In his New Year's address, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that "moral, historical rightness" is on the side of Russia amid international condemnation pouring against his government for escalating the Ukraine war.&nbsp;"Today we are fighting for this, protecting our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation," Putin said in his address telecast&nbsp;on Russian state TV while speaking about the regions of Ukraine that Russia claims to have captured.&nbsp;

He added that his country would never capitulate to the attempts made by the West of using Ukraine as a medium for destroying Russia. He called the war with Ukraine a fight for protecting its "motherland" and winning its people's "true independence".

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-at-least-one-dead-as-multiple-blasts-rock-kyiv-548357">Russia-Ukraine war: At least one dead as multiple blasts rock Kyiv</a>

In the nine-minute address, Putin said that the West has been lying and provoking Moscow for initiating a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

"For years, Western elites hypocritically assured us of their peaceful intentions," he stated in his speech recorded in front of Russian service personnel at Russia's southern military district's headquarters.

"In fact, in every possible way they were encouraging neo-Nazis who conducted open terrorism against civilians in the Donbas," said Putin.

"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,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-China Ties: Russia's Putin invites China's Xi Jinping for a state visit?

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"We have never allowed this, and will never allow anybody to do this to us," Putin said.

The claims made by Moscow over the conflict's start have been rejected by Kyiv and the West, who claim that a baseless war has been initiated by Putin to seize Ukraine's territory and remove Ukrainian President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In his New Year's address, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that "moral, historical rightness" is on the side of Russia amid international condemnation pouring against his government for escalating the Ukraine war.

In his New Year's address, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that "moral, historical rightness" is on the side of Russia amid international condemnation pouring against his government for escalating the Ukraine war. "Today we are fighting for this, protecting our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation," Putin said in his address telecast on Russian state TV while speaking about the regions of Ukraine that Russia claims to have captured. He added that his country would never capitulate to the attempts made by the West of using Ukraine as a medium for destroying Russia. He called the war with Ukraine a fight for protecting its "motherland" and winning its people's "true independence". ALSO READ| Russia-Ukraine war: At least one dead as multiple blasts rock Kyiv In the nine-minute address, Putin said that the West has been lying and provoking Moscow for initiating a "special military operation" in Ukraine. "For years, Western elites hypocritically assured us of their peaceful intentions," he stated in his speech recorded in front of Russian service personnel at Russia's southern military district's headquarters. "In fact, in every possible way they were encouraging neo-Nazis who conducted open terrorism against civilians in the Donbas," said Putin. "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,” he added. WATCH | Russia-China Ties: Russia's Putin invites China's Xi Jinping for a state visit? "We have never allowed this, and will never allow anybody to do this to us," Putin said. The claims made by Moscow over the conflict's start have been rejected by Kyiv and the West, who claim that a baseless war has been initiated by Putin to seize Ukraine's territory and remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin claims 'moral, historical rightness' on Russia's side amid escalating war with Ukraine

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in his New Year's message on Saturday, said that Russia's victory over Ukraine was "inevitable" as he praised the heroism of soldiers fighting for Russia.&nbsp;

The defence chief said that situation on the frontlines is still “difficult” and criticised the West along with Ukraine for making efforts to contain Russia.

"Dear comrades-in-arms, friends. In the outgoing year, we all faced serious trials that changed the usual course of time, we meet it in a difficult military-political situation, when those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, they demolish monuments to the victors of fascism and put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-carries-out-biggest-aerial-assault-in-ukraine-since-february-kyiv-says-repelled-overnight-drone-strike-548007">Russia carries out biggest aerial assault in Ukraine since Feb; Kyiv says it repelled overnight drone strike</a>

"The outgoing year will forever enter the military chronicle of the fatherland, filled with your immortal deeds, selfless courage and heroism in the fight against neo-nazism and terrorism. We meet the New Year in a difficult military-political situation," the defence chief added.&nbsp;

"At a time when there are those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, demolish monuments to the victors over fascism, put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” Shoigu said.&nbsp;

He praised Russian troops' "immortal actions, selfless courage and heroism" in fighting against what he termed as "neo-Nazism and terrorism."

WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Home over safety; story of two farmers who refused to leave home

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"In the coming year, I want to wish everyone good health, fortitude, reliable and devoted comrades and, of course, clear skies. Our victory, like the New Year, is inevitable,” he said.

Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected the assertion of Russia that it is waging a war against "Nazis" in Ukraine, calling it a baseless excuse by President Vladimir Putin for annexing the territory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in his New Year's message on Saturday, said that Russia's victory over Ukraine was "inevitable" as he praised the heroism of soldiers fighting for Russia.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in his New Year's message on Saturday, said that Russia's victory over Ukraine was "inevitable" as he praised the heroism of soldiers fighting for Russia. The defence chief said that situation on the frontlines is still “difficult” and criticised the West along with Ukraine for making efforts to contain Russia. "Dear comrades-in-arms, friends. In the outgoing year, we all faced serious trials that changed the usual course of time, we meet it in a difficult military-political situation, when those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, they demolish monuments to the victors of fascism and put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” he said. ALSO READ| Russia carries out biggest aerial assault in Ukraine since Feb; Kyiv says it repelled overnight drone strike "The outgoing year will forever enter the military chronicle of the fatherland, filled with your immortal deeds, selfless courage and heroism in the fight against neo-nazism and terrorism. We meet the New Year in a difficult military-political situation," the defence chief added. "At a time when there are those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, demolish monuments to the victors over fascism, put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” Shoigu said. He praised Russian troops' "immortal actions, selfless courage and heroism" in fighting against what he termed as "neo-Nazism and terrorism." WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Home over safety; story of two farmers who refused to leave home "In the coming year, I want to wish everyone good health, fortitude, reliable and devoted comrades and, of course, clear skies. Our victory, like the New Year, is inevitable,” he said. Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected the assertion of Russia that it is waging a war against "Nazis" in Ukraine, calling it a baseless excuse by President Vladimir Putin for annexing the territory. (With inputs from agencies)

In his New Year message, Russia's defence chief says 'victory is inevitable'

As the Christmas festivities come to an end, Russia is all set to mark a new Calendar year. However, people in Moscow have confessed to not feeling upbeat despite the bustling streets and ice statues at Gorky Park.&nbsp;

Due to President Vladimir Putin's 'special military operations' in Ukraine, people in Moscow have also felt the absence of less expensive Western goods in the market while shopping. Letters adopted by the Russian military, Z, V and O, dazzled at the entrance of the famous park named after Maxim Gorky, reported Reuters.

New Year's is the most crucial holiday season in Russia. However, Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7.

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New Year fir tree rates have surged due to the high delivery rates and shortage in stock, according to the market's owner, Vladislav Pukharev. He also mentioned that even though people still buy natural trees, they have switched to shorter ones.

