The United States on Thursday (January 26) announced that it will impose additional sanctions against the Wagner Group while also designating it as a “significant transnational criminal organization” and accused them of widespread human rights abuses. This comes after the group has been engaging in battle in the eastern Ukrainian cities of Bakhmut and Soledar amid the conflict between Russia and Kyiv.&nbsp;

In a statement, the US Treasury Department said that in a bid to degrade Russia’s capacity to wage a war against Ukraine, it is imposing additional sanctions against six individuals and 12 entities. It also accused Wagner personnel of engaging in “an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and physical abuse in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-live-ukraine-army-claims-it-shot-47-of-55-russian-missiles-amid-wave-of-attacks-from-russia-556222">Russia-Ukraine war | Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 11, say emergency services</a>

This also comes after Washington along with its allies imposed a number of sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago which also included Wagner. Furthermore, the US has also sanctioned Russia-based technology firm Joint Stock Company Terra Tech (Terra Tech) which is accused of supporting Wagner’s military operations.&nbsp;

Additionally, they have also imposed restrictions on China-based Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute Co. LTD for allegedly providing Terra Tech with satellite imagery over locations in Ukraine. “These images were gathered in order to enable Wagner combat operations in Ukraine,” said the US Treasury.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tank-delivery-promises-by-the-west-perceived-as-direct-involvement-kremlin-556204">Russia criticises West for giving tanks to Ukraine, terms it ‘direct involvement’ in ongoing conflict</a>

“Today’s expanded sanctions on Wagner, as well as new sanctions on their associates and other companies enabling the Russian military complex, will further impede (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in the statement. Meanwhile, the US State Department also designated entities and individuals with links to Wagner and its owner Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Thursday, reported Reuters.&nbsp; 
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The United States on Thursday (January 26) announced that it will impose additional sanctions against the Wagner Group while also designating it as a “significant transnational criminal organization” and accused them of widespread human rights abuses.

The United States on Thursday (January 26) announced that it will impose additional sanctions against the Wagner Group while also designating it as a “significant transnational criminal organization” and accused them of widespread human rights abuses. This comes after the group has been engaging in battle in the eastern Ukrainian cities of Bakhmut and Soledar amid the conflict between Russia and Kyiv. In a statement, the US Treasury Department said that in a bid to degrade Russia’s capacity to wage a war against Ukraine, it is imposing additional sanctions against six individuals and 12 entities. It also accused Wagner personnel of engaging in “an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and physical abuse in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Mali.” ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war | Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 11, say emergency services This also comes after Washington along with its allies imposed a number of sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago which also included Wagner. Furthermore, the US has also sanctioned Russia-based technology firm Joint Stock Company Terra Tech (Terra Tech) which is accused of supporting Wagner’s military operations. Additionally, they have also imposed restrictions on China-based Changsha Tianyi Space Science and Technology Research Institute Co. LTD for allegedly providing Terra Tech with satellite imagery over locations in Ukraine. “These images were gathered in order to enable Wagner combat operations in Ukraine,” said the US Treasury. ALSO READ | Russia criticises West for giving tanks to Ukraine, terms it ‘direct involvement’ in ongoing conflict “Today’s expanded sanctions on Wagner, as well as new sanctions on their associates and other companies enabling the Russian military complex, will further impede (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine,” said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in the statement. Meanwhile, the US State Department also designated entities and individuals with links to Wagner and its owner Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Thursday, reported Reuters. 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 designates Wagner group as ‘significant transnational criminal organization’, imposes harsher sanctions

In response to recent announcements by the West about its decision of sending tanks to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, the Kremlin&nbsp;on Thursday (January 26), said that these actions are perceived as “direct involvement” by Moscow. This comes a day after Germany confirmed that it will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv and also approve the re-export of Leopard tanks from other European countries.&nbsp;

Subsequently, United States President Joe Biden also announced that Washington will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. “European capitals and Washington constantly give statements that sending various types of weapons, including tanks, in no way means their involvement in hostilities. We strongly disagree with this,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as per media reports.&nbsp;

He added, “In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.” This was the&nbsp;first that&nbsp;Kremlin was reacting to the announcements made on Wednesday by the US and its allies in Europe which have decided to send tanks as well as additional weapons to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-dangerous-russia-warns-of-potential-escalation-as-germany-agrees-to-send-tanks-to-ukraine-555897">‘Extremely dangerous’: Russia warns of potential escalation as Germany agrees to send tanks to Ukraine</a>

Notably, the West, particularly Germany, had been reluctant to send its tanks to Kyiv. However, following mounting pressure and debate, the decision was announced on Wednesday.

During his speech, Biden also said that the tanks pose “no offensive threat” to Russia and they are needed by Ukraine to “improve their ability to manoeuvre in open terrain”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said, “We must always make it clear in everything we do that we are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but that at the same time, we are preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-major-reversal-us-announces-it-will-send-31-m1-abrams-tanks-to-ukraine-555972">After Germany, US announces it will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine</a>

Subsequently, while Berlin’s decision was praised by European countries, the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev in a strongly worded statement, called it “extremely dangerous” and warned that it takes the conflict to “a new level of confrontation”. Furthermore, Nechayev also claimed that it will lead to the “death of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In response to recent announcements by the West about its decision of sending tanks to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, the Kremlin on Thursday (January 26), said that these actions are perceived as “direct involvement” by Moscow.

In response to recent announcements by the West about its decision of sending tanks to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, the Kremlin on Thursday (January 26), said that these actions are perceived as “direct involvement” by Moscow. This comes a day after Germany confirmed that it will send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kyiv and also approve the re-export of Leopard tanks from other European countries. Subsequently, United States President Joe Biden also announced that Washington will be sending 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. “European capitals and Washington constantly give statements that sending various types of weapons, including tanks, in no way means their involvement in hostilities. We strongly disagree with this,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as per media reports. He added, “In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.” This was the first that Kremlin was reacting to the announcements made on Wednesday by the US and its allies in Europe which have decided to send tanks as well as additional weapons to Ukraine. ALSO READ | ‘Extremely dangerous’: Russia warns of potential escalation as Germany agrees to send tanks to Ukraine Notably, the West, particularly Germany, had been reluctant to send its tanks to Kyiv. However, following mounting pressure and debate, the decision was announced on Wednesday. During his speech, Biden also said that the tanks pose “no offensive threat” to Russia and they are needed by Ukraine to “improve their ability to manoeuvre in open terrain”. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said, “We must always make it clear in everything we do that we are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but that at the same time, we are preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO.” ALSO READ | After Germany, US announces it will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine Subsequently, while Berlin’s decision was praised by European countries, the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev in a strongly worded statement, called it “extremely dangerous” and warned that it takes the conflict to “a new level of confrontation”. Furthermore, Nechayev also claimed that it will lead to the “death of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia criticises West for giving tanks to Ukraine, terms it ‘direct involvement’ in ongoing conflict

The top Russian official in Germany has warned about possible escalation amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine after Berlin approved supplying Leopard 2 tanks following mounting pressure from Kyiv and its Western allies. In a statement, on Wednesday (January 25) the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev, called this decision “extremely dangerous” and warned that this will not inevitably lead to the deaths of not only Russian soldiers but also the civilian population, reported the Moscow Times.&nbsp;

“This extremely dangerous decision takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation, and contradicts statements by German politicians about the unwillingness of the German Federation to get involved in it”, said Nechaev, reported AFP, citing the statement.&nbsp; 
 
This comes after Berlin had initially been reluctant to send tanks to Ukraine but after facing pressure from its Western allies and following a debate in the German parliament&nbsp;early Wednesday. Reports suggest that Berlin has agreed to provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr (Germany’s military) stocks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-all-set-to-send-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-report-suggests-555700">Germany approves delivery of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine</a>

Additionally, they also granted the approval for other European countries to send their own stock of German-made Leopard tanks to Kyiv, which required Berlin’s permission. Addressing the parliament, on Wednesday, German&nbsp;Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said, "We must always make it clear in everything we do that we are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but that at the same time, we are preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO."

Furthermore, Nechayev also claimed that it will lead to the “death of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population,” reported, the Moscow Times.&nbsp;The Russian official also said that Russia&nbsp;is convinced that Germany, like its closest allies “is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-has-officially-requested-germany-to-send-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-555491">Poland officially requests Germany to send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, will ask compensation from EU</a>

He added that by supplying additional and heavier weapons to Kyiv, Berlin has destroyed “the remnants of mutual trust and causes irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations.” On the other hand, countries like the United Kingdom, Poland, and France have hailed Germany’s decision of&nbsp;supplying tanks to Ukraine that it has long sought.&nbsp;

Germany had earlier indicated that it won't send its Leopard tanks unless the US also agrees to send its own M1 Abrams tanks.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The top Russian official in Germany has warned about possible escalation amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine after Berlin approved supplying Leopard 2 tanks following mounting pressure from Kyiv and its Western allies.

The top Russian official in Germany has warned about possible escalation amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine after Berlin approved supplying Leopard 2 tanks following mounting pressure from Kyiv and its Western allies. In a statement, on Wednesday (January 25) the Russian ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev, called this decision “extremely dangerous” and warned that this will not inevitably lead to the deaths of not only Russian soldiers but also the civilian population, reported the Moscow Times. “This extremely dangerous decision takes the conflict to a new level of confrontation, and contradicts statements by German politicians about the unwillingness of the German Federation to get involved in it”, said Nechaev, reported AFP, citing the statement. This comes after Berlin had initially been reluctant to send tanks to Ukraine but after facing pressure from its Western allies and following a debate in the German parliament early Wednesday. Reports suggest that Berlin has agreed to provide a company of 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from the Bundeswehr (Germany’s military) stocks. ALSO READ | Germany approves delivery of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine Additionally, they also granted the approval for other European countries to send their own stock of German-made Leopard tanks to Kyiv, which required Berlin’s permission. Addressing the parliament, on Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said, "We must always make it clear in everything we do that we are doing what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine, but that at the same time, we are preventing the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO." Furthermore, Nechayev also claimed that it will lead to the “death of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population,” reported, the Moscow Times. The Russian official also said that Russia is convinced that Germany, like its closest allies “is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis.” ALSO READ | Poland officially requests Germany to send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, will ask compensation from EU He added that by supplying additional and heavier weapons to Kyiv, Berlin has destroyed “the remnants of mutual trust and causes irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations.” On the other hand, countries like the United Kingdom, Poland, and France have hailed Germany’s decision of supplying tanks to Ukraine that it has long sought. Germany had earlier indicated that it won't send its Leopard tanks unless the US also agrees to send its own M1 Abrams tanks. (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.

‘Extremely dangerous’: Russia warns of potential escalation as Germany agrees to send tanks to Ukraine

Tennis legend Billie Jean King has urged Wimbledon to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, who were forbidden from participating in the tournament last year.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King has urged Wimbledon to lift the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, who were forbidden from participating in the tournament last year. King, speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Australian open said 'life is too short' for such a ban to be imposed on the players of the two countries. "Just keep it the same way as the other ones are. Life is too short. I think they should get prize money. Just have them play and get their money," said King. King, a six-time Wimbledon champion referred to players not receiving the ranking points due to the ban. Last year's Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina who was born in Russia and switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018 was denied the 2000 points and as a result, was seeded 22nd in the opening Grand Slam of the year. "It's the ranking points, for sure. They have to have it. Rybakina, they've seeded her 22, but because she won Wimbledon she's not (seeded higher)." WATCH | Gravitas: Wimbledon bans Russian and Belarusian players Notably, after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Russian and Belarusian players were barred from participating in Wimbledon Grand Slam. "We believe we have made the most responsible decision possible in the circumstances. And that within the framework of the governance position, there`s no viable alternative to the decision we have taken in this truly exceptional and tragic situation," said Ian Hewitt, chairman, All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) at the time. Read more: Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation Earlier this month, controversy erupted in Melbourne Park when Ukrainian ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko complained about spotting the Russian flag in the stands. He took to Twitter and complained about the ban as Russian and Belarusian athletes are competing under neutral flags. "I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today. I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its 'neutral flag' policy," he tweeted. Read more: Russian and Belarusian flags banned from Australian Open after Ukraine's complaint Afterwards, Tennis Australia released a statement saying the flags from the two countries were outright banned now. "Our initial policy was that fans could bring them in but could not use them to cause disruption. Yesterday we had an incident where a flag was placed courtside." After Tennis Australia's decision, the Russian embassy in Australia released a statement as well and slammed the tournament organisers for their partisan behaviour. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Lift Russia, Belarus ban', former Tennis great Billie Jean King urges Wimbledon

Poland has officially sought permission from Germany to transfer its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak on Tuesday (January 24). This comes as Berlin is facing mounting pressure from European allies to send tanks to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Warsaw has recently cranked up the pressure on Berlin to give its approval. The announcement comes a day after the&nbsp;Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said Warsaw will ask Germany for permission to re-export Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.&nbsp;

“The Germans have already received our request for consent to the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. I also appeal to the German side to join the coalition of countries supporting Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. This is our common cause, because it is about the security of the whole of Europe!”, said the&nbsp;Polish defence minister on Twitter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Polish Prime Minister,&nbsp;Mateusz Morawiecki, said that the country will ask the European Union to compensate for the cost of the Leopard 2 tanks. "We will apply for reimbursement to the European Union, it will be another test of good will," said the PM while addressing a press conference, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-european-allies-plan-to-send-tanks-to-ukraine-what-we-know-so-far-552934">Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine?</a> 
 
He added, "I hope that this answer from Germany will come quickly because the Germans are delaying, dodging, acting in a way that is difficult to understand."&nbsp;

However, Germany is yet to confirm if they have received such a request from Warsaw. Berlin whose&nbsp;approval is required for the re-export of Leopard tanks&nbsp;has been reluctant as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government believe&nbsp;their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia.&nbsp;

Previously, Scholz said that sending tanks to Ukraine, which Kyiv has long sought, would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the United States.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-wont-stand-in-the-way-of-polands-decision-to-supply-leopard-tanks-to-ukraine-554987">Germany 'won't stand in the way' of Poland's decision to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine</a> 
 
The request also comes after the German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, on Sunday, said that their government “if we were asked we would not stand in the way,” referring to the request for the Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann manufactured Leopard 2 tanks.&nbsp;

While there are at least 2,000 such tanks across&nbsp;several European countries,&nbsp;since they are German-made it would require the authorisation of the country of origin.&nbsp;So far, Ukraine’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Poland has officially sought permission from Germany to transfer its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak on Tuesday (January 24).

Poland has officially sought permission from Germany to transfer its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, said Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak on Tuesday (January 24). This comes as Berlin is facing mounting pressure from European allies to send tanks to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Warsaw has recently cranked up the pressure on Berlin to give its approval. The announcement comes a day after the Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said Warsaw will ask Germany for permission to re-export Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. “The Germans have already received our request for consent to the transfer of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. I also appeal to the German side to join the coalition of countries supporting Ukraine with Leopard 2 tanks. This is our common cause, because it is about the security of the whole of Europe!”, said the Polish defence minister on Twitter. Meanwhile, the Polish Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, said that the country will ask the European Union to compensate for the cost of the Leopard 2 tanks. "We will apply for reimbursement to the European Union, it will be another test of good will," said the PM while addressing a press conference, as per Reuters. ALSO READ | Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine? He added, "I hope that this answer from Germany will come quickly because the Germans are delaying, dodging, acting in a way that is difficult to understand." However, Germany is yet to confirm if they have received such a request from Warsaw. Berlin whose approval is required for the re-export of Leopard tanks has been reluctant as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government believe their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. Previously, Scholz said that sending tanks to Ukraine, which Kyiv has long sought, would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the United States. ALSO READ | Germany 'won't stand in the way' of Poland's decision to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine The request also comes after the German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, on Sunday, said that their government “if we were asked we would not stand in the way,” referring to the request for the Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann manufactured Leopard 2 tanks. While there are at least 2,000 such tanks across several European countries, since they are German-made it would require the authorisation of the country of origin. So far, Ukraine’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks. (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.

Poland officially requests Germany to send its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, will ask compensation from EU

The diplomatic relations between Russia and Estonia were downgraded on Monday after the latter's ambassador was ordered to leave Russia, as the country was accused of "total Russophobia".

As the Estonian ambassador was expelled, the Russian foreign ministry announced on Monday that the charge d’affaires will head the diplomatic mission of the country.&nbsp;

"The ambassador of the Estonian Republic will have to leave the Russian Federation on February 7," the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that the diplomatic representation of Estonia will also be downgraded from now.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-pushing-towards-two-towns-in-zaporizhzhia-region-554976">Ukraine war: Russia pushing towards two towns in Zaporizhzhia region</a>

According to the statement, the measure was adopted after the staff levels were reduced by Estonia at the Russian embassy in Tallinn.

The ministry added that the step was taken in retaliation for Estonia’s “new unfriendly step to radically reduce the size of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn.”

“In recent years, the Estonian leadership has purposefully destroyed the entire range of relations with Russia. Total Russophobia, the cultivation of hostility towards our country have been elevated by Tallinn to the rank of state policy,” read the statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry on Monday.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Estonian foreign ministry asked Russia to cut down the number of staff present in the embassy to eight diplomats and 15 technical, service and administrative staff members to “reach parity in embassy staff” by February 1.

