggers-row-in-india-587490">Ukraine&nbsp;defence ministry’s tweet showing Hindu Goddess Kali in awkward pose sparks row in India</a>

Since the beginning of the war, many brands have quit Russia. In the immediate weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the offensive, numerous Western firms announced the suspension of their operations, and many withdrew altogether.

Others — like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Heineken — faced pressure from consumers and were forced&nbsp;to announce that they were cutting ties, reports the Guardian.

As per Reuters, many digital service providers like Spotify and Netflix, which only had a small number of staff in Russia, also pulled out shortly after Moscow launched its military campaign in February 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine is all set to affect its citizens' dating lives. One year into the Ukraine war, Tinder has finally announced that it will be quitting Russia.

Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine is all set to affect its citizens' dating lives. One year into the Ukraine war, Tinder has finally announced that it will be quitting Russia. Citing the need to protect human rights, the popular dating application's owner, Match Group on Monday, announced that it will quit Russia by June 30. In its annual impact report published on Monday, "We are committed to protecting human rights." Match Group, whose brands along with Tinder include dating apps like Hinge and PlentyOfFish said that its brands were taking steps to "restrict access" to services and would withdraw from the Russian market completely by June 30. Also read | Is Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky behind Tucker Carlson’s exit from Fox News? "Our brands are taking steps to restrict access to their services in Russia and will complete their withdrawal from the Russian market by June 30, 2023," said the Tinder owner. Match group shareholder Friends Fiduciary Corp told Reuters that the company had good reason to leave Russia. "It's not a good look for a trusted brand to be continuing operations in a nation where the head of state has been indicted by the International Criminal Court," it said. On March 17, the ICC issued an arrest warrant against Putin. The international agency accused the Russian leader of war crimes over Russia's illegal deportation of hundreds of Ukrainian Children. Moscow denies the charges and claims it has not committed any war crimes and also says that the ICC warrant and the decision are meaningless since the country isn't even a member of the forum. The shareholder also said that by tying its decision to the human rights risks faced by the Ukrainian people, Match had set an example for others to follow. Tinder's competition Bumble blocked downloads in Russia, back in March of last year (2022). Also read | Ukraine defence ministry’s tweet showing Hindu Goddess Kali in awkward pose sparks row in India Since the beginning of the war, many brands have quit Russia. In the immediate weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the offensive, numerous Western firms announced the suspension of their operations, and many withdrew altogether. Others — like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Heineken — faced pressure from consumers and were forced to announce that they were cutting ties, reports the Guardian. As per Reuters, many digital service providers like Spotify and Netflix, which only had a small number of staff in Russia, also pulled out shortly after Moscow launched its military campaign in February 2022. (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.

Tinder 'swipes left' on Russia, to 'dump' the warring nation by June 30

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that they will launch its counter-offensive against the armed forces of Russia even though they have not received Western fighter aircraft.

On multiple occasions, Zelensky had appealed to widen the Western military aid's scope for Ukraine.

"Frankly speaking, it would help us a lot. But we also understand that we can't drag it (the counteroffensive) out, which is why we'll start before we receive F-16s or other models. But to calm Russia down with the fact that we'd still need a couple of months to train on the aircraft and only then we'd start (a counteroffensive). No, this won't happen. We'll start and go forward, while at the same time, simultaneously, I think this is very important (to receive western fighter aircraft)," he said.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-would-have-fought-till-death-had-russians-attacked-kyiv-headquarters-587440">Zelensky says would have fought till death had Russians attacked Kyiv headquarters</a>

While addressing the Scandinavian journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky said that there were nations that had F-16 and other "Western kind aircraft" which were "ready to help us".

"We are capable of putting an end to this war. However, not everything is going to happen at once tomorrow. We need time to train, but we have an understanding how to do this faster, and we understand the logistics behind it. And most importantly, as of today, there are countries that have F-16s or other 'western kind aircraft' who want to, and who are ready to help us,” he stated.

However, the Ukrainian leader did not specify which countries he was referring to. The Ukrainian air force only owns Soviet-era fighter aircraft.

Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was pressed on this point by Zelensky at a meeting held in Kyiv on April 20 and said that the military alliance needed to open its doors for membership of Ukraine.

WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine says it's 'ready' for counteroffensive

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After facing a Russian winter as well as spring offensive which has made small advances in the east, Ukraine now plans to recapture the land in its east and south in a counteroffensive in the weeks or months ahead.

In an earlier interview, Zelensky had claimed that he carries a pistol and would have fought with the Russian forces to death if they had stormed his Kyiv headquarters when the war began.

"I know how to shoot. Could you imagine (a headline like) 'The President of Ukraine is taken captive by Russians?' This is a disgrace. I believe this would be a disgrace," he said while speaking to the 1+1 television channel.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that they will launch its counter-offensive against the armed forces of Russia even though they have not received Western fighter aircraft.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that they will launch its counter-offensive against the armed forces of Russia even though they have not received Western fighter aircraft. On multiple occasions, Zelensky had appealed to widen the Western military aid's scope for Ukraine. "Frankly speaking, it would help us a lot. But we also understand that we can't drag it (the counteroffensive) out, which is why we'll start before we receive F-16s or other models. But to calm Russia down with the fact that we'd still need a couple of months to train on the aircraft and only then we'd start (a counteroffensive). No, this won't happen. We'll start and go forward, while at the same time, simultaneously, I think this is very important (to receive western fighter aircraft)," he said. ALSO READ | Zelensky says would have fought till death had Russians attacked Kyiv headquarters While addressing the Scandinavian journalists in Kyiv, Zelensky said that there were nations that had F-16 and other "Western kind aircraft" which were "ready to help us". "We are capable of putting an end to this war. However, not everything is going to happen at once tomorrow. We need time to train, but we have an understanding how to do this faster, and we understand the logistics behind it. And most importantly, as of today, there are countries that have F-16s or other 'western kind aircraft' who want to, and who are ready to help us,” he stated. However, the Ukrainian leader did not specify which countries he was referring to. The Ukrainian air force only owns Soviet-era fighter aircraft. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was pressed on this point by Zelensky at a meeting held in Kyiv on April 20 and said that the military alliance needed to open its doors for membership of Ukraine. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine says it's 'ready' for counteroffensive After facing a Russian winter as well as spring offensive which has made small advances in the east, Ukraine now plans to recapture the land in its east and south in a counteroffensive in the weeks or months ahead. In an earlier interview, Zelensky had claimed that he carries a pistol and would have fought with the Russian forces to death if they had stormed his Kyiv headquarters when the war began. "I know how to shoot. Could you imagine (a headline like) 'The President of Ukraine is taken captive by Russians?' This is a disgrace. I believe this would be a disgrace," he said while speaking to the 1+1 television channel. (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 will launch counteroffensive without Western fighter aircraft, says Zelensky

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Friday, said that Seoul was taking into consideration the options of supplying lethal aid to Kyiv and that it was necessary to make sure that Russia's invasion of Ukraine never happens.

In a speech at Harvard University's Kennedy School on the fifth day of a state visit to mark the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korean alliance, Yoon said the Russian offensive was a violation of international law and the rights of Ukrainians.

"We should prove that such attempts will never reach success, to block further attempts being made in the future," he said, as per the concurrent translations of his remarks.&nbsp;

On being asked about the possibility of providing lethal aid to Ukraine, the South Korean leader said, "We are closely monitoring the situation that’s going on the battlefield in Ukraine and will take proper measures in order to uphold the international norms and international law. Right now we are closely monitoring the situation and we are considering various options."

President Yoon met his United States counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Amidst soaring tensions over Pyongyang's growing arsenal of projectiles and explosives, the United States vowed to provide South Korea with more insight into its nuclear planning over any conflict with North Korea, signing the Washington Declaration in the process.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-south-korea-security-pact-will-worsen-situation-says-kim-jong-uns-sister-587196">WATCH |&nbsp;US, South Korea security pact will worsen situation, says Kim Jong Un's sister</a>

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<h2>'South Korea might extend its support for Ukraine beyond humanitarian aid': Yoon</h2>

Yoon, in an interview with Reuters before leaving for the United States, had highlighted that Seoul might extend its support for Ukraine beyond humanitarian and economic aid if it comes under a large-scale civilian attack.

"If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support," he said. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-us-south-korea-nuclear-weapons-deal-about-is-this-end-of-peace-in-korean-peninsula-586684">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula?</a>

"I believe there won't be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that's been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law," he&nbsp;added. "However, considering our relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments in the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures."

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Friday, said that Seoul was taking into consideration the options of supplying lethal aid to Kyiv and that it was necessary to make sure that Russia's invasion of Ukraine never happens.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol, on Friday, said that Seoul was taking into consideration the options of supplying lethal aid to Kyiv and that it was necessary to make sure that Russia's invasion of Ukraine never happens. In a speech at Harvard University's Kennedy School on the fifth day of a state visit to mark the 70th anniversary of the US-South Korean alliance, Yoon said the Russian offensive was a violation of international law and the rights of Ukrainians. "We should prove that such attempts will never reach success, to block further attempts being made in the future," he said, as per the concurrent translations of his remarks. On being asked about the possibility of providing lethal aid to Ukraine, the South Korean leader said, "We are closely monitoring the situation that’s going on the battlefield in Ukraine and will take proper measures in order to uphold the international norms and international law. Right now we are closely monitoring the situation and we are considering various options." President Yoon met his United States counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday. Amidst soaring tensions over Pyongyang's growing arsenal of projectiles and explosives, the United States vowed to provide South Korea with more insight into its nuclear planning over any conflict with North Korea, signing the Washington Declaration in the process. WATCH | US, South Korea security pact will worsen situation, says Kim Jong Un's sister × 'South Korea might extend its support for Ukraine beyond humanitarian aid': Yoon Yoon, in an interview with Reuters before leaving for the United States, had highlighted that Seoul might extend its support for Ukraine beyond humanitarian and economic aid if it comes under a large-scale civilian attack. "If there is a situation the international community cannot condone, such as any large-scale attack on civilians, massacre or serious violation of the laws of war, it might be difficult for us to insist only on humanitarian or financial support," he said. ALSO READ | Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula? "I believe there won't be limitations to the extent of the support to defend and restore a country that's been illegally invaded both under international and domestic law," he added. "However, considering our relationship with the parties engaged in the war and developments in the battlefield, we will take the most appropriate measures." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Seoul considering options over lethal aid to Ukraine', says South Korean president

A Danish newspaper has claimed quoting the Denmark military that a Russian Navy ship was spotted near the Nord Stream pipelines days before the September 2022 blasts.