However, there has been an annual increase in the sale of jewellery, informed Evgeniya, a jewellery maker from Russia's capital city.&nbsp;

On her evening walk to Gorky Park, Maria, a resident, said that the 10-month-old war between Russia and Ukraine has directly influenced her festive spirit. "It is difficult to be cheerful when you understand that people out there are going through such awful times," she told Reuters.

Watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia steps up offensive In Kherson, Kyiv

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Another resident, Ivan, had a different opinion on celebrating holidays amid a war. He said, "A holiday remains a holiday. It (New Year) is still a holiday for children and grandparents. And it should remain so."

Matvey, a student, said he missed his friend, currently deployed in Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula under Russia since 2014. While Natalia, a young woman, missed her favourite Portuguese wine and the variety of cheeses, her father interrupted her saying that 'there's a lot of Crimean wine.'

"Even though I'm not ready to celebrate it, as usual, it still needs to be celebrated. We need to give gifts etc. We need to fight this feeling of uncertainty," said Ekaterina, a researcher. Many people interviewed agree with her and will choose to celebrate New Year despite the 'complex feeling.'

People have also set up a pavilion for the donation of gifts and humanitarian aid to troops on Red Square in Moscow. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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As the Christmas festivities come to an end, Russia is all set to mark a new Calendar year. However, people in Moscow have confessed to not feeling upbeat despite the bustling streets and ice statues at Gorky Park.

As the Christmas festivities come to an end, Russia is all set to mark a new Calendar year. However, people in Moscow have confessed to not feeling upbeat despite the bustling streets and ice statues at Gorky Park. Due to President Vladimir Putin's 'special military operations' in Ukraine, people in Moscow have also felt the absence of less expensive Western goods in the market while shopping. Letters adopted by the Russian military, Z, V and O, dazzled at the entrance of the famous park named after Maxim Gorky, reported Reuters. New Year's is the most crucial holiday season in Russia. However, Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. Also read| Russia’s barrage of missiles leaves 40 per cent of Kyiv population without power New Year fir tree rates have surged due to the high delivery rates and shortage in stock, according to the market's owner, Vladislav Pukharev. He also mentioned that even though people still buy natural trees, they have switched to shorter ones. However, there has been an annual increase in the sale of jewellery, informed Evgeniya, a jewellery maker from Russia's capital city. On her evening walk to Gorky Park, Maria, a resident, said that the 10-month-old war between Russia and Ukraine has directly influenced her festive spirit. "It is difficult to be cheerful when you understand that people out there are going through such awful times," she told Reuters. Watch| Gravitas: Russia steps up offensive In Kherson, Kyiv Another resident, Ivan, had a different opinion on celebrating holidays amid a war. He said, "A holiday remains a holiday. It (New Year) is still a holiday for children and grandparents. And it should remain so." Matvey, a student, said he missed his friend, currently deployed in Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula under Russia since 2014. While Natalia, a young woman, missed her favourite Portuguese wine and the variety of cheeses, her father interrupted her saying that 'there's a lot of Crimean wine.' "Even though I'm not ready to celebrate it, as usual, it still needs to be celebrated. We need to give gifts etc. We need to fight this feeling of uncertainty," said Ekaterina, a researcher. Many people interviewed agree with her and will choose to celebrate New Year despite the 'complex feeling.' People have also set up a pavilion for the donation of gifts and humanitarian aid to troops on Red Square in Moscow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russians to celebrate sombre New Year amid Ukraine crisis

State owned Kozloduy nuclear plant in Bulgaria signed a deal for nuclear fuel supply with a French firm on Friday (December 30) in its attempt&nbsp;to reduce dependence on Russia. The state-owned Kozloduy plant on the Danube river currently relies on Russian fuel for its two Soviet-built 1,000-megawatt reactors.

Russia has been facing global sanctions in the aftermath of Ukraine invasion. It has chosen to leverage its position as major energy provider to Europe to counter political pressure and sanctions. European countries have upped their efforts in recent months to secure energy resources and reduce dependence on Russia.&nbsp;

Under a 10-year agreement signed Friday, Framatome, a subsidiary of French energy giant EDF, will supply nuclear fuel to Kozloduy's unit 5 reactor from early 2025.&nbsp;

Last week, Kozloduy signed a similar contract with Westinghouse Electric Sweden to deliver nuclear fuel for its other operational reactor, unit 6, from 2024.&nbsp;

Bulgaria's interim energy minister Rosen Hristov said,&nbsp;"With two agreements in place, we have achieved full diversification of nuclear fuel deliveries."

"The aim is security of deliveries and safe operation," he added.&nbsp;

Westinghouse's nuclear fuel has yet to be approved for use by Bulgaria's Nuclear Regulatory Agency.&nbsp;

However, Framatome's fuel is identical with the one currently used in Kozloduy as it is being produced under licence from the nuclear unit of Russia's Rosatom, Tvel.&nbsp;

Bulgaria's current contract with Tvel expires in end-2025.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-extends-a-spring-2023-invite-to-chinese-president-xi-for-a-state-visit-to-russia-548027">Putin extends invite to Chinese President Xi for a spring 2023 state visit to Russia</a>

Kozloduy supplies over a third of the country's electricity and is a major electricity exporter to the rest of the Balkans, prompting the plant to seek to substitute Russian fuel in order to ensure its operation amid the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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State owned Kozloduy nuclear plant in Bulgaria signed a deal for nuclear fuel supply with a French firm on Friday (December 30) in its attempt to reduce dependence on Russia.

State owned Kozloduy nuclear plant in Bulgaria signed a deal for nuclear fuel supply with a French firm on Friday (December 30) in its attempt to reduce dependence on Russia. The state-owned Kozloduy plant on the Danube river currently relies on Russian fuel for its two Soviet-built 1,000-megawatt reactors. Russia has been facing global sanctions in the aftermath of Ukraine invasion. It has chosen to leverage its position as major energy provider to Europe to counter political pressure and sanctions. European countries have upped their efforts in recent months to secure energy resources and reduce dependence on Russia. Under a 10-year agreement signed Friday, Framatome, a subsidiary of French energy giant EDF, will supply nuclear fuel to Kozloduy's unit 5 reactor from early 2025. Last week, Kozloduy signed a similar contract with Westinghouse Electric Sweden to deliver nuclear fuel for its other operational reactor, unit 6, from 2024. Bulgaria's interim energy minister Rosen Hristov said, "With two agreements in place, we have achieved full diversification of nuclear fuel deliveries." "The aim is security of deliveries and safe operation," he added. Westinghouse's nuclear fuel has yet to be approved for use by Bulgaria's Nuclear Regulatory Agency. However, Framatome's fuel is identical with the one currently used in Kozloduy as it is being produced under licence from the nuclear unit of Russia's Rosatom, Tvel. Bulgaria's current contract with Tvel expires in end-2025. Also Read | Putin extends invite to Chinese President Xi for a spring 2023 state visit to Russia Kozloduy supplies over a third of the country's electricity and is a major electricity exporter to the rest of the Balkans, prompting the plant to seek to substitute Russian fuel in order to ensure its operation amid the war in 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 ×