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Russia and Belarus hold joint military drill

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On January 11, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, in a statement, said that Estonia's bilateral ties with Moscow have been reduced “to the absolute minimum” since Russia sent its troops to capture Ukrainian regions.&nbsp;

“Now we are setting a limit to the number of Russian diplomats working in Estonia in order to achieve parity. Today’s step is in correlation with the low point of our relations in general,” the minister said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The diplomatic relations between Russia and Estonia were downgraded on Monday after the latter's ambassador was ordered to leave Russia, as the country was accused of "total Russophobia".

The diplomatic relations between Russia and Estonia were downgraded on Monday after the latter's ambassador was ordered to leave Russia, as the country was accused of "total Russophobia". As the Estonian ambassador was expelled, the Russian foreign ministry announced on Monday that the charge d’affaires will head the diplomatic mission of the country. "The ambassador of the Estonian Republic will have to leave the Russian Federation on February 7," the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that the diplomatic representation of Estonia will also be downgraded from now. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Russia pushing towards two towns in Zaporizhzhia region According to the statement, the measure was adopted after the staff levels were reduced by Estonia at the Russian embassy in Tallinn. The ministry added that the step was taken in retaliation for Estonia’s “new unfriendly step to radically reduce the size of the Russian Embassy in Tallinn.” “In recent years, the Estonian leadership has purposefully destroyed the entire range of relations with Russia. Total Russophobia, the cultivation of hostility towards our country have been elevated by Tallinn to the rank of state policy,” read the statement issued by the Russian foreign ministry on Monday. Earlier this month, the Estonian foreign ministry asked Russia to cut down the number of staff present in the embassy to eight diplomats and 15 technical, service and administrative staff members to “reach parity in embassy staff” by February 1. WATCH | WION Fineprint: Russia and Belarus hold joint military drill On January 11, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, in a statement, said that Estonia's bilateral ties with Moscow have been reduced “to the absolute minimum” since Russia sent its troops to capture Ukrainian regions. “Now we are setting a limit to the number of Russian diplomats working in Estonia in order to achieve parity. Today’s step is in correlation with the low point of our relations in general,” the minister said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia orders Estonia's ambassador to leave, accuses country of 'total Russophobia'

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global oil demand is set to reach an all-time high in 2023 as the Chinese economy re-opens after ending its stringent zero-Covid policy. However, the Paris-based watchdog in its report published on Wednesday (January 18) also noted that the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequent Western sanctions on Moscow could affect the supply.&nbsp;

The demand for crude oil could surge by 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) to reach a record 101.7 million bpd, said the IEA in its first monthly oil report of the year. It also noted, “Two wild cards dominate the 2023 oil market outlook: Russia and China.”&nbsp;This comes after crude oil prices soared last year amid fears of disruptions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, however, later they stabilised as the Russian supply more or less continued while Europe faced an economic slowdown which lowered demand to some extent.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-oil-continues-to-flow-in-britain-western-hypocrisy-536228">Russian oil continues to flow in Britain | Western Hypocrisy</a>

However, IEA also said that there is a “high degree of uncertainty” about where the prices of oil could, in part, be attributed to the western sanctions on Russia, particularly the upcoming European Union ban on refined products which will take effect from February 5. The report also noted that despite sanctions, Russian oil output in December was dented only by 200,000 bpd.

“Russian supply slows under the full impact of sanctions, China will drive nearly half this global demand growth even as the shape and speed of its reopening remains uncertain,” said the IEA report. Notably, China’s demand for oil plunged for the first time in almost three decades due to the economic slowdown it faced while Beijing’s stringent Covid restrictions were in place.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-decision-of-output-cut-not-aimed-against-us-says-saudi-arabia-525212">OPEC decision of output cut not aimed against US, says Saudi Arabia</a>

However, as the country re-opens, it paves the way for an increase in demand due to travel, trade and business activities. According to the IEA, this could, in turn, lead to a tighter global oil market due to increased demand from China and the “full impact” of Western sanctions on Russian oil.&nbsp;

“The preeminent driver of 2023 GDP and oil demand growth will be the timing and pace of China’s post-lockdown recovery,” said the IEA, as per Reuters.&nbsp;The Paris-based agency also said that the main growth of oil supply growth is set to take place from the United States as the OPEC+ will reduce theirs by 870,000 bpd.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global oil demand is set to reach an all-time high in 2023 as the Chinese economy re-opens after ending its stringent zero-Covid policy.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global oil demand is set to reach an all-time high in 2023 as the Chinese economy re-opens after ending its stringent zero-Covid policy. However, the Paris-based watchdog in its report published on Wednesday (January 18) also noted that the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequent Western sanctions on Moscow could affect the supply. The demand for crude oil could surge by 1.9 million barrels per day (bpd) to reach a record 101.7 million bpd, said the IEA in its first monthly oil report of the year. It also noted, “Two wild cards dominate the 2023 oil market outlook: Russia and China.” This comes after crude oil prices soared last year amid fears of disruptions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, however, later they stabilised as the Russian supply more or less continued while Europe faced an economic slowdown which lowered demand to some extent. ALSO WATCH: Russian oil continues to flow in Britain | Western Hypocrisy However, IEA also said that there is a “high degree of uncertainty” about where the prices of oil could, in part, be attributed to the western sanctions on Russia, particularly the upcoming European Union ban on refined products which will take effect from February 5. The report also noted that despite sanctions, Russian oil output in December was dented only by 200,000 bpd. “Russian supply slows under the full impact of sanctions, China will drive nearly half this global demand growth even as the shape and speed of its reopening remains uncertain,” said the IEA report. Notably, China’s demand for oil plunged for the first time in almost three decades due to the economic slowdown it faced while Beijing’s stringent Covid restrictions were in place. ALSO READ | OPEC decision of output cut not aimed against US, says Saudi Arabia However, as the country re-opens, it paves the way for an increase in demand due to travel, trade and business activities. According to the IEA, this could, in turn, lead to a tighter global oil market due to increased demand from China and the “full impact” of Western sanctions on Russian oil. “The preeminent driver of 2023 GDP and oil demand growth will be the timing and pace of China’s post-lockdown recovery,” said the IEA, as per Reuters. The Paris-based agency also said that the main growth of oil supply growth is set to take place from the United States as the OPEC+ will reduce theirs by 870,000 bpd. (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.

Global oil demand to reach an all-time high this year as China re-opens, says IEA

In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu&nbsp;informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026.&nbsp;

The reforms proposed by the defence ministry include boosting the combat capabilities of its naval, aerospace and strategic missile forces, apart from major changes to the administrative system.&nbsp;

"Only by strengthening the key structural components of the armed forces is it possible to guarantee the military security of the state and protect new entities and critical facilities of the Russian Federation," Shoigu was quoted as saying on Tuesday, reports Reuters news agency.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the proposed reforms were necessitated due to the "proxy war" being conducted by the West in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Peskov&nbsp;made the remarks in connection with the West pledging to send heavy weaponry to Ukraine to help resist the Russian forces.&nbsp;

In December, the Russian defence ministry had vowed to bolster its military forces to 1.5 million, after facing scathing criticism domestically for the ineffectiveness to take control of large tracts of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Member of Russia's private military seeks asylum in Norway</h2>

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Ever since it began its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been on a recruitment drive to join more people to its military.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-commander-seeks-asylum-in-norway-claiming-war-crimes-by-the-outfit-553452">Wagner group commander seeks asylum in Norway claiming war crimes by the outfit</a>

It has been hiring Afghan special forces, soldiers, and bribing foreigners with fast-tracked Russian citizenship in exchange for joining the Russian army. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-praises-wagner-forces-ukraine-denies-moscows-claim-of-soledar-liberation-552470">Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation'</a>

Apart from that, Kremlin has also sought help from the mercenary force Wagner Group as it seeks to capture more territories in Ukraine.&nbsp;

In September, Putin signed into law to conscript citizens with unexpunged or outstanding convictions for murder, robbery, larceny, drug trafficking and other serious crimes under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation to be called up for&nbsp;military service.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026.

In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026. The reforms proposed by the defence ministry include boosting the combat capabilities of its naval, aerospace and strategic missile forces, apart from major changes to the administrative system. "Only by strengthening the key structural components of the armed forces is it possible to guarantee the military security of the state and protect new entities and critical facilities of the Russian Federation," Shoigu was quoted as saying on Tuesday, reports Reuters news agency. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the proposed reforms were necessitated due to the "proxy war" being conducted by the West in Ukraine. Peskov made the remarks in connection with the West pledging to send heavy weaponry to Ukraine to help resist the Russian forces. In December, the Russian defence ministry had vowed to bolster its military forces to 1.5 million, after facing scathing criticism domestically for the ineffectiveness to take control of large tracts of Ukraine. Member of Russia's private military seeks asylum in Norway Ever since it began its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been on a recruitment drive to join more people to its military. Also read | Wagner group commander seeks asylum in Norway claiming war crimes by the outfit It has been hiring Afghan special forces, soldiers, and bribing foreigners with fast-tracked Russian citizenship in exchange for joining the Russian army. Also read | Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation' Apart from that, Kremlin has also sought help from the mercenary force Wagner Group as it seeks to capture more territories in Ukraine. In September, Putin signed into law to conscript citizens with unexpunged or outstanding convictions for murder, robbery, larceny, drug trafficking and other serious crimes under the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation to be called up for military service. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia proposes 'major changes’ to boost capabilities of armed forces  

Russia and Belarus began their "defensive"&nbsp;joint air drills on Monday, leaving Kyiv and the West concerned that this could lead to the launch of a new attack on Ukraine. One of the only countries that have resolutely supported Russia throughout the conflict, Belarus, allowed Moscow's military to begin their invasion from the country in February.

The air force drills, according to Belarus's defence ministry, will feature combined "tactical" flights from all of the country's airfields. Minska stated that the drills will aim at&nbsp;fortifying the defence. According to Pavel Muraveyko, first deputy state secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, "the exercise is purely defensive in nature," based on a message on the Telegram app of the Belarusian Defence Ministry, Al Jazeera reported.

The drills “will concentrate mainly on patrolling [and] supplies during operations,” as per Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem. “They have been described as defensive drills, not offensive ones, so this is generally the perspective that’s being discussed whenever this issue of the drills is being spoken about. But there are many concerns with the role Belarus is playing with respect to the war [and] whether this is going to have an impact,” he added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/ukraine-insists-western-nations-to-speed-up-weapon-supplies-to-combat-russian-attacks-553307" hreflang="en">Ukraine insists western nations should 'speed up' weapon supplies to combat Russian attacks</a>

As Ukraine’s Dnipro is still reeling under Russia’s Saturday deadly missile attack, the death toll is rising with&nbsp;dozens unaccounted for. The strike in Dnipro is believed to be one of the deadliest civilian incidents of Moscow's three-month missile-firing campaign against cities far from the front, Reuters reported. A Russian Kh-22 missile from the Soviet era struck Dnipro, according to Ukraine, Baltic News Network (BNN) reported. These missiles are meant to destroy warships, but the Ukrainian Air Force lacks the equipment to intercept them.

Ukraine claims that the widespread civilian killings, which it calls acts of terrorism, show why the war-torn country needs more advanced&nbsp;weapons to drive back Russian soldiers. Russia, however, denied intentionally targeting civilians.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/videos/russia-and-belarus-hold-joint-military-drill-553302" hreflang="en">Russia and Belarus hold joint military drill</a>

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In the aftermath of the attack on Saturday in the central city of Dnipro, authorities said there was little possibility of rescuing more survivors, but President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged&nbsp;to continue the rescue&nbsp;"as long as there is even the slightest chance to save lives."

Following the Dnipro incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies to bolster military supplies to Ukraine to put an end to Russian terrorism and attacks on civilian targets. The transfer of the needed&nbsp;military equipment to Ukraine has now been agreed upon by the Western countries. The United Kingdom added its offer to that of Poland and France on Saturday, saying it will deliver 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to combat Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia and Belarus began their "defensive" joint air drills on Monday, leaving Kyiv and the West concerned that this could lead to the launch of a new attack on Ukraine.

Russia and Belarus began their "defensive" joint air drills on Monday, leaving Kyiv and the West concerned that this could lead to the launch of a new attack on Ukraine. One of the only countries that have resolutely supported Russia throughout the conflict, Belarus, allowed Moscow's military to begin their invasion from the country in February. The air force drills, according to Belarus's defence ministry, will feature combined "tactical" flights from all of the country's airfields. Minska stated that the drills will aim at fortifying the defence. According to Pavel Muraveyko, first deputy state secretary of the Belarusian Security Council, "the exercise is purely defensive in nature," based on a message on the Telegram app of the Belarusian Defence Ministry, Al Jazeera reported. The drills “will concentrate mainly on patrolling [and] supplies during operations,” as per Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem. “They have been described as defensive drills, not offensive ones, so this is generally the perspective that’s being discussed whenever this issue of the drills is being spoken about. But there are many concerns with the role Belarus is playing with respect to the war [and] whether this is going to have an impact,” he added. Also Read | Ukraine insists western nations should 'speed up' weapon supplies to combat Russian attacks As Ukraine’s Dnipro is still reeling under Russia’s Saturday deadly missile attack, the death toll is rising with dozens unaccounted for. The strike in Dnipro is believed to be one of the deadliest civilian incidents of Moscow's three-month missile-firing campaign against cities far from the front, Reuters reported. A Russian Kh-22 missile from the Soviet era struck Dnipro, according to Ukraine, Baltic News Network (BNN) reported. These missiles are meant to destroy warships, but the Ukrainian Air Force lacks the equipment to intercept them. Ukraine claims that the widespread civilian killings, which it calls acts of terrorism, show why the war-torn country needs more advanced weapons to drive back Russian soldiers. Russia, however, denied intentionally targeting civilians. Watch | Russia and Belarus hold joint military drill In the aftermath of the attack on Saturday in the central city of Dnipro, authorities said there was little possibility of rescuing more survivors, but President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged to continue the rescue "as long as there is even the slightest chance to save lives." Following the Dnipro incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies to bolster military supplies to Ukraine to put an end to Russian terrorism and attacks on civilian targets. The transfer of the needed military equipment to Ukraine has now been agreed upon by the Western countries. The United Kingdom added its offer to that of Poland and France on Saturday, saying it will deliver 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine to combat Russian forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

War in Ukraine: Russia, Belarus conduct ‘defensive’ air drills

In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026. In other news,&nbsp;Germany named Boris Pistorius as the country’s new defence minister on Tuesday (January 17) following the resignation of Christine Lambrecht a day prior.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-proposes-major-changes-to-boost-capabilities-of-armed-forces-553552">Russia proposes 'major changes’ to boost capabilities of armed forces&nbsp;</a>

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In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-appoints-boris-pistorius-as-new-defence-minister-averts-government-crisis-553579">Germany appoints Boris Pistorius as new defence minister, averts government crisis</a>

<img alt="2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4594d588-7ec1-4c38-9dc4-3fe5fc7052a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20%2826%29_3.png" />

Germany named Boris Pistorius as the country’s new defence minister on Tuesday (January 17) following the resignation of Christine Lambrecht a day prior. This comes weeks after several missteps by the now former defence minister of Berlin and amid mounting pressure on the country from European allies to approve the re-export of Leopard tanks for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-25-people-in-belarus-including-lawmakers-over-politically-motivated-trial-553574">US imposes visa restrictions on 25 people in Belarus including lawmakers over ‘politically motivated trial’</a>

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The United States imposed visa restrictions for 25 people including lawmakers for “undermining democracy” on Tuesday (January 17) over the trial in absentia of exiled democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-population-falls-to-a-60-year-low-demographers-predict-nation-will-get-old-before-it-gets-rich-553315">China's population falls to a 60 year low; demographers predict nation 'will get old before it gets rich'</a>

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For the first time in 60 years, China’s population has fallen. 2022 saw the nation’s population take a historic turn to mark the start of a long period of decline in its citizens’ numbers. As per Reuters, this marks the beginning of profound implications for the economy of the nation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cop-admits-to-71-sexual-offences-in-one-of-the-worst-serial-rape-crimes-553503">UK cop admits to 71 sexual offences in one of the worst serial rape crimes</a>

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In what emerged as one of the worst serial rape crimes in Britain, a service police officer of London's Metropolitan Police admitted to committing 71 sexual offences including 24 rapes against 12 women over the course of nearly two decades. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-ninos-2023-return-to-give-off-the-charts-rise-in-global-temperatures-553567">El Nino's 2023 return to give 'off the charts' rise in global temperatures</a>

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The El Nino climate phenomenon later this year may make 2023 to record 'off the charts' temperatures causing unprecedented heatwaves, scientists have warned. The El Nino refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-at-least-one-killed-four-injured-after-explosion-on-oil-tanker-ship-553468">Thailand: At least one killed, four injured after explosion on oil tanker ship</a>

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At least one person was killed and four others were injured after an explosion on an oil tanker ship took place, on early Tuesday (January 17), in Thailand’s Samut Songkhram province, said officials. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-commander-seeks-asylum-in-norway-claiming-war-crimes-by-the-outfit-553452">Wagner group commander seeks asylum in Norway claiming war crimes by the outfit</a>

<img alt="8" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="80ae501a-4d41-40db-b445-1092f21d892b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20%2832%29_0.png" />

A BBC report says that a former commander with the Russian paramilitary Wagner Group has claimed asylum in Norway. Twenty-six-year-old Andrey Medvedev is currently in Oslo after being detained by border guards following his intrusion last Friday. He is facing charges of illegal entry to Norway, his lawyer Brynjulf Risnes told the BBC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-23000-schools-across-uk-to-be-affected-as-teacher-announce-a-strike-heres-all-you-need-to-know-553439">Explained: 23,000 schools across UK to be affected as teachers announce strike. Here's all you need to know</a>