Dagbladet Information newspaper on Thursday reported that the Russian submarine rescue ship, SS-750, was spotted in the Baltic Sea just four days before the unexplained explosions near the pipeline that linked Russia to Germany.

The paper quoting Danish defence authorities reported that as&nbsp;many as 26 images were taken of the ship, which carries a small submarine that is designed to carry out underwater operations.

“The Danish military confirmed that 26 photos of the Russian vessel were taken from a Danish patrol boat in the zone located east of Bornholm on 22 September 2022,” the newspaper said, adding that the photos were classified.

The prosecutor leading Sweden’s investigation into the sabotage has acknowledged the existence of these photographs.

“I’m aware of the information from before…This is not new information to us,” public prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist said on Friday, AFP news agency reported.

He, however, did not divulge further on how the probing team intends to use these photographs for investigation, saying that it was “confidential".

<h2>Nord Stream blasts: Will do everything we can to stop western cover-up, says Russia</h2>

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Seven months have passed since the blasts and it has not yet been established who was responsible for it, despite criminal investigations launched by three countries—Germany, Sweden and Denmark—that border the pipeline.

Swedish and Danish authorities termed the blasts an act of deliberate sabotage. In November, Sweden’s Prosecution Authority claimed that residues of explosives and several “foreign objects” were found at the “crime scene” on the seabed, around 100 metres below the surface of the Baltic Sea, close to the Danish Island of Bornholm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-missile-strikes-kill-26-including-five-children-zelensky-vows-response-587174">Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children</a>

In March, The New York Times reported that US intelligence officials have proof that a “pro-Ukrainian group” was responsible for the blasts, without the involvement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At that time Ljungqvist said it was “still unclear” who was behind the sabotage, calling it “a complex case”. 
 
“Our primary assumption is that a state is behind it,” he was quoted as saying.

Still, speculations about Russia's involvement haven't been completely ruled out. Last week,&nbsp;a joint investigation by Danish, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian public broadcasters last week found that Russia has been using civilian vessels to collect intelligence on military activity and critical infrastructure in the North Sea, Politico reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Danish newspaper has claimed quoting the Denmark military that a Russian Navy ship was spotted near the Nord Stream pipelines days before the September 2022 blasts.

A Danish newspaper has claimed quoting the Denmark military that a Russian Navy ship was spotted near the Nord Stream pipelines days before the September 2022 blasts. Dagbladet Information newspaper on Thursday reported that the Russian submarine rescue ship, SS-750, was spotted in the Baltic Sea just four days before the unexplained explosions near the pipeline that linked Russia to Germany. The paper quoting Danish defence authorities reported that as many as 26 images were taken of the ship, which carries a small submarine that is designed to carry out underwater operations. “The Danish military confirmed that 26 photos of the Russian vessel were taken from a Danish patrol boat in the zone located east of Bornholm on 22 September 2022,” the newspaper said, adding that the photos were classified. The prosecutor leading Sweden’s investigation into the sabotage has acknowledged the existence of these photographs. “I’m aware of the information from before…This is not new information to us,” public prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist said on Friday, AFP news agency reported. He, however, did not divulge further on how the probing team intends to use these photographs for investigation, saying that it was “confidential". Nord Stream blasts: Will do everything we can to stop western cover-up, says Russia Seven months have passed since the blasts and it has not yet been established who was responsible for it, despite criminal investigations launched by three countries—Germany, Sweden and Denmark—that border the pipeline. Swedish and Danish authorities termed the blasts an act of deliberate sabotage. In November, Sweden’s Prosecution Authority claimed that residues of explosives and several “foreign objects” were found at the “crime scene” on the seabed, around 100 metres below the surface of the Baltic Sea, close to the Danish Island of Bornholm. Also read | Ukraine war: Russian missile strikes kill 26 including five children In March, The New York Times reported that US intelligence officials have proof that a “pro-Ukrainian group” was responsible for the blasts, without the involvement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. At that time Ljungqvist said it was “still unclear” who was behind the sabotage, calling it “a complex case”. “Our primary assumption is that a state is behind it,” he was quoted as saying. Still, speculations about Russia's involvement haven't been completely ruled out. Last week, a joint investigation by Danish, Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian public broadcasters last week found that Russia has been using civilian vessels to collect intelligence on military activity and critical infrastructure in the North Sea, Politico reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian navy ship photographed near Nord Stream pipelines days before blasts: Report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help bring back the children, allegedly deported by Moscow.&nbsp;

"We need to involve everyone... to put pressure on the Russian aggressor and the terrorists who kidnapped so many of our children," said Zelensky.&nbsp;

"The UN, many others want to do something, but so far the results have been poor. So I have appealed to the leader of China," he added.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian government has claimed nearly 16,000 children have been abducted by Russia since February last year. Kremlin has not denied the accusation, albeit presented it as a humanitarian campaign to protect the orphans present in the conflict areas.&nbsp;

Due to the allegations, the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this year issued an arrest warrant in the name of Putin.&nbsp;Though&nbsp;ICC attempts to start a legal battle, Moscow has stated it will not be entertaining any arrest warrant. The country withdrew its membership from ICC in 2016.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-xi-jinping-calls-ukrainian-president-zelensky-us-and-eu-hails-the-talks-586487">WATCH |&nbsp;China’s Xi Jinping calls Ukrainian President Zelensky, US and EU hails the talks</a>

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<h2>Zelensky's call with Xi</h2>

Zelensky informed about the request, couple of days after he held a 'long and meaningful' phone call with Xi.&nbsp;This was&nbsp;the first instance that the two leaders spoke to each other since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"I had a long and meaningful phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine's ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

Chinese state media broadcaster CCTV reported about the call and said that Xi told Zelensky that China has "always stood on the side of peace".

"On the issue of the Ukraine crisis, China has always stood on the side of peace and its core position is to promote peace talks," CCTV reported Xi as saying during the phone call.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-speaks-with-zelensky-over-the-phone-586328">ALSO READ |&nbsp;'Long and meaningful': Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks with Zelensky over phone</a>

Since the turn of the year, the Chinese leader has presented himself as the mediator of peace. During his visit to Russia to meet Putin in March, Xi repeatedly batted for maintaining stability and&nbsp;peace in the region. Beijing even prepared a 12-point peace plan to bring the war to an end.&nbsp;&nbsp;

China has established a "no-limits" friendship with Russia in the aftermath of the war where it has refused to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness, all the while presenting itself as impartial. However, Zelensky's recent outreach efforts may force Beijing to rethink its impartial approach, experts stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help bring back the children, allegedly deported by Moscow. "We need to involve everyone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to help bring back the children, allegedly deported by Moscow. "We need to involve everyone... to put pressure on the Russian aggressor and the terrorists who kidnapped so many of our children," said Zelensky. "The UN, many others want to do something, but so far the results have been poor. So I have appealed to the leader of China," he added. The Ukrainian government has claimed nearly 16,000 children have been abducted by Russia since February last year. Kremlin has not denied the accusation, albeit presented it as a humanitarian campaign to protect the orphans present in the conflict areas. Due to the allegations, the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this year issued an arrest warrant in the name of Putin. Though ICC attempts to start a legal battle, Moscow has stated it will not be entertaining any arrest warrant. The country withdrew its membership from ICC in 2016. WATCH | China’s Xi Jinping calls Ukrainian President Zelensky, US and EU hails the talks × Zelensky's call with Xi Zelensky informed about the request, couple of days after he held a 'long and meaningful' phone call with Xi. This was the first instance that the two leaders spoke to each other since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "I had a long and meaningful phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine's ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations," Zelensky said. Chinese state media broadcaster CCTV reported about the call and said that Xi told Zelensky that China has "always stood on the side of peace". "On the issue of the Ukraine crisis, China has always stood on the side of peace and its core position is to promote peace talks," CCTV reported Xi as saying during the phone call. ALSO READ | 'Long and meaningful': Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks with Zelensky over phone Since the turn of the year, the Chinese leader has presented himself as the mediator of peace. During his visit to Russia to meet Putin in March, Xi repeatedly batted for maintaining stability and peace in the region. Beijing even prepared a 12-point peace plan to bring the war to an end. China has established a "no-limits" friendship with Russia in the aftermath of the war where it has refused to denounce Moscow's aggressiveness, all the while presenting itself as impartial. However, Zelensky's recent outreach efforts may force Beijing to rethink its impartial approach, experts stated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky requests Xi's help to bring back deported children from Russia

India and Russia have agreed to boost their defence ties, said a statement by the Indian government after the defence ministers from both countries held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, on Friday (April 28).&nbsp;

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu also discussed, “wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership,” said the Indian government, in a statement, following the meeting.&nbsp;

Notably, India is one of the biggest importers of defence equipment from Russia and has reportedly bought nearly half its military supplies fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-russia-ink-maritime-cooperation-deal-in-the-arctic-586942">China and Russia ink maritime cooperation deal in the Arctic</a>

The two ministers also acknowledged “the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” a brief statement from the Indian government read.&nbsp;

It added, “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership.”&nbsp;

India has also garnered criticism from several Western countries for buying Russian oil at a lower price as the United States and its allies attempt to isolate Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-meet-china-defence-minister-in-india-amid-border-tensions-586757">SCO meet : Chinese defence minister in India amid border tensions</a>

However, New Delhi has since responded to criticism and said that it is defending its interests.&nbsp;While New Delhi has not condemned Moscow for its actions yet, it has called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.&nbsp;

Russian participation in ‘Make in India’?

The statement also said that the two ministers, “discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-philippines-over-near-collission-of-vessels-in-south-china-sea-manila-responds-586964">China slams Philippines over near-collission of vessels in South China sea, Manila responds</a>

Make in India is a flagship program of the Government of India to encourage “facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, and build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure.” It was launched with the aim to increase global manufacturing and investment in India.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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India and Russia have agreed to boost their defence ties, said a statement by the Indian government after the defence ministers from both countries held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, on Friday (April 28).

India and Russia have agreed to boost their defence ties, said a statement by the Indian government after the defence ministers from both countries held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, on Friday (April 28). Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu also discussed, “wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership,” said the Indian government, in a statement, following the meeting. Notably, India is one of the biggest importers of defence equipment from Russia and has reportedly bought nearly half its military supplies fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades. ALSO READ | China and Russia ink maritime cooperation deal in the Arctic The two ministers also acknowledged “the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” a brief statement from the Indian government read. It added, “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership.” India has also garnered criticism from several Western countries for buying Russian oil at a lower price as the United States and its allies attempt to isolate Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | SCO meet : Chinese defence minister in India amid border tensions However, New Delhi has since responded to criticism and said that it is defending its interests. While New Delhi has not condemned Moscow for its actions yet, it has called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Russian participation in ‘Make in India’? The statement also said that the two ministers, “discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it.” ALSO READ | China slams Philippines over near-collission of vessels in South China sea, Manila responds Make in India is a flagship program of the Government of India to encourage “facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, and build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure.” It was launched with the aim to increase global manufacturing and investment in India. (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.