Bulgaria signs nuclear fuel deal with French firm to reduce dependence on 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; 
 
Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, sirens wailed across the capital city Kyiv as people were urged to take shelter, on early Friday, a day after Moscow carried out the biggest aerial assault since the conflict first began in February, said a report by Reuters. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s army claims that it managed to destroy “all” Iranian-made kamikaze drones launched by Russia overnight.&nbsp;

The report also noted, shortly after 2:00 am (local time) air raid sirens were sounded across the Ukrainian capital and the city government issued an alert on its Telegram messaging app channel asking residents to seek shelter. The alert lasted for a little over two hours, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Additionally, Olekskiy Kuleba, governor of the Kyiv region also took to the messaging app to inform that an “attack by drones” was underway. While a Reuters witness claimed that they heard several explosions and the sound of anti-aircraft fire at least 20 km south of the Ukrainian capital.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-drones-hit-engels-air-base-deep-inside-russia-three-dead-moscow-claims-546607">Ukraine drones hit Engels air base deep inside Russia, three dead, Moscow claims</a>

“Night attack by martyr drones. Russia once again targeted our infrastructure facilities. Air defence forces repelled drones. Previously, there are no hits. Emergency services are working at the crash site,” said Kuleba.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the governor also said there were no casualties and the attack had targeted infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video address, late Thursday claimed that their air commands in central, southern, eastern and western Ukraine repelled 54 Russian missiles and 11 drones on Thursday, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko, also said that the capital was under attack by at least seven drones out of which two were shot down “on approach” and confirmed that there were no casualties. He added that falling debris had damaged windows in two buildings in the city’s southwestern neighbourhood, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-at-war-united-states-sends-patriot-missiles-to-ukraine-to-defend-against-russian-air-attacks-546384">World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks</a>

According to Ukrainian officials, more than 120 missiles were fired during Thursday’s assault, during which more than 18 residential buildings and 10 critical infrastructure installations were destroyed. However, in a statement on Friday, Ukraine’s army said that they managed to repel an overnight drone attack by Russia.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, on Friday morning, said that over the past 24 hours, Moscow has launched&nbsp;85 missile strikes, 35 air strikes, and 63 strikes from multiple rocket launch systems, reported Reuters. It added, that Russian forces also shelled nearly&nbsp;20 settlements in the eastern Ukrainian city,&nbsp;Bakhmut and more than 25 settlements in&nbsp;Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. 
 
Kyiv’s air force, in a statement, on social media said, “On the night of December 29-30, the enemy attacked Ukraine with Iranian-made kamikaze drones.” It added that a total of 16 drones were launched from the southeastern and northern directions out of which “all” were destroyed by the country’s air defence. The Ukrainian army also claimed Russia had launched 69 cruise missiles out of which 54 were shot down, on Thursday morning.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-strikes-hit-russian-occupied-regions-two-killed-and-several-injured-542055">Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured</a> 
 
However, following this attack, Zelensky’s address also noted that most regions including the capital Kyiv, Odesa and Kherson were left without power and that the outages have been particularly difficult in these cities. “But this is nothing compared with what could have happened if it were not for our heroic anti-aircraft gunners and air defence,” Zelensky added. This comes as Russia has reportedly been targeting Ukraine’s energy grid which has left millions without heat or power in the middle of winter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, sirens wailed across the capital city Kyiv as people were urged to take shelter, on early Friday, a day after Moscow carried out the biggest aerial assault since the conflict first began in February, said a report by Reuters. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s army claims that it managed to destroy “all” Iranian-made kamikaze drones launched by Russia overnight. The report also noted, shortly after 2:00 am (local time) air raid sirens were sounded across the Ukrainian capital and the city government issued an alert on its Telegram messaging app channel asking residents to seek shelter. The alert lasted for a little over two hours, reported AFP. Additionally, Olekskiy Kuleba, governor of the Kyiv region also took to the messaging app to inform that an “attack by drones” was underway. While a Reuters witness claimed that they heard several explosions and the sound of anti-aircraft fire at least 20 km south of the Ukrainian capital. ALSO READ | Ukraine drones hit Engels air base deep inside Russia, three dead, Moscow claims “Night attack by martyr drones. Russia once again targeted our infrastructure facilities. Air defence forces repelled drones. Previously, there are no hits. Emergency services are working at the crash site,” said Kuleba. Subsequently, the governor also said there were no casualties and the attack had targeted infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video address, late Thursday claimed that their air commands in central, southern, eastern and western Ukraine repelled 54 Russian missiles and 11 drones on Thursday, reported Reuters. Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko, also said that the capital was under attack by at least seven drones out of which two were shot down “on approach” and confirmed that there were no casualties. He added that falling debris had damaged windows in two buildings in the city’s southwestern neighbourhood, reported AFP. ALSO WATCH | World at War | United States sends Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend against Russian air attacks According to Ukrainian officials, more than 120 missiles were fired during Thursday’s assault, during which more than 18 residential buildings and 10 critical infrastructure installations were destroyed. However, in a statement on Friday, Ukraine’s army said that they managed to repel an overnight drone attack by Russia. Meanwhile, General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, on Friday morning, said that over the past 24 hours, Moscow has launched 85 missile strikes, 35 air strikes, and 63 strikes from multiple rocket launch systems, reported Reuters. It added, that Russian forces also shelled nearly 20 settlements in the eastern Ukrainian city, Bakhmut and more than 25 settlements in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Kyiv’s air force, in a statement, on social media said, “On the night of December 29-30, the enemy attacked Ukraine with Iranian-made kamikaze drones.” It added that a total of 16 drones were launched from the southeastern and northern directions out of which “all” were destroyed by the country’s air defence. The Ukrainian army also claimed Russia had launched 69 cruise missiles out of which 54 were shot down, on Thursday morning. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured However, following this attack, Zelensky’s address also noted that most regions including the capital Kyiv, Odesa and Kherson were left without power and that the outages have been particularly difficult in these cities. “But this is nothing compared with what could have happened if it were not for our heroic anti-aircraft gunners and air defence,” Zelensky added. This comes as Russia has reportedly been targeting Ukraine’s energy grid which has left millions without heat or power in the middle of winter. (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 carries out biggest aerial assault in Ukraine since Feb; Kyiv says it repelled overnight drone strike

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg appealed to the member states to provide Ukraine with more weapons, in his interview published by DPA on Friday.

"I call on allies to do more. It is in all our security interests to make sure Ukraine prevails and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not win," said Stoltenberg, while speaking to the German news agency.