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Strikes in the United Kingdom are set to intensify, as on Monday Britain’s largest teaching and nursing unions announced further walkouts over pay. AFP reports, the National Education Union (NEU) announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted to walk out starting next month. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-supreme-court-seeks-centres-view-on-criminalising-marital-rape-553477">India’s Supreme Court seeks Centre’s view on criminalising marital rape 
 
<img alt="10" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f00d880b-3c4d-43d9-bfbb-a29e98960947" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WION%20IMAGES%21%20%2834%29_1.png" /></a>

The Indian Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the central government to respond by February 15 to a batch of petitions seeking to criminalise marital rape, which is not recognised under the existing law.&nbsp;

In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026. In other news, Germany named Boris Pistorius as the country’s new defence minister on Tuesday (January 17) following the resignation of Christine Lambrecht a day prior. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia proposes 'major changes’ to boost capabilities of armed forces In the wake of setbacks faced in the ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia has decided to make “major changes” to its military structure. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that the proposed changes to its armed forces will take place from 2023 to 2026. Germany appoints Boris Pistorius as new defence minister, averts government crisis Germany named Boris Pistorius as the country’s new defence minister on Tuesday (January 17) following the resignation of Christine Lambrecht a day prior. This comes weeks after several missteps by the now former defence minister of Berlin and amid mounting pressure on the country from European allies to approve the re-export of Leopard tanks for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. US imposes visa restrictions on 25 people in Belarus including lawmakers over ‘politically motivated trial’ The United States imposed visa restrictions for 25 people including lawmakers for “undermining democracy” on Tuesday (January 17) over the trial in absentia of exiled democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. China's population falls to a 60 year low; demographers predict nation 'will get old before it gets rich' For the first time in 60 years, China’s population has fallen. 2022 saw the nation’s population take a historic turn to mark the start of a long period of decline in its citizens’ numbers. As per Reuters, this marks the beginning of profound implications for the economy of the nation. UK cop admits to 71 sexual offences in one of the worst serial rape crimes In what emerged as one of the worst serial rape crimes in Britain, a service police officer of London's Metropolitan Police admitted to committing 71 sexual offences including 24 rapes against 12 women over the course of nearly two decades. El Nino's 2023 return to give 'off the charts' rise in global temperatures The El Nino climate phenomenon later this year may make 2023 to record 'off the charts' temperatures causing unprecedented heatwaves, scientists have warned. The El Nino refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures. Thailand: At least one killed, four injured after explosion on oil tanker ship At least one person was killed and four others were injured after an explosion on an oil tanker ship took place, on early Tuesday (January 17), in Thailand’s Samut Songkhram province, said officials. Wagner group commander seeks asylum in Norway claiming war crimes by the outfit A BBC report says that a former commander with the Russian paramilitary Wagner Group has claimed asylum in Norway. Twenty-six-year-old Andrey Medvedev is currently in Oslo after being detained by border guards following his intrusion last Friday. He is facing charges of illegal entry to Norway, his lawyer Brynjulf Risnes told the BBC. Explained: 23,000 schools across UK to be affected as teachers announce strike. Here's all you need to know Strikes in the United Kingdom are set to intensify, as on Monday Britain’s largest teaching and nursing unions announced further walkouts over pay. AFP reports, the National Education Union (NEU) announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted to walk out starting next month. India’s Supreme Court seeks Centre’s view on criminalising marital rape The Indian Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the central government to respond by February 15 to a batch of petitions seeking to criminalise marital rape, which is not recognised under the existing law.

Top 10 world news: Russia to boost capabilities of armed forces, Germany appoints new defence minister & more

Russia’s Yakutsk region recorded -50 degrees this week as abnormally harsh winter continues to batter the Siberian city.

Residents of the city, which is located 5,000 km east of Moscow on the permafrost of the Russian Far East, have been facing a harrowing time as they brave through long winter which often plunges the temperatures to well below -40 degrees regularly. However, this week, the city broke all the records, as the temperature breached the -50 degrees mark.

"You can't fight it. You either adjust and dress accordingly or you suffer," Anastasia Gruzdeva, who is covered with two scarves, two pairs of gloves and multiple hats, told Reuters news agency.

You don't really feel the cold in the city. Or maybe it's just the brain prepares you for it, and tells you everything is normal," she added.

Nurgusun Starostina, another resident, who has been selling frozen fish at a market without a fridge or freezer, said there were no special tricks to tackle with the cold.

"Just dress warmly," she said. "In layers, like a cabbage!" she quipped.

With no signs of this long winter coming to an end, residents are fearing that it may impact the energy infrastructure in the city.

“Pipes are bursting, heating tanks are breaking down, everything is hard frozen. The local authorities were not prepared for this situation at all,” a resident told Metro newspaper.

Another local complained that their gas boiler had frozen solid, a daunting situation in a town where wintery conditions stretch from October to April.

“Batteries burst in the apartments of many residents, and sewer pipes froze,” they said.

Meanwhile, former deputy mayor of Yakutsk Vladimir Fedorov described the temperature as a “man-made disaster”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia’s Yakutsk region recorded -50 degrees this week as abnormally harsh winter continues to batter the Siberian city. Residents of the city, which is located 5,000 km east of Moscow on the permafrost of the Russian Far East, have been facing a harrowing time as they brave through long winter which often plunges the temperatures to well below -40 degrees regularly.

Russia’s Yakutsk region recorded -50 degrees this week as abnormally harsh winter continues to batter the Siberian city. Residents of the city, which is located 5,000 km east of Moscow on the permafrost of the Russian Far East, have been facing a harrowing time as they brave through long winter which often plunges the temperatures to well below -40 degrees regularly. However, this week, the city broke all the records, as the temperature breached the -50 degrees mark. "You can't fight it. You either adjust and dress accordingly or you suffer," Anastasia Gruzdeva, who is covered with two scarves, two pairs of gloves and multiple hats, told Reuters news agency. You don't really feel the cold in the city. Or maybe it's just the brain prepares you for it, and tells you everything is normal," she added. Nurgusun Starostina, another resident, who has been selling frozen fish at a market without a fridge or freezer, said there were no special tricks to tackle with the cold. "Just dress warmly," she said. "In layers, like a cabbage!" she quipped. With no signs of this long winter coming to an end, residents are fearing that it may impact the energy infrastructure in the city. “Pipes are bursting, heating tanks are breaking down, everything is hard frozen. The local authorities were not prepared for this situation at all,” a resident told Metro newspaper. Another local complained that their gas boiler had frozen solid, a daunting situation in a town where wintery conditions stretch from October to April. “Batteries burst in the apartments of many residents, and sewer pipes froze,” they said. Meanwhile, former deputy mayor of Yakutsk Vladimir Fedorov described the temperature as a “man-made disaster”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In this Russian city, temperature breached past minus 50 degrees

The secretary general of NATO Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday praised the recent pledges by Western allies to provide heavy weaponry to Ukraine, adding that he anticipated more "in the near future." "The recent pledges for heavy warfare equipment are important -- and I expect more in the near future," Stoltenberg told Germany's Handelsblatt daily.

Stoltenberg’s comments came a day after a series of Russian bombings across war-torn Ukraine once more targeted crucial infrastructure, leaving nearly 30 people dead, Al Jazeera reported. The bombings hit a residential building in the east-central city of Dnipro – an attack Washington condemned.

Kyiv has long been urging its allies to provide it with vehicles, artillery and missiles to defeat Russia in the ongoing war. The NATO-designated Ukraine Defence Contact Group will meet for the third time on Friday at the US Ramstein Air Base in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The bloc is said to coordinate arms supplies to Kyiv during the meet, according to France 24.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/explained-european-allies-plan-to-send-tanks-to-ukraine-what-we-know-so-far-552934" hreflang="en">Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine?</a>

On being asked if Germany needed to take similar action to equip Ukraine with more powerful weaponry, the head of the Intergovernmental organisation said: “We are in a decisive phase of the war. We are experiencing fierce fighting. Therefore, it is important that we provide Ukraine with the weapons it needs to win — and to continue as an independent nation.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, appealed for more powerful Western weapons on Saturday, claiming that the only way to confront Russian "terror" was on the battlefield. “What is needed for this? Those weapons that are in the warehouses of our partners,” Zelenskyy said during his address.

Last week, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s confidants said that Moscow was currently engaged in combat with the NATO military alliance led by the United States in Ukraine and that the West was attempting to erase Russia from the political map of the world, Reuters reported.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/uk-to-supply-battle-tanks-to-ukraine-amid-russian-strikes-552968" hreflang="en">UK to supply battle tanks to Ukraine amid Russian strikes</a>

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With last week's announcement that it has "completed the liberation" of Soledar, Russia claimed its first major battlefield victory following months of defeats and inaction, a claim that Ukraine repudiated, saying heavy fighting continues in the region.

Countries including the United Kingdom, France and Poland have vowed to send tanks soon for the Ukrainian military to combat Russian forces. While the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to &nbsp;Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks, Poland may deliver German-made Leopard 2 tanks. Finland may adopt a similar strategy, CNN reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The secretary general of NATO Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday praised the recent pledges by Western allies to provide heavy weaponry to Ukraine, adding that he anticipated more "in the near future.

The secretary general of NATO Jens Stoltenberg on Sunday praised the recent pledges by Western allies to provide heavy weaponry to Ukraine, adding that he anticipated more "in the near future." "The recent pledges for heavy warfare equipment are important -- and I expect more in the near future," Stoltenberg told Germany's Handelsblatt daily. Stoltenberg’s comments came a day after a series of Russian bombings across war-torn Ukraine once more targeted crucial infrastructure, leaving nearly 30 people dead, Al Jazeera reported. The bombings hit a residential building in the east-central city of Dnipro – an attack Washington condemned. Kyiv has long been urging its allies to provide it with vehicles, artillery and missiles to defeat Russia in the ongoing war. The NATO-designated Ukraine Defence Contact Group will meet for the third time on Friday at the US Ramstein Air Base in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The bloc is said to coordinate arms supplies to Kyiv during the meet, according to France 24. Also Read | Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine? On being asked if Germany needed to take similar action to equip Ukraine with more powerful weaponry, the head of the Intergovernmental organisation said: “We are in a decisive phase of the war. We are experiencing fierce fighting. Therefore, it is important that we provide Ukraine with the weapons it needs to win — and to continue as an independent nation.” Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, appealed for more powerful Western weapons on Saturday, claiming that the only way to confront Russian "terror" was on the battlefield. “What is needed for this? Those weapons that are in the warehouses of our partners,” Zelenskyy said during his address. Last week, one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s confidants said that Moscow was currently engaged in combat with the NATO military alliance led by the United States in Ukraine and that the West was attempting to erase Russia from the political map of the world, Reuters reported. Watch | UK to supply battle tanks to Ukraine amid Russian strikes With last week's announcement that it has "completed the liberation" of Soledar, Russia claimed its first major battlefield victory following months of defeats and inaction, a claim that Ukraine repudiated, saying heavy fighting continues in the region. Countries including the United Kingdom, France and Poland have vowed to send tanks soon for the Ukrainian military to combat Russian forces. While the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to Ukraine with Challenger 2 tanks, Poland may deliver German-made Leopard 2 tanks. Finland may adopt a similar strategy, CNN reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

War-torn Ukraine can expect more heavy weapons deliveries 'in the near future': NATO

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.

In a miraculous rescue, a woman was retrieved alive by rescue workers from the debris of a residential building in Ukraine's southeastern town of Dnipro, after it was hit by a Russian missile strike.&nbsp;

The video of a woman being saved by rescue workers was shared by Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko on Twitter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-special-military-operation-in-ukraine-showing-positive-trend-552863">Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend</a>

Posting the video, he tweeted, “A woman was rescued from the rubble in Dnipro. Alive! We watch these images and realise it could have been us. It could have been our loved ones. All of us, millions of Ukrainians, can die from bombs at any moment. We live with that knowledge.”

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A woman was rescued from the rubble in Dnipro. Alive! 
 
We watch these images and realize it could have been us. It could have been our loved ones. All of us, millions of Ukrainians, can die from bombs at any moment. We live with that knowledge. <a href="https://t.co/OJC0R4pgu3">pic.twitter.com/OJC0R4pgu3</a>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1614559028142555136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This follows the latest assault launched by Russia on various Ukrainian towns over the weekend. A barrage of missiles was fired by Russia on various cities of Ukraine on Saturday, which included Lviv, Kharkiv and Kyiv.&nbsp;

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DNIPRO: "Ukrainian firefighters rescue a wounded woman from a bombed building after a Russian rocket attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, January 14, 2023." -VOA <a href="https://t.co/N9e6AGvnlH">pic.twitter.com/N9e6AGvnlH</a>
— Witches Truth Post 📜 (@witchestruth) <a href="https://twitter.com/witchestruth/status/1614892995983343616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Around 550 rescuers are working in Dnipro, which includes volunteers, doctors and police officers, who have been working relentlessly without any break or rest to save the people who may be trapped in the strike-hit building.&nbsp;

At least 40&nbsp;have lost their lives in the missile strike on Dnipro and 75 have been injured.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the "cowardly silence" of Russians over the attack, adding that messages of sympathy were sent to Kyiv from different countries over "this terror."&nbsp;

WATCH| War in Ukraine: Dnipro pummeled, hundreds without power | Russian strikes

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"The rescue operation will last as long as there is even the slightest chance to save lies," he added.&nbsp;

Emergency workers have said that screams of people, calling for help, can be heard from beneath the debris of the apartment, which was nine-storied.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In a miraculous rescue, a woman was retrieved alive by rescue workers from the debris of a residential building in Ukraine's southeastern town of Dnipro, after it was hit by a Russian missile strike. The video of a woman being saved by rescue workers was shared by Advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Anton Gerashchenko on Twitter. ALSO READ| Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend Posting the video, he tweeted, “A woman was rescued from the rubble in Dnipro. Alive! We watch these images and realise it could have been us. It could have been our loved ones. All of us, millions of Ukrainians, can die from bombs at any moment. We live with that knowledge.” A woman was rescued from the rubble in Dnipro. Alive! We watch these images and realize it could have been us. It could have been our loved ones. All of us, millions of Ukrainians, can die from bombs at any moment. We live with that knowledge. pic.twitter.com/OJC0R4pgu3 — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) January 15, 2023 × This follows the latest assault launched by Russia on various Ukrainian towns over the weekend. A barrage of missiles was fired by Russia on various cities of Ukraine on Saturday, which included Lviv, Kharkiv and Kyiv. DNIPRO: "Ukrainian firefighters rescue a wounded woman from a bombed building after a Russian rocket attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, January 14, 2023." -VOA pic.twitter.com/N9e6AGvnlH — Witches Truth Post 📜 (@witchestruth) January 16, 2023 × Around 550 rescuers are working in Dnipro, which includes volunteers, doctors and police officers, who have been working relentlessly without any break or rest to save the people who may be trapped in the strike-hit building. At least 40 have lost their lives in the missile strike on Dnipro and 75 have been injured. On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the "cowardly silence" of Russians over the attack, adding that messages of sympathy were sent to Kyiv from different countries over "this terror." WATCH| War in Ukraine: Dnipro pummeled, hundreds without power | Russian strikes "The rescue operation will last as long as there is even the slightest chance to save lies," he added. Emergency workers have said that screams of people, calling for help, can be heard from beneath the debris of the apartment, which was nine-storied. (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 | Woman miraculously survives Russia's missile strike at residential building in Dnipro

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine. This comes after the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation during which Sunak confirmed that he would send tanks and additional weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Germany for weeks has been considering sending tanks amid growing pressure from France and Poland.&nbsp;

UK to send 14 tanks and weapons to Ukraine

The announcement was made by UK PM Sunak’s office after the two leaders spoke, late Saturday, “As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” said the British prime minister’s office, in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-special-military-operation-in-ukraine-showing-positive-trend-552863">Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend</a>

In the upcoming weeks, the UK is planning to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with 30 self-propelled AS90 guns which would be operated by five gunners. Furthermore, Britain will also train Ukrainian army personnel on how to use the tanks as well as the guns.&nbsp;

This comes after the British PM highlighted the country’s “ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine”, as per a readout of a phone call with Zelensky. According to Sunak’s office, he believes a “long and static war only serves Russia’s interests”. It added, “UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale.”

Additionally, the UK PM believes that the British Army’s main battle tank would help Ukrainian forces “push Russian troops back”. Notably, this move now makes Britain the first western country to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks which it has sought for some time now including US main battle tank M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-indicates-uk-to-send-battle-tanks-artillery-to-ukraine-552655/amp">PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine</a>

After the conversation and announcement, Zelensky took to Twitter and thanked the UK PM for his decision to send the tanks and said, “that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield but also send the right signal to other partners.” He also spoke about how UK’s support was “always strong" and was “now impenetrable”.&nbsp;

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Always strong support of the UK is now impenetrable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a>, I thanked for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1614219544335114242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this week, Sunak’s office also spoke about coordinating efforts with allies Germany, France and the United States as they are among the countries who have also indicated that they would be willing to send armoured vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

How has Russia responded to the UK's announcement?&nbsp;

The announcement received a swift response from the Russian Embassy in London which said that sending tanks to Ukraine would be evidence of the “increasingly obvious involvement of London in the conflict” as well as “intensify” the conflict and lead to more casualties including civilians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-praises-wagner-forces-ukraine-denies-moscows-claim-of-soledar-liberation-552470">Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation'</a>

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the embassy said, “As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery.” Similarly, in response to the UK's decision to send Challenger tanks, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated her response that “weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.”&nbsp;

What are Challenger 2 tanks?