New Delhi, Moscow to boost defence ties, increase Russia's participation in ‘Make in India’

Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world.&nbsp;

“This development is clearly destabilising in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, impacting on global stability,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement.&nbsp;

It added that the US and NATO's quest for&nbsp;"decisive military superiority" would bring nothing but "escalating tension and provoke an arms race".&nbsp;

<h2>What is the Washington Declaration?</h2>

The declaration was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's six-day state visit to the US. Under the provisions, Seoul&nbsp;will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.&nbsp;

As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.

Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</a>

<h2>Biden issues warning to Kim</h2>

After signing the declaration, in a joint presser, Biden&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.

"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse

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The comment as well as the declaration also riled up China, North Korea's steadfast partner.&nbsp;Beijing issued a statement warning the two countries&nbsp;not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling upon them to&nbsp;play a constructive role.

"All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world.

Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world. “This development is clearly destabilising in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, impacting on global stability,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. It added that the US and NATO's quest for "decisive military superiority" would bring nothing but "escalating tension and provoke an arms race". What is the Washington Declaration? The declaration was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's six-day state visit to the US. Under the provisions, Seoul will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement Biden issues warning to Kim After signing the declaration, in a joint presser, Biden said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × The comment as well as the declaration also riled up China, North Korea's steadfast partner. Beijing issued a statement warning the two countries not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling upon them to play a constructive role. "All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia says US-South Korea nuclear deal could destabilise region

China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening maritime law enforcement cooperation, Chinese state media said on Wednesday.

The coast guard of the People's Republic of China and the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation signed the agreement, state media said.

According to media reports, the agreement was signed in the Russian city of Murmansk and highlights joint efforts by the countries to combat terrorism, illegal migration, smuggling of drugs and weapons, as well as stopping illegal fishing.

China's state broadcaster CCTV said that the agreement was inked after a two-day meeting with Russian and Chinese sides. The meeting concluded on Tuesday.

The Chinese side was represented by coastguard chief Yu Zhing while Vladimir Grigorovich Kulishov, first deputy FSB director was present from the Russian side during the signing ceremony.

According to CCTV, the two sides said they would “actively promote maritime law enforcement cooperation, join hands to build a maritime community of destiny, and make every effort to serve the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia in the new era”

Both countries reportedly said that that they aim to implement the consensus reached by presidents of both nations as they met earlier this year.

As they signed the joint statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had described ties between the two countries as a "no-limits" partnership.

In Murmansk, when the two countries were holding discussions on maritime cooperation, the Chinese delegation also observed a maritime exercise carried out by Russian forces.

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China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening maritime law enforcement cooperation, Chinese state media said on Wednesday. The coast guard of the People's Republic of China and the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation signed the agreement, state media said.

China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening maritime law enforcement cooperation, Chinese state media said on Wednesday. The coast guard of the People's Republic of China and the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation signed the agreement, state media said. According to media reports, the agreement was signed in the Russian city of Murmansk and highlights joint efforts by the countries to combat terrorism, illegal migration, smuggling of drugs and weapons, as well as stopping illegal fishing. China's state broadcaster CCTV said that the agreement was inked after a two-day meeting with Russian and Chinese sides. The meeting concluded on Tuesday. The Chinese side was represented by coastguard chief Yu Zhing while Vladimir Grigorovich Kulishov, first deputy FSB director was present from the Russian side during the signing ceremony. According to CCTV, the two sides said they would “actively promote maritime law enforcement cooperation, join hands to build a maritime community of destiny, and make every effort to serve the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Russia in the new era” Both countries reportedly said that that they aim to implement the consensus reached by presidents of both nations as they met earlier this year. As they signed the joint statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had described ties between the two countries as a "no-limits" partnership. In Murmansk, when the two countries were holding discussions on maritime cooperation, the Chinese delegation also observed a maritime exercise carried out by Russian forces. 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 ×

China and Russia ink maritime cooperation deal in the Arctic

A prominent Kremlin critic and a popular former mayor Yevgeny Roizman went on trial on Wednesday (April 26). Roizman faces accusations of discrediting the Russian Army over its war in Ukraine.

In 2013, Roizman, 60, became Russia's highest-profile opposition mayor and held the position in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg for five years.&nbsp;

Roizman is Russia's last prominent opposition leader who is still in the country and has not yet been put behind bars.

Roizman has been openly critical about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He has said in the past that he could go to prison at any moment. In Yekaterinburg, Roizman is a hugely popular figure. He is also a friend of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

A criminal probe was opened against Roizman by authorities in August 2022. He is being accused of "discrediting" the Russian army through his comments about Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine.

Dressed in blue jeans and a white T-shirt, Roizman pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial in Yekaterinburg, according to a live YouTube broadcast of the hearing.

Asked by the judge if he admitted his guilt, Roizman said "no".

Roizman is a leader with a penchant for crude language. He has in past, peppered Twitter with swear words to mock Russian officials, much to the delight of his supporters.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in the battlefield in the initial months of the conflict, Russian forces had&nbsp;to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack.

Roizman, a tall and sporty 60-year-old, is a charismatic and sometimes controversial member of the opposition, known for his punchy tweets.&nbsp;

He did not hold back when speaking out against Russia's Ukraine campaign as soon as it was launched over a year ago.

"Something horrible is happening, evil is prevailing. Absolutely vile evil is suddenly prevailing before our eyes," he said in an interview with AFP last July.

Roizman's weapon of choice was his Twitter account, where he posted hundreds of short satirical messages peppered with&nbsp;Russian swear words, as he denounced the Kremlin's actions and state media.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-says-he-faces-30-more-years-in-prison-in-absurd-terrorism-case-586380">Navalny says he faces 30 more years in prison in 'absurd' terrorism case</a>

"It's short and brutal anti-propaganda," he told AFP, saying he was inspired by works of French Renaissance writer Francois Rabelais known for his gallows humour.

While he has not been in police custody ahead of the trial, Roizman has been banned from using the internet and giving interviews, ending his Twitter campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A prominent Kremlin critic and a popular former mayor Yevgeny Roizman went on trial on Wednesday (April 26). Roizman faces accusations of discrediting the Russian Army over its war in Ukraine.

A prominent Kremlin critic and a popular former mayor Yevgeny Roizman went on trial on Wednesday (April 26). Roizman faces accusations of discrediting the Russian Army over its war in Ukraine. In 2013, Roizman, 60, became Russia's highest-profile opposition mayor and held the position in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg for five years. Roizman is Russia's last prominent opposition leader who is still in the country and has not yet been put behind bars. Roizman has been openly critical about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He has said in the past that he could go to prison at any moment. In Yekaterinburg, Roizman is a hugely popular figure. He is also a friend of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. A criminal probe was opened against Roizman by authorities in August 2022. He is being accused of "discrediting" the Russian army through his comments about Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine. Dressed in blue jeans and a white T-shirt, Roizman pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial in Yekaterinburg, according to a live YouTube broadcast of the hearing. Asked by the judge if he admitted his guilt, Roizman said "no". Roizman is a leader with a penchant for crude language. He has in past, peppered Twitter with swear words to mock Russian officials, much to the delight of his supporters. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in the battlefield in the initial months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattack. Roizman, a tall and sporty 60-year-old, is a charismatic and sometimes controversial member of the opposition, known for his punchy tweets. He did not hold back when speaking out against Russia's Ukraine campaign as soon as it was launched over a year ago. "Something horrible is happening, evil is prevailing. Absolutely vile evil is suddenly prevailing before our eyes," he said in an interview with AFP last July. Roizman's weapon of choice was his Twitter account, where he posted hundreds of short satirical messages peppered with Russian swear words, as he denounced the Kremlin's actions and state media. Also Read | Navalny says he faces 30 more years in prison in 'absurd' terrorism case "It's short and brutal anti-propaganda," he told AFP, saying he was inspired by works of French Renaissance writer Francois Rabelais known for his gallows humour. While he has not been in police custody ahead of the trial, Roizman has been banned from using the internet and giving interviews, ending his Twitter campaign. (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: Kremlin critic ex-mayor put on trial for Ukraine criticism

Russian lender Sberbank on Monday announced that it has launched technology that can rival ChatGPT. Known as GigaChat, the Russian alternative to ChatGPT is currently in its initial, invite only testing mode.

Entering the artificial intelligence chatbot race, Sberbank said that its chatbot is a worthy contender for the popular AI-based chatbot ChatGPT. As per the bank, what sets GigaChat apart from other chatbots is its ability to communicate intelligently in Russian.&nbsp;

This ability, as per the Russian lender, sets GigaChat apart from other foreign neural networks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-forming-team-to-develop-ai-rival-of-chatgpt-report-566717">Elon Musk forming team to develop AI rival of ChatGPT: Report&nbsp;</a>

As per Reuters, Sberbank which is Russia's dominant bank, has in recent years invested heavily in technology. This, as per the news agency, stems from the need to reduce the nation's reliance on foreign imports.

Reducing Russia's reliance on foreign exports has recently become a critical issue as Western nations impose punitive sanctions on the nation due to its invasion of Ukraine. Many foreign nations, led by the United States, have also slashed exports to Russia.

The introduction of ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI with support from Microsoft, in the previous year has sparked a race in the tech industry to make artificial intelligence more accessible to a wider audience. The objective, as per Reuters, is to revolutionise the way people operate and generate profits in the process.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/gpt-4-vs-chatgpt-whats-the-difference-and-how-to-use-gpt-4-now-why-is-elon-musk-angry-with-openai-572504">GPT-4 vs ChatGPT: What’s the difference, and how to use GPT-4 now? Why is Elon Musk angry with OpenAI?</a>

Apart from Russia, China too has launched its own versions of an AI-based chatbot. Baidu's Ernie and Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen chatbots like Russia's GigaChat have the capability to communicate in the country's native dialects. Recently, tech mogul and Twitter CEO Elon Musk also announced that he is working on an alternative to ChatGPT; as per reports, he has named it "TruthGPT" and it will act as a "maximum truth seeking AI."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian lender Sberbank on Monday announced that it has launched technology that can rival ChatGPT. Known as GigaChat, the Russian alternative to ChatGPT is currently in its initial, invite only testing mode.

