US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (March 16) vowed to broaden support for violence-ridden Sahel region in Africa beyond just security. He pitched the United States as a better partner than Russia which is seeking to broaden its footprint in the region.

Speaking to AFP on the highest-level visit ever by a US official to Niger, Blinken called for moving on from what was often seen as a military-first approach by the United States and former colonial power France, which wound up a controversial nine-year operation in Mali in November.

"We're in the midst of building something relatively new," Blinken said in an interview late Thursday in the capital Niamey.

"We absolutely have to have a holistic, comprehensive approach in which security is absolutely necessary but is not enough."

"The fact that Niger, which is obviously one of the poorest countries on earth, is doing this so effectively, I think only underscores the importance of taking this comprehensive approach."

Blinken made announcement of USD 150 million in a fresh humanitarian aid to Niger. The secretary of state highlighted US support for a programme to rehabilitate former extremists as well as a major US initiative to improve irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture&nbsp;

But Blinken acknowledged the desire for security ties with Niger, where the United States has stationed forces and built Air Base 201 in the desert to fly drones deep into the Sahel.&nbsp;

France also maintains more than 1,000 troops under a long-running anti-jihadist mission, which is being reconfigured following its pullout from neighbouring Mali.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (March 16) vowed to broaden support for violence-ridden Sahel region in Africa beyond just security. He pitched the United States as a better partner than Russia which is seeking to broaden its footprint in the region.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday (March 16) vowed to broaden support for violence-ridden Sahel region in Africa beyond just security. He pitched the United States as a better partner than Russia which is seeking to broaden its footprint in the region. Speaking to AFP on the highest-level visit ever by a US official to Niger, Blinken called for moving on from what was often seen as a military-first approach by the United States and former colonial power France, which wound up a controversial nine-year operation in Mali in November. "We're in the midst of building something relatively new," Blinken said in an interview late Thursday in the capital Niamey. "We absolutely have to have a holistic, comprehensive approach in which security is absolutely necessary but is not enough." "The fact that Niger, which is obviously one of the poorest countries on earth, is doing this so effectively, I think only underscores the importance of taking this comprehensive approach." Blinken made announcement of USD 150 million in a fresh humanitarian aid to Niger. The secretary of state highlighted US support for a programme to rehabilitate former extremists as well as a major US initiative to improve irrigation and climate-resilient agriculture But Blinken acknowledged the desire for security ties with Niger, where the United States has stationed forces and built Air Base 201 in the desert to fly drones deep into the Sahel. France also maintains more than 1,000 troops under a long-running anti-jihadist mission, which is being reconfigured following its pullout from neighbouring Mali. (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 ×

US a better partner than Russia in Sahel region: Anthony Blinken

The Kremlin as well as Beijing have recently confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia from March 20 to 22. This comes weeks after Beijing proposed a 12-point peace plan urging both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation. Similarly, a report by the Wall Street Journal, earlier this week, also suggested that Xi may hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which would be the first time since Moscow began its “special military operation” in Kyiv.&nbsp;

China’s role in the conflict

China had garnered criticism for its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine particularly as the conflict had crossed its one-year mark. This came as Beijing had and still refuses to criticise Moscow but opted for what might be viewed as a neutral stance as it continues to urge that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations be upheld. In late February, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said American intelligence suggests China is considering supplying military aid to Moscow.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/can-china-broker-peace-between-russia-and-ukraine-after-its-success-with-saudi-arabia-iran-572689">Can China broker peace between Russia and Ukraine after its success with Saudi Arabia &amp; Iran?</a> 
 
In an interview with NBC, Blinken also said that China is “trying to have it both ways,” where “publicly, they present themselves as a country striving for peace in Ukraine, but privately, as I said, we’ve seen already over these past months the provision of non-lethal assistance that does go directly to aiding and abetting Russia’s war effort.”

However, the claim was quickly dismissed while China accused the US of “fanning flames and stoking confrontations” as it continues to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons. In response, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi had also said, Beijing would “never accept finger-pointing and even coercion and pressure on China-Russia relations.”&nbsp;

A week or so later, on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Beijing released a 12-point peace plan in a foreign ministry paper. In the peace plan the ministry had stated, “All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-set-to-visit-russia-from-march-20-22-kremlin-confirms-572906">Xi Jinping set to visit Russia from March 20-22, on trip ‘for friendship and peace’</a>

It added, “Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis” and that China would play a “constructive role,” without mentioning what that would entail. Notably, China has refrained from condemning Russia for its actions or referring to its “special military operation” as an invasion but has criticised Western sanctions imposed against Moscow.&nbsp;

Why would China want to mediate?

China had also garnered criticism from the West about supposedly defending Moscow and not doing enough to address the issues around it. Analysts, as per Reuters say that this would be Beijing’s way of deflecting some of that backlash and even if they cannot achieve a quick breakthrough it is a low-cost venture which can yield high returns for China.&nbsp;

Additionally, China also recently mediated talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia and struck a peace deal where the two countries have now decided to re-establish relations after seven years of hostility which had previously threatened the stability and security in the Gulf.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-poland-slovakia-to-send-13-mig-29-fighter-jets-to-war-torn-ukraine-572961">After Poland, Slovakia to send 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine; Kremlin reacts</a>

“This is a victory for dialogue, a victory for peace, offering major good news at a time of much turbulence in the world”, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi had said at the time. Notably, the deal was seen as a landmark diplomatic win for China in a region where the geopolitical scenario had previously been dominated by the US.&nbsp;

Wang also said that China as a “good-faith and reliable mediator” has “faithfully fulfilled its duties as the host”. He added, Beijing will continue to play a constructive role in handling hotspot issues of the world and demonstrate its responsibility as a major nation and that the world is not just limited to the “Ukraine issue”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-defence-minister-awards-pilots-involved-in-downing-of-us-drone-over-black-sea-573006">Russian defence minister honours pilots involved in downing of US drone over Black Sea</a>

As per Reuters, analysts have said that under Xi’s stewardship, Beijing is attempting to project itself as a responsible power where the Chinese president “would want to be seen on the global stage as a statesman whose influence at least equals that of the US leader,” said Wang Jiangyu, a law professor at the City University of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Will China be an ‘honest broker’?

Last year, weeks before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Xi had hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for the Winter Olympics where the two countries had issued a joint statement committing to their “no limits” friendship.&nbsp;

Therefore, since China proposed its peace deal it has been met with deep scepticism given its “no-limits” friendship with Moscow, many have questioned if it can be an honest broker between Russia and Ukraine. After the 12-point plan was released, charge d’affaires at the Ukrainian embassy in Beijing, Zhanna Leshchynska, said that it was a “good sign” but questioned China’s neutrality.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/xi-jinping-to-visit-russia-in-show-of-support-for-vladimir-putin-573029">Xi Jinping to visit Russia in show of support for Vladimir Putin</a>

“If it is neutrality, then China should talk to both sides, Russia and Ukraine. Now we see the Chinese side mostly talking with Russia, but not Ukraine,” said Zhanna. She added that Kyiv will not agree to anything which keeps “Ukrainian territories occupied” and “puts our people at the aggressor’s mercy”.&nbsp;

Similarly, an international security expert Li Mingjiang dismissed the proposal as China’s “attempt at public relations”. He added, “I'm not convinced that this policy is going to improve their credibility in being an honest broker.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-xi-to-sign-declaration-as-russia-china-ties-enter-new-era-kremlin-573041">Putin, Xi to sign declaration as Russia-China ties enter 'new era': Kremlin</a>

It is also worth noting that since the conflict began Beijing has called for peace but at the same time backed the Russian position of NATO being a threat to Moscow with its eastward expansion. Meanwhile, it has also accused the West of fanning the flames of the conflict by supplying Ukraine with military aid.&nbsp;

In this context, some have also called on Beijing to clarify its stance, “China feels it necessary to repeat its self-perceived neutrality at this juncture, to save some international inference by not only criticising NATO but also distinguishing itself from Russia’s behaviour,” said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Beijing’s Renmin University, as per Sky News.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-made-weaponised-drone-shot-down-by-ukrainian-forces-572990">Chinese-made retrofitted, weaponised drone shot down by Ukrainian forces</a>

“China doesn't have much credibility because they have not been able to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last month after the deal was announced. While China may not have “credibility” as an honest broker, experts believe that it is in a better position to mediate than Turkey as it holds some leverage over both Russia and Ukraine. &nbsp;

Currently, China can be viewed as Russia’s most important ally as not only has it been buying oil from Moscow it also provided a market for its goods after they were sanctioned by Western countries. On the other hand, a Russia expert at Oxford University, Samuel Ramani also spoke about Beijing’s leverage over Ukraine which includes not losing their chances of Chinese support for its reconstruction, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-ukraine-and-russia-to-restart-peace-talks-as-soon-as-possible-572746">China urges Ukraine and Russia to restart peace talks 'as soon as possible'</a>

Additionally, after Russia had annexed Crimea in 2014, Beijing increased trade with Ukraine and did not recognise the annexed territory as Russian, said Ramani. He added, “Most importantly, Zelensky does not want to provoke China so much that they start arming Russia”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Kremlin as well as Beijing have recently confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia from March 20 to 22. This comes weeks after Beijing proposed a 12-point peace plan urging both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation.

The Kremlin as well as Beijing have recently confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia from March 20 to 22. This comes weeks after Beijing proposed a 12-point peace plan urging both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation. Similarly, a report by the Wall Street Journal, earlier this week, also suggested that Xi may hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which would be the first time since Moscow began its “special military operation” in Kyiv. China’s role in the conflict China had garnered criticism for its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine particularly as the conflict had crossed its one-year mark. This came as Beijing had and still refuses to criticise Moscow but opted for what might be viewed as a neutral stance as it continues to urge that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations be upheld. In late February, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said American intelligence suggests China is considering supplying military aid to Moscow. ALSO WATCH | Can China broker peace between Russia and Ukraine after its success with Saudi Arabia & Iran? In an interview with NBC, Blinken also said that China is “trying to have it both ways,” where “publicly, they present themselves as a country striving for peace in Ukraine, but privately, as I said, we’ve seen already over these past months the provision of non-lethal assistance that does go directly to aiding and abetting Russia’s war effort.” However, the claim was quickly dismissed while China accused the US of “fanning flames and stoking confrontations” as it continues to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons. In response, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi had also said, Beijing would “never accept finger-pointing and even coercion and pressure on China-Russia relations.” A week or so later, on the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Beijing released a 12-point peace plan in a foreign ministry paper. In the peace plan the ministry had stated, “All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control.” ALSO READ | Xi Jinping set to visit Russia from March 20-22, on trip ‘for friendship and peace’ It added, “Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis” and that China would play a “constructive role,” without mentioning what that would entail. Notably, China has refrained from condemning Russia for its actions or referring to its “special military operation” as an invasion but has criticised Western sanctions imposed against Moscow. Why would China want to mediate? China had also garnered criticism from the West about supposedly defending Moscow and not doing enough to address the issues around it. Analysts, as per Reuters say that this would be Beijing’s way of deflecting some of that backlash and even if they cannot achieve a quick breakthrough it is a low-cost venture which can yield high returns for China. Additionally, China also recently mediated talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia and struck a peace deal where the two countries have now decided to re-establish relations after seven years of hostility which had previously threatened the stability and security in the Gulf. ALSO READ | After Poland, Slovakia to send 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine; Kremlin reacts “This is a victory for dialogue, a victory for peace, offering major good news at a time of much turbulence in the world”, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi had said at the time. Notably, the deal was seen as a landmark diplomatic win for China in a region where the geopolitical scenario had previously been dominated by the US. Wang also said that China as a “good-faith and reliable mediator” has “faithfully fulfilled its duties as the host”. He added, Beijing will continue to play a constructive role in handling hotspot issues of the world and demonstrate its responsibility as a major nation and that the world is not just limited to the “Ukraine issue”. ALSO READ | Russian defence minister honours pilots involved in downing of US drone over Black Sea As per Reuters, analysts have said that under Xi’s stewardship, Beijing is attempting to project itself as a responsible power where the Chinese president “would want to be seen on the global stage as a statesman whose influence at least equals that of the US leader,” said Wang Jiangyu, a law professor at the City University of Hong Kong. Will China be an ‘honest broker’? Last year, weeks before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Xi had hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing for the Winter Olympics where the two countries had issued a joint statement committing to their “no limits” friendship. Therefore, since China proposed its peace deal it has been met with deep scepticism given its “no-limits” friendship with Moscow, many have questioned if it can be an honest broker between Russia and Ukraine. After the 12-point plan was released, charge d’affaires at the Ukrainian embassy in Beijing, Zhanna Leshchynska, said that it was a “good sign” but questioned China’s neutrality. ALSO WATCH | Xi Jinping to visit Russia in show of support for Vladimir Putin “If it is neutrality, then China should talk to both sides, Russia and Ukraine. Now we see the Chinese side mostly talking with Russia, but not Ukraine,” said Zhanna. She added that Kyiv will not agree to anything which keeps “Ukrainian territories occupied” and “puts our people at the aggressor’s mercy”. Similarly, an international security expert Li Mingjiang dismissed the proposal as China’s “attempt at public relations”. He added, “I'm not convinced that this policy is going to improve their credibility in being an honest broker.” ALSO READ | Putin, Xi to sign declaration as Russia-China ties enter 'new era': Kremlin It is also worth noting that since the conflict began Beijing has called for peace but at the same time backed the Russian position of NATO being a threat to Moscow with its eastward expansion. Meanwhile, it has also accused the West of fanning the flames of the conflict by supplying Ukraine with military aid. In this context, some have also called on Beijing to clarify its stance, “China feels it necessary to repeat its self-perceived neutrality at this juncture, to save some international inference by not only criticising NATO but also distinguishing itself from Russia’s behaviour,” said Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Beijing’s Renmin University, as per Sky News. ALSO READ | Chinese-made retrofitted, weaponised drone shot down by Ukrainian forces “China doesn't have much credibility because they have not been able to condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said last month after the deal was announced. While China may not have “credibility” as an honest broker, experts believe that it is in a better position to mediate than Turkey as it holds some leverage over both Russia and Ukraine. Currently, China can be viewed as Russia’s most important ally as not only has it been buying oil from Moscow it also provided a market for its goods after they were sanctioned by Western countries. On the other hand, a Russia expert at Oxford University, Samuel Ramani also spoke about Beijing’s leverage over Ukraine which includes not losing their chances of Chinese support for its reconstruction, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | China urges Ukraine and Russia to restart peace talks 'as soon as possible' Additionally, after Russia had annexed Crimea in 2014, Beijing increased trade with Ukraine and did not recognise the annexed territory as Russian, said Ramani. He added, “Most importantly, Zelensky does not want to provoke China so much that they start arming Russia”. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Can China be an ‘honest broker’ for peace amid Russia-Ukraine conflict?