According to the British Army, Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks and has been in service since 1994. It was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, reported Reuters. While they are over two decades old they will be the most modern tank at Ukraine's disposal amid the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-alleges-russia-cancelled-prisoner-exchange-at-the-last-minute-552731">Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute</a>

The Challenger 2 is a 64-tonne main battle tank, built by British Aerospace Systems in the 1990s and has a maximum speed ranging from 40 km/hour to 59 km/hour which can cover a distance of 250 km to 450 km. It can also carry a four-member crew with a commander, gunner, loader and driver and is armed with a 120mm rifled tank gun, Boeing 7.62mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and L37A2 anti-air machine gun, reported Al Jazeera.

Germany under pressure

Earlier this month, Berlin agreed to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as the Patriot air system. However, there has been mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorise the re-export of modern battle tanks to Kyiv. However, Scholz previously said that such a move would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the US.&nbsp;

Furthermore, reports suggest that the German Chancellor has been reluctant to send battle tanks as he does not want to act alone while some western leaders are being cautious about the aid and weapons they send to Ukraine as their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. So far, Kyiv’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-pushes-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-549802">Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks</a>

According to estimates by the European Council on Foreign Relations, there are nearly 2,000 Leopard tanks in Europe. “The Ukrainians really want the Leopards because there are lots in stock across Europe,” said a French official familiar with the discussions to Politico.&nbsp;

Germany’s support is seen as crucial being one of the biggest economies in the EU and also because while 13 European countries are reportedly in possession of Leopard 2 tanks including Poland, France, and Finland they need Berlin’s authorisation to re-export the procured tanks. Since the Leopards are being produced by Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann their delivery to Ukraine would require the authorisation of the country of origin which in this case is Germany.&nbsp;

However, on Thursday, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, said that Berlin should not block any countries from re-exporting Leopard tanks. “Germany should not stand in the way of other countries taking decisions to support Ukraine, independent of which decisions Germany takes,” said Habeck, on the sidelines of the Greens party meeting in Berlin. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-we-know-about-ukraines-deadliest-attack-on-russia-since-the-conflict-began-549499">Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began</a>

Additionally, German deputy government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, addressing a press conference, said that Berlin has not received a formal request from either Poland or Finland but also said that sending the tanks without their approval would be “illegal”.&nbsp;

Germany is still in the midst of considering the right thing to do and how to best support Ukraine, Hoffmann added. Last week, the Berlin government spokesperson also stressed that one of the key goals for the country is to not become an active part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-capital-more-attacks-expected-elsewhere-552596">Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 25 killed, 43 missing</a> 
 
A report by Bloomberg citing two officials familiar with the German government’s thinking said that they believe that Berlin will likely decide to supply the Leopards to Ukraine. The report, citing a German official familiar with the matter, also claims that the country will make a decision before an upcoming meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht at the American airbase in Ramstein scheduled for later this month.&nbsp;

What about other European nations?

The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda had earlier indicated that while they are ready to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv it would only be possible under a larger international coalition of tank aid to Ukraine. According to the German institute Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Poland has already sent at least 200 Soviet-style tanks, while countries like UK, France and Poland have also given a total of $12 billion as&nbsp;military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-did-nato-push-ukraine-into-war-459651">Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war?</a>

Earlier this month, France said that it would send its AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles which are deemed “light tanks” in Paris to Ukraine. Subsequently, the US agreed to send its Bradley fighting vehicles while Germany announced it would send its Marder armoured personnel carriers for the first time since the conflict began almost a year ago.&nbsp;

What is happening at NATO?

A report by CNN, citing western officials, says that the decision of sending more tanks by some countries but not by others was part of a broader assessment of the on-ground situation in Ukraine while NATO allies in recent weeks have been deciding the best course of action in providing specific types of assistance be it military or money.&nbsp;

There are also growing concerns about Western stocks of such weapons as Ukrainians have understandably been burning through ammunition at an astonishing rate, said NPR’s Frank Langfitt, reporting from Brussels, on Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-we-shouldnt-underestimate-russia-551140">NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia'</a>

He also spoke about how every ambassador that he interacted with was worried about this as there was no demand or market for these kinds of heavy weapons and “nobody here saw a major land war coming. So now, NATO allies, they’re meeting with arms makers.”&nbsp;

Therefore, even NATO countries are trying to ramp up manufacturing and weapons supplies amid the unprecedented rise in demand. So far, several reports have suggested that as the conflict is nearing the one-year mark it is entering a new phase and Ukraine could witness major attacks from Russia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-happening-in-the-ukrainian-city-of-soledar-551528">Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar?</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Germany remains concerned about causing further provocations against Moscow, European officials have argued that they have shared enough weapons and intelligence which has significantly benefited Kyiv. Therefore, sending tanks cannot be that big an escalation, regardless of what Russia might say about the move, reported CNN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine. This comes after the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation during which Sunak confirmed that he would send tanks and additional weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Germany for weeks has been considering sending tanks amid growing pressure from France and Poland. UK to send 14 tanks and weapons to Ukraine The announcement was made by UK PM Sunak’s office after the two leaders spoke, late Saturday, “As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” said the British prime minister’s office, in a statement. ALSO READ | Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend In the upcoming weeks, the UK is planning to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with 30 self-propelled AS90 guns which would be operated by five gunners. Furthermore, Britain will also train Ukrainian army personnel on how to use the tanks as well as the guns. This comes after the British PM highlighted the country’s “ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine”, as per a readout of a phone call with Zelensky. According to Sunak’s office, he believes a “long and static war only serves Russia’s interests”. It added, “UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale.” Additionally, the UK PM believes that the British Army’s main battle tank would help Ukrainian forces “push Russian troops back”. Notably, this move now makes Britain the first western country to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks which it has sought for some time now including US main battle tank M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks. ALSO READ | PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine After the conversation and announcement, Zelensky took to Twitter and thanked the UK PM for his decision to send the tanks and said, “that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield but also send the right signal to other partners.” He also spoke about how UK’s support was “always strong" and was “now impenetrable”. Always strong support of the UK is now impenetrable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, @RishiSunak, I thanked for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners. — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 14, 2023 × Earlier this week, Sunak’s office also spoke about coordinating efforts with allies Germany, France and the United States as they are among the countries who have also indicated that they would be willing to send armoured vehicles to Ukraine. How has Russia responded to the UK's announcement? The announcement received a swift response from the Russian Embassy in London which said that sending tanks to Ukraine would be evidence of the “increasingly obvious involvement of London in the conflict” as well as “intensify” the conflict and lead to more casualties including civilians. ALSO READ | Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation' According to the Russian news agency TASS, the embassy said, “As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery.” Similarly, in response to the UK's decision to send Challenger tanks, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated her response that “weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.” What are Challenger 2 tanks? According to the British Army, Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks and has been in service since 1994. It was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, reported Reuters. While they are over two decades old they will be the most modern tank at Ukraine's disposal amid the ongoing conflict. ALSO READ | Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute The Challenger 2 is a 64-tonne main battle tank, built by British Aerospace Systems in the 1990s and has a maximum speed ranging from 40 km/hour to 59 km/hour which can cover a distance of 250 km to 450 km. It can also carry a four-member crew with a commander, gunner, loader and driver and is armed with a 120mm rifled tank gun, Boeing 7.62mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and L37A2 anti-air machine gun, reported Al Jazeera. Germany under pressure Earlier this month, Berlin agreed to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as the Patriot air system. However, there has been mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorise the re-export of modern battle tanks to Kyiv. However, Scholz previously said that such a move would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the US. Furthermore, reports suggest that the German Chancellor has been reluctant to send battle tanks as he does not want to act alone while some western leaders are being cautious about the aid and weapons they send to Ukraine as their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. So far, Kyiv’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks. ALSO WATCH | Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks According to estimates by the European Council on Foreign Relations, there are nearly 2,000 Leopard tanks in Europe. “The Ukrainians really want the Leopards because there are lots in stock across Europe,” said a French official familiar with the discussions to Politico. Germany’s support is seen as crucial being one of the biggest economies in the EU and also because while 13 European countries are reportedly in possession of Leopard 2 tanks including Poland, France, and Finland they need Berlin’s authorisation to re-export the procured tanks. Since the Leopards are being produced by Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann their delivery to Ukraine would require the authorisation of the country of origin which in this case is Germany. However, on Thursday, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, said that Berlin should not block any countries from re-exporting Leopard tanks. “Germany should not stand in the way of other countries taking decisions to support Ukraine, independent of which decisions Germany takes,” said Habeck, on the sidelines of the Greens party meeting in Berlin. ALSO READ | Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began Additionally, German deputy government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, addressing a press conference, said that Berlin has not received a formal request from either Poland or Finland but also said that sending the tanks without their approval would be “illegal”. Germany is still in the midst of considering the right thing to do and how to best support Ukraine, Hoffmann added. Last week, the Berlin government spokesperson also stressed that one of the key goals for the country is to not become an active part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. ALSO READ | Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 25 killed, 43 missing A report by Bloomberg citing two officials familiar with the German government’s thinking said that they believe that Berlin will likely decide to supply the Leopards to Ukraine. The report, citing a German official familiar with the matter, also claims that the country will make a decision before an upcoming meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht at the American airbase in Ramstein scheduled for later this month. What about other European nations? The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda had earlier indicated that while they are ready to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv it would only be possible under a larger international coalition of tank aid to Ukraine. According to the German institute Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Poland has already sent at least 200 Soviet-style tanks, while countries like UK, France and Poland have also given a total of $12 billion as military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war? Earlier this month, France said that it would send its AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles which are deemed “light tanks” in Paris to Ukraine. Subsequently, the US agreed to send its Bradley fighting vehicles while Germany announced it would send its Marder armoured personnel carriers for the first time since the conflict began almost a year ago. What is happening at NATO? A report by CNN, citing western officials, says that the decision of sending more tanks by some countries but not by others was part of a broader assessment of the on-ground situation in Ukraine while NATO allies in recent weeks have been deciding the best course of action in providing specific types of assistance be it military or money. There are also growing concerns about Western stocks of such weapons as Ukrainians have understandably been burning through ammunition at an astonishing rate, said NPR’s Frank Langfitt, reporting from Brussels, on Thursday. ALSO WATCH | NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia' He also spoke about how every ambassador that he interacted with was worried about this as there was no demand or market for these kinds of heavy weapons and “nobody here saw a major land war coming. So now, NATO allies, they’re meeting with arms makers.” Therefore, even NATO countries are trying to ramp up manufacturing and weapons supplies amid the unprecedented rise in demand. So far, several reports have suggested that as the conflict is nearing the one-year mark it is entering a new phase and Ukraine could witness major attacks from Russia. ALSO READ | Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar? Meanwhile, Germany remains concerned about causing further provocations against Moscow, European officials have argued that they have shared enough weapons and intelligence which has significantly benefited Kyiv. Therefore, sending tanks cannot be that big an escalation, regardless of what Russia might say about the move, reported CNN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine?

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. 
 
Several strikes were launched by Russian forces targetting the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro. At least 25&nbsp;people were killed and 43 are missing in a strike on a residential building in Dnipro, a city in centre-east Ukraine, on Saturday, the Ukrainian regional governor said.&nbsp; 
 
“Twenty innocent victims...,” Dnipropetrovsk governor Valentyn Reznichenko said on messaging app Telegram, after posting that 73 were wounded and that “the rescue operation continues. The fate of more than 43 people remains unknown.”

Meanwhile, critical infrastructure in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and eastern city Kharkiv was hit by Russian missile attack on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

Watch | Ukraine denies Russia's claim, says severe fighting in Soledar

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Governor of another region warned of a massive missile strike in coming hours. Reuters reported that air raid sirens were sounded in Kyiv after blasts were heard.&nbsp;

"Explosions in Dniprovskiy district. All agencies heading to the site. Stay in your shelters!" Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on the Telegram messaging app. 
 
Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat and cede territory to Ukrainian forces. Russia then has started to mount missile attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure.&nbsp;

"Missile attack on critical infrastructure facilities. Details are being checked," said Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-eve-of-first-anniversary-of-ukraine-war-zelensky-wants-to-visit-un-and-address-general-assembly-552577">Zelensky wants to address UN General Assembly when Russian invasion completes one year</a>

Oleg Synehubov, Kharkiv's regional governor, said two S-300 missiles struck the city near the Russian border early on Saturday. The attacks hit critical energy infrastructure and industrial facilities in the Kharkiv and Chuhuev district of the region, he said.

"Our emergency services units and energy workers are working to liquidate the consequences and stabilise the situation with energy supplies," he said.

In Kyiv, the mayor said the debris of a missile came down on a non-residential area in the Holosiivskiy district in the west of Kyiv, causing a fire but hurting no one.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Several strikes were launched by Russian forces targetting the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro. At least 25 people were killed and 43 are missing in a strike on a residential building in Dnipro, a city in centre-east Ukraine, on Saturday, the Ukrainian regional governor said. “Twenty innocent victims...,” Dnipropetrovsk governor Valentyn Reznichenko said on messaging app Telegram, after posting that 73 were wounded and that “the rescue operation continues. The fate of more than 43 people remains unknown.” Meanwhile, critical infrastructure in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and eastern city Kharkiv was hit by Russian missile attack on Saturday morning. Watch | Ukraine denies Russia's claim, says severe fighting in Soledar × Governor of another region warned of a massive missile strike in coming hours. Reuters reported that air raid sirens were sounded in Kyiv after blasts were heard. "Explosions in Dniprovskiy district. All agencies heading to the site. Stay in your shelters!" Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on the Telegram messaging app. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat and cede territory to Ukrainian forces. Russia then has started to mount missile attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure. "Missile attack on critical infrastructure facilities. Details are being checked," said Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office. Also Read | Zelensky wants to address UN General Assembly when Russian invasion completes one year Oleg Synehubov, Kharkiv's regional governor, said two S-300 missiles struck the city near the Russian border early on Saturday. The attacks hit critical energy infrastructure and industrial facilities in the Kharkiv and Chuhuev district of the region, he said. "Our emergency services units and energy workers are working to liquidate the consequences and stabilise the situation with energy supplies," he said. In Kyiv, the mayor said the debris of a missile came down on a non-residential area in the Holosiivskiy district in the west of Kyiv, causing a fire but hurting no one. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 25 killed, 43 missing

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a positive trend is visible in the special military operation in Ukraine and that the Russian soldiers will deliver more results after an attack on Soledar.&nbsp;

While speaking on Rossiya 1 state television, Putin said, "The dynamic is positive. Everything is developing within the framework of the plan of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff."

"And I hope that our fighters will please us even more with the results of their combat," said Putin.

On Friday, Russia claimed that Soledar, a town in east Ukraine, has been captured by its forces, in what can be considered a rare success for the Russian military after facing battlefield reverses for months.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-capital-more-attacks-expected-elsewhere-552596">Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 20 killed, 64 injured</a>

Talking about Russia's economy, Putin said, "The situation in the economy is stable. Much better than not only what our opponents predicted but also what we forecast."&nbsp;

He added that the key indicator was unemployment. "Unemployment is at a historic low. Inflation is lower than expected and has, importantly, a downward trend,” he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the defence ministry of Russia on Sunday confirmed that several missile strikes were launched by its forces against the infrastructure sites and military of Ukraine on Saturday.

WATCH| Ukraine witness emergency blackouts after Russian strikes

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Around 23&nbsp;people lost their lives on Saturday in Russia's strike on an apartment complex in Dnipro, an eastern city of Ukraine, the authorities said.&nbsp;

Russia, in its statement, said: "All assigned objects were hit. The targets of the strike have been achieved." Moscow further informed that the troops have moved towards Bakhmut city in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a positive trend is visible in the special military operation in Ukraine and that the Russian soldiers will deliver more results after an attack on Soledar. While speaking on Rossiya 1 state television, Putin said, "The dynamic is positive. Everything is developing within the framework of the plan of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff." "And I hope that our fighters will please us even more with the results of their combat," said Putin. On Friday, Russia claimed that Soledar, a town in east Ukraine, has been captured by its forces, in what can be considered a rare success for the Russian military after facing battlefield reverses for months. ALSO READ| Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 20 killed, 64 injured Talking about Russia's economy, Putin said, "The situation in the economy is stable. Much better than not only what our opponents predicted but also what we forecast." He added that the key indicator was unemployment. "Unemployment is at a historic low. Inflation is lower than expected and has, importantly, a downward trend,” he said. Meanwhile, the defence ministry of Russia on Sunday confirmed that several missile strikes were launched by its forces against the infrastructure sites and military of Ukraine on Saturday. WATCH| Ukraine witness emergency blackouts after Russian strikes Around 23 people lost their lives on Saturday in Russia's strike on an apartment complex in Dnipro, an eastern city of Ukraine, the authorities said. Russia, in its statement, said: "All assigned objects were hit. The targets of the strike have been achieved." Moscow further informed that the troops have moved towards Bakhmut city in the Donetsk region of 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

Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend

A Russian lawmaker has hinted that Russia may raise the age range for compulsory military service for the citizens. The change may take place as early as this spring. In an interview with Russia's official parliamentary newspaper, chairman of the Russian parliament's defence committee, Andrei Kartapolov said that the age range may be changed from 18-27 years to 21-30 years. He said that the change may be brought into force this spring but only after the provision of a one-to-three-year "transition period".