Russian lender Sberbank on Monday announced that it has launched technology that can rival ChatGPT. Known as GigaChat, the Russian alternative to ChatGPT is currently in its initial, invite only testing mode. Entering the artificial intelligence chatbot race, Sberbank said that its chatbot is a worthy contender for the popular AI-based chatbot ChatGPT. As per the bank, what sets GigaChat apart from other chatbots is its ability to communicate intelligently in Russian. This ability, as per the Russian lender, sets GigaChat apart from other foreign neural networks. Also read | Elon Musk forming team to develop AI rival of ChatGPT: Report As per Reuters, Sberbank which is Russia's dominant bank, has in recent years invested heavily in technology. This, as per the news agency, stems from the need to reduce the nation's reliance on foreign imports. Reducing Russia's reliance on foreign exports has recently become a critical issue as Western nations impose punitive sanctions on the nation due to its invasion of Ukraine. Many foreign nations, led by the United States, have also slashed exports to Russia. The introduction of ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI with support from Microsoft, in the previous year has sparked a race in the tech industry to make artificial intelligence more accessible to a wider audience. The objective, as per Reuters, is to revolutionise the way people operate and generate profits in the process. Also read | GPT-4 vs ChatGPT: What’s the difference, and how to use GPT-4 now? Why is Elon Musk angry with OpenAI? Apart from Russia, China too has launched its own versions of an AI-based chatbot. Baidu's Ernie and Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen chatbots like Russia's GigaChat have the capability to communicate in the country's native dialects. Recently, tech mogul and Twitter CEO Elon Musk also announced that he is working on an alternative to ChatGPT; as per reports, he has named it "TruthGPT" and it will act as a "maximum truth seeking AI." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia enters AI race with ChatGPT contender called GigaChat

Russian foreign ministry's head of nuclear non-proliferation Vladimir Yermakov on Tuesday said that there has been a steady growth in the direct military confrontation between the world's two nuclear powers - the United States and Russia. The senior Russian diplomat warned about the nuclear confrontation.&nbsp;

Yermakov, speaking to the Russian state news agency TASS, said the conduct of Washington towards Moscow is escalating the risks of a nuclear war in the future.&nbsp;

Since Russia started invading Ukraine 14 months ago, regular charges were issued by Moscow against the United States and Yermakov called out "the collective West" for increasing the risks of a nuclear war.

"If the United States continues to follow its current course of confrontation with Russia, with the stakes constantly escalating on the verge of sliding into direct armed conflict, then the fate of START (nuclear arms treaty) may be a foregone conclusion," said Yermakov.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-launches-overnight-strikes-on-ukraine-kharkiv-odesa-zaporizhzhia-among-hit-585424">Russia launches overnight strikes on Ukraine; Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia among hit</a>

In March, the US informed Russia that it will stop exchanging data on its nuclear forces after Moscow refused to share the same, calling it a reaction to Russia's decision of pulling out from the New START treaty.

"In the worst-case scenario, i.e. if Washington drives the situation to a military clash between the strongest nuclear powers, then it is not the fate of the New START but the fate of the entire world that will be a concern," &nbsp;Yermakov said.

"This once again confirms that the most pressing threat today is connected not with the dynamic of stimuli for the first massive strike, which is supposed to be curbed by agreements like the New START, but with a danger of nuclear escalation as a result of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers. And, to our deepest regrets, these risks keep growing," he added.

WATCH | US' UN envoy calls for detained journalist in Russia, says 'people used as political pawns' | WION

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"This is exactly why we constantly point to the danger of US and NATO’s actions, who, it seems, have believed in the illusion of impunity and got carried away with such chimeras as ‘escalation control’ and ‘escalatory domination’. We continue sending sobering signals to the West that a catastrophe must be prevented," the diplomat said.

However, he stated the West "remains deaf to the calls," and even "maliciously distorts them for propaganda purposes."

The diplomat stated that, for improving the situation, "the US must immediately take concrete steps on de-escalation and to abolish the hostile course towards undermining Russia’s security in practice."

"There is simply no other way to reverse the negative trend," Yermakov added. &nbsp;

<main>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian foreign ministry's head of nuclear non-proliferation Vladimir Yermakov on Tuesday said that there has been a steady growth in the direct military confrontation between the world's two nuclear powers - the United States and Russia.

Russian foreign ministry's head of nuclear non-proliferation Vladimir Yermakov on Tuesday said that there has been a steady growth in the direct military confrontation between the world's two nuclear powers - the United States and Russia. The senior Russian diplomat warned about the nuclear confrontation. Yermakov, speaking to the Russian state news agency TASS, said the conduct of Washington towards Moscow is escalating the risks of a nuclear war in the future. Since Russia started invading Ukraine 14 months ago, regular charges were issued by Moscow against the United States and Yermakov called out "the collective West" for increasing the risks of a nuclear war. "If the United States continues to follow its current course of confrontation with Russia, with the stakes constantly escalating on the verge of sliding into direct armed conflict, then the fate of START (nuclear arms treaty) may be a foregone conclusion," said Yermakov. ALSO READ | Russia launches overnight strikes on Ukraine; Kharkiv, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia among hit In March, the US informed Russia that it will stop exchanging data on its nuclear forces after Moscow refused to share the same, calling it a reaction to Russia's decision of pulling out from the New START treaty. "In the worst-case scenario, i.e. if Washington drives the situation to a military clash between the strongest nuclear powers, then it is not the fate of the New START but the fate of the entire world that will be a concern," Yermakov said. "This once again confirms that the most pressing threat today is connected not with the dynamic of stimuli for the first massive strike, which is supposed to be curbed by agreements like the New START, but with a danger of nuclear escalation as a result of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers. And, to our deepest regrets, these risks keep growing," he added. WATCH | US' UN envoy calls for detained journalist in Russia, says 'people used as political pawns' | WION "This is exactly why we constantly point to the danger of US and NATO’s actions, who, it seems, have believed in the illusion of impunity and got carried away with such chimeras as ‘escalation control’ and ‘escalatory domination’. We continue sending sobering signals to the West that a catastrophe must be prevented," the diplomat said. However, he stated the West "remains deaf to the calls," and even "maliciously distorts them for propaganda purposes." The diplomat stated that, for improving the situation, "the US must immediately take concrete steps on de-escalation and to abolish the hostile course towards undermining Russia’s security in practice." "There is simply no other way to reverse the negative trend," Yermakov added. (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

Risks of nuclear confrontation with United States growing, claims Russia

At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday (April 24), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the 15-member body about the world reaching a threshold “possibly even more dangerous” than during the Cold War. At the same forum, Western diplomats accused Moscow, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, of hypocrisy while some also condemned its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Lavrov’s remarks at the UNSC

Russia’s top diplomat was leading the session titled “maintenance of international peace and security,” which was focused on the maintenance of the UN charter, international rules, and multilateralism. “As during the Cold War, we have reached the dangerous, possibly even more dangerous threshold,” said Lavrov, while addressing the council.&nbsp;

He added, “the situation is worsened with the loss of trust in multilateralism.” The Russian foreign minister also went on to talk about how “nobody allowed the Western minority to speak for all of humankind. They need to be polite and respect all members of the international community.”&nbsp;

Lavrov also accused the “United States and its allies” of “abandoning diplomacy and demanding clarification of relations on the battlefield.”

Notably, the last time Russia presided over the council was February 2022 which is the same month it launched what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Lavrov, during his address, mentioned acts of aggression by the West including the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the invasion of Iraq, and so on.&nbsp;

The West slams Russia

During the session, several diplomats including the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Our hypocritical convener today, Russia, invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, and struck at the heart of the UN Charter,” said the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.&nbsp;

She added, “This illegal, unprovoked and unnecessary war runs directly counter to our most shared principles – that a war of aggression and territorial conquest is never, ever acceptable.” Furthermore, the US representative also spoke about how as they sit there as “aggression continues…Russian forces continue to kill and injure civilians.”&nbsp;

The US representative also called for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The meeting was also attended by Elizabeth Whelan, an American whose brother, Paul Whelan, is imprisoned in Russia.&nbsp;

Ahead of the UNSC session, the European Union countries, along similar lines, issued a statement which condemned Moscow. “Russia is trying to portray itself as a defender of the UN charter and multilateralism. Nothing can be further from the truth. It’s cynical,” said Olaf Skoog, the EU representative to the UN.&nbsp;

UN chief criticises Russia over its invasion of Ukraine

In his opening remarks to the session, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who was sitting next to Lavrov also condemned the Russian invasion and said that it was in “violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, is causing massive suffering and devastation to the country and its people, and adding to the global economic dislocation triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic”.&nbsp;

He added, “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high. So are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday (April 24), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the 15-member body about the world reaching a threshold “possibly even more dangerous” than during the Cold War.

At the United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday (April 24), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the 15-member body about the world reaching a threshold “possibly even more dangerous” than during the Cold War. At the same forum, Western diplomats accused Moscow, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the UNSC, of hypocrisy while some also condemned its invasion of Ukraine. Lavrov’s remarks at the UNSC Russia’s top diplomat was leading the session titled “maintenance of international peace and security,” which was focused on the maintenance of the UN charter, international rules, and multilateralism. “As during the Cold War, we have reached the dangerous, possibly even more dangerous threshold,” said Lavrov, while addressing the council. He added, “the situation is worsened with the loss of trust in multilateralism.” The Russian foreign minister also went on to talk about how “nobody allowed the Western minority to speak for all of humankind. They need to be polite and respect all members of the international community.” Lavrov also accused the “United States and its allies” of “abandoning diplomacy and demanding clarification of relations on the battlefield.” Notably, the last time Russia presided over the council was February 2022 which is the same month it launched what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. Lavrov, during his address, mentioned acts of aggression by the West including the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the invasion of Iraq, and so on. The West slams Russia During the session, several diplomats including the United States, United Kingdom, and Switzerland condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Our hypocritical convener today, Russia, invaded its neighbour, Ukraine, and struck at the heart of the UN Charter,” said the US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She added, “This illegal, unprovoked and unnecessary war runs directly counter to our most shared principles – that a war of aggression and territorial conquest is never, ever acceptable.” Furthermore, the US representative also spoke about how as they sit there as “aggression continues…Russian forces continue to kill and injure civilians.” The US representative also called for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The meeting was also attended by Elizabeth Whelan, an American whose brother, Paul Whelan, is imprisoned in Russia. Ahead of the UNSC session, the European Union countries, along similar lines, issued a statement which condemned Moscow. “Russia is trying to portray itself as a defender of the UN charter and multilateralism. Nothing can be further from the truth. It’s cynical,” said Olaf Skoog, the EU representative to the UN. UN chief criticises Russia over its invasion of Ukraine In his opening remarks to the session, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who was sitting next to Lavrov also condemned the Russian invasion and said that it was in “violation of the United Nations Charter and international law, is causing massive suffering and devastation to the country and its people, and adding to the global economic dislocation triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic”. He added, “Tensions between major powers are at an historic high. So are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia’s Lavrov warns about world being on ‘dangerous threshold’, slammed by West at UNSC

The Chinese space agency, on Monday (April 24), revealed that it recently gifted Russia and France small samples of lunar soil collected during the fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme in 2020. Earlier this month, France was presented with 1.5 grams, said Guan Feng from the China National Space Administration (CNSA), as per South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;

Russia and China exchange lunar soil

The Chinese space agency also revealed that back in February 2022, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, he was given lunar soil samples weighing 1.5 grams for “scientific research purposes,” said the CNSA on its website.&nbsp;

In turn, when Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Russia for a visit, earlier this year, he was given 1.5 grams of lunar soil collected by the first Soviet probe, the Luna-16 in 1970, to perform a sample return mission to the Moon, reported Russian news agency Tass.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The announcement was made by Guan while addressing an audience during the opening ceremony of this year’s Space Day of China in Hefei, on April 24.