As the world focuses its attention on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow, as per reports, has nefarious plans to destabilise another neighbour: Moldova. This revelation has been made by the uncovering of secret plans that goes into detail about how Moldova could be destabilised. The clandestine document as per CNN was "obtained and first disclosed by a consortium of media, including VSquare and Frontstory, RISE Moldova, Expressen in Sweden, the Dossier Centre for Investigative Journalism and other outlets." The document which, as per the report, was written in 2021 by the Russian security service FSB, lays out a detailed plan to go about the destabilisation.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US&nbsp;Intelligence: Russian actors may help manufacture protests

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Moscow will reportedly employ strategies like supporting pro-Russian groups, making use of the nation's orthodox church and threatening to cut off supplies of natural gas after making Moldova dependent on Russian supplies, as moves to sabotage the country.

Titled "Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova," the FSB secret plans set out a 10-year strategy to bring the former Soviet republic nation to its knees.

Five pages long and divided into short, medium and long-term aims, the secret document goes into detail about how to bring Moldova into the Russian sphere of influence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-fomenting-protests-to-overthrow-pro-western-moldovan-government-claims-us-570919">Russia fomenting protests to overthrow pro-western Moldovan government, claims US</a>

Immediate goals include, "support for Moldovan political forces advocating constructive relations with the Russian Federation," and "neutralisation of the initiatives of the Republic of Moldova aimed at eliminating the Russian military presence in Transnistria."

Medium-term goals talk of opposing "the expansionist policy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova" and the "cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and NATO."

Long-term goals include the "creation of stable pro-Russian groups of influence in the Moldovan political and economic elites" and forming of negative attitudes towards NATO.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldova-doesnt-face-imminent-danger-from-russia-defence-minister-571674">Moldova doesn't face 'imminent' danger from Russia: defence minister</a>

Reportedly, Kremlin has denied any knowledge of the secret plans to destabilise Moldova. As per CNN, when asked about the FSB document, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that they "know nothing of the existence of such a plan," and remarked that it may be "another fake."

"I do not rule out that this is another fake. Russia has always been and remains open to building good-neighbourly, mutually beneficial relations, including with Moldova," he said, labelling Moldovan&nbsp;leadership's concerns as "completely unjustified and unfounded prejudices against Moscow."

"We are very sorry that the current leadership of Moldova is experiencing completely unjustified and unfounded prejudices against Moscow."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the world focuses its attention on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow, as per reports, has nefarious plans to destabilise another neighbour: Moldova.

As the world focuses its attention on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Moscow, as per reports, has nefarious plans to destabilise another neighbour: Moldova. This revelation has been made by the uncovering of secret plans that goes into detail about how Moldova could be destabilised. The clandestine document as per CNN was "obtained and first disclosed by a consortium of media, including VSquare and Frontstory, RISE Moldova, Expressen in Sweden, the Dossier Centre for Investigative Journalism and other outlets." The document which, as per the report, was written in 2021 by the Russian security service FSB, lays out a detailed plan to go about the destabilisation. Watch | US Intelligence: Russian actors may help manufacture protests Moscow will reportedly employ strategies like supporting pro-Russian groups, making use of the nation's orthodox church and threatening to cut off supplies of natural gas after making Moldova dependent on Russian supplies, as moves to sabotage the country. Titled "Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova," the FSB secret plans set out a 10-year strategy to bring the former Soviet republic nation to its knees. Five pages long and divided into short, medium and long-term aims, the secret document goes into detail about how to bring Moldova into the Russian sphere of influence. Also read | Russia fomenting protests to overthrow pro-western Moldovan government, claims US Immediate goals include, "support for Moldovan political forces advocating constructive relations with the Russian Federation," and "neutralisation of the initiatives of the Republic of Moldova aimed at eliminating the Russian military presence in Transnistria." Medium-term goals talk of opposing "the expansionist policy of Romania in the Republic of Moldova" and the "cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and NATO." Long-term goals include the "creation of stable pro-Russian groups of influence in the Moldovan political and economic elites" and forming of negative attitudes towards NATO. Also read | Moldova doesn't face 'imminent' danger from Russia: defence minister Reportedly, Kremlin has denied any knowledge of the secret plans to destabilise Moldova. As per CNN, when asked about the FSB document, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that they "know nothing of the existence of such a plan," and remarked that it may be "another fake." "I do not rule out that this is another fake. Russia has always been and remains open to building good-neighbourly, mutually beneficial relations, including with Moldova," he said, labelling Moldovan leadership's concerns as "completely unjustified and unfounded prejudices against Moscow." "We are very sorry that the current leadership of Moldova is experiencing completely unjustified and unfounded prejudices against Moscow." (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.

Clandestine document reveals Russia's secret plans to destabilise neighbour Moldova over a 10 year period

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine. This comes after the US has previously accused Russia of an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” intercept of its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone which eventually crashed in the Black Sea on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Russian military has said that they scrambled the air defence unit jets after detecting the US drone but has denied causing the crash and said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had lost control, a claim the US disputed. While repeating its version of the events, the Russian ministry announced the awards on Friday.&nbsp;

“As a result of sharp manoeuvring around 9:30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle went into uncontrolled flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,” said the Russian military in a statement, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

The defence minister Shoigu presented the awards to the two Su-27 pilots for “preventing” the US drone from “violating” international airspace restrictions placed by Moscow amid what it describes as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported The Moscow Times.&nbsp;

The statement added, “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation (and) communicated to all users of international airspace.”&nbsp;

The US military, which also released a 42-second video on Thursday of the incident said that the drone was on a routine mission when it was intercepted over the Black Sea in international airspace. It also alleged that the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone during the encounter that lasted 30-40 minutes before one of MQ-9 Reaper drone’s&nbsp;propellers got damaged and it crashed into the sea.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine. This comes after the US has previously accused Russia of an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” intercept of its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone which eventually crashed in the Black Sea on Tuesday. The Russian military has said that they scrambled the air defence unit jets after detecting the US drone but has denied causing the crash and said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had lost control, a claim the US disputed. While repeating its version of the events, the Russian ministry announced the awards on Friday. “As a result of sharp manoeuvring around 9:30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle went into uncontrolled flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,” said the Russian military in a statement, as per Reuters. The defence minister Shoigu presented the awards to the two Su-27 pilots for “preventing” the US drone from “violating” international airspace restrictions placed by Moscow amid what it describes as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported The Moscow Times. The statement added, “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation (and) communicated to all users of international airspace.” The US military, which also released a 42-second video on Thursday of the incident said that the drone was on a routine mission when it was intercepted over the Black Sea in international airspace. It also alleged that the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone during the encounter that lasted 30-40 minutes before one of MQ-9 Reaper drone’s propellers got damaged and it crashed into the sea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian defence minister honours pilots involved in downing of US drone over Black Sea

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday vowed that United States will fly its aircraft "wherever international law allows" and warned Russia it must operate with caution, after an American drone was allegedly crashed by one of the Russian fighter jets.

The statement was made by Austin shortly after he spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu over the phone about the incident that took place over the Black Sea on Tuesday when two Russian fighters allegedly hit an unmanned US surveillance drone and its propeller was damaged.

The incident was labelled by the United States as "reckless" and "unprofessional" while Moscow refuted the allegations and Washington was instead accused of conducting "hostile" flights in the region.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-refutes-allegations-of-crashing-us-drone-over-black-sea-572081">Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea</a>

"The United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows," said Austin while speaking to reporters after the call with Shoigu. "And it is incumbent upon Russia to operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner," he added.

US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said that the video and the data retrieved from the drone are still being analysed by the Pentagon to see what exactly happened.

"Was it intentional or not? - don't know yet. We know that the intercept was intentional. We know that the aggressive behaviour was intentional, we also know it was very unprofessional and very unsafe," said Milley.

"The actual contact of the fixed-wing Russian fighter with our UAV, the physical contact with those two, not sure yet,” he added.

Appreciating the call, Austin said, “We take any potential for escalation very seriously and that's why I believe it's important to keep the lines of communication open.”

"I think it's really key that we're able to pick up the phone and engage each other. And I think that will help to prevent miscalculation going forward,” he added.

WATCH | Gravitas: Russian Su-27 downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea

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Meanwhile, Shoigu, in talks with Austin, said that "increased intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation" as well as the "non-compliance with the restricted flight zone" declared by Moscow because of its military campaign in Ukraine led to the incident with the drone, said the defence ministry in a statement.

The Russian ministry further warned that it would react "proportionately" to any "provocations" by the US in future.

"Flights of American strategic unmanned aerial vehicles off the coast of Crimea are provocative in nature, which creates pre-conditions for an escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone," the ministry stated.

"Russia is not interested in such a development of events, but it will continue to respond proportionately to all provocations,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Moscow said that the wreckage of a US military drone will be retrieved by the officials.

In televised remarks, Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that Moscow would retrieve the wreckage of the downed craft but remained unsure if they would achieve success. "But it has to be done. And we will certainly work on it," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday vowed that United States will fly its aircraft "wherever international law allows" and warned Russia it must operate with caution, after an American drone was allegedly crashed by one of the Russian fighter jets.

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday vowed that United States will fly its aircraft "wherever international law allows" and warned Russia it must operate with caution, after an American drone was allegedly crashed by one of the Russian fighter jets. The statement was made by Austin shortly after he spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu over the phone about the incident that took place over the Black Sea on Tuesday when two Russian fighters allegedly hit an unmanned US surveillance drone and its propeller was damaged. The incident was labelled by the United States as "reckless" and "unprofessional" while Moscow refuted the allegations and Washington was instead accused of conducting "hostile" flights in the region. ALSO READ | Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea "The United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows," said Austin while speaking to reporters after the call with Shoigu. "And it is incumbent upon Russia to operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner," he added. US Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley said that the video and the data retrieved from the drone are still being analysed by the Pentagon to see what exactly happened. "Was it intentional or not? - don't know yet. We know that the intercept was intentional. We know that the aggressive behaviour was intentional, we also know it was very unprofessional and very unsafe," said Milley. "The actual contact of the fixed-wing Russian fighter with our UAV, the physical contact with those two, not sure yet,” he added. Appreciating the call, Austin said, “We take any potential for escalation very seriously and that's why I believe it's important to keep the lines of communication open.” "I think it's really key that we're able to pick up the phone and engage each other. And I think that will help to prevent miscalculation going forward,” he added. WATCH | Gravitas: Russian Su-27 downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea Meanwhile, Shoigu, in talks with Austin, said that "increased intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation" as well as the "non-compliance with the restricted flight zone" declared by Moscow because of its military campaign in Ukraine led to the incident with the drone, said the defence ministry in a statement. The Russian ministry further warned that it would react "proportionately" to any "provocations" by the US in future. "Flights of American strategic unmanned aerial vehicles off the coast of Crimea are provocative in nature, which creates pre-conditions for an escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone," the ministry stated. "Russia is not interested in such a development of events, but it will continue to respond proportionately to all provocations,” it added. Earlier in the day, Moscow said that the wreckage of a US military drone will be retrieved by the officials. In televised remarks, Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev said that Moscow would retrieve the wreckage of the downed craft but remained unsure if they would achieve success. "But it has to be done. And we will certainly work on it," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US says will fly 'wherever international law allows' after talks with Russia over drone downing

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the response of Germany to the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions shows that the country is still "occupied" and not able to independently act decades after it surrendered at the climax of World War Two.

In an interview on Russian television, Putin said that the leaders in European countries have been browbeaten into losing their sense of independence and sovereignty.

Western nations, including Germany, have declined to comment on who they think was responsible for the blasts.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-defends-ukraine-war-says-its-about-survival-of-russian-statehood-572027">Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood</a>

"The matter is that European politicians have said themselves publicly that after World War Two, Germany was never a fully sovereign state," Putin was quoted saying.

"The Soviet Union at one point withdrew its forces and ended what amounted to an occupation of the country. But that, as is well known, was not the case with the Americans. They continue to occupy Germany,” he added.

Putin claimed that the blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines were carried out on a "state level" and called the suggestions that it was carried out by an autonomous pro-Ukraine group "complete nonsense".

"One should always look for those who are interested. And who is interested? Theoretically, of course, the United States is interested. An explosion of this kind, of this power, at this depth, can only be carried out by specialists, and supported by the full power of the state, which has certain technologies," Putin stated.

WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine

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The pipelines were laid down to transfer Russian gas to Germany although, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, steps were taken by Berlin to decrease its reliance on Russian hydrocarbons.

Last week, Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that the blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines could have been a "false-flag operation to blame Ukraine".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the response of Germany to the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions shows that the country is still "occupied" and not able to independently act decades after it surrendered at the climax of World War Two.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the response of Germany to the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions shows that the country is still "occupied" and not able to independently act decades after it surrendered at the climax of World War Two. In an interview on Russian television, Putin said that the leaders in European countries have been browbeaten into losing their sense of independence and sovereignty. Western nations, including Germany, have declined to comment on who they think was responsible for the blasts. ALSO READ | Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood "The matter is that European politicians have said themselves publicly that after World War Two, Germany was never a fully sovereign state," Putin was quoted saying. "The Soviet Union at one point withdrew its forces and ended what amounted to an occupation of the country. But that, as is well known, was not the case with the Americans. They continue to occupy Germany,” he added. Putin claimed that the blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines were carried out on a "state level" and called the suggestions that it was carried out by an autonomous pro-Ukraine group "complete nonsense". "One should always look for those who are interested. And who is interested? Theoretically, of course, the United States is interested. An explosion of this kind, of this power, at this depth, can only be carried out by specialists, and supported by the full power of the state, which has certain technologies," Putin stated. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine The pipelines were laid down to transfer Russian gas to Germany although, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, steps were taken by Berlin to decrease its reliance on Russian hydrocarbons. Last week, Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that the blasts on the Nord Stream gas pipelines could have been a "false-flag operation to blame Ukraine". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Germany still 'occupied', claims Russia's Putin

The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea.