Critics said the idea of a transition period was a transparent attempt by Russian authorities to increase the number of Russians eligible to be called up for military service to plug massive manpower shortages resulting from heavy losses in Ukraine.

Russia's armed forces are a mix of contracted soldiers and conscripts. Shoigu has outlined plans to increase the total number of combat personnel to 1.5 million from 1.15 million.

Asked about the possible changes, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that President Vladimir Putin "conceptually supported" raising the conscription age, but the exact details were up to the defence ministry to work out.

The role of conscripts in Ukraine came under intense focus soon after Russia sent in troops last February, with the defence ministry acknowledging some had been sent to fight there despite statements from Putin that this would not happen.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Russian lawmaker has hinted that Russia may raise the age range for compulsory military service for the citizens. The change may take place as early as this spring.

A Russian lawmaker has hinted that Russia may raise the age range for compulsory military service for the citizens. The change may take place as early as this spring. In an interview with Russia's official parliamentary newspaper, chairman of the Russian parliament's defence committee, Andrei Kartapolov said that the age range may be changed from 18-27 years to 21-30 years. He said that the change may be brought into force this spring but only after the provision of a one-to-three-year "transition period". Critics said the idea of a transition period was a transparent attempt by Russian authorities to increase the number of Russians eligible to be called up for military service to plug massive manpower shortages resulting from heavy losses in Ukraine. Russia's armed forces are a mix of contracted soldiers and conscripts. Shoigu has outlined plans to increase the total number of combat personnel to 1.5 million from 1.15 million. Asked about the possible changes, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that President Vladimir Putin "conceptually supported" raising the conscription age, but the exact details were up to the defence ministry to work out. The role of conscripts in Ukraine came under intense focus soon after Russia sent in troops last February, with the defence ministry acknowledging some had been sent to fight there despite statements from Putin that this would not happen. (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 plans to increase age range of conscription, Putin ‘supports’ idea

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday, during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,&nbsp;promised to provide tanks and artillery system to Ukraine amid renewed missile attacks by Moscow targeting the Ukrainian capital and other cities.&nbsp;As per an AP report, Britain and Ukraine discussed delivering the Challenger 2 tanks which will help the latter fight the Russian forces.&nbsp;

The office of Sunak had previously said that Britain and its allies would co-ordinate their support after France, Germany and the United States last week indicated that they would send armoured vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"The prime minister outlined the UK’s ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine, including through the provision of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems,” said a spokesperson for Sunak.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-praises-wagner-forces-ukraine-denies-moscows-claim-of-soledar-liberation-552470">Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation'</a>

"They agreed on the need to seize on this moment with an acceleration of global military and diplomatic support to Ukraine,” he added.&nbsp;

A battle tank, Challenger 2, has been designed to counter other tanks and has remained in the service of the British Army since 1994.&nbsp;

"The prime minister and President Zelenskiy welcomed other international commitments in this vein, including Poland’s offer to provide a company of Leopard tanks," said the spokesperson.

British media has reported that four British Army Challenger 2 main battle tanks will be sent to eastern Europe immediately, with eight more to follow shortly after, but&nbsp;did not cite sources.&nbsp;The announcement came several hours after a series of explosions rocked Kyiv on Saturday morning. 
 
Ukrainian president's staff head Andriy Yermak thanked the UK for providing its new defence package.

"This is an important contribution to the defence of freedom and democracy in Europe. We are grateful to Rishi Sunak and the (British) people for their help," he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

WATCH | Russia replaces military commander in Ukraine again

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Nations to provide tanks, military support

French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu on Friday had stated that the country plans to send 'AMX 10-RC' light combat tanks to Ukraine in a duration of two months.&nbsp;

Poland had also announced that it will be proving Leopard tanks, as part of an international coalition, to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Polish president Andrzej Duda said, “A company of Leopard tanks will be handed over as part of coalition-building. We want it to be an international coalition."&nbsp;

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also been facing pressure to provide Kyiv with more international military support by permitting Leopard 2 battle tanks' export to Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday, during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, promised to provide tanks and artillery system to Ukraine amid renewed missile attacks by Moscow targeting the Ukrainian capital and other cities.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday, during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, promised to provide tanks and artillery system to Ukraine amid renewed missile attacks by Moscow targeting the Ukrainian capital and other cities. As per an AP report, Britain and Ukraine discussed delivering the Challenger 2 tanks which will help the latter fight the Russian forces. The office of Sunak had previously said that Britain and its allies would co-ordinate their support after France, Germany and the United States last week indicated that they would send armoured vehicles to Ukraine. "The prime minister outlined the UK’s ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine, including through the provision of Challenger 2 tanks and additional artillery systems,” said a spokesperson for Sunak. ALSO READ| Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation' "They agreed on the need to seize on this moment with an acceleration of global military and diplomatic support to Ukraine,” he added. A battle tank, Challenger 2, has been designed to counter other tanks and has remained in the service of the British Army since 1994. "The prime minister and President Zelenskiy welcomed other international commitments in this vein, including Poland’s offer to provide a company of Leopard tanks," said the spokesperson. British media has reported that four British Army Challenger 2 main battle tanks will be sent to eastern Europe immediately, with eight more to follow shortly after, but did not cite sources. The announcement came several hours after a series of explosions rocked Kyiv on Saturday morning. Ukrainian president's staff head Andriy Yermak thanked the UK for providing its new defence package. "This is an important contribution to the defence of freedom and democracy in Europe. We are grateful to Rishi Sunak and the (British) people for their help," he wrote on Twitter. WATCH | Russia replaces military commander in Ukraine again Nations to provide tanks, military support French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu on Friday had stated that the country plans to send 'AMX 10-RC' light combat tanks to Ukraine in a duration of two months. Poland had also announced that it will be proving Leopard tanks, as part of an international coalition, to Ukraine. Polish president Andrzej Duda said, “A company of Leopard tanks will be handed over as part of coalition-building. We want it to be an international coalition." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also been facing pressure to provide Kyiv with more international military support by permitting Leopard 2 battle tanks' export to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine

Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported.&nbsp;The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries.&nbsp;However, India, which has not announced any sanctions against both countries, is yet to respond regarding the new trade corridor. It neither joined the West in condemning Russia over the war nor commented on the anti-government protests in Iran.

Iran has already been working to expand its railway and road infrastructure, pitting itself to be a potential transport hub between Asia, Russia and Europe.

Tehran has constructed 3,300 kilometres of railways throughout across the country, while 6,000 km of highways are also under construction, with 1,000 km set to finish by March, Nikkei Asia quoted a senior Iranian official.

<h2>Russian mercenaries claim to capture Ukraine's Soledar amid fierce fighting</h2>

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Apart from that, the Islamic country in 2022 opened a four-lane highway linking the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Back in 2002, Iran, Russia and India signed an agreement for the construction of the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting India and Russia through Iran and Azerbaijan, bypassing the Suez Canal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russias-mercenary-group-wagner-claims-to-control-soledar-city-551459">Russia responds to Wagner’s claim of control over Soledar, says fight for city ongoing</a>

Russia wants to exploit this corridor to boost its exports to South Asian countries via Iran and cut reliance on Europe.

In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran, where both agreed on the need to complete the construction of the Rasht-Astara rail link in northern Iran, which is part of the proposed route.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported. The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries.

Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported. The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries. However, India, which has not announced any sanctions against both countries, is yet to respond regarding the new trade corridor. It neither joined the West in condemning Russia over the war nor commented on the anti-government protests in Iran. Iran has already been working to expand its railway and road infrastructure, pitting itself to be a potential transport hub between Asia, Russia and Europe. Tehran has constructed 3,300 kilometres of railways throughout across the country, while 6,000 km of highways are also under construction, with 1,000 km set to finish by March, Nikkei Asia quoted a senior Iranian official. Russian mercenaries claim to capture Ukraine's Soledar amid fierce fighting Apart from that, the Islamic country in 2022 opened a four-lane highway linking the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Back in 2002, Iran, Russia and India signed an agreement for the construction of the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting India and Russia through Iran and Azerbaijan, bypassing the Suez Canal. Also read | Russia responds to Wagner’s claim of control over Soledar, says fight for city ongoing Russia wants to exploit this corridor to boost its exports to South Asian countries via Iran and cut reliance on Europe. In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran, where both agreed on the need to complete the construction of the Rasht-Astara rail link in northern Iran, which is part of the proposed route. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran, Russia working on new trade route with India to bypass Western sanctions: Report

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Moscow-based mercenary group, Wagner, on Tuesday (January 10) claimed that their forces have taken over the eastern Ukrainian city of Soledar, near Bakhmut. Notably, the cities have witnessed some of the most intense fighting&nbsp;between the two sides in the past couple of months as Russia supposedly views Soledar as key to the nearby strategic city of Bakhmut in the larger eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. If the claims made by the Russian group are confirmed it would mark the first major battlefield success for the Kremlin in months.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Ukraine had earlier said that its soldiers are holding their ground in Soledar and “heavy fighting is continuing”, said Kyiv’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar. As the battle for Soledar rages on in sub-zero temperatures, on Wednesday (January 11) there have been several claims and counterclaims made in the context of the Ukrainian city.&nbsp;

What has the Russia-based mercenary group claimed?

Russian mercenary group Wagner’s founder, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-ally-yevgeny-prigozhin-admits-to-interfering-in-us-elections-532005">Yevgeny Prigozhin</a>, on Tuesday took to the messaging app Telegram and released an audio message which claims that they have, “taken the whole territory of Soledar under control”, said media reports. He added that the Ukrainian troops are surrounded at the centre of Soledar and they are in the midst of “urban warfare” and “The number of captives will be announced tomorrow”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russias-mercenary-group-wagner-claims-to-control-soledar-city-551459">Russia's mercenary group Wagner claims to control Soledar; Ukraine denies it</a>

Subsequently, Prigozhin also posted an image of himself surrounded by Wagner fighters in what appears to be a salt mine in Soledar. This was following a United States official saying that the businessman is eyeing the salt and gypsum from the mines in the Ukrainian city which are believed to be extended over 100 miles underground.&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" />

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;

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🇷🇺🇺🇦"Wagner" took control of the entire territory of Soledar. A cauldron has been formed in the center of the city in which urban battles are being fought. The number of prisoners will be announced tommorow"- Yegveniy Prigozhin <a href="https://t.co/NCP4WvPwNs">pic.twitter.com/NCP4WvPwNs</a>
— AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZgeopolitics) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZgeopolitics/status/1612928510708027392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This comes hours after Russia’s “private military company” as Moscow’s news agency Tass calls Wagner, said they are fighting “heavy bloody battles” on the western outskirts of the Soledar. The statement by the group’s founder and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin added, “The Armed Forces of Ukraine are honourably defending the territory of Soledar.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-to-begin-training-on-patriot-missiles-in-us-next-week-pentagon-confirms-551346">Ukrainian troops to begin training on Patriot missiles in US next week, Pentagon confirms</a>

He also went on to dismiss the reports that alleged that the Ukrainian forces were falling back from the front lines en masse in Soledar. “Let’s be honest with ourselves. The Ukrainian army is bravely fighting for Bakhmut and Soledar. Reports of their mass desertion are not true,” said the Wagner group founder as mentioned by his press office on Telegram.&nbsp;

Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?

The founder of Wagner, Prigozhin, rose to prominence from a St Petersburg restaurant owner in Russia to being known as “Putin’s chef”. Notably, as recently as earlier this year, he denied his role in creating Wagner but now he has become a vocal critic of top Russian generals saying that his troops are more effective than the country’s army.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Prigozhin also said that Soledar is being “exclusively” stormed by Wagner and their units are fighting for the Ukrainian city’s administrative building. “I want to underline once more that no one except for Wagner took part in the storm of Soledar”, said the head of Wagner, late Tuesday, as per media reports. &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-mercenaries-claim-to-capture-ukraines-soledar-amid-fierce-fighting-551339">Russian mercenaries claim to capture Ukraine's Soledar amid fierce fighting</a>

Additionally,&nbsp;reports suggest that the company’s public persona has grown since the Russian invasion of Kyiv began last year and allege that&nbsp;the businessman has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-us-says-russian-military-company-wagner-trying-to-recruit-over-1500-felons-517884">recruited Moscow’s prisoners</a> with the promise of amnesty upon their return from Ukraine.&nbsp;

The report by the Guardian citing an official speaking on the condition of anonymity also said, “there’s a realistic possibility that Wagner personnel now make up a quarter or more of Russian combatants”. However, the official also&nbsp;added that&nbsp;despite their military personnel being concentrated in Bakhmut, their impact is limited since they are so slow that sometimes it takes them “two weeks to take a single house”.&nbsp;

How has Russia addressed these claims?

Additionally, on Wednesday (January 11), a report by Tass citing the Russian proxy official in Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, said “republic’s cities of Soledar and Artemovsk were about to be liberated. Intense fighting is under way in those areas,” he added. Notably, he also admitted on Russian state TV that this came “at a very high price” and the Ukrainian forces are “still resisting”, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-in-ukraine-battle-centers-on-eastern-town-of-soledar-fighting-intensifies-551148">War in Ukraine: Battle centers on Eastern town of Soledar, fighting intensifies</a>

“Wagner units took control of the entire territory of Soledar. A cauldron has been formed in the centre of the city in which urban fighting is going on”, said the head of Wagner, late Tuesday, as per Russian media reports. Subsequently, Reuters citing the Russian state media RIA said that the Wagner Group has taken over the Soledar’s salt mines after “fierce fighting”, which are located in the town’s suburbs.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov,&nbsp;hours after Wagner claimed victory in Soledar, on Wednesday, said "Let's not rush. Let's wait for official announcements". He also went on to acknowledge that there have been "positive dynamic advances" in the Ukrainian city but also the high cost in terms of the soldiers'&nbsp;lives that were lost during the operation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/village-in-east-ukraine-near-bakhmut-captured-by-russia-claim-separatists-550780">Village in east Ukraine near Bakhmut captured by Russia, claim separatists</a>

"Although tactical successes are also very important, they come at a high price, at the cost of the fantastic heroism of our fighters, and therefore this is another reason to be proud of our guys on the spot who spare neither life nor health to give us these tactical successes," said Peskov.&nbsp;

What has Ukraine said about these claims?

In a statement, on Wednesday, the strategic communications branch of the Ukrainian military addressed Wagner’s claims and said, “Soledar was, is and will be Ukrainian”. It added that the images taken by the Russian mercenary group and that Moscow’s media said were taken in Soledar had been taken elsewhere, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne, on early Wednesday, citing Serhiy Cherevatyi, spokesman for Ukraine's eastern forces denied that Russia has taken over Soledar is under Russian control and to wait for further details from the Army’s General Staff, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-does-zelensky-invoke-battles-of-saratoga-and-world-war-ii-in-the-us-congress-speech-545651">Explained: Why does Zelensky invoke Battles of Saratoga and World War II in the US Congress speech?</a> 
 
In a recent development, he&nbsp;said, "The town is not under the control of the Russian Federation. There are fierce battles going on now...There is a complicated situation there," said media reports.&nbsp;Furthermore, the Ukrainian&nbsp;spokesperson added,&nbsp;that they are working on how to stabilise the situation and that the intensity of the battles near&nbsp;Bakhmut can be compared to World War Two.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing Soledar during his nightly address on Monday had said that the troops were facing “new and even tougher assaults” and that, “Everything is completely destroyed.” As of late Tuesday, Wagner said that the fight is still going on in the town centre while the Ukrainian government had said that its troops were still standing their ground.&nbsp;

On the same day, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister, Hanna Maliar, said that fight in Soledar is still raging and the Russians have sustained some heavy losses. She added, “The approaches to our positions are simply strewn with the bodies of dead enemy fighters. Our fighters are bravely holding the defence.” &nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'</a>

The Russian forces in Soledar are trying to advance in three areas in the aforementioned region which is around Bakhmut, further south around Avdiivka and north around Lyman, said Ukraine’s general staff, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, highlighting the extent of the Russian assault Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to the Ukrainian president, said that in the span of 24 hours, Moscow has launched at least 281 attacks along the Bakhmut axis.&nbsp;

US-based organisation and UK’s defence ministry weigh in on the situation in Soledar

On Wednesday, the US-based policy research organisation, Institute for the Study of War (ISW), contradicting Wagner’s claims said, “Russian forces have not captured the entirety of Soledar despite false Russian claims that the city has fallen and that Bakhmut risks imminent encirclement.”&nbsp;

Additionally, the ISW in a thread on Twitter said, “Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin refuted these claims, remarking that Wagner Group forces are still fighting against concerted Ukrainian resistance.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-in-ukraine-attacks-continue-in-ukraine-despite-russias-cease-fire-550371">War in Ukraine: Attacks continue in Ukraine despite Russia's cease-fire</a>

They added, “The Study of War has only observed visual confirmation of Wagner Group forces in central Soledar as of January 10.” The US-based organisation, on Wednesday, also said that even if they did take “most generous Russian claims at face value, the capture of Soledar would not portend an immediate encirclement of Bakhmut.”&nbsp;

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2/ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wagner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wagner</a> Group financier Yevgeny <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prigozhin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prigozhin</a> refuted these claims, remarking that Wagner Group forces are still fighting against concerted Ukrainian resistance. <a href="https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheStudyofWar</a> has only observed visual confirmation of Wagner Group forces in central Soledar as of January 10.
— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheStudyofWar/status/1613006514184241157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD), on Tuesday during its daily briefing speculated that parts of Soledar are under Russian control. “Part of the fighting has focused on entrances to the 200 km-long disused salt mine tunnels which run underneath the district,” said MoD. The ministry also said that it is likely both sides are concerned about the other using these tunnels for&nbsp;“infiltration behind their lines”.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-likely-in-control-of-ukraines-soledar-town-claims-uk-551129">Russia likely in ‘control’ of Ukraine’s Soledar town, claims UK</a>

It also noted that these tunnels can accommodate troops and armoured vehicles which is why they have caught the attention of&nbsp;Wagner. The UK MoD had also said how the Russian efforts in Soledar over the past four days appear to be aimed at surrounding Bakhmut, however, the scenario was believed to be unlikely at the time.&nbsp;

Why is Soledar so important to Russia?