He emphasised the importance of providing enough ammunition to Ukraine for the systems already in place and added that there was an "enormous" need for spare parts and ammunition.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week while speaking to a group of Western leaders, appealed to leaders to provide a wide range of air defence systems and weapons to help the country fight the ongoing invasion by Russia.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russians-to-celebrate-sombre-new-year-amid-ukraine-crisis-547893">Russians to celebrate sombre New Year amid Ukraine crisis</a>

Last week, the United States announced additional military aid amounting to almost $2 billion for Ukraine, which included the Patriot Air Defense System, which provides protection from the cruise, ballistic missiles and aircraft.

Stoltenberg said that providing Ukraine with military support is the fastest way towards establishing peace.

"We know that most wars end at the negotiating table - probably this war too - but we know that what Ukraine can achieve in these negotiations depends inextricably on the military situation," he added.

Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24 in what Putin stated was a "special military operation" against what seems to him as a threat to the security of Russians.

WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Russian 'kamikaze' drone strikes knocks out power

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The actions of Russia have been denounced by Ukraine, along with its Western allies, who have called it an act of land grabbing in an imperialist style and sanctions have been imposed against the former to end the military campaign.

Thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives in the 11-month war, which has also made millions homeless, ruined the cities and badly affected the global economy, bringing incessant inflation in food and energy prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg appealed to the member states to provide Ukraine with more weapons, in his interview published by DPA on Friday. "I call on allies to do more.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg appealed to the member states to provide Ukraine with more weapons, in his interview published by DPA on Friday. "I call on allies to do more. It is in all our security interests to make sure Ukraine prevails and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not win," said Stoltenberg, while speaking to the German news agency. He emphasised the importance of providing enough ammunition to Ukraine for the systems already in place and added that there was an "enormous" need for spare parts and ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week while speaking to a group of Western leaders, appealed to leaders to provide a wide range of air defence systems and weapons to help the country fight the ongoing invasion by Russia. ALSO READ| Russians to celebrate sombre New Year amid Ukraine crisis Last week, the United States announced additional military aid amounting to almost $2 billion for Ukraine, which included the Patriot Air Defense System, which provides protection from the cruise, ballistic missiles and aircraft. Stoltenberg said that providing Ukraine with military support is the fastest way towards establishing peace. "We know that most wars end at the negotiating table - probably this war too - but we know that what Ukraine can achieve in these negotiations depends inextricably on the military situation," he added. Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24 in what Putin stated was a "special military operation" against what seems to him as a threat to the security of Russians. WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Russian 'kamikaze' drone strikes knocks out power The actions of Russia have been denounced by Ukraine, along with its Western allies, who have called it an act of land grabbing in an imperialist style and sanctions have been imposed against the former to end the military campaign. Thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives in the 11-month war, which has also made millions homeless, ruined the cities and badly affected the global economy, bringing incessant inflation in food and energy prices. (With inputs from agencies)

NATO's Stoltenberg appeals members to supply more weapons to Ukraine

Polish climate minister said on Thursday (December 29) that Poland was ready for the scenario of Russia cutting oil supply in retaliation for adherence to oil price cap. Poland has already cut its intake of Russian crude oil and has secured alternative supplies from countries like Saudi Arabia.

The G7 nations and allies including Poland this month, agreed on USD 60 per barrel price cap on Russian crude oil. Russia has retaliated by saying that it will cut oil supply of countries that adhere to the price cap.

Poland has been gradually reducing its intake of Russian oil, and after the start of the war in Ukraine it stopped buying seaborne Russian oil, top refiner PKN Orlen said. The company says it has secured alternative oil supplies via its partnership with Saudi Aramco.

"We are prepared to process all types of crude oil, this is our advantage," Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa told a news conference.

Watch | Ukraine reports massive missile strikes by Russia

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She said that she believed next EU sanctions package will include decision pertaining to ban on Russian oil.

Poland is seeking German support to slap EU sanctions on the Polish-German section of the Druzhba crude pipeline so Warsaw can abandon a deal to buy Russian oil next year without paying penalties, two sources familiar with the talks told Reuters in November.

Earlier this year, Poland and Germany promised to try to end imports of Russian oil via Druzhba's northern leg by the end of year, but Orlen remains tied to its contract with Russian oil and gas company Tatneft.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-per-cent-of-kyiv-population-left-without-power-after-russian-strikes-547670">Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes</a>

"We believe that the next sanctions package will include a decision on oil," Moskwa said. "The sanctions cancel the contract with Tatneft."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Polish climate minister said on Thursday (December 29) that Poland was ready for the scenario of Russia cutting oil supply in retaliation for adherence to oil price cap.

Polish climate minister said on Thursday (December 29) that Poland was ready for the scenario of Russia cutting oil supply in retaliation for adherence to oil price cap. Poland has already cut its intake of Russian crude oil and has secured alternative supplies from countries like Saudi Arabia. The G7 nations and allies including Poland this month, agreed on USD 60 per barrel price cap on Russian crude oil. Russia has retaliated by saying that it will cut oil supply of countries that adhere to the price cap. Poland has been gradually reducing its intake of Russian oil, and after the start of the war in Ukraine it stopped buying seaborne Russian oil, top refiner PKN Orlen said. The company says it has secured alternative oil supplies via its partnership with Saudi Aramco. "We are prepared to process all types of crude oil, this is our advantage," Minister of Climate and Environment Anna Moskwa told a news conference. Watch | Ukraine reports massive missile strikes by Russia × She said that she believed next EU sanctions package will include decision pertaining to ban on Russian oil. Poland is seeking German support to slap EU sanctions on the Polish-German section of the Druzhba crude pipeline so Warsaw can abandon a deal to buy Russian oil next year without paying penalties, two sources familiar with the talks told Reuters in November. Earlier this year, Poland and Germany promised to try to end imports of Russian oil via Druzhba's northern leg by the end of year, but Orlen remains tied to its contract with Russian oil and gas company Tatneft. Also Read | Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes "We believe that the next sanctions package will include a decision on oil," Moskwa said. "The sanctions cancel the contract with Tatneft." (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 ×

Poland prepared if Russia cuts oil supply, has alternative supplies, says minister

Belarus claimed on Thursday (December 29) that a Ukrainian missile fell in its territory. This has raised fears of Russia-Ukraine conflict spilling over. Belarus is a Russian ally. It has sent its investigators to establish cause of the incident.&nbsp;A statement posted on a Telegram channel close to Belarus presidency said that President Alexander Lukashenko "was immediately informed".

The statement said that an S-300 missile from Ukrainian territory landed between 10 am and 11 am local time (0700 GMT and 0800 GMT). However, no location was mentioned.

The statement said there was no information yet about possible injuries or casualties.

Watch | Ukraine reports massive missile strikes by Russia

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Fears of Ukraine war spilling over were raised in November as well when a missile landed in a village in Poland, a NATO member. &nbsp;

Russia denies having fired the missile, while Warsaw said it was likely caused by a Ukrainian air defence missile launched to intercept Russian attacks.