"As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with the loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," stated the ministry. It further said its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-says-russian-fighter-jet-collides-with-us-drone-over-black-sea-572052">Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless'</a>

US summons Russian envoy

The Russian ambassador was summoned by the United States to protest the crash of the American drone on Tuesday over the Black Sea after it collided with a Russian warplane, the State Department said.

"We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft," spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

The officials summoned the Russian ambassador at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon and a "strong objection" has been registered by the American ambassador in Moscow.&nbsp;

WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun?

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The incident was a clear violation of international law, Price said. The crash of an American drone took place at a time when tensions are high between the two countries due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The US military stated that fuel was dumped by a Russian&nbsp;Su-27 fighter jet on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, which led to the crashing of the drone.

The White House said that the crash was because of Russia's "reckless" behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US forced to crash drone: Pentagon

The Pentagon confirmed that the US military was forced to crash its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone as it was brutally damaged after being struck by a Russian jet.

"Because of the damage, we were in a position to have to essentially crash into the Black Sea," said Brigadier General Pat Ryder, adding the drone, after the damage, was basically unflyable.&nbsp;

Ryder said that the crashed drone has not been recovered by Russia. The Pentagon said that the drone's propeller was struck by one of the Russian Su-27 jets, making it inoperable.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea.

The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea. "As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with the loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," stated the ministry. It further said its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV." ALSO READ | Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless' US summons Russian envoy The Russian ambassador was summoned by the United States to protest the crash of the American drone on Tuesday over the Black Sea after it collided with a Russian warplane, the State Department said. "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft," spokesman Ned Price told reporters. The officials summoned the Russian ambassador at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon and a "strong objection" has been registered by the American ambassador in Moscow. WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun? The incident was a clear violation of international law, Price said. The crash of an American drone took place at a time when tensions are high between the two countries due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US military stated that fuel was dumped by a Russian Su-27 fighter jet on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, which led to the crashing of the drone. The White House said that the crash was because of Russia's "reckless" behaviour. US forced to crash drone: Pentagon The Pentagon confirmed that the US military was forced to crash its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone as it was brutally damaged after being struck by a Russian jet. "Because of the damage, we were in a position to have to essentially crash into the Black Sea," said Brigadier General Pat Ryder, adding the drone, after the damage, was basically unflyable. Ryder said that the crashed drone has not been recovered by Russia. The Pentagon said that the drone's propeller was struck by one of the Russian Su-27 jets, making it inoperable. (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 refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea

In a first joint operation of its kind, British Royal Air Force (RAF) and German fighter jets on Tuesday (March 14) intercepted a Russian aircraft after it was identified near NATO airspace.

In a first joint operation of its kind, British Royal Air Force (RAF) and German fighter jets on Tuesday (March 14) intercepted a Russian aircraft after it was identified near NATO airspace. The stray Russian aircraft had failed to communicate with the air traffic control in Estonia. Two Typhoon jets, one British and one German, were launched to intercept the Russian Il-78 Midas refuelling plane that was flying between St Petersburg and Kaliningrad. After the Midas aircraft was escorted, the two jets were redirected to intercept an An-148 airliner that had also strayed close to the Estonian airspace. Though the interception of the enemy aircraft was routine, it was the first instance when the two countries collaborated to carry out the operation. Notably, British and German air forces are currently conducting joint NATO operations in the region. "As a fighter pilot, this was a routine business, even though I was flying alongside a German colleague," an unnamed pilot of the Typhoon squadron was quoted as saying by Sky UK. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons × "NATO continues to form the bedrock of our collective security. This joint UK and German deployment in the Baltics clearly demonstrates our collective resolve to challenge any potential threat to NATO's borders, whilst demonstrating our combined strength," said James Heappe, UK Armed forces minister. The incident comes on the same day as the US military's European Command claimed that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9," informed General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa. Read more: Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless' Meanwhile, the Russian side denied causing the crash and the defence ministry released a statement saying it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone over the Black Sea. It remains unclear if the two accidents had any link to each other but it surely has demonstrated the increased risk of superpowers of the world colliding with each other. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian aircraft intercepted by British RAF and German jets near Estonian airspace

In pics | Iran releases images of reverse-engineered US drones

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reached Moscow on Tuesday where he will be holding talks with his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia has been among the few allies of Syria during its period of political isolation and war.

The Kremlin, in its statement, confirmed that Putin and Assad will be holding talks in Moscow on Wednesday.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-refutes-allegations-of-crashing-us-drone-over-black-sea-572081">Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea</a>

"Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Arab Republic President Bashar Assad will hold talks in the Kremlin on March 15," the statement read.

"Topical issues of further development of Russian-Syrian co-operation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria will be discussed," said the Kremlin.

Syrian president's office confirmed his arrival in Moscow and stated that Assad was received by the Russian ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov and Putin's special representative Mikhail Bogdanov.

A "large ministerial delegation" accompanies Assad, stated the Syrian presidency in a statement.

A military campaign was launched by Russia in Syria in 2015 which helped in turning the civil war's tide in favour of Assad with massive aerial bombardment of areas held by the opposition.

WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons

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Since then, Moscow has expanded its military facilities in the country and built a permanent air base at Hmeymim in Latakia province, Syria.

The relations between Ankara and Damascus have been strained by the Syrian war, as the former has continued supporting the rebel groups which oppose Assad's regime.

However, analysts have stated that Moscow is making attempts to bridge the divide between the two nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reached Moscow on Tuesday where he will be holding talks with his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia has been among the few allies of Syria during its period of political isolation and war.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reached Moscow on Tuesday where he will be holding talks with his ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia has been among the few allies of Syria during its period of political isolation and war. The Kremlin, in its statement, confirmed that Putin and Assad will be holding talks in Moscow on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea "Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Arab Republic President Bashar Assad will hold talks in the Kremlin on March 15," the statement read. "Topical issues of further development of Russian-Syrian co-operation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as prospects for a comprehensive settlement of the situation in and around Syria will be discussed," said the Kremlin. Syrian president's office confirmed his arrival in Moscow and stated that Assad was received by the Russian ambassador to Damascus Alexander Yefimov and Putin's special representative Mikhail Bogdanov. A "large ministerial delegation" accompanies Assad, stated the Syrian presidency in a statement. A military campaign was launched by Russia in Syria in 2015 which helped in turning the civil war's tide in favour of Assad with massive aerial bombardment of areas held by the opposition. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons Since then, Moscow has expanded its military facilities in the country and built a permanent air base at Hmeymim in Latakia province, Syria. The relations between Ankara and Damascus have been strained by the Syrian war, as the former has continued supporting the rebel groups which oppose Assad's regime. However, analysts have stated that Moscow is making attempts to bridge the divide between the two nations. (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

Syria's Assad reaches Moscow, to hold talks with Putin

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is mulling opening two war crime cases against the Russian side. The first case pertains to Russia's alleged abduction of Ukrainian children while the second puts Russia in the box for unrelenting targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is mulling opening two war crime cases against the Russian side. The first case pertains to Russia's alleged abduction of Ukrainian children while the second puts Russia in the box for unrelenting targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. This will be the first instance since the war broke out that international charges will be pressed. Experts suggest it could set a precedent for future trials and isolate Russia diplomatically on the global map. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly claimed that many of its missing children have been abducted by Russia. Kremlin has not denied the accusation, albeit presenting it as a humanitarian campaign to protect the orphans present in the conflict areas. The decision to file the case comes in the backdrop of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan visiting Ukraine last month and batting for Ukraine. “There seems to be a lot of damage in Ukraine, and it may well be it is part of a policy and part of a plan and we need to get to the bottom of it and see whether or not there is criminal responsibility and if there is we have an International Criminal Court that has jurisdiction to look into it,” Khan told the reporters. Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut While ICC attempts to start a legal battle, Moscow has indicated that it will not be entertaining arrest warrants against any of its officials. The country withdrew its membership from ICC in 2016. Konstantin Kosachyov, deputy speaker of Russia's upper house said the agency did not have any jurisdiction over the country. "The ICC is an instrument of neo-colonialism in the hands of the West," he said. Read more: Ukraine, Russia claim hundreds of rival casualties in battle of Bakhmut The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for over a year now. The make-or-break fight is in the eastern region with the city of Bakhmut under siege. Putin has focused his attention on the city which has witnessed one of the bloodiest infantry battles since World War II. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

International Criminal Court mulls opening war crime cases against Russia for Ukraine invasion

Moldovan Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii said on Monday (March 13) that the country is not in "imminent military danger" but is subject to "hybrid warfare generated by Russia" which would try to "overthrow state power." The minister was speaking with AFP.

Anatolie Nosatii sat down for an interview with AFP at his office in Chisinau, after the latest in a string of anti-government protests erupted over the weekend in the small ex-Soviet nation.&nbsp;

"Imminent military danger against Moldova currently doesn't exist, but there are other types of dangers that affect the country's security -- hybrid warfare," Nosatii told AFP.

Nosatii said that Russia was generating disinformation and creating tensions in Moldovan society to "change the political order, destabilise and overthrow state power"

Pro-European Moldova has repeatedly accused Moscow of plotting to violently topple its government through saboteurs disguised as anti-government protesters, claims which Russia denied.

"The greatest challenge right now is a set of provocations that the Russian Federation is trying to use to destabilise the situation."&nbsp;

On Sunday, Moldovan police arrested members of a network seeking to undermind the country they suspected of being orchestrated by Moscow.

Authorities said they had acted after "receiving information on the organisation by Russian special services of destabilising actions on our territory via demonstrations".

The White House on Friday accused Russia of seeking to destabilise Moldova in order to install a pro-Russian government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Moldovan Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii said on Monday (March 13) that the country is not in "imminent military danger" but is subject to "hybrid warfare generated by Russia" which would try to "overthrow state power.

Moldovan Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii said on Monday (March 13) that the country is not in "imminent military danger" but is subject to "hybrid warfare generated by Russia" which would try to "overthrow state power." The minister was speaking with AFP. Anatolie Nosatii sat down for an interview with AFP at his office in Chisinau, after the latest in a string of anti-government protests erupted over the weekend in the small ex-Soviet nation. "Imminent military danger against Moldova currently doesn't exist, but there are other types of dangers that affect the country's security -- hybrid warfare," Nosatii told AFP. Nosatii said that Russia was generating disinformation and creating tensions in Moldovan society to "change the political order, destabilise and overthrow state power" Pro-European Moldova has repeatedly accused Moscow of plotting to violently topple its government through saboteurs disguised as anti-government protesters, claims which Russia denied. "The greatest challenge right now is a set of provocations that the Russian Federation is trying to use to destabilise the situation." On Sunday, Moldovan police arrested members of a network seeking to undermind the country they suspected of being orchestrated by Moscow. Authorities said they had acted after "receiving information on the organisation by Russian special services of destabilising actions on our territory via demonstrations". The White House on Friday accused Russia of seeking to destabilise Moldova in order to install a pro-Russian government. (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 ×

Moldova doesn't face 'imminent' danger from Russia: defence minister

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey&nbsp;Vershinin&nbsp;has said that Russia was ready to extend Black Sea grain deal. However, he said the extension will only be of 60 days.

"The Russian side... does not object to another extension of the 'Black Sea Initiative' after its second term expiration on March 18, but only for 60 days," he said in a statement issued by the Russian mission in Geneva following the negotiations at the UN's Palais des Nations.

"Our further stance will be determined upon the tangible progress on normalisation of our agricultural exports, not (in) words, but in deeds."

"It includes bank payments, transport logistics, insurance, 'unfreezing' of financial activities and ammonia supplies via the Tolyatti-Odessa pipeline."

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. This had disrupted the grain export from Ukraine which is also referred to as 'bread basket of the world'. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis due to grain shortage.

The United Nations and Turkey had brokered a deal which, for some time let shipments of Ukrainian grain pass unimpeded through the Black Sea.

The initial 120-day agreement was extended once in November, and was due to expire on March 18, and the Kremlin had cast doubt on whether it would agree to a fresh extension, claiming that the twin deal on Russian exports was not being respected.

The latest signals from the Russian side may indicate softening of Russian stance. But it is premature to say at this point that the deal is fully restored.

More than 24.1 million tonnes have been exported under the UN and Turkey-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), according to the United Nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin has said that Russia was ready to extend Black Sea grain deal. However, he said the extension will only be of 60 days.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin has said that Russia was ready to extend Black Sea grain deal. However, he said the extension will only be of 60 days. "The Russian side... does not object to another extension of the 'Black Sea Initiative' after its second term expiration on March 18, but only for 60 days," he said in a statement issued by the Russian mission in Geneva following the negotiations at the UN's Palais des Nations. "Our further stance will be determined upon the tangible progress on normalisation of our agricultural exports, not (in) words, but in deeds." "It includes bank payments, transport logistics, insurance, 'unfreezing' of financial activities and ammonia supplies via the Tolyatti-Odessa pipeline." Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. This had disrupted the grain export from Ukraine which is also referred to as 'bread basket of the world'. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis due to grain shortage. The United Nations and Turkey had brokered a deal which, for some time let shipments of Ukrainian grain pass unimpeded through the Black Sea. The initial 120-day agreement was extended once in November, and was due to expire on March 18, and the Kremlin had cast doubt on whether it would agree to a fresh extension, claiming that the twin deal on Russian exports was not being respected. The latest signals from the Russian side may indicate softening of Russian stance. But it is premature to say at this point that the deal is fully restored. More than 24.1 million tonnes have been exported under the UN and Turkey-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), according to the United Nations. (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 ready to extend Black Sea grain deal, but for 60 days: Deputy FM

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

In a statement to the United Nations, Tehran said it began approaching "countries to buy fighter jets" to replenish its fleet in the wake of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.

"Russia announced it was ready to sell them" after the expiry in October 2020 of restrictions on Iran purchasing conventional weapons under UN Resolution 2231, said the statement carried late Friday by the official IRNA news agency.

"The Sukhoi 35 fighter jets were technically acceptable for Iran," it added.

There have been signs of deepening military ties between Iran and Russia in the past year. Ukraine accuses Iran of providing Russia with Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones which have been used to carry out attacks against Ukrainian targets.

The United States has expressed alarm over the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warning in December that Russia looked likely to sell Iran its fighter jets.

Kirby maintained that Iranian pilots had reportedly been learning to fly the Sukhoi warplanes in Russia, and that Tehran may receive the aircraft within the next year, which would "significantly strengthen Iran's air force relative to its regional neighbours".

Iran currently has mostly Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era, as well as some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7.