The Ukrainian city is approximately 15 km away from Bakhmut, which has taken centre stage in the conflict in recent months, as the capture of the city is now Moscow’s main military objective with almost a year since they began their “special military operation” in Kyiv.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-we-know-about-ukraines-deadliest-attack-on-russia-since-the-conflict-began-549499">Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began</a>

Russia has reportedly faced constant setbacks in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv’s forces have more or less managed to not only defend but also retaliate against Moscow’s attack and a prominent example of that was marked by the attack in Makiivka. However, if Russia has captured Soledar as it claims to have, the city’s huge salt mines would add to not only Moscow’s commercial but military and symbolic value for the country.&nbsp;

Additionally, Soledar is also being seen as an important gateway whose capture could pave the way for further gains in the Donbas region.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-we-shouldnt-underestimate-russia-551140">NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia'</a> 
 
Reports suggest Prigozhin has been trying to capture Bakhmut and Soledar for months now. On early Wednesday, smoke could be seen rising over the city from its outskirts while the incoming artillery fires were relentless, said a report by Reuters. It added&nbsp;that many residents were seen fleeing the town.&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. Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Moscow-based mercenary group, Wagner, on Tuesday (January 10) claimed that their forces have taken over the eastern Ukrainian city of Soledar, near Bakhmut. Notably, the cities have witnessed some of the most intense fighting between the two sides in the past couple of months as Russia supposedly views Soledar as key to the nearby strategic city of Bakhmut in the larger eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. If the claims made by the Russian group are confirmed it would mark the first major battlefield success for the Kremlin in months. On the other hand, Ukraine had earlier said that its soldiers are holding their ground in Soledar and “heavy fighting is continuing”, said Kyiv’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar. As the battle for Soledar rages on in sub-zero temperatures, on Wednesday (January 11) there have been several claims and counterclaims made in the context of the Ukrainian city. What has the Russia-based mercenary group claimed? Russian mercenary group Wagner’s founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on Tuesday took to the messaging app Telegram and released an audio message which claims that they have, “taken the whole territory of Soledar under control”, said media reports. He added that the Ukrainian troops are surrounded at the centre of Soledar and they are in the midst of “urban warfare” and “The number of captives will be announced tomorrow”. ALSO READ | Russia's mercenary group Wagner claims to control Soledar; Ukraine denies it Subsequently, Prigozhin also posted an image of himself surrounded by Wagner fighters in what appears to be a salt mine in Soledar. This was following a United States official saying that the businessman is eyeing the salt and gypsum from the mines in the Ukrainian city which are believed to be extended over 100 miles underground. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 🇷🇺🇺🇦"Wagner" took control of the entire territory of Soledar. A cauldron has been formed in the center of the city in which urban battles are being fought. The number of prisoners will be announced tommorow"- Yegveniy Prigozhin pic.twitter.com/NCP4WvPwNs — AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZgeopolitics) January 10, 2023 × This comes hours after Russia’s “private military company” as Moscow’s news agency Tass calls Wagner, said they are fighting “heavy bloody battles” on the western outskirts of the Soledar. The statement by the group’s founder and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin added, “The Armed Forces of Ukraine are honourably defending the territory of Soledar.” ALSO READ | Ukrainian troops to begin training on Patriot missiles in US next week, Pentagon confirms He also went on to dismiss the reports that alleged that the Ukrainian forces were falling back from the front lines en masse in Soledar. “Let’s be honest with ourselves. The Ukrainian army is bravely fighting for Bakhmut and Soledar. Reports of their mass desertion are not true,” said the Wagner group founder as mentioned by his press office on Telegram. Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? The founder of Wagner, Prigozhin, rose to prominence from a St Petersburg restaurant owner in Russia to being known as “Putin’s chef”. Notably, as recently as earlier this year, he denied his role in creating Wagner but now he has become a vocal critic of top Russian generals saying that his troops are more effective than the country’s army. Earlier this week, Prigozhin also said that Soledar is being “exclusively” stormed by Wagner and their units are fighting for the Ukrainian city’s administrative building. “I want to underline once more that no one except for Wagner took part in the storm of Soledar”, said the head of Wagner, late Tuesday, as per media reports. ALSO WATCH | Russian mercenaries claim to capture Ukraine's Soledar amid fierce fighting Additionally, reports suggest that the company’s public persona has grown since the Russian invasion of Kyiv began last year and allege that the businessman has recruited Moscow’s prisoners with the promise of amnesty upon their return from Ukraine. The report by the Guardian citing an official speaking on the condition of anonymity also said, “there’s a realistic possibility that Wagner personnel now make up a quarter or more of Russian combatants”. However, the official also added that despite their military personnel being concentrated in Bakhmut, their impact is limited since they are so slow that sometimes it takes them “two weeks to take a single house”. How has Russia addressed these claims? Additionally, on Wednesday (January 11), a report by Tass citing the Russian proxy official in Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, said “republic’s cities of Soledar and Artemovsk were about to be liberated. Intense fighting is under way in those areas,” he added. Notably, he also admitted on Russian state TV that this came “at a very high price” and the Ukrainian forces are “still resisting”, reported AFP. ALSO WATCH | War in Ukraine: Battle centers on Eastern town of Soledar, fighting intensifies “Wagner units took control of the entire territory of Soledar. A cauldron has been formed in the centre of the city in which urban fighting is going on”, said the head of Wagner, late Tuesday, as per Russian media reports. Subsequently, Reuters citing the Russian state media RIA said that the Wagner Group has taken over the Soledar’s salt mines after “fierce fighting”, which are located in the town’s suburbs. Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, hours after Wagner claimed victory in Soledar, on Wednesday, said "Let's not rush. Let's wait for official announcements". He also went on to acknowledge that there have been "positive dynamic advances" in the Ukrainian city but also the high cost in terms of the soldiers' lives that were lost during the operation. ALSO READ | Village in east Ukraine near Bakhmut captured by Russia, claim separatists "Although tactical successes are also very important, they come at a high price, at the cost of the fantastic heroism of our fighters, and therefore this is another reason to be proud of our guys on the spot who spare neither life nor health to give us these tactical successes," said Peskov. What has Ukraine said about these claims? In a statement, on Wednesday, the strategic communications branch of the Ukrainian military addressed Wagner’s claims and said, “Soledar was, is and will be Ukrainian”. It added that the images taken by the Russian mercenary group and that Moscow’s media said were taken in Soledar had been taken elsewhere, reported AFP. Additionally, the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne, on early Wednesday, citing Serhiy Cherevatyi, spokesman for Ukraine's eastern forces denied that Russia has taken over Soledar is under Russian control and to wait for further details from the Army’s General Staff, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Explained: Why does Zelensky invoke Battles of Saratoga and World War II in the US Congress speech? In a recent development, he said, "The town is not under the control of the Russian Federation. There are fierce battles going on now...There is a complicated situation there," said media reports. Furthermore, the Ukrainian spokesperson added, that they are working on how to stabilise the situation and that the intensity of the battles near Bakhmut can be compared to World War Two. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing Soledar during his nightly address on Monday had said that the troops were facing “new and even tougher assaults” and that, “Everything is completely destroyed.” As of late Tuesday, Wagner said that the fight is still going on in the town centre while the Ukrainian government had said that its troops were still standing their ground. On the same day, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister, Hanna Maliar, said that fight in Soledar is still raging and the Russians have sustained some heavy losses. She added, “The approaches to our positions are simply strewn with the bodies of dead enemy fighters. Our fighters are bravely holding the defence.” ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' The Russian forces in Soledar are trying to advance in three areas in the aforementioned region which is around Bakhmut, further south around Avdiivka and north around Lyman, said Ukraine’s general staff, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, highlighting the extent of the Russian assault Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to the Ukrainian president, said that in the span of 24 hours, Moscow has launched at least 281 attacks along the Bakhmut axis. US-based organisation and UK’s defence ministry weigh in on the situation in Soledar On Wednesday, the US-based policy research organisation, Institute for the Study of War (ISW), contradicting Wagner’s claims said, “Russian forces have not captured the entirety of Soledar despite false Russian claims that the city has fallen and that Bakhmut risks imminent encirclement.” Additionally, the ISW in a thread on Twitter said, “Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin refuted these claims, remarking that Wagner Group forces are still fighting against concerted Ukrainian resistance.” ALSO WATCH | War in Ukraine: Attacks continue in Ukraine despite Russia's cease-fire They added, “The Study of War has only observed visual confirmation of Wagner Group forces in central Soledar as of January 10.” The US-based organisation, on Wednesday, also said that even if they did take “most generous Russian claims at face value, the capture of Soledar would not portend an immediate encirclement of Bakhmut.” 2/ #Wagner Group financier Yevgeny #Prigozhin refuted these claims, remarking that Wagner Group forces are still fighting against concerted Ukrainian resistance. @TheStudyofWar has only observed visual confirmation of Wagner Group forces in central Soledar as of January 10. — ISW (@TheStudyofWar) January 11, 2023 × Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD), on Tuesday during its daily briefing speculated that parts of Soledar are under Russian control. “Part of the fighting has focused on entrances to the 200 km-long disused salt mine tunnels which run underneath the district,” said MoD. The ministry also said that it is likely both sides are concerned about the other using these tunnels for “infiltration behind their lines”. ALSO READ | Russia likely in ‘control’ of Ukraine’s Soledar town, claims UK It also noted that these tunnels can accommodate troops and armoured vehicles which is why they have caught the attention of Wagner. The UK MoD had also said how the Russian efforts in Soledar over the past four days appear to be aimed at surrounding Bakhmut, however, the scenario was believed to be unlikely at the time. Why is Soledar so important to Russia? The Ukrainian city is approximately 15 km away from Bakhmut, which has taken centre stage in the conflict in recent months, as the capture of the city is now Moscow’s main military objective with almost a year since they began their “special military operation” in Kyiv. ALSO READ | Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began Russia has reportedly faced constant setbacks in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv’s forces have more or less managed to not only defend but also retaliate against Moscow’s attack and a prominent example of that was marked by the attack in Makiivka. However, if Russia has captured Soledar as it claims to have, the city’s huge salt mines would add to not only Moscow’s commercial but military and symbolic value for the country. Additionally, Soledar is also being seen as an important gateway whose capture could pave the way for further gains in the Donbas region. ALSO WATCH | NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia' Reports suggest Prigozhin has been trying to capture Bakhmut and Soledar for months now. On early Wednesday, smoke could be seen rising over the city from its outskirts while the incoming artillery fires were relentless, said a report by Reuters. It added that many residents were seen fleeing the town. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

The separatist forces, supported by Russia, present in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on Monday said that a village has been seized by Russian forces near the important city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;

The village of Bakhmutske in "the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic was liberated by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," said a statement released on Telegram by the separatist authorities on Monday.&nbsp;

Responding to the report, the mercenary group Wagner, which is associated with Kremlin, issued a statement on social media saying that Bakhmutske was already "liberated" by its forces last month.

Founder of Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin separately clarified on social media that the group's units were “exclusively” storming Soledar.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-conducts-retaliatory-strike-in-kramatorsk-for-makiivka-attack-550503">Ukraine war: Russia claims it killed over '600 Ukrainian servicemen' in 'retaliatory strike' in Kramatorsk</a>

In his evening address delivered on Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the area between Soledar and Bakhmut is "one of the bloodiest places on the front".&nbsp;

Supply of arms by West will prolong Ukraine's suffering, claims Kremlin&nbsp;

On Monday, the Kremlin claimed that the supply of arms and weapons from Western countries, which include light tanks, will only increase the suffering of Ukrainians.&nbsp;

WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: US warns of acute threats from Russia

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"Fundamentally, these deliveries cannot and will not change anything... (they) can only prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, while responding to the decision of France to supply armoured vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said that Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain in contact. Peskov said the world leaders have been in contact which has been "very useful, despite deep differences."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The separatist forces, supported by Russia, present in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on Monday said that a village has been seized by Russian forces near the important city of Bakhmut. The village of Bakhmutske in "the territory of the Donetsk People's Republic was liberated by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," said a statement released on Telegram by the separatist authorities on Monday. Responding to the report, the mercenary group Wagner, which is associated with Kremlin, issued a statement on social media saying that Bakhmutske was already "liberated" by its forces last month. Founder of Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin separately clarified on social media that the group's units were “exclusively” storming Soledar. ALSO READ| Ukraine war: Russia claims it killed over '600 Ukrainian servicemen' in 'retaliatory strike' in Kramatorsk In his evening address delivered on Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the area between Soledar and Bakhmut is "one of the bloodiest places on the front". Supply of arms by West will prolong Ukraine's suffering, claims Kremlin On Monday, the Kremlin claimed that the supply of arms and weapons from Western countries, which include light tanks, will only increase the suffering of Ukrainians. WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: US warns of acute threats from Russia "Fundamentally, these deliveries cannot and will not change anything... (they) can only prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, while responding to the decision of France to supply armoured vehicles to Ukraine. The Kremlin said that Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain in contact. Peskov said the world leaders have been in contact which has been "very useful, despite deep differences." (With inputs from agencies)

Village in east Ukraine near Bakhmut captured by Russia, claim separatists

Russia’s defence ministry blamed the illegal use of mobile phones by its soldiers for the deadly New Year’s attack in Makiivka. The death toll of Russia’s servicemen has risen to 89.

“It is already obvious that the main reason for what happened was the switching on and massive use - contrary to the prohibition - by personnel of mobile phones in a reach zone of enemy weapons,” the ministry said in a statement. "This factor allowed the enemy to track and determine the coordinates of the soldiers' location for a missile strike."

The ministry's response came as outrage among some Russian Nationalists, who have been vociferous about what they perceive to be a lacklustre effort in Ukraine, was at its peak, Reuters reported.

The rage was mostly directed at the military commanders who were accused of ignoring a clear threat after the Kremlin admitted to losses in a strike on a makeshift barracks on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not commented on the attack yet.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-slammed-the-west-for-trying-to-tear-apart-russia-546534">Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia</a>

The deaths, according to a well-known Russian nationalist military blogger, were caused because&nbsp;the commanders kept&nbsp;weapons in the same building as barracks despite knowing it was within range of the Ukrainian military, The Independent reported.

Legislator and former head of Russia's upper house Sergei Mironov demanded for officials who “allowed the concentration of military personnel in an unprotected building” be held criminally liable.

Watch | Heavy Russian shelling in Kherson

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According to the Russian Defence Ministry, just after midnight on New Year's Day, four Ukrainian missiles struck a school that was converted into military quarters in Makiivka, a Moscow-controlled city in eastern Ukraine, CBC reported. The U.S.-made HIMARS launchers hit the building due to which the ceilings of the building collapsed, the defence ministry added.

On Monday, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the strike in Makiivka. However, in a video address on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made no mention of the attack but reiterated that&nbsp;Russia was about to conduct a big offensive to boost its standing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia’s defence ministry blamed the illegal use of mobile phones by its soldiers for the deadly New Year’s attack in Makiivka. The death toll of Russia’s servicemen has risen to 89.

Russia’s defence ministry blamed the illegal use of mobile phones by its soldiers for the deadly New Year’s attack in Makiivka. The death toll of Russia’s servicemen has risen to 89. “It is already obvious that the main reason for what happened was the switching on and massive use - contrary to the prohibition - by personnel of mobile phones in a reach zone of enemy weapons,” the ministry said in a statement. "This factor allowed the enemy to track and determine the coordinates of the soldiers' location for a missile strike." The ministry's response came as outrage among some Russian Nationalists, who have been vociferous about what they perceive to be a lacklustre effort in Ukraine, was at its peak, Reuters reported. The rage was mostly directed at the military commanders who were accused of ignoring a clear threat after the Kremlin admitted to losses in a strike on a makeshift barracks on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not commented on the attack yet. Also Read | Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia The deaths, according to a well-known Russian nationalist military blogger, were caused because the commanders kept weapons in the same building as barracks despite knowing it was within range of the Ukrainian military, The Independent reported. Legislator and former head of Russia's upper house Sergei Mironov demanded for officials who “allowed the concentration of military personnel in an unprotected building” be held criminally liable. Watch | Heavy Russian shelling in Kherson × According to the Russian Defence Ministry, just after midnight on New Year's Day, four Ukrainian missiles struck a school that was converted into military quarters in Makiivka, a Moscow-controlled city in eastern Ukraine, CBC reported. The U.S.-made HIMARS launchers hit the building due to which the ceilings of the building collapsed, the defence ministry added. On Monday, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the strike in Makiivka. However, in a video address on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made no mention of the attack but reiterated that Russia was about to conduct a big offensive to boost its standing. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia blames mobile phones for missile strike in Makiivka that killed 89

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.