China gives France lunar soil

Additionally, a similar amount of&nbsp;lunar soil was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron, earlier this month, during his visit to Beijing.&nbsp;

Scientific value of the exchanges

A French geologist Thomas Smith at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing said this is “proof of the strong friendship and partnership between our two countries” referring to the gift from China to France, reported the SCMP. Notably, he was the first foreign national to receive samples collected during the Chinese mission.

The geologist also noted how the samples collected during the Chinese mission in 2020 were the first ones since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Apollo and the Soviet Luna missions. “They represent the youngest-ever lunar soils brought back to Earth. Therefore, they are of high scientific value and give insights into the events that happened late in the moon’s history,” said Smith.&nbsp;

Smith, who received some 400 milligrams of the sample and two tiny particles for the study said he used them to measure the concentrations of noble gases such as helium and neon. The geologist also said that he would look at how the moon has been impacted by various cosmic events on the moon over the aeons.

China’s Chang’e-5 mission&nbsp;

In 2020, CNSA launched its fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme called Chang’e 5 which collected a total of 1,731g of lunar samples around 23 days later. After the samples, which are said to be some two billion years old, reached Earth the CNSA announced that lunar soil analysis would be conducted with international cooperation.&nbsp;

The recent findings, based on the samples collected during the 2020 mission, indicated that the moon still had active volcanoes two billion years ago which is more recent than previously thought.&nbsp;

The Apollo and Luna rocks are said to be somewhere between three and 4.4 billion years old. As of now, researchers in China as well as several countries like Australia, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and so on, are analysing the lunar samples collected.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Chinese space agency, on Monday (April 24), revealed that it recently gifted Russia and France small samples of lunar soil collected during the fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme in 2020.

The Chinese space agency, on Monday (April 24), revealed that it recently gifted Russia and France small samples of lunar soil collected during the fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme in 2020. Earlier this month, France was presented with 1.5 grams, said Guan Feng from the China National Space Administration (CNSA), as per South China Morning Post (SCMP). Russia and China exchange lunar soil The Chinese space agency also revealed that back in February 2022, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, he was given lunar soil samples weighing 1.5 grams for “scientific research purposes,” said the CNSA on its website. In turn, when Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Russia for a visit, earlier this year, he was given 1.5 grams of lunar soil collected by the first Soviet probe, the Luna-16 in 1970, to perform a sample return mission to the Moon, reported Russian news agency Tass. The announcement was made by Guan while addressing an audience during the opening ceremony of this year’s Space Day of China in Hefei, on April 24. China gives France lunar soil Additionally, a similar amount of lunar soil was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron, earlier this month, during his visit to Beijing. Scientific value of the exchanges A French geologist Thomas Smith at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing said this is “proof of the strong friendship and partnership between our two countries” referring to the gift from China to France, reported the SCMP. Notably, he was the first foreign national to receive samples collected during the Chinese mission. The geologist also noted how the samples collected during the Chinese mission in 2020 were the first ones since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Apollo and the Soviet Luna missions. “They represent the youngest-ever lunar soils brought back to Earth. Therefore, they are of high scientific value and give insights into the events that happened late in the moon’s history,” said Smith. Smith, who received some 400 milligrams of the sample and two tiny particles for the study said he used them to measure the concentrations of noble gases such as helium and neon. The geologist also said that he would look at how the moon has been impacted by various cosmic events on the moon over the aeons. China’s Chang’e-5 mission In 2020, CNSA launched its fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme called Chang’e 5 which collected a total of 1,731g of lunar samples around 23 days later. After the samples, which are said to be some two billion years old, reached Earth the CNSA announced that lunar soil analysis would be conducted with international cooperation. The recent findings, based on the samples collected during the 2020 mission, indicated that the moon still had active volcanoes two billion years ago which is more recent than previously thought. The Apollo and Luna rocks are said to be somewhere between three and 4.4 billion years old. As of now, researchers in China as well as several countries like Australia, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and so on, are analysing the lunar samples collected. (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.

Chinese space agency reveals Beijing gifted Russia, France lunar soil. Here's why

As the conflict continues to rage in Khartoum between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from the African nation.&nbsp;

The fighting, which suddenly began on April 15 and is now entering its eighth day, has since left thousands of foreign nations including aid workers and diplomats stranded in the conflict-hit country.&nbsp;

So far, over 420 people have been killed and thousands wounded as per the United Nations’ estimates, amid fears of wider turmoil and a humanitarian disaster.&nbsp;

Where are the evacuations taking place?

The warring sides, after several calls from other countries, have agreed to help foreign nationals leave Sudan by road, air and sea. While several efforts are being made by air, others appeared to be via Port Sudan on the Red Sea which is an 850-kilometre drive from Khartoum.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-violence-us-suspends-operations-at-embassy-in-khartoum-585254">Sudan violence: US suspends operations at Embassy in Khartoum</a>

Here’s what we know about some of the evacuations:&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia was the first country to successfully evacuate over 150 people, on Saturday, announcing their arrival in Jeddah. A statement from the foreign ministry said that the evacuation was carried out by the kingdom’s naval forces with assistance from other army units.&nbsp;

Among the over 150 people were 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 other countries – Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada and Burkina Faso.&nbsp; 
 
Kuwait has reported that all citizens who wished to return home had arrived in Jeddah.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-families-evacuated-from-sudan-rsf-585218">Sudan: France begins evacuation of embassy staff, citizens of 'European and allied partner' nations</a>

Qatar also thanked Saudi Arabia for helping evacuate Qatari citizens from Sudan.&nbsp;

United States&nbsp;

The US military sent three Chinook helicopters&nbsp;which flew from a base in Djibouti with over 100 troops to evacuate&nbsp;the country’s embassy staff&nbsp;and their families from Khartoum.&nbsp;

The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said they are suspending&nbsp;embassy operations in Sudan and will continue to assist Americans stuck as local staff remain to support it. Around thousands of Americans and dual nationals are thought to have remained in the country.&nbsp;

United Kingdom

In a statement on Sunday, UK PM Rishi Sunak said that the country’s armed forces have completed a “complex and rapid evacuation” of British diplomats and their families from Sudan “amid a significant escalation in violence and threats to embassy staff.”

Turkey&nbsp;

Turkey began its evacuation efforts at dawn on Sunday, taking at least some of its 600 nationals by road from two Khartoum districts. However, their plans from one site in the Sudanese capital were postponed after “explosions” near a mosque which was designated as an assembly point, said the embassy.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-stuck-in-sudan-arrive-in-jeddah-after-safe-evacuation-585185">Indians stuck in Sudan arrive in Jeddah after safe evacuation</a>

India&nbsp;

The Indian government is keeping a close eye on the current situation in Sudan. Two Indian Air Force C-130J transport planes are currently on standby in Jeddah while the navy’s INS Sumedha vessel has reached Port Sudan in case a civilian rescue operation is ordered, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an update late Sunday.&nbsp;

It added, “Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.”&nbsp;

On Monday,&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said&nbsp;India has started 'Operation Kaveri' to bring back stranded citizens from Sudan.&nbsp;The government had said on Friday that it was focusing on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout Sudan.

China&nbsp; 
 
On Monday,&nbsp;Beijing's foreign ministry&nbsp;said&nbsp;China has "safely&nbsp;evacuated" the first group of its citizens from Sudan&nbsp;without giving a specific number. A day prior,&nbsp;senior foreign ministry official Wu Xi told state media, that Beijing will "try every means to protect the lives, properties and safety of 1,500 plus Chinese compatriots in Sudan." 
 
EU and member nations&nbsp;

European Union&nbsp;

The European Union has evacuated over 1,000&nbsp;citizens, said its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on Monday (April 24). He also thanked&nbsp;France, "especially for taking our people out". According to Borrell,&nbsp;21 diplomats from the EU's mission in Khartoum were taken out while&nbsp;the EU ambassador had moved outside the capital to elsewhere in Sudan.&nbsp;Notably, seven nations among the 27 member countries of the bloc have missions in Sudan.&nbsp;

France

France evacuated some 100 people after a “complicated” rescue operation, said French officials. The first plane with people of multiple nationalities left Khartoum on Sunday for Djibouti. Among those evacuated were also citizens of “European and allied partner” nations, said the French foreign ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-saudi-arabia-announces-safe-evacuation-of-indians-amid-violence-585312">Sudan: Saudi Arabia announces safe evacuation of Indians amid violence</a>

A second plane with a similar number is expected to leave on Sunday evening, reported news agencies citing anonymous official sources.&nbsp;

Germany

Germany started evacuating citizens&nbsp;from Sudan on Sunday "in coordination with our partners”, tweeted the defence and foreign ministries. They also aimed to fly as many German, EU and other nationals with them. 
 
So far, Germany&nbsp;managed to evacuate over 300&nbsp;people&nbsp;from Sudan, out of which the first batch of&nbsp;101&nbsp;landed in Berlin on&nbsp;Monday (April 24). Meanwhile, others were flown out of Khartoum in an air force plane, said the German military.&nbsp; 
 
Italy

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome was planning to evacuate&nbsp;some 140 Italians and&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;from the EU, Switzerland, and personnel from the Vatican's embassy.&nbsp;Two Italian C-130s transport aircraft,&nbsp;as per plan,&nbsp;landed at Khartoum airport on Sunday, with personnel from the&nbsp;army and&nbsp;Carabinieri paramilitary special forces who will fly the evacuees from Sudan to the Italian military base in Djibouti.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fighting-resumes-minutes-after-sudan-cease-fire-585310">Fighting resumes minutes after Sudan cease-fire</a> 
 
Ireland

The Irish foreign ministry said that it is deploying 12 defence personnel to Djibouti to help evacuate 150 citizens in Sudan.&nbsp; 
 
Spain&nbsp;

On Sunday, the Spanish government said they have flown out 100 people (30 Spanish citizens and 70 others from Europe and Latin America)&nbsp;out of Sudan.&nbsp;Among the other nationalities evacuated were,&nbsp;Argentina, Colombia, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Mexico, and Venezuela, said a&nbsp;foreign ministry statement.&nbsp; 
 
Netherlands 
 
The&nbsp;Dutch defence ministry evacuated over 30 people from Sudan on Monday. Among 32&nbsp;evacuees on board were&nbsp;15 Dutch people while approximately&nbsp;60 Dutch people were flown out&nbsp;through a French evacuation operation. 
 