Some American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution are also part of its fleet. 
 
The United States began reimposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions.

Iran's official IRNA news agency has said that the country has finalised deal to buy Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia. This may help Iran modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jet which it has struggled to get spare parts for due to international sanctions. In a statement to the United Nations, Tehran said it began approaching "countries to buy fighter jets" to replenish its fleet in the wake of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. "Russia announced it was ready to sell them" after the expiry in October 2020 of restrictions on Iran purchasing conventional weapons under UN Resolution 2231, said the statement carried late Friday by the official IRNA news agency. "The Sukhoi 35 fighter jets were technically acceptable for Iran," it added. There have been signs of deepening military ties between Iran and Russia in the past year. Ukraine accuses Iran of providing Russia with Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drones which have been used to carry out attacks against Ukrainian targets. The United States has expressed alarm over the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warning in December that Russia looked likely to sell Iran its fighter jets. Kirby maintained that Iranian pilots had reportedly been learning to fly the Sukhoi warplanes in Russia, and that Tehran may receive the aircraft within the next year, which would "significantly strengthen Iran's air force relative to its regional neighbours". Iran currently has mostly Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era, as well as some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7. Some American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution are also part of its fleet. The United States began reimposing sanctions on Iran in 2019, a year after its unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under then-president Donald Trump. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran seals deal to buy Sukhoi-35 from Russia to modernise its ageing fleet of fighter jets

The White House, commenting on the latest barrage of Russian missiles launched targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, on Thursday called the attack "brutal" and "unjustified."

It is "devastating to see these brutal, unjustified attacks on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine," said Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton aboard Air Force One.

Russia on Thursday showered a barrage of missiles over Ukraine, in which six people were killed and the war-torn country faced a wave of power cuts, even at the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bakhmut-may-fall-into-russian-hands-in-coming-days-nato-chief-570005">Bakhmut may fall within days, must not underestimate Russia: NATO chief</a>

Giving a warning UN nuclear agency's chief said that next time "luck will run out" as he referred to the danger of repeated electricity outages at the Zaporizhzhia facility in Ukraine.

Russia said that the missile strikes were in response to the border incursion that happened earlier this month and expressed its doubt over the vital UN-brokered grain deal's extension, saying that its renewal will be discussed with the UN on Monday.

The missile attacks led to the first civilian deaths in the western Lviv region which was considered comparatively safe and far away from the front lines, as intense fighting continued in the town of Bakhmut in the east.

The shocked villagers living in Velyka Vilshanytsia, which is a small village outside Lviv, searched through the rubble as Ukrainian officials informed them that five people were killed by a Russian missile around 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the Polish border.

WATCH | Why battle of Bakhmut can define the endgame of Ukraine war?

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"We thought we were safe here," Oksana Ostapenko, a resident whose sister and two brothers-in-law died in the attack, said.

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that two people suffered injuries on Thursday and 40 per cent of the population was in a black out for several hours.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House, commenting on the latest barrage of Russian missiles launched targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, on Thursday called the attack "brutal" and "unjustified.

The White House, commenting on the latest barrage of Russian missiles launched targeting Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, on Thursday called the attack "brutal" and "unjustified." It is "devastating to see these brutal, unjustified attacks on civilian infrastructure across Ukraine," said Principal Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton aboard Air Force One. Russia on Thursday showered a barrage of missiles over Ukraine, in which six people were killed and the war-torn country faced a wave of power cuts, even at the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe. ALSO READ | Bakhmut may fall within days, must not underestimate Russia: NATO chief Giving a warning UN nuclear agency's chief said that next time "luck will run out" as he referred to the danger of repeated electricity outages at the Zaporizhzhia facility in Ukraine. Russia said that the missile strikes were in response to the border incursion that happened earlier this month and expressed its doubt over the vital UN-brokered grain deal's extension, saying that its renewal will be discussed with the UN on Monday. The missile attacks led to the first civilian deaths in the western Lviv region which was considered comparatively safe and far away from the front lines, as intense fighting continued in the town of Bakhmut in the east. The shocked villagers living in Velyka Vilshanytsia, which is a small village outside Lviv, searched through the rubble as Ukrainian officials informed them that five people were killed by a Russian missile around 120 kilometres (75 miles) from the Polish border. WATCH | Why battle of Bakhmut can define the endgame of Ukraine war? "We thought we were safe here," Oksana Ostapenko, a resident whose sister and two brothers-in-law died in the attack, said. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that two people suffered injuries on Thursday and 40 per cent of the population was in a black out for several hours. (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

White House calls latest barrage of Russian missile on Ukraine 'brutal, unjustified'

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will continue military operations to defend the embattled city of Bakhmut, which will be backed by senior generals.

Zelensky said he held discussions over Bakhmut with Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the country's ground forces, and Valery Zaluzhny, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, reported BBC.

"They spoke in favour of continuing the defensive operation and further strengthening our positions in Bakhmut," he said in a statement.

Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak reiterated the "consensus" in the Ukraine army to continue fighting for Bakhmut, a city which Russia is determined to capture.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ordinary-bureaucracy-or-a-betrayal-wagner-chief-says-without-fresh-ammunition-bakhmut-could-collapse-569053">'Ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal?': Wagner chief says without promised ammunition, Bakhmut could collapse</a>

Bakhmut has witnessed the longest-running and bloodiest battle of the Russia-Ukraine war, even as analysts state that the city has little strategic significance.

"There is a consensus among the military on the need to continue defending the city and the attrition of enemy forces while building new lines and lines of defence in case the situation changes," Podolyak said.

As per Podolyak, their operations to defend Bakhmut has "achieved its goals" as it has exhausted Russia's "main combat-ready" units and provided the opportunity to train "tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops to prepare a counteroffensive."

He stated that "even if at some point the military leadership decides to withdraw to more advantageous positions", defending Bakhmut will be a "great strategic success" for the Ukrainian army.

"However, to date, no such decision has been made" by the military head, stated Podolyak.

Meanwhile, the head of Wagner's private army, which is fighting for Russia, said that it is not getting the required ammunition from Moscow, as it continues to make attempts to gain control of Bakhmut.

WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture'

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Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said that the lack of ammunition supply can be "ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal".

Earlier on Monday, Ukraine stated that the defences will be bolstered by Ukraine in the salt-mining city, where the two sides have suffered heavy losses.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will continue military operations to defend the embattled city of Bakhmut, which will be backed by senior generals. Zelensky said he held discussions over Bakhmut with Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the country's ground forces, and Valery Zaluzhny, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, reported BBC.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will continue military operations to defend the embattled city of Bakhmut, which will be backed by senior generals. Zelensky said he held discussions over Bakhmut with Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the country's ground forces, and Valery Zaluzhny, the head of Ukraine's armed forces, reported BBC. "They spoke in favour of continuing the defensive operation and further strengthening our positions in Bakhmut," he said in a statement. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak reiterated the "consensus" in the Ukraine army to continue fighting for Bakhmut, a city which Russia is determined to capture. ALSO READ | 'Ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal?': Wagner chief says without promised ammunition, Bakhmut could collapse Bakhmut has witnessed the longest-running and bloodiest battle of the Russia-Ukraine war, even as analysts state that the city has little strategic significance. "There is a consensus among the military on the need to continue defending the city and the attrition of enemy forces while building new lines and lines of defence in case the situation changes," Podolyak said. As per Podolyak, their operations to defend Bakhmut has "achieved its goals" as it has exhausted Russia's "main combat-ready" units and provided the opportunity to train "tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops to prepare a counteroffensive." He stated that "even if at some point the military leadership decides to withdraw to more advantageous positions", defending Bakhmut will be a "great strategic success" for the Ukrainian army. "However, to date, no such decision has been made" by the military head, stated Podolyak. Meanwhile, the head of Wagner's private army, which is fighting for Russia, said that it is not getting the required ammunition from Moscow, as it continues to make attempts to gain control of Bakhmut. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture' Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said that the lack of ammunition supply can be "ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal". Earlier on Monday, Ukraine stated that the defences will be bolstered by Ukraine in the salt-mining city, where the two sides have suffered heavy losses. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia-Ukraine war | Operations to defend embattled Bakhmut will go on, says Zelensky

Russia is working to ease visa procedures for six countries including India, Syria and Indonesia, state news agency TASS reported citing Deputy Minister Evgeny Ivanov.

According to Reuters,&nbsp;the deputy minister said in addition to India, procedures simplification is being worked out with Angola, Vietnam, Indonesia, Syria and Philippines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ordinary-bureaucracy-or-a-betrayal-wagner-chief-says-without-fresh-ammunition-bakhmut-could-collapse-569053">Wagner chief says without promised ammunition, Bakhmut could collapse</a>

Ivanov said that Russia&nbsp;is also preparing intergovernmental agreements on visa-free trips with 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Barbados, Haiti, Zambia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico and Trinidad.

Since the beginning of Moscow's special military operation in Kyiv, which has killed thousands of civilians and forced million to flee, the United States, Japan and the European Union condemned Russia and imposed severe sanctions.&nbsp;

To seek support, Mospcw&nbsp;then turned to China, India, and African nations. Both Beijing and New Delhi have been supporting the idea of "peace," but have not yet taken any strict actions against Russia.&nbsp;

India had kept a neutral stance and decided not to blame Russia for the invasion while sharply boosting its purchases of Russian oil.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battle-for-bakhmut-rages-on-as-russian-forces-attempt-to-encircle-city-residents-flee-568971">Battle for Bakhmut rages on as Russian forces attempt to ‘encircle’ city; residents flee</a>

On Monday, Ukraine said that it shot down 13 explosive drones launched from Southern Russia overnight after air raid sirens sounded for hours in Kyiv.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, former US president Donald Trump during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington claimed&nbsp;that he is the only candidate who could end "World War III."

Trump said, "Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, I will have the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine settled. It will be settled quickly." He added that he has a great relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he would listen to him. "It will take me no longer than one day."

(with inputs from agencies)

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Russia is working to ease visa procedures for six countries including India, Syria and Indonesia, state news agency TASS reported citing Deputy Minister Evgeny Ivanov.

Russia is working to ease visa procedures for six countries including India, Syria and Indonesia, state news agency TASS reported citing Deputy Minister Evgeny Ivanov. According to Reuters, the deputy minister said in addition to India, procedures simplification is being worked out with Angola, Vietnam, Indonesia, Syria and Philippines. Also read | Wagner chief says without promised ammunition, Bakhmut could collapse Ivanov said that Russia is also preparing intergovernmental agreements on visa-free trips with 11 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Barbados, Haiti, Zambia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico and Trinidad. Since the beginning of Moscow's special military operation in Kyiv, which has killed thousands of civilians and forced million to flee, the United States, Japan and the European Union condemned Russia and imposed severe sanctions. To seek support, Mospcw then turned to China, India, and African nations. Both Beijing and New Delhi have been supporting the idea of "peace," but have not yet taken any strict actions against Russia. India had kept a neutral stance and decided not to blame Russia for the invasion while sharply boosting its purchases of Russian oil. Also read | Battle for Bakhmut rages on as Russian forces attempt to ‘encircle’ city; residents flee On Monday, Ukraine said that it shot down 13 explosive drones launched from Southern Russia overnight after air raid sirens sounded for hours in Kyiv. Over the weekend, former US president Donald Trump during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington claimed that he is the only candidate who could end "World War III." Trump said, "Before I even arrive at the Oval Office, I will have the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine settled. It will be settled quickly." He added that he has a great relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that he would listen to him. "It will take me no longer than one day." (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia works to ease visa regime for countries including India and Syria

The eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut continues to witness intense fighting as Russia attempts to “encircle the town”, forcing civilians to leave on foot rather than vehicles. Reports also suggested that it seems like both Moscow and Kyiv are struggling with weapon shortages and mounting casualties. This comes as Bakhmut has become the epicentre of fighting in the past few months.&nbsp;

On Sunday morning, a Ukrainian general said “more than 130 enemy attacks,” have been repelled from areas including Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut and Avdiivka in the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv. He added, “The enemy continues its attempts to encircle the town of Bakhmut.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heavy-fighting-underway-as-russian-troops-surround-bakhmut-568957">Heavy fighting underway as Russian troops surround Bakhmut</a>

This comes after the Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, late Saturday said that if his forces were to withdraw, Moscow’s entire frontline would collapse. Subsequently, in a video address on Sunday, he said that Russia’s ministry of defence was not doing enough to support his men in terms of ammunition. “If the private mercenary force Wagner retreats from Bakhmut, the whole front will crumble…to the Russian borders and maybe further”, said the Wagner chief, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military’s eastern command, Serhiy Cherevatyi said Bakhmut was Russia’s “priority target” but their troops are “doing everything to defend this settlement and also inflict maximum losses on the enemy”, reported Reuters. In an interview with Ukraine’s Kyiv24 on Sunday, the war-torn country’s top commander described the situation in the city as “hell” and that Russian forces were still on the outskirts of the city.&nbsp;

Think tank ISW and UK defence ministry weigh in

The Washington-based think tank, Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in a statement, on Sunday, said, “Russian forces appear to have secured a sufficient positional advantage to conduct a turning movement against parts of Bakhmut but have not yet forced Ukrainian forces to withdraw and will not likely be able to encircle the city soon.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-begins-withdrawal-from-eastern-bakhmut-town-as-russia-gains-upper-hand-568405">Ukraine begins withdrawal from Bakhmut as Russia gains upper hand: Report</a>

It added that the purpose of this turning movement “is to force the enemy to abandon prepared defensive positions and is different from the aim of an encirclement, which is to trap and destroy enemy forces.” However, the Ukrainian command has signalled that it might withdraw from the city rather than risk an encirclement, said the ISW.&nbsp;

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Latest on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>: 
 
Russian forces appear to have secured a sufficient positional advantage to conduct a turning movement against parts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bakhmut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bakhmut</a> but have not yet forced Ukrainian forces to withdraw and will not likely be able to encircle the city soon. <a href="https://t.co/MrFvmVbnTj">https://t.co/MrFvmVbnTj</a> <a href="https://t.co/ijHXmHYVMl">pic.twitter.com/ijHXmHYVMl</a>
— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1632374953545801729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, in its update on Sunday said Russia engaging in “close combat” with Ukraine would signal that Russia is short on ammunition. They also claim that Russian-mobilised reservists in late February were ordered to assault a Ukrainian strongpoint armed with only “firearms and shovels”. It added that the shovels “are likely entrenching tools being employed for hand-to-hand combat.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battle-for-bakhmut-rages-on-round-the-clock-as-russia-intensifies-offensive-568225">Battle for Bakhmut rages on ‘round the clock’ as Russia intensifies offensive</a>

This also comes a day after the British intelligence update said that Ukrainian troops in the past 36 hours have destroyed two key bridges just outside Bakhmut linking to the nearby town of Chasiv Yar, along the last remaining Ukrainian resupply route. The action was prompted by the Russian forces making further inroads into Bakhmut’s northern suburbs.&nbsp;

Residents in Bakhmut flee

As the pressure from Russian forces mounted on Saturday in Bakhmut, Ukrainian residents in the city were forced to flee. An unnamed Ukrainian army representative speaking to the Associated Press said that was now too dangerous for civilians to leave Bakhmut by vehicle and that people had to flee on foot instead. According to AP, a pontoon bridge was set up by Ukrainian soldiers to help move the residents to the nearby village of Khromove, where at least five houses were seen on fire after attacks on the village.&nbsp;

Russian army claims to have hit Azov Regiment command centre in Ukraine

The Russian defence ministry, in a statement, said that they have hit a Ukrainian command centre for the Azov Regiment in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. However, it did not elaborate on the attack or even mention the battle around Bakhmut in its Sunday bulletin.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-forces-tries-to-encircle-and-storm-bakhmut-567539">Russian Forces try to encircle and storm Bakhmut</a>

Women and children killed in Kherson; Death toll after strike in Zaporizhzhia rises to 11

A woman and two children were killed in the Ukrainian region of Kherson after their village was hit by a Russian mortar shelling, said the head of Kyiv’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak on Sunday. “Mortar shelling of Poniativka village in Kherson region. A private house was hit”, he wrote on the messaging app Telegram.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the Ukrainian state emergency service said that at least 11 people were killed after an apartment block in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia was hit by an early morning strike last week. The agency took to Telegram and said that the death toll rose after they found a woman’s body in the debris.&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 eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut continues to witness intense fighting as Russia attempts to “encircle the town”, forcing civilians to leave on foot rather than vehicles.

The eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut continues to witness intense fighting as Russia attempts to “encircle the town”, forcing civilians to leave on foot rather than vehicles. Reports also suggested that it seems like both Moscow and Kyiv are struggling with weapon shortages and mounting casualties. This comes as Bakhmut has become the epicentre of fighting in the past few months. On Sunday morning, a Ukrainian general said “more than 130 enemy attacks,” have been repelled from areas including Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut and Avdiivka in the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv. He added, “The enemy continues its attempts to encircle the town of Bakhmut.” ALSO WATCH | Heavy fighting underway as Russian troops surround Bakhmut This comes after the Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, late Saturday said that if his forces were to withdraw, Moscow’s entire frontline would collapse. Subsequently, in a video address on Sunday, he said that Russia’s ministry of defence was not doing enough to support his men in terms of ammunition. “If the private mercenary force Wagner retreats from Bakhmut, the whole front will crumble…to the Russian borders and maybe further”, said the Wagner chief, as per the Guardian. Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Ukrainian military’s eastern command, Serhiy Cherevatyi said Bakhmut was Russia’s “priority target” but their troops are “doing everything to defend this settlement and also inflict maximum losses on the enemy”, reported Reuters. In an interview with Ukraine’s Kyiv24 on Sunday, the war-torn country’s top commander described the situation in the city as “hell” and that Russian forces were still on the outskirts of the city. Think tank ISW and UK defence ministry weigh in The Washington-based think tank, Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in a statement, on Sunday, said, “Russian forces appear to have secured a sufficient positional advantage to conduct a turning movement against parts of Bakhmut but have not yet forced Ukrainian forces to withdraw and will not likely be able to encircle the city soon.” ALSO READ | Ukraine begins withdrawal from Bakhmut as Russia gains upper hand: Report It added that the purpose of this turning movement “is to force the enemy to abandon prepared defensive positions and is different from the aim of an encirclement, which is to trap and destroy enemy forces.” However, the Ukrainian command has signalled that it might withdraw from the city rather than risk an encirclement, said the ISW. Latest on #Ukraine: Russian forces appear to have secured a sufficient positional advantage to conduct a turning movement against parts of #Bakhmut but have not yet forced Ukrainian forces to withdraw and will not likely be able to encircle the city soon. https://t.co/MrFvmVbnTj pic.twitter.com/ijHXmHYVMl — ISW (@TheStudyofWar) March 5, 2023 × Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, in its update on Sunday said Russia engaging in “close combat” with Ukraine would signal that Russia is short on ammunition. They also claim that Russian-mobilised reservists in late February were ordered to assault a Ukrainian strongpoint armed with only “firearms and shovels”. It added that the shovels “are likely entrenching tools being employed for hand-to-hand combat.” ALSO READ | Battle for Bakhmut rages on ‘round the clock’ as Russia intensifies offensive This also comes a day after the British intelligence update said that Ukrainian troops in the past 36 hours have destroyed two key bridges just outside Bakhmut linking to the nearby town of Chasiv Yar, along the last remaining Ukrainian resupply route. The action was prompted by the Russian forces making further inroads into Bakhmut’s northern suburbs. Residents in Bakhmut flee As the pressure from Russian forces mounted on Saturday in Bakhmut, Ukrainian residents in the city were forced to flee. An unnamed Ukrainian army representative speaking to the Associated Press said that was now too dangerous for civilians to leave Bakhmut by vehicle and that people had to flee on foot instead. According to AP, a pontoon bridge was set up by Ukrainian soldiers to help move the residents to the nearby village of Khromove, where at least five houses were seen on fire after attacks on the village. Russian army claims to have hit Azov Regiment command centre in Ukraine The Russian defence ministry, in a statement, said that they have hit a Ukrainian command centre for the Azov Regiment in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. However, it did not elaborate on the attack or even mention the battle around Bakhmut in its Sunday bulletin. ALSO WATCH | Russian Forces try to encircle and storm Bakhmut Women and children killed in Kherson; Death toll after strike in Zaporizhzhia rises to 11 A woman and two children were killed in the Ukrainian region of Kherson after their village was hit by a Russian mortar shelling, said the head of Kyiv’s presidential office, Andriy Yermak on Sunday. “Mortar shelling of Poniativka village in Kherson region. A private house was hit”, he wrote on the messaging app Telegram. On Saturday, the Ukrainian state emergency service said that at least 11 people were killed after an apartment block in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia was hit by an early morning strike last week. The agency took to Telegram and said that the death toll rose after they found a woman’s body in the debris. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Battle for Bakhmut rages on as Russian forces attempt to ‘encircle’ city; residents flee

The Russian authorities have opened up a probe after a top scientist who worked on the development of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines was strangled to death in his Moscow apartment on Friday.

The Russian authorities have opened up a probe after a top scientist who worked on the development of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines was strangled to death in his Moscow apartment on Friday. The virologist identified as 47-year-old Andrey Botikov was one of the 18 scientists who worked on the Sputnik V vaccine at the Gamaleya National Research Center which was released in 2020. He was found strangled by a belt at his Rogova Street home on March 2, according to local news reports. Earlier, it was suggested that he had survived the attack after an intruder broke into his home. However, the Investigative Committee of Russia (ICR) has now opened a probe into the matter and have zeroed in on a 29-year-old man who is alleged to have killed the scientist with the belt over a disagreement. WATCH: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India ICR's Moscow division in a statement released informed that a criminal investigation was ongoing and that the assailant was nabbed "in the shortest possible time". "During the interrogation, he admitted his guilt, he was charged. Previously, the defendant was prosecuted for committing a serious crime," read the statement. According to Russian media, the suspect's name is Alexei Z and he has previously spent 10 years behind the bars for providing sex services. Botikov was a celebrated scientist in the country and was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland for his work on the vaccine. Prior to his work on the Sputnik V vaccine, Botikov had worked at the Russian State Collection of Viruses D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology as a senior scientist. WATCH | Russia: Vladimir Putin defends Sputnik-V's credibility × His death comes in the backdrop of Russian General Vladimir Makarov allegedly committing suicide at his country home last month. Similarly, a Russian business tycoon named Pavel Antov was found dead after he fell out of a hotel window while staying in India. The multi-millionaire was on holiday in the eastern state of Odisha where he was celebrating his 66th birthday. Read more: Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian scientist who developed Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine 'strangled' to death in his apartment

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that Russia is likely to run out of money by 2024 unless the nation receives investment from “friendly” countries as the sanction imposed by the Westen countries continue to bite.&nbsp;

An energy and metals tycoon who once held the tag of Russia’s richest person, Deripaska, said, There will be no money already next year. We will need foreign investors.”

He was speaking at an investment conference in Siberia on Thursday. The tycoon has also been impacted by the sanctions imposed by the US, UK and EU against Russia for invading Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torture-centres-in-kherson-planned-and-financed-by-russia-lawyer-group-says-567607">Torture centres in Kherson planned and financed by Russia, says lawyer group</a>

He said that funds have been running low and “that’s why they’ve (the Russian government) already begun to shake us down”, according to a Bloomberg report.

He stated that Russia has been facing “serious” pressure because of western sanctions and that Moscow and its businesses need to look to other countries which have “serious resources” to invest.

“We thought we were a European country,” said Deripaska, &nbsp;founder of Rusal which is the biggest producer of aluminium outside China.&nbsp;

“Now, for the next 25 years, we will think more about our Asian past," he added.&nbsp;

The comment comes amid warnings of the European ratings agency Scope that the budget deficit of Russia may increase to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), in comparison to the government’s forecast of 2 per cent of GDP. The official shortfall of 2.3 per cent was recorded in 2022.&nbsp;

Scope stated that the fall was a result of lower revenues from oil and gas exports, as the West distanced itself from Russian energy.

WATCH | NATO: World more dangerous with Russia suspending START treaty

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&nbsp;“Sanctions and the war are constraining Russia’s fiscal flexibility … due to lower energy export revenues, higher war-related spending and a steady decline in GDP,” Scope stated, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;

“For now, Russia can finance its deficit relatively easily by drawing down the national wealth fund, set to amount to only 3.7 per cent of GDP by end-2024 from 10.4 per cent of GDP at end-2021," it added.&nbsp;

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Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that Russia is likely to run out of money by 2024 unless the nation receives investment from “friendly” countries as the sanction imposed by the Westen countries continue to bite.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that Russia is likely to run out of money by 2024 unless the nation receives investment from “friendly” countries as the sanction imposed by the Westen countries continue to bite. An energy and metals tycoon who once held the tag of Russia’s richest person, Deripaska, said, There will be no money already next year. We will need foreign investors.” He was speaking at an investment conference in Siberia on Thursday. The tycoon has also been impacted by the sanctions imposed by the US, UK and EU against Russia for invading Ukraine. ALSO READ | Torture centres in Kherson planned and financed by Russia, says lawyer group He said that funds have been running low and “that’s why they’ve (the Russian government) already begun to shake us down”, according to a Bloomberg report. He stated that Russia has been facing “serious” pressure because of western sanctions and that Moscow and its businesses need to look to other countries which have “serious resources” to invest. “We thought we were a European country,” said Deripaska, founder of Rusal which is the biggest producer of aluminium outside China. “Now, for the next 25 years, we will think more about our Asian past," he added. The comment comes amid warnings of the European ratings agency Scope that the budget deficit of Russia may increase to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), in comparison to the government’s forecast of 2 per cent of GDP. The official shortfall of 2.3 per cent was recorded in 2022. Scope stated that the fall was a result of lower revenues from oil and gas exports, as the West distanced itself from Russian energy. WATCH | NATO: World more dangerous with Russia suspending START treaty “Sanctions and the war are constraining Russia’s fiscal flexibility … due to lower energy export revenues, higher war-related spending and a steady decline in GDP,” Scope stated, as per a Reuters report. “For now, Russia can finance its deficit relatively easily by drawing down the national wealth fund, set to amount to only 3.7 per cent of GDP by end-2024 from 10.4 per cent of GDP at end-2021," it added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska

Finland has started construction of 200 kilometre fence along its border with Russia in an attempt to boost security. The Finnish government is wary of Moscow trying to mass mobilise the troops along the said border, especially after the invasion of Ukraine.

Finland has started construction of 200 kilometre fence along its border with Russia in an attempt to boost security. The Finnish government is wary of Moscow trying to mass mobilise the troops along the said border, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. The Finnish Border Guard stated that terrain work will start after receiving forest clearance and "will proceed in such a way that road construction and fence installation can be started in March”. The fence is expected to be three metre tall with barbed wire on top. Night vision cameras, floodlights as well as loudspeakers will be installed in key sections of the fence. Notably, the announcement comes on the same day as the Finnish parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join NATO. A vote on the bill is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and is expected to sail through without much opposition. Apart from the debate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto and informed about the progress on the NATO membership bid of the Nordic country. Read more: Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by Turkey "As you all know, all NATO Allies made a historic decision to invite both Finland and Sweden to become members of the Alliance. We are making progress. A couple of weeks ago, I met with President Erdoğan and we agreed to have a meeting with Finland, Sweden, and Turkey in Brussels next week," said Stoltenberg. "This is a top priority for NATO and for me personally and so we work hard and we have to remember that so far this is the quickest accession process in NATO’s modern history," he added. Finland has one of the longest borders (1,340 km) in Europe with Russia. Currenly, the border is protected using light wooden fences. After the war broke out, the country dropped its military non-alignment policy and applied to join the military alliance. Read more: Are Swedish gangs receiving weapons destined for Ukraine? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Finland begins construction of fence on Russian border amid NATO membership bid

Russian government officials will now be banned from using foreign words when carrying out their respective duties.&nbsp;According to the amended law, officials will be bound to use Russian language in formal communications. President Vladimir Putin signed the order&nbsp;on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-fines-wikipedia-millions-of-rubles-over-military-misinformation-566953">Also read |&nbsp;Russia fines Wikipedia millions of Rubles over military 'misinformation'</a>

As per a statement on the&nbsp;Russian government's official website, the amendments to the 2005 law are designed to 'protect and support the status of Russia.'&nbsp;

It specifies that "when using Russian as the state language of the Russian Federation, it is not allowed to use words and expressions that do not correspond to the norms of modern Russian ... with the exception of foreign words which do not have widely-used corresponding equivalents in Russian."