Crimean city Sevastopol's Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev on Saturday claimed that a drone was shot down by the air defences, referring to the latest attack launched by Ukrainian forces on a port where the Black Sea Fleet of Russia is based.&nbsp;

The claims were made as Russian President Vladimir Putin marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in Moscow after declaring a unilateral ceasefire.

Governor Razvozhaev made the claims on the Telegram messaging service as he alleged that the drone&nbsp;was&nbsp;shot down in the wee hours of January 7, the day of Orthodox Christmas.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'</a>

"Even the sacred holiday of Christmas was not a reason for these inhuman people to halt their attempts to attack our Hero City," said Razvozhaev.&nbsp;

In 2014, Crimea was annexed by Russia and Ukraine says it will take back the Black Sea peninsula and other parts of eastern Ukraine which the Russian forces have invaded since February 24, 2022.

Putin attends midnight service to mark Orthodox Christmas&nbsp;

Russian President Putin was seen standing alone,&nbsp;attending a midnight service held at a church in the Kremlin to mark Orthodox Christmas, which is shadowed by Russia's invasion of war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;

The service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was designed originally as a church for only the Russian tsars, was attended by Putin.&nbsp;

WATCH| WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Ten months, ten key events

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Putin stood as the ceremony was conducted by Orthodox priests, wearing golden robes, who held long candles, as per the photographs released by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

In the message released on Saturday by the Kremlin, the Russian president extended his wishes to Orthodox Christians, stating that the holiday gave inspiration for "good deeds and aspirations".&nbsp;

He also appreciated the Orthodox Church because of which the Russian government received the full support of head Patriarch Kirill in the offensive against Ukraine.

Church organisations are "supporting our soldiers taking part in a special military operation," said Putin.

"Such great, multifaceted, truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect," the president added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Crimean city Sevastopol's Russian-installed governor Mikhail Razvozhaev on Saturday claimed that a drone was shot down by the air defences, referring to the latest attack launched by Ukrainian forces on a port where the Black Sea Fleet of Russia is based. The claims were made as Russian President Vladimir Putin marked Orthodox Christmas at a church in Moscow after declaring a unilateral ceasefire. Governor Razvozhaev made the claims on the Telegram messaging service as he alleged that the drone was shot down in the wee hours of January 7, the day of Orthodox Christmas. ALSO READ| Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' "Even the sacred holiday of Christmas was not a reason for these inhuman people to halt their attempts to attack our Hero City," said Razvozhaev. In 2014, Crimea was annexed by Russia and Ukraine says it will take back the Black Sea peninsula and other parts of eastern Ukraine which the Russian forces have invaded since February 24, 2022. Putin attends midnight service to mark Orthodox Christmas Russian President Putin was seen standing alone, attending a midnight service held at a church in the Kremlin to mark Orthodox Christmas, which is shadowed by Russia's invasion of war-ravaged Ukraine. The service held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was designed originally as a church for only the Russian tsars, was attended by Putin. WATCH| WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Ten months, ten key events Putin stood as the ceremony was conducted by Orthodox priests, wearing golden robes, who held long candles, as per the photographs released by the Kremlin. In the message released on Saturday by the Kremlin, the Russian president extended his wishes to Orthodox Christians, stating that the holiday gave inspiration for "good deeds and aspirations". He also appreciated the Orthodox Church because of which the Russian government received the full support of head Patriarch Kirill in the offensive against Ukraine. Church organisations are "supporting our soldiers taking part in a special military operation," said Putin. "Such great, multifaceted, truly ascetic work deserves the most sincere respect," the president added. (With inputs from agencies)

Crimean governor claims Ukraine drone shot over Sevastopol as Putin marks Orthodox Christmas

Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources&nbsp;Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas.&nbsp;"Negotiations with Russia on many issues are in progress. We are negotiating in a way that will be beneficial to us. We are talking about the deferral of payment, and many other issues. At the moment, we have not had a negative experience with Russia," the minister said, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.&nbsp;

The minister added, "At the moment, the most important issue for all countries is the security and security of supply."

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-dept-agrees-to-officially-change-turkey-to-turkiye-549957">US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’</a>

In October, Bloomberg had reported that Turkish oil and gas company Botas had appealed to the Russian government to defer a few pending payments for Russian gas till 2024.&nbsp;

The minister added that they are ready with the infrastructure for building a gas hub in Turkiye and a trading platform for European nations.&nbsp;

Donmez said he is confident that Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan will become key players in the gas trading platform being created in Turkiye.&nbsp;

He added that Ankara will be an important player in this market, charging a fee for carrying out the transactions at the gas trading platform.&nbsp;

He stated that they will adjust the price of gas in accordance with the&nbsp;Western Europe market's price.

The minister said that the two countries are also discussing the second nuclear power plant's construction in Turkiye's&nbsp;Black Sea province of Sinop.

WATCH|&nbsp;Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkiye towards an implosion

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"The project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop is new for us. At first, we talked with Japan, now we are negotiating with Russia. The conditions for building a nuclear power plant in Sinop may be different compared to the Akkuyu NPP currently under construction. Russia has proposals for a nuclear power plant in Sinop. If we do not agree, we will negotiate with another country," the minister stated.

In September last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talked about the nuclear power plant's construction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea province.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas.

Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas. "Negotiations with Russia on many issues are in progress. We are negotiating in a way that will be beneficial to us. We are talking about the deferral of payment, and many other issues. At the moment, we have not had a negative experience with Russia," the minister said, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS. The minister added, "At the moment, the most important issue for all countries is the security and security of supply." ALSO READ| US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’ In October, Bloomberg had reported that Turkish oil and gas company Botas had appealed to the Russian government to defer a few pending payments for Russian gas till 2024. The minister added that they are ready with the infrastructure for building a gas hub in Turkiye and a trading platform for European nations. Donmez said he is confident that Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan will become key players in the gas trading platform being created in Turkiye. He added that Ankara will be an important player in this market, charging a fee for carrying out the transactions at the gas trading platform. He stated that they will adjust the price of gas in accordance with the Western Europe market's price. The minister said that the two countries are also discussing the second nuclear power plant's construction in Turkiye's Black Sea province of Sinop. WATCH| Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkiye towards an implosion "The project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop is new for us. At first, we talked with Japan, now we are negotiating with Russia. The conditions for building a nuclear power plant in Sinop may be different compared to the Akkuyu NPP currently under construction. Russia has proposals for a nuclear power plant in Sinop. If we do not agree, we will negotiate with another country," the minister stated. In September last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talked about the nuclear power plant's construction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea province. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye, Russia continue discussion on gas payment deferral, says energy minister

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday launched a warship armed with new hypersonic cruise missiles. The warship will go on a training mission to Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean.

"I am sure that such powerful weapons will make it possible to reliably protect Russia from potential external threats and will help ensure the national interests of our country," Putin was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying.

"We will continue to develop the fighting potential of our armed forces," Putin said, adding that the Zircon missile system on the ship "has no equivalent".

The launch ceremony of the warship, Admiral Gorshkov, was attended by Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu via video conference.

"The main focus of the mission will be countering threats to Russia and supporting regional peace and stability together with friendly countries," Shoigu said.

"In exercises, there will be training for the crew on deploying hypersonic weapons and long-range cruise missiles," he said.

Shoigu said the Zircon missiles were "able to overcome any modern or future air defence" and could deliver "pinpoint and powerful strikes against the enemy at sea and on land".

In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price said when asked about the ship: "It is not our practice to weigh in on propaganda exercises."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-presses-putin-to-declare-unilateral-ceasefire-in-ukraine-549711">Putin says open for dialogue if Ukraine accepts 'new territorial realities'</a>

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in the initial months, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. This has resulted in Russian forces ceding territory which they had captured before.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday launched a warship armed with new hypersonic cruise missiles. The warship will go on a training mission to Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday launched a warship armed with new hypersonic cruise missiles. The warship will go on a training mission to Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean. "I am sure that such powerful weapons will make it possible to reliably protect Russia from potential external threats and will help ensure the national interests of our country," Putin was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. "We will continue to develop the fighting potential of our armed forces," Putin said, adding that the Zircon missile system on the ship "has no equivalent". The launch ceremony of the warship, Admiral Gorshkov, was attended by Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu via video conference. "The main focus of the mission will be countering threats to Russia and supporting regional peace and stability together with friendly countries," Shoigu said. "In exercises, there will be training for the crew on deploying hypersonic weapons and long-range cruise missiles," he said. Shoigu said the Zircon missiles were "able to overcome any modern or future air defence" and could deliver "pinpoint and powerful strikes against the enemy at sea and on land". In Washington, State Department spokesman Ned Price said when asked about the ship: "It is not our practice to weigh in on propaganda exercises." Also Read | Putin says open for dialogue if Ukraine accepts 'new territorial realities' Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in the initial months, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counterattacks. This has resulted in Russian forces ceding territory which they had captured before. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin launches warship armed with hypersonic missiles

A single Iranian drone shot down in Ukraine has been found to be containing parts manufactured by more than dozen American companies, reported CNN citing an assessment made by Ukranian intelligence. The report said that out of 52 components obtained from the Iranian drone, 40 were found to be manufactured by American companies. The rest 12 were manufactured by companies in other western companies and China.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months, Russian forces has to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive. This resulted in Ukraine recapturing thousands of square kilometres of lost land. Russia then resorted to missile and drone attacks.

Iran-made drones have been used by Russia by hundreds in the ongoing conflict. Iran has admitted to providing drones to Russia but has claimed that these drones were provided before the start of Ukraine conflict. International critics are a bit sceptical of this assertion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-reports-fresh-strikes-as-putins-unilateral-ceasefire-starts-550022">Ukraine reports fresh strikes as Putin's unilateral ceasefire starts</a>

US has been imposing sanctions on Iran for years to prevent it from acquiring high-end material and equipment. But now US is planning to ensure better enforceability of these sanctions by asking companies to better monitor where their products end up and if any third party is selling those to bad actors.&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A single Iranian drone shot down in Ukraine has been found to be containing parts manufactured by more than dozen American companies, reported CNN citing an assessment made by Ukranian intelligence.

A single Iranian drone shot down in Ukraine has been found to be containing parts manufactured by more than dozen American companies, reported CNN citing an assessment made by Ukranian intelligence. The report said that out of 52 components obtained from the Iranian drone, 40 were found to be manufactured by American companies. The rest 12 were manufactured by companies in other western companies and China. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months, Russian forces has to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive. This resulted in Ukraine recapturing thousands of square kilometres of lost land. Russia then resorted to missile and drone attacks. Iran-made drones have been used by Russia by hundreds in the ongoing conflict. Iran has admitted to providing drones to Russia but has claimed that these drones were provided before the start of Ukraine conflict. International critics are a bit sceptical of this assertion. Also Read | Ukraine reports fresh strikes as Putin's unilateral ceasefire starts US has been imposing sanctions on Iran for years to prevent it from acquiring high-end material and equipment. But now US is planning to ensure better enforceability of these sanctions by asking companies to better monitor where their products end up and if any third party is selling those to bad actors. 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 ×

Iranian drone found to contain part made by US companies: Report

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has disbanded a fact-finding mission into an attack that took place in front line Ukrainian town of Olenivka, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Thursday (January 5). This attack, which took place in the month of July killed prisoners held by Moscow-backed separatists. The fact-finding mission has been disbanded because the UN mission cannot deploy to the site. The investigation into the attack was requested by both, Russia and Ukraine. Secretary-General Guterres had announced the investigation in August last year.

On Thursday, Guterres also commented on a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He said he would welcome any truce in Ukraine during Orthodox Christmas “knowing that this will not replace a just peace in line with the U.N. Charter and international law,” according to Dujarric.

On Thursday, Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered a ceasefire on January 6 and 7.

The Kremlin said in a statement: "Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I (Putin) instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023 a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'</a>

In the order, Putin said that "proceeding from the fact that a large number of citizens professing Orthodoxy live in the areas of hostilities, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and allow them to attend services on Christmas Eve, as well as on Christmas Day."&nbsp;

Ukraine has rejected the ceasefire offer calling it 'hypocrisy'.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has disbanded a fact-finding mission into an attack that took place in front line Ukrainian town of Olenivka, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Thursday (January 5).

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has disbanded a fact-finding mission into an attack that took place in front line Ukrainian town of Olenivka, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Thursday (January 5). This attack, which took place in the month of July killed prisoners held by Moscow-backed separatists. The fact-finding mission has been disbanded because the UN mission cannot deploy to the site. The investigation into the attack was requested by both, Russia and Ukraine. Secretary-General Guterres had announced the investigation in August last year. On Thursday, Guterres also commented on a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He said he would welcome any truce in Ukraine during Orthodox Christmas “knowing that this will not replace a just peace in line with the U.N. Charter and international law,” according to Dujarric. On Thursday, Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered a ceasefire on January 6 and 7. The Kremlin said in a statement: "Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I (Putin) instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023 a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine." Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' In the order, Putin said that "proceeding from the fact that a large number of citizens professing Orthodoxy live in the areas of hostilities, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and allow them to attend services on Christmas Eve, as well as on Christmas Day." Ukraine has rejected the ceasefire offer calling it 'hypocrisy'. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN discontinues investigation into Ukraine prison attack

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp; 
 
Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in what might be the biggest attack on Moscow by Kyiv, since it began on February 24, 2021, the Kremlin in a rare announcement admitted that at least 89 of its military personnel were killed during a rocket strike by the latter.&nbsp;

The first announcement was made on Monday, by the Russian defence ministry where it acknowledged that at least 63 of its soldiers were killed in Makiivka, a small Ukrainian city in the eastern Donetsk region which has been occupied by Moscow since 2014.&nbsp;

What happened?

The strike in question, took place on New Year’s Day, Sunday, at a vocational school which was reportedly housing Russian troops at the time. According to the Russian-installed Donetsk official, Daniil Bezsonov, the attack took place the first minute after midnight. Subsequently, both Russian and Ukrainian sources began reporting on the attack.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-strike-on-russian-held-makiivka-results-in-death-of-63-soldiers-548811">Kyiv takes responsibility for Makiivka strikes which killed 63 Russian troops</a>

The senior Russian military official, Lt General Sergei Sevryukov, confirmed that Ukraine hit a temporary base in Makiivka right after midnight on January 1, using the United States-supplied HIMARS rocket system.&nbsp;

According to a statement by Moscow’s defence ministry, four rockets from the HIMARS launchers hit the building and “from the detonation of the warheads of the HIMARS rockets, the ceilings of the building collapsed.”&nbsp;

The questionable claims about the death toll

The Ukrainian army’s strategic communications department, on Sunday, said that it killed 400 mobilised Russian soldiers when it hit the school building and 300 others were injured. However, this figure had not been independently verified and later general staff of Kyiv’s armed forces said that “up to 10 units of enemy military equipment” had been destroyed, while the death toll remained unclear.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-new-years-attack-russia-blames-mobile-phones-for-missile-strike-in-makiivka-that-killed-89-549226">Russia blames mobile phones for missile strike in Makiivka that killed 89</a>

Notably, officials in Kyiv almost never publicly claim responsibility for attacks on Russian-occupied territory. In a statement, on Wednesday, Russia’s defence ministry said 89 of its servicemen were killed in the attack on Makiivka after more bodies were discovered. They also went on to blame the unauthorised use of mobile phones by the troops, however, no evidence has been provided for this claim.&nbsp;

“It is already obvious that the main reason for what happened was the switching on and massive use - contrary to the prohibition - by personnel of mobile phones in a reach zone of enemy weapons,” said the defence ministry, as per Reuters. It added, “This factor allowed the enemy to track and determine the coordinates of the soldiers' location for a missile strike.”&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/89-killed-in-ukrainian-missile-strikes-says-russia-549262">89 killed in Ukrainian missile strikes, says Russia</a>

This is the biggest loss of life in a single attack that Russia has admitted to since the beginning of its war with Ukraine. Additionally, it was also the first information out of Russia about the death toll since last September when the defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, had said that nearly 6,000 Russian troops had been killed during the conflict up until that time.

Russian military faces backlash

Igor Girkin, the former separatist commander turned one of the highest-profile Russian nationalist military bloggers, questioned the death toll released by the military and said at least “hundreds” had been killed or wounded, according to a report by Reuters. He also attributed the death toll, which he suspects is higher, to the uncamouflaged military equipment stored at the site as well as Russia’s “untrainable” generals for the losses.