Russia has used territory in Belarus as launching pad for Ukraine offensive.

In October, Belarus said it was establishing a joint regional force with Moscow, with several thousand Russian servicemen arriving in the ex-Soviet country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-per-cent-of-kyiv-population-left-without-power-after-russian-strikes-547670">Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes</a>

The move has fuelled concern Minsk could also send troops to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Belarus claimed on Thursday (December 29) that a Ukrainian missile fell in its territory. This has raised fears of Russia-Ukraine conflict spilling over. Belarus is a Russian ally.

Belarus claimed on Thursday (December 29) that a Ukrainian missile fell in its territory. This has raised fears of Russia-Ukraine conflict spilling over. Belarus is a Russian ally. It has sent its investigators to establish cause of the incident. A statement posted on a Telegram channel close to Belarus presidency said that President Alexander Lukashenko "was immediately informed". The statement said that an S-300 missile from Ukrainian territory landed between 10 am and 11 am local time (0700 GMT and 0800 GMT). However, no location was mentioned. The statement said there was no information yet about possible injuries or casualties. Watch | Ukraine reports massive missile strikes by Russia × Fears of Ukraine war spilling over were raised in November as well when a missile landed in a village in Poland, a NATO member. Russia denies having fired the missile, while Warsaw said it was likely caused by a Ukrainian air defence missile launched to intercept Russian attacks. Russia has used territory in Belarus as launching pad for Ukraine offensive. In October, Belarus said it was establishing a joint regional force with Moscow, with several thousand Russian servicemen arriving in the ex-Soviet country. Also Read | Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes The move has fuelled concern Minsk could also send troops to 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 ×

Belarus says Ukrainian missile landed in its territory, fears of conflict spillover rise

Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the launch of various new warships along with a nuclear-powered submarine on Thursday, as he promised to strengthen the country's navy.

The Russian president, who has avoided public engagements since the pandemic started, permitted the hoisting of Russian flags on the new vessels through a video link.

The newly-commissioned vessels included a minesweeper, a corvette, and the Generalissimus Suvorov nuclear-powered submarine, which can launch ballistic missiles.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-and-xi-to-speak-on-multiple-issues-over-video-link-on-friday-says-kremlin-547743">Putin and Xi to speak on multiple issues over video link on Friday, says Kremlin</a>

On Thursday, a nuclear submarine called 'the Emperor Alexander III' was put to sea for trials, after which it will be commissioned.

"I emphasise that we will increase the pace and volume of construction of ships of various categories and equip them with the most modern types of weapons. We will conduct operational and combat training of sailors, taking into account the experience gained, including during the special military operation. In a word, to do everything to ensure Russia's security and protect our national interests in the world's oceans," Putin said in his televised remarks.

"The newest nuclear missile carriers being built and produced there, have no equal in the world in many specifications. New surface and underwater vessels have modern navigation, communication, and sonar systems. They have highly accurate weapons and robotic complexes," he added.

WATCH| Russia wants an end to war in Ukraine, says Putin

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In his tenure of two decades, Putin's top priority has been strengthening his armed forces, adding new warships to the navy and further hypersonic missiles, which he considers "invincible", to the country's arsenal.

However, despite such an arsenal, Russia has suffered many humiliating setbacks in the battle against Ukraine, which was supplied weapons from the West.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the launch of various new warships along with a nuclear-powered submarine on Thursday, as he promised to strengthen the country's navy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the launch of various new warships along with a nuclear-powered submarine on Thursday, as he promised to strengthen the country's navy. The Russian president, who has avoided public engagements since the pandemic started, permitted the hoisting of Russian flags on the new vessels through a video link. The newly-commissioned vessels included a minesweeper, a corvette, and the Generalissimus Suvorov nuclear-powered submarine, which can launch ballistic missiles. ALSO READ| Putin and Xi to speak on multiple issues over video link on Friday, says Kremlin On Thursday, a nuclear submarine called 'the Emperor Alexander III' was put to sea for trials, after which it will be commissioned. "I emphasise that we will increase the pace and volume of construction of ships of various categories and equip them with the most modern types of weapons. We will conduct operational and combat training of sailors, taking into account the experience gained, including during the special military operation. In a word, to do everything to ensure Russia's security and protect our national interests in the world's oceans," Putin said in his televised remarks. "The newest nuclear missile carriers being built and produced there, have no equal in the world in many specifications. New surface and underwater vessels have modern navigation, communication, and sonar systems. They have highly accurate weapons and robotic complexes," he added. WATCH| Russia wants an end to war in Ukraine, says Putin In his tenure of two decades, Putin's top priority has been strengthening his armed forces, adding new warships to the navy and further hypersonic missiles, which he considers "invincible", to the country's arsenal. However, despite such an arsenal, Russia has suffered many humiliating setbacks in the battle against Ukraine, which was supplied weapons from the West. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian president oversees commissioning of new warships, submarines

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between&nbsp;Turkish and Syrian 
ministers&nbsp;since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.&nbsp;Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. 
 
The talks assume importance as both&nbsp;Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels.

Watch |&nbsp;Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011

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As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hit-by-massive-russian-strike-involving-more-than-100-missiles-547591">Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv</a>

This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria.

As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels.

This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. The talks assume importance as both Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels. Watch | Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011 As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive". Also read | Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria. As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels. This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021. (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.

Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow

What image does the name 'woolly mammoth' bring to your mind? Huge, majestic creatures with giant tusks walking an Earth yet untouched by modern humans.&nbsp;

They last walked that walk a million years back and since then the majestic animals have lain silent and mostly undisturbed in their permafrost graves. But, now curious scientists have decided to disturb their slumber and attempt to 'reawaken' ancient, Stone Age viruses.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Scientists revive 48,500-year-old ‘zombie virus’ buried in ice

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As per researchers, northeast Siberia is home to the remains of the woolly mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros, other extinct species and...dormant ancient viruses.

The project is being carried out by Vector or Russia's State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology and as per Daily Mail, it aims to extract cellular material that contains viruses that killed the giant beasts and perform experiments on them in a lab.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skorea-reports-first-death-by-naegleria-fowleri-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-brain-eating-amoeba-547004">S.Korea reports first death by Naegleria fowleri. Here's all you need to know about the 'brain-eating amoeba'</a>

However, there's concern that given the fact that the human bodies of today are strangers to these prehistoric 'paleoviruses' and if they were to jump the species barrier, the coronavirus pandemic may end up looking like the less deadly outbreak.&nbsp;

Given that the woolly mammoth were huge animals the size of today's elephants which are much larger than an average human, the viruses that killed them are definitely a cause of concern.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-a-fertile-breeding-ground-for-a-potentially-dangerous-covid-mutation-experts-546567">China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts</a>

The scientific community too has raised the alarm. &nbsp;Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor of microbiology at the University of Aix-Marseille in France said that the Russian research "is terrible. I'm totally against it".