Sweden

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced&nbsp;that 25 Swedish embassy staff and their relatives have been evacuated from Sudan during the French-coordinated&nbsp;operation.&nbsp;

Other countries

Russia

The Russian ambassador to Sudan told Moscow’s state media that 140 out of roughly 300 citizens said they wanted to leave the conflict-torn country, reported Reuters, on Sunday.&nbsp;

Around 15 people, including a woman and child, are stuck in a Russian Orthodox church close to Khartoum, said the Russian ambassador, adding that while the evacuation plans were made, the implementation remains impossible as it involves crossing the frontlines.&nbsp;

Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan

The Iraqi embassy staff had been evacuated out of Khartoum, on Saturday and were followed by 14 citizens who arrived safely at a “secure site” at Port Sudan the next day.&nbsp;

Lebanon is planning to evacuate some 60 citizens by the sea who had left Khartoum by road and were “safe,” reported AFP.&nbsp;

While some Tunisian nationals were evacuated on Saudi ships, the embassy has said that the rest of the citizens will be extracted, on Monday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-us-military-evacuates-diplomats-from-khartoum-585273">Sudan: US military evacuates diplomats from Khartoum</a>

On Friday, the Libyan embassy in Khartoum said it evacuated some 83 Libyans from the capital who will leave the country from Port Sudan.&nbsp;

Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Sinan Majali said that the country has begun operations to evacuate some 300 of its citizens and is in “continuous cooperation with the UAE and Saudi Arabia for this purpose”.&nbsp;

Egypt&nbsp;

Egypt started evacuating citizens from Port Sudan and the city of Wadi Halfa in the northern part of the country and had earlier said there needed to be a “meticulous, safe and organised” evacuation process for some 10,000 of its citizens from its neighbouring Sudan. 
 
South Africa 
 
South Africa said Monday it had begun evacuating around 40 of its citizens in Sudan. "I can confirm that the operation to evacuate South Africans in Sudan and the staff at the South African embassy there is currently underway. They are being taken to a neighbouring country for safety," foreign affairs spokesman Clayson Monyela told AFP.&nbsp;

South Korea, Japan, Indonesia

South Korea and Japan have deployed forces to nearby countries for possible evacuations. 
 
While Indonesia has said 43 citizens were sheltering inside the embassy compound in Khartoum.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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As the conflict continues to rage in Khartoum between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from the African nation.

As the conflict continues to rage in Khartoum between the Sudanese army and its paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), countries across the world are scrambling to evacuate their citizens from the African nation. The fighting, which suddenly began on April 15 and is now entering its eighth day, has since left thousands of foreign nations including aid workers and diplomats stranded in the conflict-hit country. So far, over 420 people have been killed and thousands wounded as per the United Nations’ estimates, amid fears of wider turmoil and a humanitarian disaster. Where are the evacuations taking place? The warring sides, after several calls from other countries, have agreed to help foreign nationals leave Sudan by road, air and sea. While several efforts are being made by air, others appeared to be via Port Sudan on the Red Sea which is an 850-kilometre drive from Khartoum. ALSO READ | Sudan violence: US suspends operations at Embassy in Khartoum Here’s what we know about some of the evacuations: Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia was the first country to successfully evacuate over 150 people, on Saturday, announcing their arrival in Jeddah. A statement from the foreign ministry said that the evacuation was carried out by the kingdom’s naval forces with assistance from other army units. Among the over 150 people were 91 Saudi citizens and around 66 nationals from 12 other countries – Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Canada and Burkina Faso. Kuwait has reported that all citizens who wished to return home had arrived in Jeddah. ALSO READ | Sudan: France begins evacuation of embassy staff, citizens of 'European and allied partner' nations Qatar also thanked Saudi Arabia for helping evacuate Qatari citizens from Sudan. United States The US military sent three Chinook helicopters which flew from a base in Djibouti with over 100 troops to evacuate the country’s embassy staff and their families from Khartoum. The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said they are suspending embassy operations in Sudan and will continue to assist Americans stuck as local staff remain to support it. Around thousands of Americans and dual nationals are thought to have remained in the country. United Kingdom In a statement on Sunday, UK PM Rishi Sunak said that the country’s armed forces have completed a “complex and rapid evacuation” of British diplomats and their families from Sudan “amid a significant escalation in violence and threats to embassy staff.” Turkey Turkey began its evacuation efforts at dawn on Sunday, taking at least some of its 600 nationals by road from two Khartoum districts. However, their plans from one site in the Sudanese capital were postponed after “explosions” near a mosque which was designated as an assembly point, said the embassy. ALSO READ | Indians stuck in Sudan arrive in Jeddah after safe evacuation India The Indian government is keeping a close eye on the current situation in Sudan. Two Indian Air Force C-130J transport planes are currently on standby in Jeddah while the navy’s INS Sumedha vessel has reached Port Sudan in case a civilian rescue operation is ordered, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an update late Sunday. It added, “Apart from the Sudanese authorities, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Sudan are also in regular touch with the UN, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and US among others.” On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India has started 'Operation Kaveri' to bring back stranded citizens from Sudan. The government had said on Friday that it was focusing on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout Sudan. China On Monday, Beijing's foreign ministry said China has "safely evacuated" the first group of its citizens from Sudan without giving a specific number. A day prior, senior foreign ministry official Wu Xi told state media, that Beijing will "try every means to protect the lives, properties and safety of 1,500 plus Chinese compatriots in Sudan." EU and member nations European Union The European Union has evacuated over 1,000 citizens, said its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, on Monday (April 24). He also thanked France, "especially for taking our people out". According to Borrell, 21 diplomats from the EU's mission in Khartoum were taken out while the EU ambassador had moved outside the capital to elsewhere in Sudan. Notably, seven nations among the 27 member countries of the bloc have missions in Sudan. France France evacuated some 100 people after a “complicated” rescue operation, said French officials. The first plane with people of multiple nationalities left Khartoum on Sunday for Djibouti. Among those evacuated were also citizens of “European and allied partner” nations, said the French foreign ministry. ALSO WATCH | Sudan: Saudi Arabia announces safe evacuation of Indians amid violence A second plane with a similar number is expected to leave on Sunday evening, reported news agencies citing anonymous official sources. Germany Germany started evacuating citizens from Sudan on Sunday "in coordination with our partners”, tweeted the defence and foreign ministries. They also aimed to fly as many German, EU and other nationals with them. So far, Germany managed to evacuate over 300 people from Sudan, out of which the first batch of 101 landed in Berlin on Monday (April 24). Meanwhile, others were flown out of Khartoum in an air force plane, said the German military. Italy Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome was planning to evacuate some 140 Italians and nationals from the EU, Switzerland, and personnel from the Vatican's embassy. Two Italian C-130s transport aircraft, as per plan, landed at Khartoum airport on Sunday, with personnel from the army and Carabinieri paramilitary special forces who will fly the evacuees from Sudan to the Italian military base in Djibouti. ALSO WATCH | Fighting resumes minutes after Sudan cease-fire Ireland The Irish foreign ministry said that it is deploying 12 defence personnel to Djibouti to help evacuate 150 citizens in Sudan. Spain On Sunday, the Spanish government said they have flown out 100 people (30 Spanish citizens and 70 others from Europe and Latin America) out of Sudan. Among the other nationalities evacuated were, Argentina, Colombia, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Mexico, and Venezuela, said a foreign ministry statement. Netherlands The Dutch defence ministry evacuated over 30 people from Sudan on Monday. Among 32 evacuees on board were 15 Dutch people while approximately 60 Dutch people were flown out through a French evacuation operation. Sweden Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that 25 Swedish embassy staff and their relatives have been evacuated from Sudan during the French-coordinated operation. Other countries Russia The Russian ambassador to Sudan told Moscow’s state media that 140 out of roughly 300 citizens said they wanted to leave the conflict-torn country, reported Reuters, on Sunday. Around 15 people, including a woman and child, are stuck in a Russian Orthodox church close to Khartoum, said the Russian ambassador, adding that while the evacuation plans were made, the implementation remains impossible as it involves crossing the frontlines. Iraq, Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan The Iraqi embassy staff had been evacuated out of Khartoum, on Saturday and were followed by 14 citizens who arrived safely at a “secure site” at Port Sudan the next day. Lebanon is planning to evacuate some 60 citizens by the sea who had left Khartoum by road and were “safe,” reported AFP. While some Tunisian nationals were evacuated on Saudi ships, the embassy has said that the rest of the citizens will be extracted, on Monday. ALSO WATCH | Sudan: US military evacuates diplomats from Khartoum On Friday, the Libyan embassy in Khartoum said it evacuated some 83 Libyans from the capital who will leave the country from Port Sudan. Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Sinan Majali said that the country has begun operations to evacuate some 300 of its citizens and is in “continuous cooperation with the UAE and Saudi Arabia for this purpose”. Egypt Egypt started evacuating citizens from Port Sudan and the city of Wadi Halfa in the northern part of the country and had earlier said there needed to be a “meticulous, safe and organised” evacuation process for some 10,000 of its citizens from its neighbouring Sudan. South Africa South Africa said Monday it had begun evacuating around 40 of its citizens in Sudan. "I can confirm that the operation to evacuate South Africans in Sudan and the staff at the South African embassy there is currently underway. They are being taken to a neighbouring country for safety," foreign affairs spokesman Clayson Monyela told AFP. South Korea, Japan, Indonesia South Korea and Japan have deployed forces to nearby countries for possible evacuations. While Indonesia has said 43 citizens were sheltering inside the embassy compound in Khartoum. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. 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Explained: How foreign countries are evacuating their citizens from conflict-hit Sudan

Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan set up the checkpoint after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.&nbsp;

The checkpoint might cause an escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Union countries which have fought two wars in 2020 and in the 1990s over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region in question is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, however, is home to predominantly ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire where Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. However, Baku has argued that it had to establish the checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh for what is seemingly suggested was Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons.&nbsp;

<h2>War of words over the checkpoint</h2>

Azerbaijan said it built the checkpoint following “threats and provocations” from Armenia, which has since denied these claims.&nbsp;

Baku said that the checkpoint was established at 12:00 pm (local time) “to prevent the illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, mines,” adding that it will “be implemented in interaction with the Russian peacekeeping force.”