Notably, the Russian defence minister also indicated that an investigation into the attack is underway and said that the officials responsible would be brought to justice “all the necessary measures are currently being adopted to prevent this kind of tragic incident in the future”, reported BBC.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-using-its-new-years-assault-to-kill-as-many-civilians-as-possible-claim-ukrainian-officials-548574">Russia using its New Year's assault to 'kill as many civilians as possible', claim Ukrainian officials</a>

Additionally, Russian lawmaker, Sergei Mironov, also demanded that the officials who “allowed the concentration of military personnel in an unprotected building” and “all the higher authorities who did not provide the proper level of security”, be held liable for their missteps.&nbsp;

A US-based Institute for the Study of War in their analysis also noted that this attack has garnered “significant criticism of Russian military leadership in the Russian information space.” It added that there is a chance that Moscow’s air and missile campaign against Ukraine is not generating “information effects among Russia's nationalists,” or at least as well as the Kremlin had hoped.&nbsp;

Therefore, such failure hinders his efforts of retaining the dominant narrative in the domestic information space and could complicate matters for Russian President Vladimir Putin trying to appease the pro-war community in Moscow, said the US-based institute.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-tells-russian-people-putin-is-waging-a-war-to-stay-in-power-until-the-end-of-his-life-548485">Zelensky tells Russian people Putin waging war just to stay in power and is destroying them</a>

Furthermore, they speculate that Russia’s defence ministry would attempt to “deflect the blame” for their “poor operational security” on local officials and mobilised personnel. Regardless, the sentiment of discontent after the attack is evident, with several people including war correspondents and people close to the separatists having taken to media platforms since and criticised the Russian military leadership.&nbsp;

It can also be noted in a rare public vigil where reportedly 200 people gathered in the Russian city of Samara, which is where some of the mobilised soldiers who were killed were from. Mourners were seen laying flowers at a monument in the city, an Orthodox priest recited a prayer for the dead, and soldiers fired a gun salute, to commemorate the victims.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&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. Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in what might be the biggest attack on Moscow by Kyiv, since it began on February 24, 2021, the Kremlin in a rare announcement admitted that at least 89 of its military personnel were killed during a rocket strike by the latter. The first announcement was made on Monday, by the Russian defence ministry where it acknowledged that at least 63 of its soldiers were killed in Makiivka, a small Ukrainian city in the eastern Donetsk region which has been occupied by Moscow since 2014. What happened? The strike in question, took place on New Year’s Day, Sunday, at a vocational school which was reportedly housing Russian troops at the time. According to the Russian-installed Donetsk official, Daniil Bezsonov, the attack took place the first minute after midnight. Subsequently, both Russian and Ukrainian sources began reporting on the attack. ALSO READ | Kyiv takes responsibility for Makiivka strikes which killed 63 Russian troops The senior Russian military official, Lt General Sergei Sevryukov, confirmed that Ukraine hit a temporary base in Makiivka right after midnight on January 1, using the United States-supplied HIMARS rocket system. According to a statement by Moscow’s defence ministry, four rockets from the HIMARS launchers hit the building and “from the detonation of the warheads of the HIMARS rockets, the ceilings of the building collapsed.” The questionable claims about the death toll The Ukrainian army’s strategic communications department, on Sunday, said that it killed 400 mobilised Russian soldiers when it hit the school building and 300 others were injured. However, this figure had not been independently verified and later general staff of Kyiv’s armed forces said that “up to 10 units of enemy military equipment” had been destroyed, while the death toll remained unclear. ALSO READ | Russia blames mobile phones for missile strike in Makiivka that killed 89 Notably, officials in Kyiv almost never publicly claim responsibility for attacks on Russian-occupied territory. In a statement, on Wednesday, Russia’s defence ministry said 89 of its servicemen were killed in the attack on Makiivka after more bodies were discovered. They also went on to blame the unauthorised use of mobile phones by the troops, however, no evidence has been provided for this claim. “It is already obvious that the main reason for what happened was the switching on and massive use - contrary to the prohibition - by personnel of mobile phones in a reach zone of enemy weapons,” said the defence ministry, as per Reuters. It added, “This factor allowed the enemy to track and determine the coordinates of the soldiers' location for a missile strike.” ALSO WATCH | 89 killed in Ukrainian missile strikes, says Russia This is the biggest loss of life in a single attack that Russia has admitted to since the beginning of its war with Ukraine. Additionally, it was also the first information out of Russia about the death toll since last September when the defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, had said that nearly 6,000 Russian troops had been killed during the conflict up until that time. Russian military faces backlash Igor Girkin, the former separatist commander turned one of the highest-profile Russian nationalist military bloggers, questioned the death toll released by the military and said at least “hundreds” had been killed or wounded, according to a report by Reuters. He also attributed the death toll, which he suspects is higher, to the uncamouflaged military equipment stored at the site as well as Russia’s “untrainable” generals for the losses. Notably, the Russian defence minister also indicated that an investigation into the attack is underway and said that the officials responsible would be brought to justice “all the necessary measures are currently being adopted to prevent this kind of tragic incident in the future”, reported BBC. ALSO READ | Russia using its New Year's assault to 'kill as many civilians as possible', claim Ukrainian officials Additionally, Russian lawmaker, Sergei Mironov, also demanded that the officials who “allowed the concentration of military personnel in an unprotected building” and “all the higher authorities who did not provide the proper level of security”, be held liable for their missteps. A US-based Institute for the Study of War in their analysis also noted that this attack has garnered “significant criticism of Russian military leadership in the Russian information space.” It added that there is a chance that Moscow’s air and missile campaign against Ukraine is not generating “information effects among Russia's nationalists,” or at least as well as the Kremlin had hoped. Therefore, such failure hinders his efforts of retaining the dominant narrative in the domestic information space and could complicate matters for Russian President Vladimir Putin trying to appease the pro-war community in Moscow, said the US-based institute. ALSO READ | Zelensky tells Russian people Putin waging war just to stay in power and is destroying them Furthermore, they speculate that Russia’s defence ministry would attempt to “deflect the blame” for their “poor operational security” on local officials and mobilised personnel. Regardless, the sentiment of discontent after the attack is evident, with several people including war correspondents and people close to the separatists having taken to media platforms since and criticised the Russian military leadership. It can also be noted in a rare public vigil where reportedly 200 people gathered in the Russian city of Samara, which is where some of the mobilised soldiers who were killed were from. Mourners were seen laying flowers at a monument in the city, an Orthodox priest recited a prayer for the dead, and soldiers fired a gun salute, to commemorate the victims. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. &nbsp; 
 
After launching a barrage of missiles on Saturday accompanied by air raid sirens howling for hours overnight, Russia persistently attacked Kyiv and nearby towns on the early morning of New Year's Day.&nbsp;

In the last 24 hours, Russia's 45 Iranian-made Shahed drones were destroyed, claimed Ukraine's Air Force command as per a&nbsp;Reuters report. While 32 drones were&nbsp;wrecked on Saturday, 13 more were shot down on Sunday morning, it added.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin marked New Year's as the beginning of the 11th month of the war with no hint of termination. However, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky observed the New Year with a message of gratitude and unity.

Also Read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-russia-is-planning-another-wave-of-mobilisation-and-will-close-borders-for-men-report-548399">Ukraine claims Russia is planning another wave of mobilisation and will close borders for men: Report</a>

Public celebrations of 2023 seemed impossible as a countrywide curfew is imposed. Missiles have caused damage in Kyiv's central areas, but the city's&nbsp;mayor Vitali Klitschko said there were zero casualties or injuries.&nbsp;

Chief of Kyiv Police, Andrii Nebytov, posted an image on his Telegram account, allegedly of a drone's fragment, which had 'Happy New Year' written over it in Russian. "These wreckage are not at the front, on fierce battles. They are here, on a sports grounds, where children play," Nebytov said.&nbsp;

Watch|&nbsp;Ukraine under attack: Blasts in early hours of New Year's Day; explosion hits capital Kyiv

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Ukraine's authorities have mentioned several infrastructural damages. Reports have mentioned that Ukraine retaliated with multiple attacks in Moscow-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Local officials said that the attacks wounded at least nine people.&nbsp;

Putin launched an offensive against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, referring to it as a 'special military operation.' However, Ukraine and its western allies believe the incursion was an imperialist land grab. Due to this, high tensions have prevailed between Russia and and the West.&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. After launching a barrage of missiles on Saturday accompanied by air raid sirens howling for hours overnight, Russia persistently attacked Kyiv and nearby towns on the early morning of New Year's Day. In the last 24 hours, Russia's 45 Iranian-made Shahed drones were destroyed, claimed Ukraine's Air Force command as per a Reuters report. While 32 drones were wrecked on Saturday, 13 more were shot down on Sunday morning, it added. Russia's President Vladimir Putin marked New Year's as the beginning of the 11th month of the war with no hint of termination. However, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky observed the New Year with a message of gratitude and unity. Also Read| Ukraine claims Russia is planning another wave of mobilisation and will close borders for men: Report Public celebrations of 2023 seemed impossible as a countrywide curfew is imposed. Missiles have caused damage in Kyiv's central areas, but the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko said there were zero casualties or injuries. Chief of Kyiv Police, Andrii Nebytov, posted an image on his Telegram account, allegedly of a drone's fragment, which had 'Happy New Year' written over it in Russian. "These wreckage are not at the front, on fierce battles. They are here, on a sports grounds, where children play," Nebytov said. Watch| Ukraine under attack: Blasts in early hours of New Year's Day; explosion hits capital Kyiv Ukraine's authorities have mentioned several infrastructural damages. Reports have mentioned that Ukraine retaliated with multiple attacks in Moscow-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk. Local officials said that the attacks wounded at least nine people. Putin launched an offensive against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, referring to it as a 'special military operation.' However, Ukraine and its western allies believe the incursion was an imperialist land grab. Due to this, high tensions have prevailed between Russia and and the West. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine’s New Year commences with Russian missile, drone attacks and air raid sirens

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russian defence ministry on Sunday claimed that the attacks launched by them on New Year were aimed at the drone production of Ukraine, stating that it has managed to destroy “terror attacks” of Kyiv against Russia.&nbsp;In the assault carried out on New Year's Eve, Moscow launched Iranian-made drones and missiles on Kyiv along with other Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;

Due to the strikes carried out on the New Year, three people lost their lives and 50 others were injured in war-torn Ukraine, claimed authorities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-vladimir-putin-slammed-the-west-for-trying-to-tear-apart-russia-546534">Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia</a>

The defence ministry stated that a strike hit "the facilities of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine" which has involvement in the production of drones.

In its statement, the ministry claimed they have also destroyed “storage facilities and launch sites" for the drones.

"The aim of the strike was achieved. The plans of the Kyiv regime to carry out terrorist attacks against Russia in the near future have been thwarted,” it added.&nbsp;

Deputy head of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, said that two people were killed in Kyiv and Kherson's southern region, while 50 others were injured in the strikes launched by Russia.&nbsp;

WATCH| Russia-Ukraine war: Who is winning in the air?

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Governor Sergiy Gamaliy on Sunday said that a 22-year-old woman succumbed to her wounds in Khmelnytskyi, the western city of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The attacks were launched as Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine is in its 11th month. After suffering multiple humiliating military defeats, Russia started targeting the infrastructure of Ukraine in October, which left millions in the dark and cold.&nbsp;

Russia has claimed that its infrastructure and military sites have been targeted by Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian defence ministry on Sunday claimed that the attacks launched by them on New Year were aimed at the drone production of Ukraine, stating that it has managed to destroy “terror attacks” of Kyiv against Russia. In the assault carried out on New Year's Eve, Moscow launched Iranian-made drones and missiles on Kyiv along with other Ukrainian cities. Due to the strikes carried out on the New Year, three people lost their lives and 50 others were injured in war-torn Ukraine, claimed authorities. ALSO READ| Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia The defence ministry stated that a strike hit "the facilities of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine" which has involvement in the production of drones. In its statement, the ministry claimed they have also destroyed “storage facilities and launch sites" for the drones. "The aim of the strike was achieved. The plans of the Kyiv regime to carry out terrorist attacks against Russia in the near future have been thwarted,” it added. Deputy head of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, said that two people were killed in Kyiv and Kherson's southern region, while 50 others were injured in the strikes launched by Russia. WATCH| Russia-Ukraine war: Who is winning in the air? Governor Sergiy Gamaliy on Sunday said that a 22-year-old woman succumbed to her wounds in Khmelnytskyi, the western city of Ukraine. The attacks were launched as Russian President Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine is in its 11th month. After suffering multiple humiliating military defeats, Russia started targeting the infrastructure of Ukraine in October, which left millions in the dark and cold. Russia has claimed that its infrastructure and military sites have been targeted by Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Attacks launched on New Year were targetted at drone production facilities in Ukraine: Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp; 
 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his nightly address, on Saturday, New Year’s eve speaking to the Russian people said that their President Vladimir Putin is&nbsp;waging a war against Kyiv to ensure he stays in power “until the end of his life” and is destroying their country.&nbsp;

This comes after Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles over Ukraine, on December 31,&nbsp; as a result of&nbsp;which at least one person was killed while&nbsp;dozens were injured, said officials. In&nbsp;the address, Zelensky switched to speaking Russian, seemingly directing his message to the Russian people and Kremlin following the attacks.&nbsp;

“All this war that you are waging, you – Russia, it is not the war with NATO, as your propagandists lie…It is not for something historical. It’s for one person to remain in power until the end of his life. And what will be with all of you, citizens of Russia, does not concern him,”&nbsp;said Zelensky.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-his-new-year-message-russias-defence-chief-says-victory-is-inevitable-548320">In his New Year message, Russia's defence chief says 'victory is inevitable'</a>

The Ukrainian president’s address followed Putin’s New Year address in which he was seen surrounded by people in military uniforms, referring to which Zelensky said, “Russian leader is hiding behind the troops, behind missiles, behind the walls of his residences and palaces.”&nbsp;

He added that the Russian president “hides behind you and burns your country and your future. No one will ever forgive you for terror. No one in the world will forgive you for that. Ukraine will not forgive.”

According to Ukrainian officials, missile strikes were also launched by Moscow, on Sunday, on Kyiv, hours into the New Year, but no immediate casualties were reported. Meanwhile, the head of the country’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhny, said air defences managed to shoot down at least 12 of the 20 Russian cruise missiles fired, on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-under-attack-blasts-in-early-hours-of-new-years-day-explosion-hits-capital-kyiv-548409">Ukraine under attack: Blasts in early hours of New Year's day; explosion hits capital Kyiv</a>

Additionally, the Ukrainian president also said that “most” of the Russian missiles were intercepted and that if it was not for the air defence the death toll would be “much bigger” and even called the attack inhumane.&nbsp;

Speaking to the Ukrainian people, Zelensky thanked them for their efforts to repel Russian attacks, “We fight as one team - the whole country, all our regions. I admire you all. I want to thank every invincible region of Ukraine.”

While public celebrations to mark the New Year&nbsp;seemed impossible due to the countrywide curfews and attack on New Year’s Eve when sirens wailed across Ukraine,&nbsp;people gathered near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv's central Christmas tree as midnight approached, said media reports. Some residents even sang the national anthem while officials accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians gathered for the New Year celebrations.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-year-commences-with-russian-attacks-and-air-raid-sirens-548471">Ukraine's New Year commences with Russian attacks and air raid sirens</a>

On the other hand, Putin speaking to the Russian people in his new year address said that the conflict in Ukraine is about, “defending our people and our historical lands” and “moral, historical rightness is on our side”.&nbsp;

He added, “The West lied about peace. It was preparing for aggression... and now they are cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and split Russia.” This comes after the Russian president accused the West of “provoking” Moscow to launch a “special military operation”, as the Kremlin calls it, in Ukraine which began in February 2022.&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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in his nightly address, on Saturday, New Year’s eve speaking to the Russian people said that their President Vladimir Putin is waging a war against Kyiv to ensure he stays in power “until the end of his life” and is destroying their country. This comes after Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles over Ukraine, on December 31, as a result of which at least one person was killed while dozens were injured, said officials. In the address, Zelensky switched to speaking Russian, seemingly directing his message to the Russian people and Kremlin following the attacks. “All this war that you are waging, you – Russia, it is not the war with NATO, as your propagandists lie…It is not for something historical. It’s for one person to remain in power until the end of his life. And what will be with all of you, citizens of Russia, does not concern him,” said Zelensky. ALSO READ | In his New Year message, Russia's defence chief says 'victory is inevitable' The Ukrainian president’s address followed Putin’s New Year address in which he was seen surrounded by people in military uniforms, referring to which Zelensky said, “Russian leader is hiding behind the troops, behind missiles, behind the walls of his residences and palaces.” He added that the Russian president “hides behind you and burns your country and your future. No one will ever forgive you for terror. No one in the world will forgive you for that. Ukraine will not forgive.” According to Ukrainian officials, missile strikes were also launched by Moscow, on Sunday, on Kyiv, hours into the New Year, but no immediate casualties were reported. Meanwhile, the head of the country’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhny, said air defences managed to shoot down at least 12 of the 20 Russian cruise missiles fired, on Saturday. ALSO WATCH | Ukraine under attack: Blasts in early hours of New Year's day; explosion hits capital Kyiv Additionally, the Ukrainian president also said that “most” of the Russian missiles were intercepted and that if it was not for the air defence the death toll would be “much bigger” and even called the attack inhumane. Speaking to the Ukrainian people, Zelensky thanked them for their efforts to repel Russian attacks, “We fight as one team - the whole country, all our regions. I admire you all. I want to thank every invincible region of Ukraine.” While public celebrations to mark the New Year seemed impossible due to the countrywide curfews and attack on New Year’s Eve when sirens wailed across Ukraine, people gathered near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv's central Christmas tree as midnight approached, said media reports. Some residents even sang the national anthem while officials accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians gathered for the New Year celebrations. ALSO READ | Ukraine's New Year commences with Russian attacks and air raid sirens On the other hand, Putin speaking to the Russian people in his new year address said that the conflict in Ukraine is about, “defending our people and our historical lands” and “moral, historical rightness is on our side”. He added, “The West lied about peace. It was preparing for aggression... and now they are cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and split Russia.” This comes after the Russian president accused the West of “provoking” Moscow to launch a “special military operation”, as the Kremlin calls it, in Ukraine which began in February 2022. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Zelensky tells Russian people Putin waging war just to stay in power and is destroying them

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