He added that it "is very, very risky. Our immune systems have never encountered these types of viruses. Some of them could be 200,000 or even 400,000 years old. But ancient viruses that infected animals or humans could still be infectious."

But the sad truth is that even without Vector's reawakening of the ancient viruses chances are something deadly will slip out of the Arctic's frozen waters sooner or later. As global warming slowly melts permafrost the global scientific community has already raised alarm over deadly diseases that may escape their "frozen prisons".

(With inputs from agencies)

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What image does the name 'woolly mammoth' bring to your mind? Huge, majestic creatures with giant tusks walking an Earth yet untouched by modern humans. They last walked that walk a million years back and since then the majestic animals have lain silent and mostly undisturbed in their permafrost graves.

What image does the name 'woolly mammoth' bring to your mind? Huge, majestic creatures with giant tusks walking an Earth yet untouched by modern humans. They last walked that walk a million years back and since then the majestic animals have lain silent and mostly undisturbed in their permafrost graves. But, now curious scientists have decided to disturb their slumber and attempt to 'reawaken' ancient, Stone Age viruses. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Scientists revive 48,500-year-old ‘zombie virus’ buried in ice As per researchers, northeast Siberia is home to the remains of the woolly mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros, other extinct species and...dormant ancient viruses. The project is being carried out by Vector or Russia's State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology and as per Daily Mail, it aims to extract cellular material that contains viruses that killed the giant beasts and perform experiments on them in a lab. Also read | S.Korea reports first death by Naegleria fowleri. Here's all you need to know about the 'brain-eating amoeba' However, there's concern that given the fact that the human bodies of today are strangers to these prehistoric 'paleoviruses' and if they were to jump the species barrier, the coronavirus pandemic may end up looking like the less deadly outbreak. Given that the woolly mammoth were huge animals the size of today's elephants which are much larger than an average human, the viruses that killed them are definitely a cause of concern. Also read | China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts The scientific community too has raised the alarm. Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor of microbiology at the University of Aix-Marseille in France said that the Russian research "is terrible. I'm totally against it". He added that it "is very, very risky. Our immune systems have never encountered these types of viruses. Some of them could be 200,000 or even 400,000 years old. But ancient viruses that infected animals or humans could still be infectious." But the sad truth is that even without Vector's reawakening of the ancient viruses chances are something deadly will slip out of the Arctic's frozen waters sooner or later. As global warming slowly melts permafrost the global scientific community has already raised alarm over deadly diseases that may escape their "frozen prisons". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian researchers attempt to 're-awaken' ancient viruses that killed giant woolly mammoths

Earlier this year, in November, amid the Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting in Indonesia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the leaders present to step and stop the Russian invasion of Kyiv.&nbsp;

It was then that he first mentioned his 10-point peace plan which Zelensky said would end the conflict, “justly and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law”. Since then the Ukrainian president has spoken about his plan with the United States President Joe Biden during his&nbsp;visit to Washington, last week.&nbsp;

Recently, he also sought help from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their call, for the implementation. This was preceded by Zelensky calling upon world leaders to hold a Global Peace Summit based on the plan.&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>

Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan:&nbsp;

1. Radiation and nuclear safety, focusing on restoring security around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which is now Russian-occupied.

2. Food security, including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain exports to the world’s poorest nations.

3. Energy security, with a focus on price restrictions on Russian energy resources, as well as aiding Ukraine with restoring its power infrastructure, half of which has been damaged by Russian attacks.

4. Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and children deported to Russia.

5. Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it according to the UN Charter, which Zelenskyy said is “not up to negotiations”.

6. Withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia.

7. Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes.

8. The prevention of ecocide, and the protection of the environment, with a focus on demining and restoring water treatment facilities. 
 
9. Prevention of an escalation of conflict and building security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine.

10. Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the involved parties.

What does the proposal miss?

A report by The i, a British national newspaper, said that while the analysts have called the list “maximalist” and unrealistic, it also offers better scope for negotiations moving forward. Notably, while Ukraine has emphasised on “territorial integrity”, it fails to mention Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-zelenskys-peace-plan-demands-punishment-for-russia-518849">Gravitas: Zelensky's "peace plan" demands punishment for Russia</a>

Furthermore, while the Ukrainian president has previously shown interest in negotiations with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, his officials have also reportedly called for his ouster. On December 25, Putin during his interview with state television, Rossiya 1 said, “We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are.”

Subsequently, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, Mykhailo Podolyak took to Twitter and said, “Russia single-handedly attacked Ukraine and is killing citizens…Russia doesn't want negotiations, but tries to avoid responsibility.”&nbsp;

Notably, Kyiv also broke away from the tradition where both countries celebrate Christmas on January 7 as opposed to December 25, in line with the Russian Orthodox Church which follows the ancient Julian calendar.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukrainian-president-zelensky-seeks-help-from-pm-modi-in-peace-keeping-formula-547047">Ukrainian President Zelensky seeks help from PM Modi in peace keeping formula</a>

Additionally, the Ukrainian president also called out Putin for speaking about negotiations and continuing to target and hit power stations, leaving millions without electricity and heat amidst freezing winter conditions.&nbsp;

Therefore, despite what the Russian president might have claimed for the second time, the evidence points to the contrary, who also in turn blamed Ukraine and its Western allies for the lack of talks, a stance which the West had rejected as Moscow's posturing as it continues to attack Kyiv.&nbsp;

In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, on Monday, said that Kyiv wants a peace summit within two months at the United Nations with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as mediator. He also spoke about how Russia must face the consequences for its alleged war crimes before direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-to-sign-elusive-grain-deal-to-resume-ukraine-black-sea-exports-499586">Ukraine and Russia to sign grain deal resuming Black Sea exports</a>

Furthermore, Ukraine’s foreign minister also invited other countries’ participation in the potential peace talks citing the example of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-president-erdogan-hopeful-to-extend-grain-deal-which-is-set-to-expire-on-november-19-534712">Turkey’s role</a> in the grain agreement. Meanwhile, the UN has given a cautious response and said, “As the secretary-general has said many times in the past, he can only mediate if all parties want him to mediate,” said UN spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez, on Monday.&nbsp;

How has Russia reacted to Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan?