A government commission will put together a list for official language usage, and dictionaries that will also be approved by the cabinet.&nbsp;

Earlier, it was also against the law to use words and phrases that didn't conform to the norms of the modern literary Russian language, including obscenities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-toxic-chemicals-provocation-in-ukraine-566906">Also read |&nbsp;Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine</a>

The amendments&nbsp;do not mention any punishments for individuals&nbsp;who fail to follow the updated law. However, according to Reuters, a separate list of foreign-based words that can still be used will be published separately.&nbsp;

The list of these words will be published in dictionaries and reference books.

Recently, the Russian authorities also imposed a fine on Wikipedia worth two million roubles ($27,000) over "misinformation" about the military units.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian government officials will now be banned from using foreign words when carrying out their respective duties. According to the amended law, officials will be bound to use Russian language in formal communications.

Russian government officials will now be banned from using foreign words when carrying out their respective duties. According to the amended law, officials will be bound to use Russian language in formal communications. President Vladimir Putin signed the order on Tuesday. Also read | Russia fines Wikipedia millions of Rubles over military 'misinformation' As per a statement on the Russian government's official website, the amendments to the 2005 law are designed to 'protect and support the status of Russia.' It specifies that "when using Russian as the state language of the Russian Federation, it is not allowed to use words and expressions that do not correspond to the norms of modern Russian ... with the exception of foreign words which do not have widely-used corresponding equivalents in Russian." A government commission will put together a list for official language usage, and dictionaries that will also be approved by the cabinet. Earlier, it was also against the law to use words and phrases that didn't conform to the norms of the modern literary Russian language, including obscenities. Also read | Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine The amendments do not mention any punishments for individuals who fail to follow the updated law. However, according to Reuters, a separate list of foreign-based words that can still be used will be published separately. The list of these words will be published in dictionaries and reference books. Recently, the Russian authorities also imposed a fine on Wikipedia worth two million roubles ($27,000) over "misinformation" about the military units. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian govt bans officials from using foreign words and expressions

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kazakhstan, his first stop to meet the Central Asian countries, on Tuesday (February 28). This comes as Washington has sought deeper engagement with the five former Soviet republics in the region following the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began a year ago.&nbsp;

Blinken embarked on his maiden visit to the region as the top diplomat for&nbsp;President Joe Biden’s administratio, with stopovers at the capitals of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He held talks with the Kazakh foreign minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi on Tuesday, after which he also met with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.&nbsp;

The talks were held under the so-called C5+1 group made up of the US, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. While the former soviet countries have had a somewhat close relationship with Russia, it has recently become strained following Moscow’s invasion of Kyiv and the effect it has had on the Central Asian countries, particularly economically.&nbsp;

“We are watching compliance with sanctions very closely and we're having an ongoing discussion with number of countries, including our C5 partners, on the economic spillover effects”, said Blinken at a press conference, after a meeting with the officials in the Kazakh capital Astana.&nbsp;

He recalled the US was the first country in December of 1991 to recognise Kazakhstan and remains “firmly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Kazakhstan and countries across the region.”

The US official also announced a $25 million package as new funding to support economic growth in the region, including new trade routes and helping companies find new exports.

The Central Asian countries have generally adopted a neutral stance -- not being either pro-Russian or pro-Western-- and Tileuberdi said Kazakhstan would continue to do so amid the “complex international situation”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kazakhstan, his first stop to meet the Central Asian countries, on Tuesday (February 28). This comes as Washington has sought deeper engagement with the five former Soviet republics in the region following the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began a year ago.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kazakhstan, his first stop to meet the Central Asian countries, on Tuesday (February 28). This comes as Washington has sought deeper engagement with the five former Soviet republics in the region following the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began a year ago. Blinken embarked on his maiden visit to the region as the top diplomat for President Joe Biden’s administratio, with stopovers at the capitals of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. He held talks with the Kazakh foreign minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi on Tuesday, after which he also met with the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The talks were held under the so-called C5+1 group made up of the US, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. While the former soviet countries have had a somewhat close relationship with Russia, it has recently become strained following Moscow’s invasion of Kyiv and the effect it has had on the Central Asian countries, particularly economically. “We are watching compliance with sanctions very closely and we're having an ongoing discussion with number of countries, including our C5 partners, on the economic spillover effects”, said Blinken at a press conference, after a meeting with the officials in the Kazakh capital Astana. He recalled the US was the first country in December of 1991 to recognise Kazakhstan and remains “firmly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Kazakhstan and countries across the region.” The US official also announced a $25 million package as new funding to support economic growth in the region, including new trade routes and helping companies find new exports. The Central Asian countries have generally adopted a neutral stance -- not being either pro-Russian or pro-Western-- and Tileuberdi said Kazakhstan would continue to do so amid the “complex international situation”. (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.

Blinken warns Central Asian countries about dangers of Ukraine conflict; seeks to bolster C5+1 group ties

The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine, on Monday (February 26) to reaffirm Washington’s support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Reuters. The US finance chief also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key government officials in Kyiv.&nbsp;

The visit comes a week after US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to the war-torn country, days before the conflict reached its one-year mark. “America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes,” said Yellen, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

The US official also held a private meeting with the Ukrainian president where she reportedly praised him for his “leadership and resolve” amid Russia’s “illegal and unprovoked war.” She lauded his efforts for taking measures which ensure transparency on how the assistance is spent.

After Yellen's&nbsp;visit, Zelensky took to Telegram and said the US has been "powerfully supporting us since the first days of this war not only with weapons, but also on the financial front". He added, "It is necessary to further strengthen sanctions to deprive Russia of the ability to finance the war."

Yellen’s staff kept her visit a secret until she left Kyiv as the US official’s schedule for Monday only read “meet with advisors and staff,” without any other details. Prior to her arrival, air raid sirens went off in the Ukrainian capital which later turned out to be a false alarm, as per Reuters. Yellen also laid a wreath at the&nbsp;Wall of Remembrance dedicated to&nbsp;Ukraine’s troops who have been killed during the conflict.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal&nbsp;said that he and the US finance minister also spoke about additional sanctions on Moscow which included confiscating some $300 billion in Russian frozen central bank assets for Ukraine’s recovery. However, Yellen told reporters that there are major legal obstacles to making this move.&nbsp;

While in Kyiv, the US finance minister&nbsp;also announced the transfer of the first $1.25 billion from the recent&nbsp;$9.9 billion package in&nbsp;economic and budget assistance to Ukraine from the US. Since the conflict began a year ago Washington has given more than $13 billion in economic aid&nbsp;and provided&nbsp;$50 billion overall&nbsp;including&nbsp;security and humanitarian assistance&nbsp;to Kyiv.&nbsp;

Additionally, the US has also&nbsp;announced&nbsp;another billion-dollar package to boost the war-torn country’s economy. The finance minister said, “Our economic support is keeping essential public services running. These services maintain economic and social stability in Ukraine”. She added, “A sustained military effort cannot succeed without an effective government at home.” Yellen also visited a school in Kyiv where salaries of the staff are reimbursed from US budget support funds.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine, on Monday (February 26) to reaffirm Washington’s support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Reuters.

The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine, on Monday (February 26) to reaffirm Washington’s support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Reuters. The US finance chief also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key government officials in Kyiv. The visit comes a week after US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to the war-torn country, days before the conflict reached its one-year mark. “America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes,” said Yellen, as per Reuters. The US official also held a private meeting with the Ukrainian president where she reportedly praised him for his “leadership and resolve” amid Russia’s “illegal and unprovoked war.” She lauded his efforts for taking measures which ensure transparency on how the assistance is spent. After Yellen's visit, Zelensky took to Telegram and said the US has been "powerfully supporting us since the first days of this war not only with weapons, but also on the financial front". He added, "It is necessary to further strengthen sanctions to deprive Russia of the ability to finance the war." Yellen’s staff kept her visit a secret until she left Kyiv as the US official’s schedule for Monday only read “meet with advisors and staff,” without any other details. Prior to her arrival, air raid sirens went off in the Ukrainian capital which later turned out to be a false alarm, as per Reuters. Yellen also laid a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance dedicated to Ukraine’s troops who have been killed during the conflict. Subsequently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that he and the US finance minister also spoke about additional sanctions on Moscow which included confiscating some $300 billion in Russian frozen central bank assets for Ukraine’s recovery. However, Yellen told reporters that there are major legal obstacles to making this move. While in Kyiv, the US finance minister also announced the transfer of the first $1.25 billion from the recent $9.9 billion package in economic and budget assistance to Ukraine from the US. Since the conflict began a year ago Washington has given more than $13 billion in economic aid and provided $50 billion overall including security and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv. Additionally, the US has also announced another billion-dollar package to boost the war-torn country’s economy. The finance minister said, “Our economic support is keeping essential public services running. These services maintain economic and social stability in Ukraine”. She added, “A sustained military effort cannot succeed without an effective government at home.” Yellen also visited a school in Kyiv where salaries of the staff are reimbursed from US budget support funds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US treasury secretary Yellen makes surprise visit to Kyiv, reaffirms Washington's economic support to Ukraine

The Moldovan intelligence agency, on Monday (February 27) said that it expelled two foreign nationals who were staying in the country as tourists, reported the Associated Press. This comes weeks after President Maia Sandu accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her government, a claim which Moscow has since vehemently denied and went on to accuse Moldova of “anti-Russian hysteria.”&nbsp;

In a statement, Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) alleged that the duo in question were going to implement plans to “destabilise the internal situation in the country,” and were trained in data and information gathering to provoke what they have described as “violent change” to the country’s constitutional order.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-coup-plot-allegations-kremlin-accuses-moldova-of-anti-russian-hysteria-564048">After coup plot allegations, Kremlin accuses Moldova of anti-Russian 'hysteria'</a>

According to SIS, the two people who have been expelled and banned from returning to the country for 10 years were caught carrying out “subversive actions” to destabilise Moldova which included investigations on multiple locations near government offices and critical infrastructure. However, the intelligence agency did not mention the individuals’ names or their nationalities.&nbsp;

The SIS also alleged that the pair was in coordination with a “group of individuals affiliated with a conspiratorial network of overseas political technology and social engineering experts,” reported AP. The intelligence agency also claimed that they&nbsp;was monitoring and documenting the social and political processes which included the recent protests.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldovas-president-maia-sandu-reveals-russias-plans-to-topple-the-government-561581">Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government</a>

The country of about 2.6 million people has been facing anti-government protests where thousands have taken to the streets in the capital city of Chisinau and demanded that pro-Western president Sandu quit. Furthermore, they have also called for the government to fully cover citizens’ winter heating bills amid a cost-of-living crisis and Moldova’s soaring inflation.&nbsp;

Notably, the protest was organised by the recently formed group, Movement for the People which is also supposedly&nbsp;pro-Russia and is&nbsp;supported by&nbsp;members of the Russia-friendly Shor Party which also holds six seats in the Soviet republic’s 101-seat legislature.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-accuses-ukraine-european-nations-of-flaring-tensions-in-breakaway-moldovan-region-566498">Kremlin accuses Ukraine, European nations of flaring up tensions in breakaway Moldovan region</a> 
 
The party’s leader Ilan Shor is a Moldovan oligarch is reportedly currently living in exile in Israel. Shor has been accused of $1 billion bank theft and was recently described&nbsp;in the US State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests.

The Moldovan oligarch is accused of working&nbsp;with “corrupt oligarchs and Moscow-based entities to create political unrest” in the country, as per media reports. He allegedly also undermined the&nbsp;Soviet republic’s bid to join the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Movement for the People was formed in early February and comprises politicians, associations, local elected officials, and activists to address the “unprecedented crises” Moldova and its citizens face, the group said on their website, reported the AP. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Moldovan intelligence agency, on Monday (February 27) said that it expelled two foreign nationals who were staying in the country as tourists, reported the Associated Press.

The Moldovan intelligence agency, on Monday (February 27) said that it expelled two foreign nationals who were staying in the country as tourists, reported the Associated Press. This comes weeks after President Maia Sandu accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her government, a claim which Moscow has since vehemently denied and went on to accuse Moldova of “anti-Russian hysteria.” In a statement, Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) alleged that the duo in question were going to implement plans to “destabilise the internal situation in the country,” and were trained in data and information gathering to provoke what they have described as “violent change” to the country’s constitutional order. ALSO READ | After coup plot allegations, Kremlin accuses Moldova of anti-Russian 'hysteria' According to SIS, the two people who have been expelled and banned from returning to the country for 10 years were caught carrying out “subversive actions” to destabilise Moldova which included investigations on multiple locations near government offices and critical infrastructure. However, the intelligence agency did not mention the individuals’ names or their nationalities. The SIS also alleged that the pair was in coordination with a “group of individuals affiliated with a conspiratorial network of overseas political technology and social engineering experts,” reported AP. The intelligence agency also claimed that they was monitoring and documenting the social and political processes which included the recent protests. ALSO READ | Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government The country of about 2.6 million people has been facing anti-government protests where thousands have taken to the streets in the capital city of Chisinau and demanded that pro-Western president Sandu quit. Furthermore, they have also called for the government to fully cover citizens’ winter heating bills amid a cost-of-living crisis and Moldova’s soaring inflation. Notably, the protest was organised by the recently formed group, Movement for the People which is also supposedly pro-Russia and is supported by members of the Russia-friendly Shor Party which also holds six seats in the Soviet republic’s 101-seat legislature. ALSO READ | Kremlin accuses Ukraine, European nations of flaring up tensions in breakaway Moldovan region The party’s leader Ilan Shor is a Moldovan oligarch is reportedly currently living in exile in Israel. Shor has been accused of $1 billion bank theft and was recently described in the US State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests. The Moldovan oligarch is accused of working with “corrupt oligarchs and Moscow-based entities to create political unrest” in the country, as per media reports. He allegedly also undermined the Soviet republic’s bid to join the European Union (EU). Meanwhile, the Movement for the People was formed in early February and comprises politicians, associations, local elected officials, and activists to address the “unprecedented crises” Moldova and its citizens face, the group said on their website, reported the AP. (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.