The foreign ministry, in a statement, also said, “Providing border security, as well as ensuring safe traffic on the road, is the prerogative of the government of Azerbaijan, and an essential prerequisite for national security, state sovereignty and the rule of law.”&nbsp;

Baku authorities alleged that they recorded military convoys entering Azerbaijan’s territory for&nbsp;“construction of military infrastructure...at the point closest to the territory of Azerbaijan”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Armenian foreign ministry, in response to these allegations, said that the claim was “far-fetched” and called the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;

“We call on the Russian Federation to ultimately implement the trilateral statement,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. This comes as Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine as well as a confrontation with the West.

<h2>Russia urges both countries to comply with&nbsp;ceasefire agreement</h2>

Addressing the situation with arose on Sunday over the&nbsp;2020 ceasefire agreement, Russia expressed "serious concerns" over the&nbsp;escalating tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters,&nbsp;there was "no alternative" to the agreement and said it was working with both&nbsp;Baku and Yerevan over the "really difficult" situation.&nbsp;

<h2>Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other </h2>

In recent months, several servicemen have been killed from both sides amid clashes. Armenia’s defence ministry said a soldier named Artyom Poghosyan was killed at around 0750 GMT when Azeri forces opened fire on an Armenian position in&nbsp;

On the other hand, Azerbaijan denied the attack and later said it was responding to enemy fire by Armenian soldiers fired on Azeri units at around 1110 GMT in the Lachin district. The claim has since been denied by Armenia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement.

Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan set up the checkpoint after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces. The checkpoint might cause an escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Union countries which have fought two wars in 2020 and in the 1990s over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region in question is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, however, is home to predominantly ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire where Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. However, Baku has argued that it had to establish the checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh for what is seemingly suggested was Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons. War of words over the checkpoint Azerbaijan said it built the checkpoint following “threats and provocations” from Armenia, which has since denied these claims. Baku said that the checkpoint was established at 12:00 pm (local time) “to prevent the illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, mines,” adding that it will “be implemented in interaction with the Russian peacekeeping force.” The foreign ministry, in a statement, also said, “Providing border security, as well as ensuring safe traffic on the road, is the prerogative of the government of Azerbaijan, and an essential prerequisite for national security, state sovereignty and the rule of law.” Baku authorities alleged that they recorded military convoys entering Azerbaijan’s territory for “construction of military infrastructure...at the point closest to the territory of Azerbaijan”. Meanwhile, the Armenian foreign ministry, in response to these allegations, said that the claim was “far-fetched” and called the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. “We call on the Russian Federation to ultimately implement the trilateral statement,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. This comes as Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine as well as a confrontation with the West. Russia urges both countries to comply with ceasefire agreement Addressing the situation with arose on Sunday over the 2020 ceasefire agreement, Russia expressed "serious concerns" over the escalating tensions between the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, there was "no alternative" to the agreement and said it was working with both Baku and Yerevan over the "really difficult" situation. Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other In recent months, several servicemen have been killed from both sides amid clashes. Armenia’s defence ministry said a soldier named Artyom Poghosyan was killed at around 0750 GMT when Azeri forces opened fire on an Armenian position in On the other hand, Azerbaijan denied the attack and later said it was responding to enemy fire by Armenian soldiers fired on Azeri units at around 1110 GMT in the Lachin district. The claim has since been denied by Armenia. (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.

Azerbaijan sets up checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and disputed Nagorno-Karabakh

Russian officials, on Sunday (April 23) said visas were never issued for their country’s media representatives who were supposed to accompany the foreign minister for the upcoming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York, United States. This comes as Moscow has taken over the presidency of the UNSC&nbsp;in April which Kyiv has said was a “slap in the face”.&nbsp;

Russia fumes over US’ move

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, on Sunday, took to the messaging app, Telegram and said, “Speaking about the US real treatment of journalists. There are 40 minutes left before their departure. They (journalists) are all at the airport. They have no visas. The US Embassy replied to a our relevant request that ‘they work on it’”.&nbsp;

She added, “It’s an obvious manipulation of the freedom of speech and infringement on the rights of journalists.” Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, “We won't forget, we will not forgive this,” referring to Washington’s supposed move. He also denounced it as a “stupid” failure of the US to give visas to Russian journalists.&nbsp;

“A country that calls itself the strongest, smartest, freest and fairest, chickened out,” said the Russian foreign minister, as per AFP, adding that this shows “the worth of their solemn assurances on freedom of speech.” This comes as Moscow has strongly tightened conditions to obtain the accreditations needed to get journalist visas in Russia.&nbsp;

Washington is yet to respond to these allegations.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign minister is said to chair several UNSC meetings in New York. However, Moscow’s UNSC presidency has drawn criticism from Kyiv which has previously called it a “slap in the face”.&nbsp;

Russia warns of retaliatory steps

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, “We will find formats to respond to this so that the Americans remember for a long time that such things must not be done,” he was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

Citing a Russian diplomatic source, TASS reported that the US should not doubt that American journalists will feel maximally uncomfortable after Washington’s non-issuance of visas to Russian journalists.&nbsp;

Russian journalists also told news agency TASS that the US embassy in Moscow has not yet returned their passports and claimed they were invited to the embassy on visa-related matters on April 22 before the minister’s departure.&nbsp;

No plans for Lavrov-Blinken meeting&nbsp;

“There are no such plans. As a matter of fact, we have no agenda to be discussed by the ministers at this point,” said Ryabkov, on Sunday, ahead of the Russian delegation’s departure to New York, when asked about a possible meeting between the Russian foreign minister and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russian officials, on Sunday (April 23) said visas were never issued for their country’s media representatives who were supposed to accompany the foreign minister for the upcoming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York, United States.

Russian officials, on Sunday (April 23) said visas were never issued for their country’s media representatives who were supposed to accompany the foreign minister for the upcoming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York, United States. This comes as Moscow has taken over the presidency of the UNSC in April which Kyiv has said was a “slap in the face”. Russia fumes over US’ move Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, on Sunday, took to the messaging app, Telegram and said, “Speaking about the US real treatment of journalists. There are 40 minutes left before their departure. They (journalists) are all at the airport. They have no visas. The US Embassy replied to a our relevant request that ‘they work on it’”. She added, “It’s an obvious manipulation of the freedom of speech and infringement on the rights of journalists.” Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, “We won't forget, we will not forgive this,” referring to Washington’s supposed move. He also denounced it as a “stupid” failure of the US to give visas to Russian journalists. “A country that calls itself the strongest, smartest, freest and fairest, chickened out,” said the Russian foreign minister, as per AFP, adding that this shows “the worth of their solemn assurances on freedom of speech.” This comes as Moscow has strongly tightened conditions to obtain the accreditations needed to get journalist visas in Russia. Washington is yet to respond to these allegations. The Russian foreign minister is said to chair several UNSC meetings in New York. However, Moscow’s UNSC presidency has drawn criticism from Kyiv which has previously called it a “slap in the face”. Russia warns of retaliatory steps Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, “We will find formats to respond to this so that the Americans remember for a long time that such things must not be done,” he was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. Citing a Russian diplomatic source, TASS reported that the US should not doubt that American journalists will feel maximally uncomfortable after Washington’s non-issuance of visas to Russian journalists. Russian journalists also told news agency TASS that the US embassy in Moscow has not yet returned their passports and claimed they were invited to the embassy on visa-related matters on April 22 before the minister’s departure. No plans for Lavrov-Blinken meeting “There are no such plans. As a matter of fact, we have no agenda to be discussed by the ministers at this point,” said Ryabkov, on Sunday, ahead of the Russian delegation’s departure to New York, when asked about a possible meeting between the Russian foreign minister and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. (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.

‘We will not forgive’: Moscow fumes after US allegedly denied visas to Russian journalists for UN visit

China’s ambassador to France has sparked anger and dismay among eastern European countries after questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries including Ukraine. The Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye, in an interview on Friday (April 22) seemingly suggested that countries that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union are not really sovereign.&nbsp;

What did the Chinese envoy say?

Speaking with France’s LCI news channel, Shaye said, “These ex-USSR countries don’t have actual status in international law because there is no international agreement to materialize their sovereign status.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-raises-concerns-over-taiwan-amid-talks-with-china-585129">Philippines raises concerns over 'escalating tensions' Taiwan Strait amid talks with China</a>

The remarks were made after he was asked whether he believes Crimea is part of Ukraine or not. Crimea was annexed by Russia back in 2014. The Chinese ambassador, in this context, also said, “it depends on how you look at the problem. There's history. Crimea was Russian at the start.”

These comments have not only cast doubt not just on Ukraine which is in the midst of an invasion by Russia but on most eastern European countries which emerged as independent nations after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of which are also members of the European Union.

How have the countries reacted?

After the interview, France and eastern European countries released statements in response to the Chinese envoy’s comments. Paris, late Saturday, stated its “full solidarity” with all the allied countries affected, which it said had acquired their independence “after decades of oppression”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-doesnt-want-to-please-anyone-over-ukraine-stance-faces-protests-amid-visit-in-lisbon-585175">Brazil’s Lula doesn’t want to ‘please anyone’ over Ukraine stance, faces protests amid visit in Lisbon</a>

The French foreign ministry also said that it had “learned with consternation about the statements from the ambassador.” It added, “It remains up to China to say whether these statements reflect its position which we hope not to be the case.”

Following the interview,&nbsp;Ukraine condemned what it called “absurd” comments from the Chinese ambassador. On Sunday, the&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said the status of post-Soviet countries was “enshrined in international law”.&nbsp;

He added, "It is strange to hear an absurd version of the ‘history of Crimea’ from a representative of a country&nbsp;that is scrupulous about its 1,000-year history.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-fencing-along-russian-border-amid-security-concerns-after-joining-nato-585059">Finland fencing along Russian border amid security concerns after joining NATO</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Latvia’s foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “Remarks by the Chinese Ambassador in France concerning international law and sovereignty of nations are completely unacceptable. We expect (an) explanation from the Chinese side and complete retraction of this statement.”

Additionally, his Lithuanian counterpart, Gabrielius Landsbergis said, “If anyone is still wondering why the Baltic States don't trust China to 'broker peace in Ukraine', here's a Chinese ambassador arguing that Crimea is Russian and our countries' borders have no legal basis,” reported AFP.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Estonian foreign minister,&nbsp;Margus Tsahkna, also called Shaye's comments&nbsp;“false and a misinterpretation of history.” The three&nbsp;Baltic countries have reportedly said that they would&nbsp;each summon China’s ambassador or representative for an explanation of the envoy’s comments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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China’s ambassador to France has sparked anger and dismay among eastern European countries after questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries including Ukraine.