Earlier this month, Russia had rejected Zelensky’s peace proposal and said that Ukraine needs to accept new territorial “realities”, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, which also included taking four Ukrainian regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson) under Moscow as its “new subjects”.&nbsp;

He also said that there is “no question” about Russia pulling out its troops from Ukraine by the end of this year. “They appeared as a result of referendums that took place in these territories. Without taking these new realities into account, no kind of progress is possible,” said Peskov. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelenskys-peace-plan-must-include-annexed-regions-says-kremlin-547406">Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin</a> 
 
Similarly, late Monday, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reiterated that the proposal of “demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy,”&nbsp;

He added, “The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army,” as per the Russian news agency, TASS. Furthermore, while Washington has given Ukraine billions of dollars in military aid, the country has been cautious with its approach to Zelensky’s peace plan as well as the proposed summit.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President talks to Indian PM over the phone

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Ukrainian president and Indian PM spoke on the phone for the fourth time since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, in February, earlier this year. Subsequently, Zelensky had also taken to Twitter and said that he spoke to PM Modi during which he wished for a successful G20 presidency.&nbsp;

“It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-ukraine-relations-president-zelensky-pm-modi-hold-fourth-phone-conversation-this-year-547078">India-Ukraine Relations: President Zelensky, PM Modi hold fourth phone conversation this year</a>

Additionally, the Indian government also mentioned PM Modi’s main priorities for India's G20 Presidency which include giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security.&nbsp;

While India has repeatedly been criticised by Western countries for its import of oil from Russia at a discounted price, New Delhi has defended its stance of putting its people first. Furthermore, India has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in Russia-Ukraine but has not outright condemned the conflict but maintained that the crisis is solved through dialogue and diplomacy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Earlier this year, in November, amid the Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting in Indonesia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the leaders present to step and stop the Russian invasion of Kyiv.

Earlier this year, in November, amid the Group of 20 (G20) major economies meeting in Indonesia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the leaders present to step and stop the Russian invasion of Kyiv. It was then that he first mentioned his 10-point peace plan which Zelensky said would end the conflict, “justly and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law”. Since then the Ukrainian president has spoken about his plan with the United States President Joe Biden during his visit to Washington, last week. Recently, he also sought help from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their call, for the implementation. This was preceded by Zelensky calling upon world leaders to hold a Global Peace Summit based on the plan. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin slams the West for trying to 'tear apart' Russia Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan: 1. Radiation and nuclear safety, focusing on restoring security around Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which is now Russian-occupied. 2. Food security, including protecting and ensuring Ukraine’s grain exports to the world’s poorest nations. 3. Energy security, with a focus on price restrictions on Russian energy resources, as well as aiding Ukraine with restoring its power infrastructure, half of which has been damaged by Russian attacks. 4. Release of all prisoners and deportees, including war prisoners and children deported to Russia. 5. Restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity and Russia reaffirming it according to the UN Charter, which Zelenskyy said is “not up to negotiations”. 6. Withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities, the restoration of Ukraine’s state borders with Russia. 7. Justice, including the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. 8. The prevention of ecocide, and the protection of the environment, with a focus on demining and restoring water treatment facilities. 9. Prevention of an escalation of conflict and building security architecture in the Euro-Atlantic space, including guarantees for Ukraine. 10. Confirmation of the war’s end, including a document signed by the involved parties. What does the proposal miss? A report by The i, a British national newspaper, said that while the analysts have called the list “maximalist” and unrealistic, it also offers better scope for negotiations moving forward. Notably, while Ukraine has emphasised on “territorial integrity”, it fails to mention Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Zelensky's "peace plan" demands punishment for Russia Furthermore, while the Ukrainian president has previously shown interest in negotiations with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, his officials have also reportedly called for his ouster. On December 25, Putin during his interview with state television, Rossiya 1 said, “We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are.” Subsequently, an advisor to the Ukrainian president, Mykhailo Podolyak took to Twitter and said, “Russia single-handedly attacked Ukraine and is killing citizens…Russia doesn't want negotiations, but tries to avoid responsibility.” Notably, Kyiv also broke away from the tradition where both countries celebrate Christmas on January 7 as opposed to December 25, in line with the Russian Orthodox Church which follows the ancient Julian calendar. ALSO WATCH | Ukrainian President Zelensky seeks help from PM Modi in peace keeping formula Additionally, the Ukrainian president also called out Putin for speaking about negotiations and continuing to target and hit power stations, leaving millions without electricity and heat amidst freezing winter conditions. Therefore, despite what the Russian president might have claimed for the second time, the evidence points to the contrary, who also in turn blamed Ukraine and its Western allies for the lack of talks, a stance which the West had rejected as Moscow's posturing as it continues to attack Kyiv. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, on Monday, said that Kyiv wants a peace summit within two months at the United Nations with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as mediator. He also spoke about how Russia must face the consequences for its alleged war crimes before direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow. ALSO READ | Ukraine and Russia to sign grain deal resuming Black Sea exports Furthermore, Ukraine’s foreign minister also invited other countries’ participation in the potential peace talks citing the example of Turkey’s role in the grain agreement. Meanwhile, the UN has given a cautious response and said, “As the secretary-general has said many times in the past, he can only mediate if all parties want him to mediate,” said UN spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez, on Monday. How has Russia reacted to Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan? Earlier this month, Russia had rejected Zelensky’s peace proposal and said that Ukraine needs to accept new territorial “realities”, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, which also included taking four Ukrainian regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson) under Moscow as its “new subjects”. He also said that there is “no question” about Russia pulling out its troops from Ukraine by the end of this year. “They appeared as a result of referendums that took place in these territories. Without taking these new realities into account, no kind of progress is possible,” said Peskov. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin Similarly, late Monday, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reiterated that the proposal of “demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy,” He added, “The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army,” as per the Russian news agency, TASS. Furthermore, while Washington has given Ukraine billions of dollars in military aid, the country has been cautious with its approach to Zelensky’s peace plan as well as the proposed summit. Ukrainian President talks to Indian PM over the phone Meanwhile, on Monday, the Ukrainian president and Indian PM spoke on the phone for the fourth time since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, in February, earlier this year. Subsequently, Zelensky had also taken to Twitter and said that he spoke to PM Modi during which he wished for a successful G20 presidency. “It was on this platform that I announced the peace formula and now I count on India's participation in its implementation. I also thanked for humanitarian aid and support in the UN,” said the Ukrainian president. ALSO WATCH | India-Ukraine Relations: President Zelensky, PM Modi hold fourth phone conversation this year Additionally, the Indian government also mentioned PM Modi’s main priorities for India's G20 Presidency which include giving a voice to the concerns of developing nations on issues like food and energy security. While India has repeatedly been criticised by Western countries for its import of oil from Russia at a discounted price, New Delhi has defended its stance of putting its people first. Furthermore, India has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and violence in Russia-Ukraine but has not outright condemned the conflict but maintained that the crisis is solved through dialogue and diplomacy. (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 Zelensky's 10-point peace plan which seeks world leaders’ support?

The Office of United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Wednesday (December 28) that number of civilian casualties in the Ukraine war may be more than those that are known till date. The office has released a count of known casualties which indicates that 6884 civilians have lost their lives in the conflict from February 24 to December 26 this year.

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained gains in the initial months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat from large swathes of land in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive. Russia has since then stepped up missile attacks across Ukraine and especially on the country's energy infrastructure. There have been civilian deaths. Russia claims that it targets military-linked installations and not civilian.