Moldova expels two foreigners for allegedly planning to ‘destabilise’ the country

The Russian defence ministry said it carried out drills involving interceptor jets after St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was shut for nearly an hour and diverted all the flights, on Tuesday (February 28). A&nbsp;statement by the defence ministry was issued hours after at least five flights from the capital city of Moscow to the Russian city of St. Petersburg were diverted and after the&nbsp;flight resumed operations.&nbsp;

According to the flight tracking website, FlightRadar24 a number of Russian domestic flights headed for the city's Pulkovo Airport&nbsp;were turned back to their departure points. The announcement was made on the government’s official Telegram channel without any further details about the previously unannounced drills conducted by the military in the area.&nbsp;

Russia’s defence ministry said it had been conducting drills which involved the dispatch of multiple fighter jets in the country’s western air space. “During the training, air defence forces worked on the detection, interception and identification of targets, as well as interacting with emergency services and law enforcement agencies”, reported Reuters citing Russian media reports.&nbsp;

It also said that fighter plans had flown sorties as a part of the drill. The previously unannounced drills caused several flights to reroute and led airlines to reschedule flight plans. An hour or so after the airspace was shut, the city government officials also took to the messaging platform and said, “The skies over St. Petersburg are open, all temporary restrictions have been lifted”. The flights began diverting from 11:00 am (local time) and by 12:00 pm (local time) they had resumed.&nbsp;

Russian media had previously reported that the airspace was shut after an unidentified object such as a drone had been spotted in the area, however, this claim has not been confirmed. During a press briefing after the flights had resumed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the incident or the causes and said Russian President Vladimir Putin has been made fully aware of the situation. Notably, Pulkovo which is around 15 kilometres south of central St. Petersburg, is Russia’s fourth busiest airport.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The Russian defence ministry said it carried out drills involving interceptor jets after St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was shut for nearly an hour and diverted all the flights, on Tuesday (February 28).

The Russian defence ministry said it carried out drills involving interceptor jets after St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was shut for nearly an hour and diverted all the flights, on Tuesday (February 28). A statement by the defence ministry was issued hours after at least five flights from the capital city of Moscow to the Russian city of St. Petersburg were diverted and after the flight resumed operations. According to the flight tracking website, FlightRadar24 a number of Russian domestic flights headed for the city's Pulkovo Airport were turned back to their departure points. The announcement was made on the government’s official Telegram channel without any further details about the previously unannounced drills conducted by the military in the area. Russia’s defence ministry said it had been conducting drills which involved the dispatch of multiple fighter jets in the country’s western air space. “During the training, air defence forces worked on the detection, interception and identification of targets, as well as interacting with emergency services and law enforcement agencies”, reported Reuters citing Russian media reports. It also said that fighter plans had flown sorties as a part of the drill. The previously unannounced drills caused several flights to reroute and led airlines to reschedule flight plans. An hour or so after the airspace was shut, the city government officials also took to the messaging platform and said, “The skies over St. Petersburg are open, all temporary restrictions have been lifted”. The flights began diverting from 11:00 am (local time) and by 12:00 pm (local time) they had resumed. Russian media had previously reported that the airspace was shut after an unidentified object such as a drone had been spotted in the area, however, this claim has not been confirmed. During a press briefing after the flights had resumed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the incident or the causes and said Russian President Vladimir Putin has been made fully aware of the situation. Notably, Pulkovo which is around 15 kilometres south of central St. Petersburg, is Russia’s fourth busiest airport. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian military says it conducted drills during brief closure of St. Petersburg airport

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. 
 
The Ukrainian military, on Sunday (February 26) said that Russia conducted an unsuccessful operation near Yahidne over the past day. This comes after Moscow’s Wagner group claimed that they have captured the Ukrainian village of Berkhivka which is located on the outskirts of Bakhmut. These conflicting claims could not be independently verified. The mercenary group claimed to have captured the villages in eastern Ukrain, a region where the fighting has intensified in recent weeks.&nbsp;

The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, in his morning update, said that Russia’s offensive efforts have been focused along the Bakhmut front line which is also where Yahidne is located. The key eastern Ukrainian city has witnessed some of the most intense fighting where there are now only some 5,000 residents out of the 70,000 prior to the now-a-year-old Russian invasion.&nbsp;

What the Wagner group had claimed

The Russian mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin&nbsp;had on Saturday&nbsp;claimed that they have captured the eastern Ukrainian village&nbsp;of Yahidne. "At 1900 on 25th February, storm units of the Wagner Private Military Company secured complete control of the locality of Yagodnoye (Yahidne) to the north of Bakhmut," said&nbsp;Prigozhin, in an audio clip,&nbsp;as per Reuters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-mercenary-group-wagner-chief-admits-facing-resistance-in-capturing-ukrainian-city-bakhmut-560926">Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions</a>

This also came a day after he had claimed control of Berkhivka which is a village located on the outskirts of Bakhmut. "Berkhivka is fully under our control. Units of Wagner Private Military Company are in full control of Berkhivka," said the Wagner chief, on social media.

Earlier this month, Prigozhin, in an interview had also said how Bakhmut is the key to Russia’s plan to firmly establish its presence in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

What has the Ukrainian military said?

In the aforementioned Ukrainian bulletin, the military said that Russia has conducted “unsuccessful offensives” in six settlements in the eastern Donetsk region, which Moscow has previously claimed to have annexed and also includes Yahidne and Berkhivka.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-west-of-destabilising-g20-finance-chiefs-meet-in-india-565962">Russia accuses West of ‘destabilising’ G20 finance chiefs’ meet in India</a>

The bulletin, on Sunday, also said that Russia shelled some parts of the 22 settlements along the front line in Donetsk over the past day, while Ukraine has managed to counter 71 attacks in Donetsk and some other regions along the frontline, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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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. The Ukrainian military, on Sunday (February 26) said that Russia conducted an unsuccessful operation near Yahidne over the past day. This comes after Moscow’s Wagner group claimed that they have captured the Ukrainian village of Berkhivka which is located on the outskirts of Bakhmut. These conflicting claims could not be independently verified. The mercenary group claimed to have captured the villages in eastern Ukrain, a region where the fighting has intensified in recent weeks. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, in his morning update, said that Russia’s offensive efforts have been focused along the Bakhmut front line which is also where Yahidne is located. The key eastern Ukrainian city has witnessed some of the most intense fighting where there are now only some 5,000 residents out of the 70,000 prior to the now-a-year-old Russian invasion. What the Wagner group had claimed The Russian mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had on Saturday claimed that they have captured the eastern Ukrainian village of Yahidne. "At 1900 on 25th February, storm units of the Wagner Private Military Company secured complete control of the locality of Yagodnoye (Yahidne) to the north of Bakhmut," said Prigozhin, in an audio clip, as per Reuters. ALSO READ | Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions This also came a day after he had claimed control of Berkhivka which is a village located on the outskirts of Bakhmut. "Berkhivka is fully under our control. Units of Wagner Private Military Company are in full control of Berkhivka," said the Wagner chief, on social media. Earlier this month, Prigozhin, in an interview had also said how Bakhmut is the key to Russia’s plan to firmly establish its presence in eastern Ukraine. What has the Ukrainian military said? In the aforementioned Ukrainian bulletin, the military said that Russia has conducted “unsuccessful offensives” in six settlements in the eastern Donetsk region, which Moscow has previously claimed to have annexed and also includes Yahidne and Berkhivka. ALSO READ | Russia accuses West of ‘destabilising’ G20 finance chiefs’ meet in India The bulletin, on Sunday, also said that Russia shelled some parts of the 22 settlements along the front line in Donetsk over the past day, while Ukraine has managed to counter 71 attacks in Donetsk and some other regions along the frontline, reported Reuters. (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.

Ukraine military denies Russian mercenary Wagner group's claim of capturing villages near Bakhmut

Three weeks had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The world and global organisations were expecting Kyiv to fall soon, finding it difficult to believe that the war-hit nation can sustain even a month of offensive.

At such a crucial point, a video appeared in which Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his signature green attire, was seen addressing his soldiers from behind a podium on which the Ukrainian state emblem was present.

In the video, Zelensky was seen asking his soldiers to lay down their weapons and go back to their families. “There is no need to die in this war. I advise you to live,” he was seen as saying. The video was massively circulated on social media and briefly ran on Ukraine's television which suggested that the leader had fled from Kyiv. The video clearly indicated that the war is about to end, contrary to the fact that it's been now one year of war and the end is not in sight.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-uns-role-in-controlling-the-ever-escalating-russia-ukraine-war-565854">Explained | UN could not prevent Russia-Ukraine war, has it really lost its efficacy</a>

Deepfakes

The one-minute video clip shared was called a 'deepfake' – a term to define the sophisticated hoax in which artificial intelligence is used for creating a fake image and most commonly fake videos.

The video which was posted by the hackers was instantly removed from social media platforms and debunked. Zelensky dismissed it as a “childish provocation,” and mocked Russia for desperately spreading fake news.

In the last one year of the war, deepfakes have&nbsp;been just one element amongst the barrage of disinformation and manipulation which have shaped the information war.

Recruitment of serial killers, cannibal

In September 2022, reports surfaced of Russian President Vladimir Putin is recruiting serial killers, rapists and a maniac cannibal from prisons&nbsp;in a desperate attempt to win the Ukraine war. A report by Daily Mail claimed that the prisoners were ensured that they will be pardoned if they come out alive from the battlefield.

The recruitment was believed to have been carried out by Russia's Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Progozhin who had made visits to a former Gulag prisoner camp in Serbia, the reports had claimed. It was reported that several of these hired prisoners lost their lives on the battlefield. The reports of recruitment still remain unconfirmed.

Church on fire

In another incident, the story of a Russian church being set on fire in north-western Ukraine's Volyn region was broadcasted by ‘Channel One’, inciting emotions and anger among viewers. The news was intensely covered on January 15, 2022, in which it was claimed that the church was attached to the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for the arson.

However, later the local authorities of Volyn confirmed that no church was set on fire in the area, calling the news “fake”.

WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Zelensky open to talks with Putin, says 'ready for talks if bombing ends'

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Crucifixion of boy

In an interview in July 2014, a woman named Galina Pyshniak spoke about how Ukrainian nationalists crucified a three-year-old child in front of his mother. The story, which was aired during an escalating conflict between the two nations in Donbas, quickly triggered the emotions of Russians.

It was later found that the claims made by Pyshniak were entirely fabricated and that no such incident had taken place.

OSINT countering disinformation in the infowar

The information war, which has been marred by disinformation, manipulation and deepfakes, is being countered by open source intelligence, or OSINT.

OSINT includes information which is accessible publicly, like footage recorded by mobile phones and images taken by commercial satellite company 'Maxar', which are then investigated by investigative media like Bellingcat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Three weeks had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The world and global organisations were expecting Kyiv to fall soon, finding it difficult to believe that the war-hit nation can sustain even a month of offensive.

Three weeks had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The world and global organisations were expecting Kyiv to fall soon, finding it difficult to believe that the war-hit nation can sustain even a month of offensive. At such a crucial point, a video appeared in which Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his signature green attire, was seen addressing his soldiers from behind a podium on which the Ukrainian state emblem was present. In the video, Zelensky was seen asking his soldiers to lay down their weapons and go back to their families. “There is no need to die in this war. I advise you to live,” he was seen as saying. The video was massively circulated on social media and briefly ran on Ukraine's television which suggested that the leader had fled from Kyiv. The video clearly indicated that the war is about to end, contrary to the fact that it's been now one year of war and the end is not in sight. ALSO READ | Explained | UN could not prevent Russia-Ukraine war, has it really lost its efficacy Deepfakes The one-minute video clip shared was called a 'deepfake' – a term to define the sophisticated hoax in which artificial intelligence is used for creating a fake image and most commonly fake videos. The video which was posted by the hackers was instantly removed from social media platforms and debunked. Zelensky dismissed it as a “childish provocation,” and mocked Russia for desperately spreading fake news. In the last one year of the war, deepfakes have been just one element amongst the barrage of disinformation and manipulation which have shaped the information war. Recruitment of serial killers, cannibal In September 2022, reports surfaced of Russian President Vladimir Putin is recruiting serial killers, rapists and a maniac cannibal from prisons in a desperate attempt to win the Ukraine war. A report by Daily Mail claimed that the prisoners were ensured that they will be pardoned if they come out alive from the battlefield. The recruitment was believed to have been carried out by Russia's Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Progozhin who had made visits to a former Gulag prisoner camp in Serbia, the reports had claimed. It was reported that several of these hired prisoners lost their lives on the battlefield. The reports of recruitment still remain unconfirmed. Church on fire In another incident, the story of a Russian church being set on fire in north-western Ukraine's Volyn region was broadcasted by ‘Channel One’, inciting emotions and anger among viewers. The news was intensely covered on January 15, 2022, in which it was claimed that the church was attached to the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for the arson. However, later the local authorities of Volyn confirmed that no church was set on fire in the area, calling the news “fake”. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Zelensky open to talks with Putin, says 'ready for talks if bombing ends' Crucifixion of boy In an interview in July 2014, a woman named Galina Pyshniak spoke about how Ukrainian nationalists crucified a three-year-old child in front of his mother. The story, which was aired during an escalating conflict between the two nations in Donbas, quickly triggered the emotions of Russians. It was later found that the claims made by Pyshniak were entirely fabricated and that no such incident had taken place. OSINT countering disinformation in the infowar The information war, which has been marred by disinformation, manipulation and deepfakes, is being countered by open source intelligence, or OSINT. OSINT includes information which is accessible publicly, like footage recorded by mobile phones and images taken by commercial satellite company 'Maxar', which are then investigated by investigative media like Bellingcat. 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

Deepfake, propaganda and disinformation | How Russia and Ukraine battled the information war

Russia has accused the West of “destabilising” the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that took place in India’s southern Bengaluru city. It blamed the US, EU and G7 nations for trying to impose their “diktat” as the talks concluded with differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“We regret that the activities of the G20 continue to be destabilised by the Western collective and used in an anti-Russian... way," the foreign ministry said in statement on Saturday, reports AFP news agency.

It claimed that the Western nations "disrupted the adoption of collective decisions" by trying to impose their "diktat" with what they said was "clear blackmail".

“Their aim had been to impose their interpretation of the Ukraine conflict in the joint statement by means of lobbying and ultimatums," said the ministry statement.

<h2>Nirmala Sitharaman meets U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen ahead of Bengaluru G20 meet</h2>

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-meeting-ends-without-joint-statement-after-differences-over-russia-ukraine-conflict-565938">G20 finance meet ends without joint statement after differences over Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>

Moscow said that West should "renounce its destructive policy as soon as possible, to acknowledge the objective realities of a multipolar world".

"The G20 must remain an economic forum rather than encroaching on the security sphere," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-chancellor-meets-pm-modi-deepening-of-india-germany-ties-in-focus-565780">India ready to contribute to any peace process for resolving Ukraine crisis, says PM Modi</a>

The reaction from Kremlin came hours after the conclusion of the meet where most countries condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement. This led India, which was hosting the two-day event to release a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements.