China’s ambassador to France has sparked anger and dismay among eastern European countries after questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet countries including Ukraine. The Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye, in an interview on Friday (April 22) seemingly suggested that countries that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union are not really sovereign. What did the Chinese envoy say? Speaking with France’s LCI news channel, Shaye said, “These ex-USSR countries don’t have actual status in international law because there is no international agreement to materialize their sovereign status.” ALSO READ | Philippines raises concerns over 'escalating tensions' Taiwan Strait amid talks with China The remarks were made after he was asked whether he believes Crimea is part of Ukraine or not. Crimea was annexed by Russia back in 2014. The Chinese ambassador, in this context, also said, “it depends on how you look at the problem. There's history. Crimea was Russian at the start.” These comments have not only cast doubt not just on Ukraine which is in the midst of an invasion by Russia but on most eastern European countries which emerged as independent nations after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of which are also members of the European Union. How have the countries reacted? After the interview, France and eastern European countries released statements in response to the Chinese envoy’s comments. Paris, late Saturday, stated its “full solidarity” with all the allied countries affected, which it said had acquired their independence “after decades of oppression”. ALSO READ | Brazil’s Lula doesn’t want to ‘please anyone’ over Ukraine stance, faces protests amid visit in Lisbon The French foreign ministry also said that it had “learned with consternation about the statements from the ambassador.” It added, “It remains up to China to say whether these statements reflect its position which we hope not to be the case.” Following the interview, Ukraine condemned what it called “absurd” comments from the Chinese ambassador. On Sunday, the Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said the status of post-Soviet countries was “enshrined in international law”. He added, "It is strange to hear an absurd version of the ‘history of Crimea’ from a representative of a country that is scrupulous about its 1,000-year history.” ALSO READ | Finland fencing along Russian border amid security concerns after joining NATO Meanwhile, Latvia’s foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics took to Twitter and wrote, “Remarks by the Chinese Ambassador in France concerning international law and sovereignty of nations are completely unacceptable. We expect (an) explanation from the Chinese side and complete retraction of this statement.” Additionally, his Lithuanian counterpart, Gabrielius Landsbergis said, “If anyone is still wondering why the Baltic States don't trust China to 'broker peace in Ukraine', here's a Chinese ambassador arguing that Crimea is Russian and our countries' borders have no legal basis,” reported AFP. The Estonian foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, also called Shaye's comments “false and a misinterpretation of history.” The three Baltic countries have reportedly said that they would each summon China’s ambassador or representative for an explanation of the envoy’s comments. (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.

Chinese ambassador questions sovereignty of former Soviet countries; France, Ukraine, Baltic nations dismayed

The recently elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered criticism over his stance on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said he does not want to “please anyone” with his views about the conflict, on Saturday (April 22), amid his five-day visit to Portugal.&nbsp;

What did Lula say in Lisbon?

The statement came after he arrived a day prior, in Portugal, and was faced with protests as many stood waving Ukrainian flags and holding photographs depicting conflict atrocities outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon.&nbsp;

Lula’s stance has not only angered the people in Lisbon but also the West and Kyiv for suggesting Ukraine and Russia are to blame for the conflict that began over a year ago. Addressing the press&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Portuguese capital, on Saturday, beginning his first visit to Europe after&nbsp;being elected president he called for a “negotiated” settlement between Kyiv and Moscow.&nbsp;

“While my government condemns the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, we support a negotiated political solution to the conflict,” said Lula, following a meeting with the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He added, “Brazil does not want to take part in this war. Brazil wants to create peace.”

Last week, the Brazilian president faced criticism&nbsp;after he said the United States and its European allies should stop supplying arms to Ukraine as they are prolonging the war. “If you are not making peace, you are contributing to war,” said Lula.&nbsp; 
 
Subsequently, the White House accused him&nbsp;of “parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda”, while the Ukrainian government has criticised the Brazilian president for treating "the victim and the aggressor” the same way.

Protests in Lisbon over Lula’s visit

Portugal is a founding member of NATO and also sent military aid to Ukraine while the country’s president has previously said that Kyiv had the right to defend itself. On Saturday, Rebelo de Sousa also acknowledged that Portugal has a “different position” on the ongoing conflict adding that “for a road to peace to become a possibility, Ukraine must first have the right to respond to the invasion.”

The capital city of Portugal witnessed protests, on Friday, after many gathered outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon over Lula’s recent remarks. 
 
A Ukrainian refugee named Yana Kolomiiets who was among the protesters and had been in Portugal for four months and said she felt “terrible” after hearing Lula’s comments last week, reported Reuters. The 27-year-old also said, “It has made me so upset because I don't know how the president of Brazil can support (Russian President Vladimir) Putin…this killer.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The recently elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered criticism over his stance on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said he does not want to “please anyone” with his views about the conflict, on Saturday (April 22), amid his five-day visit to Portugal.

The recently elected Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has garnered criticism over his stance on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and said he does not want to “please anyone” with his views about the conflict, on Saturday (April 22), amid his five-day visit to Portugal. What did Lula say in Lisbon? The statement came after he arrived a day prior, in Portugal, and was faced with protests as many stood waving Ukrainian flags and holding photographs depicting conflict atrocities outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon. Lula’s stance has not only angered the people in Lisbon but also the West and Kyiv for suggesting Ukraine and Russia are to blame for the conflict that began over a year ago. Addressing the press in the Portuguese capital, on Saturday, beginning his first visit to Europe after being elected president he called for a “negotiated” settlement between Kyiv and Moscow. “While my government condemns the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, we support a negotiated political solution to the conflict,” said Lula, following a meeting with the Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He added, “Brazil does not want to take part in this war. Brazil wants to create peace.” Last week, the Brazilian president faced criticism after he said the United States and its European allies should stop supplying arms to Ukraine as they are prolonging the war. “If you are not making peace, you are contributing to war,” said Lula. Subsequently, the White House accused him of “parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda”, while the Ukrainian government has criticised the Brazilian president for treating "the victim and the aggressor” the same way. Protests in Lisbon over Lula’s visit Portugal is a founding member of NATO and also sent military aid to Ukraine while the country’s president has previously said that Kyiv had the right to defend itself. On Saturday, Rebelo de Sousa also acknowledged that Portugal has a “different position” on the ongoing conflict adding that “for a road to peace to become a possibility, Ukraine must first have the right to respond to the invasion.” The capital city of Portugal witnessed protests, on Friday, after many gathered outside the Brazilian embassy in Lisbon over Lula’s recent remarks. A Ukrainian refugee named Yana Kolomiiets who was among the protesters and had been in Portugal for four months and said she felt “terrible” after hearing Lula’s comments last week, reported Reuters. The 27-year-old also said, “It has made me so upset because I don't know how the president of Brazil can support (Russian President Vladimir) Putin…this killer.” (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.

Brazil’s Lula doesn’t want to ‘please anyone’ over Ukraine stance, faces protests amid visit in Lisbon

More than 3,000 people in the Russian city of Belgorod were evacuated after another explosive object was found at the site where Moscow’s warplane accidentally fired a weapon which caused a blast, on April 20. The evacuation took place on Saturday (April 22) and a couple of hours later people returned home after the explosive was disposed of.&nbsp;

Around 3,000 people evacuated

Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov took to messaging app Telegram, on Saturday and said that the Russian military’s explosive technicians have found “an explosive object” and decided to “disarm it at the range.” The range that the governor was referring to was a training ground.&nbsp;

“The operational headquarters decided to evacuate 17 apartment buildings within a radius of 200 metres. According to preliminary data, it is more than 3,000 people. Anyone who needs help with temporary accommodation, it will be provided,” said Gladkov, on Saturday, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

Hours later the governor said that people had started to return to their homes after the “shell” was removed from the area.&nbsp;

Russian jet accidentally fires weapon

The evacuation came days after a Su-34, a supersonic fighter-bomber jet accidentally fired a weapon in Belgorod which is near the border with Ukraine. This incident took place amid what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Kyiv.&nbsp;

After reports of an explosion in the Russian city, Moscow’s defence ministry released a statement saying that when a “Su-34 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces was performing a flight above the city of Belgorod, an emergency release of an air ordnance occurred.”&nbsp;

The accidental discharge of aviation ammunition at the time had damaged some buildings and injured at least three people, as per media reports. However, the governor later said four cars and four apartment buildings were damaged while the blast had also left a crater measuring 20 metres across one of the main streets in the Russian city.&nbsp;

While footage of the site shows piles of concrete on the street, several damaged cars and a building with broken windows, reported Reuters, adding that one video also showed what appeared to be a car upside down on the roof of a store.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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More than 3,000 people in the Russian city of Belgorod were evacuated after another explosive object was found at the site where Moscow’s warplane accidentally fired a weapon which caused a blast, on April 20.

More than 3,000 people in the Russian city of Belgorod were evacuated after another explosive object was found at the site where Moscow’s warplane accidentally fired a weapon which caused a blast, on April 20. The evacuation took place on Saturday (April 22) and a couple of hours later people returned home after the explosive was disposed of. Around 3,000 people evacuated Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov took to messaging app Telegram, on Saturday and said that the Russian military’s explosive technicians have found “an explosive object” and decided to “disarm it at the range.” The range that the governor was referring to was a training ground. “The operational headquarters decided to evacuate 17 apartment buildings within a radius of 200 metres. According to preliminary data, it is more than 3,000 people. Anyone who needs help with temporary accommodation, it will be provided,” said Gladkov, on Saturday, as per Reuters. Hours later the governor said that people had started to return to their homes after the “shell” was removed from the area. Russian jet accidentally fires weapon The evacuation came days after a Su-34, a supersonic fighter-bomber jet accidentally fired a weapon in Belgorod which is near the border with Ukraine. This incident took place amid what Moscow calls its “special military operation” in Kyiv. After reports of an explosion in the Russian city, Moscow’s defence ministry released a statement saying that when a “Su-34 plane of the Russian Aerospace Forces was performing a flight above the city of Belgorod, an emergency release of an air ordnance occurred.” The accidental discharge of aviation ammunition at the time had damaged some buildings and injured at least three people, as per media reports. However, the governor later said four cars and four apartment buildings were damaged while the blast had also left a crater measuring 20 metres across one of the main streets in the Russian city. While footage of the site shows piles of concrete on the street, several damaged cars and a building with broken windows, reported Reuters, adding that one video also showed what appeared to be a car upside down on the roof of a store. (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.

More than 3,000 residents evacuated from Russia's Belgorod over bomb scare, return home

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