The confusion seemed to prevail over the “different assessments of the situation and sanctions” referring to the ongoing conflict.

A footnote said that the two paragraphs in the summary about the ongoing conflict “were agreed to by all member countries except Russia and China”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia has accused the West of “destabilising” the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that took place in India’s southern Bengaluru city. It blamed the US, EU and G7 nations for trying to impose their “diktat” as the talks concluded with differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Russia has accused the West of “destabilising” the G20 finance chiefs’ meeting that took place in India’s southern Bengaluru city. It blamed the US, EU and G7 nations for trying to impose their “diktat” as the talks concluded with differences over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. “We regret that the activities of the G20 continue to be destabilised by the Western collective and used in an anti-Russian... way," the foreign ministry said in statement on Saturday, reports AFP news agency. It claimed that the Western nations "disrupted the adoption of collective decisions" by trying to impose their "diktat" with what they said was "clear blackmail". “Their aim had been to impose their interpretation of the Ukraine conflict in the joint statement by means of lobbying and ultimatums," said the ministry statement. Nirmala Sitharaman meets U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen ahead of Bengaluru G20 meet Also read | G20 finance meet ends without joint statement after differences over Russia-Ukraine conflict Moscow said that West should "renounce its destructive policy as soon as possible, to acknowledge the objective realities of a multipolar world". "The G20 must remain an economic forum rather than encroaching on the security sphere," it said. Also read | India ready to contribute to any peace process for resolving Ukraine crisis, says PM Modi The reaction from Kremlin came hours after the conclusion of the meet where most countries condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement. This led India, which was hosting the two-day event to release a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements. The confusion seemed to prevail over the “different assessments of the situation and sanctions” referring to the ongoing conflict. A footnote said that the two paragraphs in the summary about the ongoing conflict “were agreed to by all member countries except Russia and China”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia accuses West of ‘destabilising’ G20 finance chiefs’ meet in India

The meeting of the finance ministers for the group of 20 (G20) countries which&nbsp;had convened in the Indian city of Bengaluru ended on Saturday (February 25) without a joint statement. This comes as most G20 member nations condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement. This led India, which was hosting the two-day event to release a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements.&nbsp;

Disagreements at the G20 meeting

The document in question wrote, “most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed that it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy.” This was said in the context of supply chain disruptions, risks to financial stability, as well as continuing energy and food insecurity. It also added that there were “different assessments of the situation and sanctions” referring to the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

This comes as western countries have imposed thousands of sanctions against Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;some of its citizens&nbsp;since it began what it has described as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, in a bid to starve the country of its revenues. A footnote said that the two paragraphs in the summary about the ongoing conflict “were agreed to by all member countries except Russia and China”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/german-chancellor-meets-pm-modi-deepening-of-india-germany-ties-in-focus-565780">India ready to contribute to any peace process for resolving Ukraine crisis, says PM Modi</a>

Notably, the paragraphs are said to be adopted from the G20 Bali Leaders’ declaration in November but even at the time China wanted to change the language of the statement and remove the word “war”, reported AFP citing officials who requested anonymity.&nbsp;

Indian finance minister addresses a press conference after the meetings

“Although there was not what we would call a communique, but only an outcome statement, we still think we've made some progress in having all the ministers on board”, said the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her concluding remarks, earlier today.&nbsp;

She also addressed that, “Two countries, Russia and China had reservations. So with a footnote certainly a communique can't go out and therefore it had to be a chair summary and an outcome document.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g-20-finance-meet-hosted-by-india-ends-without-a-joint-communique-565934">G20 finance meet, hosted by India, ends without a joint communique</a>

Since the beginning of the conflict, New Delhi has not condemned Moscow and was seen as reluctant to raise the issue at the meeting but the western countries asserted that they could not support any outcome that did not include a condemnation.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Indian Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth refuted the aforementioned claims about Moscow and Beijing wanting to change the language part of the summary and said, “Both Russia and China took the position that Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ mandate is to deal with economic and financial issues and their mandate is not on geo-political issues. So they did not comment on the language part,” as per PTI. He added, “There was no request or demand to remove the word 'war', they just said to remove the paragraph itself because it was not the right place for having those paragraphs.”&nbsp;

Whereas the other 18 countries felt that the ongoing war has got implications for the global economy, which is why this is the right place to have those paragraphs, said the economic affairs minister. The two-day meeting discussed a range of issues which also included debt relief to poorer countries, digital currencies and payments, reforms of lending institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as climate change and financial inclusion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sanction-regime-after-us-australia-imposes-sanctions-on-russia-565678">Russia-Ukraine war: After US, Australia imposes new sanctions on Moscow</a>

According to the Indian finance minister’s summary, the global outlook has somewhat improved since they last met in October 2022 but global growth remains slow and downside risks to the outlook persist. This was in reference to elevated inflation, a resurgence of the pandemic and tighter financing conditions, which could worsen debt vulnerabilities in emerging economies.&nbsp;

“We, therefore, reiterate the need for well-calibrated monetary, fiscal, financial, and structural policies to promote growth and maintain macroeconomic as well as financial stability. We will continue to enhance macro policy cooperation and support the progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said Sitharaman.&nbsp;

India's call for regulating crypto receives support

There was also a discussion surrounding the adequacy of IMF quotas which the document released after the meeting said that the leaders would continue to work on IMF governance reform under the 16th General Review of Quotas which would also include a new quota formula as a guide which would be completed by December 15, 2023.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-push-to-regulate-crypto-get-support-from-imf-us-at-g20-565847">India’s push to regulate cryptocurrencies gets support from IMF, US at G20</a>

Notably, India’s push for regulation of private crypto assets also received support at the meeting. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva backing New Delhi’s stance on private cryptocurrencies and other digital assets said, “We have to differentiate between central bank digital currencies that are backed by the state and stable coins, and crypto assets that are privately issued.”&nbsp;

She added, “Second, there has to be a very strong push for regulation. And third, if regulation fails, if you’re slow to do it, then we should not take off the table or banning those assets, because they may create financial stability risk”. This comes after Indian officials including the finance ministry and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called for strong global regulations for private crypto assets and in some cases, they should be banned.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The meeting of the finance ministers for the group of 20 (G20) countries which had convened in the Indian city of Bengaluru ended on Saturday (February 25) without a joint statement.

The meeting of the finance ministers for the group of 20 (G20) countries which had convened in the Indian city of Bengaluru ended on Saturday (February 25) without a joint statement. This comes as most G20 member nations condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement. This led India, which was hosting the two-day event to release a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements. Disagreements at the G20 meeting The document in question wrote, “most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed that it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy.” This was said in the context of supply chain disruptions, risks to financial stability, as well as continuing energy and food insecurity. It also added that there were “different assessments of the situation and sanctions” referring to the ongoing conflict. This comes as western countries have imposed thousands of sanctions against Russia and some of its citizens since it began what it has described as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, in a bid to starve the country of its revenues. A footnote said that the two paragraphs in the summary about the ongoing conflict “were agreed to by all member countries except Russia and China”. ALSO READ | India ready to contribute to any peace process for resolving Ukraine crisis, says PM Modi Notably, the paragraphs are said to be adopted from the G20 Bali Leaders’ declaration in November but even at the time China wanted to change the language of the statement and remove the word “war”, reported AFP citing officials who requested anonymity. Indian finance minister addresses a press conference after the meetings “Although there was not what we would call a communique, but only an outcome statement, we still think we've made some progress in having all the ministers on board”, said the Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her concluding remarks, earlier today. She also addressed that, “Two countries, Russia and China had reservations. So with a footnote certainly a communique can't go out and therefore it had to be a chair summary and an outcome document.” ALSO WATCH | G20 finance meet, hosted by India, ends without a joint communique Since the beginning of the conflict, New Delhi has not condemned Moscow and was seen as reluctant to raise the issue at the meeting but the western countries asserted that they could not support any outcome that did not include a condemnation. Furthermore, Indian Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth refuted the aforementioned claims about Moscow and Beijing wanting to change the language part of the summary and said, “Both Russia and China took the position that Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ mandate is to deal with economic and financial issues and their mandate is not on geo-political issues. So they did not comment on the language part,” as per PTI. He added, “There was no request or demand to remove the word 'war', they just said to remove the paragraph itself because it was not the right place for having those paragraphs.” Whereas the other 18 countries felt that the ongoing war has got implications for the global economy, which is why this is the right place to have those paragraphs, said the economic affairs minister. The two-day meeting discussed a range of issues which also included debt relief to poorer countries, digital currencies and payments, reforms of lending institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as climate change and financial inclusion. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: After US, Australia imposes new sanctions on Moscow According to the Indian finance minister’s summary, the global outlook has somewhat improved since they last met in October 2022 but global growth remains slow and downside risks to the outlook persist. This was in reference to elevated inflation, a resurgence of the pandemic and tighter financing conditions, which could worsen debt vulnerabilities in emerging economies. “We, therefore, reiterate the need for well-calibrated monetary, fiscal, financial, and structural policies to promote growth and maintain macroeconomic as well as financial stability. We will continue to enhance macro policy cooperation and support the progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” said Sitharaman. India's call for regulating crypto receives support There was also a discussion surrounding the adequacy of IMF quotas which the document released after the meeting said that the leaders would continue to work on IMF governance reform under the 16th General Review of Quotas which would also include a new quota formula as a guide which would be completed by December 15, 2023. ALSO READ | India’s push to regulate cryptocurrencies gets support from IMF, US at G20 Notably, India’s push for regulation of private crypto assets also received support at the meeting. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva backing New Delhi’s stance on private cryptocurrencies and other digital assets said, “We have to differentiate between central bank digital currencies that are backed by the state and stable coins, and crypto assets that are privately issued.” She added, “Second, there has to be a very strong push for regulation. And third, if regulation fails, if you’re slow to do it, then we should not take off the table or banning those assets, because they may create financial stability risk”. This comes after Indian officials including the finance ministry and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called for strong global regulations for private crypto assets and in some cases, they should be banned. (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.

G20 finance meet ends without joint statement after differences over Russia-Ukraine conflict

A minute's silence for Ukrainian lives lost in one year of the war was interrupted by Russia’s ambassador to the UN as the two countries faced off during the war anniversary at the Security Council's session.

Concluding his speech in the chamber, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for a minute's silence as a tribute “in memory of the victims of the aggression”.

As the UN members present in the council chamber rose in silence, Russia’s United Nations envoy Vasily Nebenzia continued to remain in his seat and appealed for the floor.

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Awkward moment in UN Security Council just now. Ukraine FM asked members to stand for a moment of silence in memory of lives lost to Russian aggression. 
 
Russian diplomats refused to stand saying they will only do so if it is in memory of all victims since 2014. Watch the rest. <a href="https://t.co/U84Poslyrx">pic.twitter.com/U84Poslyrx</a>
— Bahman Kalbasi (@BahmanKalbasi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BahmanKalbasi/status/1629149586223775745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Breaking the silence, he said, “We are getting to our feet to honour the memory of all victims of what has happened in Ukraine starting in 2014 – all of those who perished.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-for-no-use-of-nuclear-weapons-in-russia-ukraine-war-565298">China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war</a>

By referring to 2014 and overly emphasising the word ‘all', the envoy referred to claims of Russia that the conflict between the two nations began that year after mass protests drove out Ukraine’s Moscow-friendly president from office.

Responding to the removal of the president, Kremlin seized the Crimean Peninsula and supported the insurgency in the mostly Russian-speaking region of Donbas, which was later annexed by Russia.

Nebenzia said, “All lives are priceless, and that is why we’re rising to honour the memory of them all.” Earlier, the ambassador accused Malta, which holds the rotating presidency of the council, of giving preference to Ukraine by letting it speak first, just because it is “part of your geopolitical project”.

He further raised objections over inclusion of 14 European countries' foreign ministers on the speakers list along with European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, stating that the foreign ministers have the same EU position “and will bring no added value” to the debate.

WATCH | WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war

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Responding to the issue raised, Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said that the European ministers came to New York and requested to speak because “they feel that their countries have been and are still being directly impacted by this war”.

Kuleba, speaking in the council, said that “Ukraine will resist as it has done so far, and Ukraine will win”. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is going to lose much sooner than he thinks”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A minute's silence for Ukrainian lives lost in one year of the war was interrupted by Russia’s ambassador to the UN as the two countries faced off during the war anniversary at the Security Council's session.

A minute's silence for Ukrainian lives lost in one year of the war was interrupted by Russia’s ambassador to the UN as the two countries faced off during the war anniversary at the Security Council's session. Concluding his speech in the chamber, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for a minute's silence as a tribute “in memory of the victims of the aggression”. As the UN members present in the council chamber rose in silence, Russia’s United Nations envoy Vasily Nebenzia continued to remain in his seat and appealed for the floor. Awkward moment in UN Security Council just now. Ukraine FM asked members to stand for a moment of silence in memory of lives lost to Russian aggression. Russian diplomats refused to stand saying they will only do so if it is in memory of all victims since 2014. Watch the rest. pic.twitter.com/U84Poslyrx — Bahman Kalbasi (@BahmanKalbasi) February 24, 2023 × Breaking the silence, he said, “We are getting to our feet to honour the memory of all victims of what has happened in Ukraine starting in 2014 – all of those who perished.” ALSO READ | China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war By referring to 2014 and overly emphasising the word ‘all', the envoy referred to claims of Russia that the conflict between the two nations began that year after mass protests drove out Ukraine’s Moscow-friendly president from office. Responding to the removal of the president, Kremlin seized the Crimean Peninsula and supported the insurgency in the mostly Russian-speaking region of Donbas, which was later annexed by Russia. Nebenzia said, “All lives are priceless, and that is why we’re rising to honour the memory of them all.” Earlier, the ambassador accused Malta, which holds the rotating presidency of the council, of giving preference to Ukraine by letting it speak first, just because it is “part of your geopolitical project”. He further raised objections over inclusion of 14 European countries' foreign ministers on the speakers list along with European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, stating that the foreign ministers have the same EU position “and will bring no added value” to the debate. WATCH | WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war Responding to the issue raised, Malta’s Foreign Minister Ian Borg said that the European ministers came to New York and requested to speak because “they feel that their countries have been and are still being directly impacted by this war”. Kuleba, speaking in the council, said that “Ukraine will resist as it has done so far, and Ukraine will win”. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin “is going to lose much sooner than he thinks”. (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

WATCH | Russian envoy disrupts UN's one minute of silence for Ukraine

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