Watch | Ukraine War: Heavy Russian shelling rains down on Kherson

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On Wednesday, Russia stepped up mortar and artillery attacks on the liberated city on Kherson. Russia fired 33 missiles from multiple rocket launchers at civilian targets in Kherson in the 24 hours to early Wednesday, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its morning report. Russia denies targeting civilians.

Heavy fighting also persisted around the Ukrainian-held city of Bakhmut, now largely in ruins, in the eastern province of Donetsk, and to its north, around the cities of Svatove and Kreminna in Luhansk province, where Ukrainian forces are trying to break Russian defensive lines.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelenskys-peace-plan-must-include-annexed-regions-says-kremlin-547406">Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin</a>

Air raid sirens also sounded across Ukraine on Wednesday morning, officials said. Ukrainian social media reports said the nationwide alert may have been declared after Russian jets stationed in neighbouring Belarus took off. Reuters was unable to immediately verify that information.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Office of United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Wednesday (December 28) that number of civilian casualties in the Ukraine war may be more than those that are known till date.

The Office of United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Wednesday (December 28) that number of civilian casualties in the Ukraine war may be more than those that are known till date. The office has released a count of known casualties which indicates that 6884 civilians have lost their lives in the conflict from February 24 to December 26 this year. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24. After sustained gains in the initial months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat from large swathes of land in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive. Russia has since then stepped up missile attacks across Ukraine and especially on the country's energy infrastructure. There have been civilian deaths. Russia claims that it targets military-linked installations and not civilian. Watch | Ukraine War: Heavy Russian shelling rains down on Kherson × On Wednesday, Russia stepped up mortar and artillery attacks on the liberated city on Kherson. Russia fired 33 missiles from multiple rocket launchers at civilian targets in Kherson in the 24 hours to early Wednesday, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said in its morning report. Russia denies targeting civilians. Heavy fighting also persisted around the Ukrainian-held city of Bakhmut, now largely in ruins, in the eastern province of Donetsk, and to its north, around the cities of Svatove and Kreminna in Luhansk province, where Ukrainian forces are trying to break Russian defensive lines. Also Read | Ukraine war: Zelensky's peace plan must include annexed regions, says Kremlin Air raid sirens also sounded across Ukraine on Wednesday morning, officials said. Ukrainian social media reports said the nationwide alert may have been declared after Russian jets stationed in neighbouring Belarus took off. Reuters was unable to immediately verify that information. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine war: UN releases civilian death stats, says number can be higher

Much to the surprise of the western world, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novakis has hinted at resuming gas supplies to Europe via the Yamal-Europe pipeline.

Much to the surprise of the western world, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novakis has hinted at resuming gas supplies to Europe via the Yamal-Europe pipeline. "The European market remains relevant, as the gas shortage persists, and we have every opportunity to resume supplies. For example, the Yamal-Europe Pipeline, which was stopped for political reasons, remains unused," Novakis told the Russian news agency TASS. Novakis also said the gas supplies to Europe had increased despite the disruptions. "Even now this market is not closed. For example, we were able to significantly increase LNG supplies to Europe this year; they have increased to 19.4 billion cubic meters in 11 months of 2022, and we expect 21 billion cubic meters by the end of the year." WATCH | EU energy ministers agree on a gas price cap to contain crisis × “Today, we can confidently say that there is a demand for our gas. Therefore, we continue to consider Europe as a potential market for the sale of our products. It is clear that a large-scale campaign was launched against us, which ended with acts of sabotage against Nord Stream." Notably, Russian gas giant Gazprom, in May, earlier this year had blocked the supplies through the mentioned pipeline which runs across Poland. The stopping of supplies was also necessitated after Gazprom's parent company was sanctioned. At the time, Warsaw refused to buy the gas from Russia and focused on drawing energy from Germany's stored gas reserves. Read more: Oil price cap proposal: Russia warns West of dire repercussions The energy conundrum between the western world and Russia has been ongoing ever since Putin and his men invaded Ukraine. Gas and oil form a pivotal part of Moscow's economy and the West wants to hurt it by imposing sanctions. However, in the absence of reliable alternatives that can supply energy on scale - the ploy of sanctions has not worked as well as it was supposed to. After months of dillydallying, the G7 nations, the European Union and Australia, earlier this month agreed to a price ceiling of $60 per barrel of seaborne Russian Urals crude oil. Thus, experts are surprised that Moscow is willing to resume gas supplies through the Yamal-Europe pipeline. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia open to resuming gas supplies to Europe via the Yamal-Europe pipeline

President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' Patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Of course we will destroy it, 100 per cent!" Putin said, referring to the missile system.

US President Joe Biden recently hosted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House. Zelensky also addressed the US Congress.

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained gains in the initial months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat from large swathes of land in the face of strong Ukrainian counterattack.

Ukraine has benefitted from the continuing support from Western countries which have provided billions of dollars worth of military aid.

'Russia is ready to negotiate' 
 
On Sunday, Putin also claimed that Russia was ready to negotiate over the issue of Ukraine but it was Ukraine which was not ready to come to the negotiation table.

"We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are," Putin told Rossiya 1 state television in an interview aired on Sunday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-plans-to-impose-more-tax-on-those-who-left-country-546445">Russia plans to impose more tax on those who left country</a>

CIA Director William Burns said in an interview published this month that while most conflicts end in negotiation, the CIA's assessment was that Russia was not yet serious about a real negotiation to end the war.

Putin said Russia was acting in the "right direction" in Ukraine because the West, led by the United States, was trying to cleave Russia apart. Washington denies it is plotting Russia's collapse.

(With inputs from agencies)

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President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' Patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' Patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine. "Of course we will destroy it, 100 per cent!" Putin said, referring to the missile system. US President Joe Biden recently hosted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House. Zelensky also addressed the US Congress. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained gains in the initial months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat from large swathes of land in the face of strong Ukrainian counterattack. Ukraine has benefitted from the continuing support from Western countries which have provided billions of dollars worth of military aid. 'Russia is ready to negotiate' On Sunday, Putin also claimed that Russia was ready to negotiate over the issue of Ukraine but it was Ukraine which was not ready to come to the negotiation table. "We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are," Putin told Rossiya 1 state television in an interview aired on Sunday. Also Read | Russia plans to impose more tax on those who left country CIA Director William Burns said in an interview published this month that while most conflicts end in negotiation, the CIA's assessment was that Russia was not yet serious about a real negotiation to end the war. Putin said Russia was acting in the "right direction" in Ukraine because the West, led by the United States, was trying to cleave Russia apart. Washington denies it is plotting Russia's collapse. (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 forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin

Russia is assessing the damage and examining the flight-worthiness of the Soyuz crew capsule docked with the International Space Station (ISS) after the vehicle, known as MS-22. began spraying its coolant into space on December 14. Dramatic Images on NASA TV showed white particles that resembled snowflakes streaming out of the rear of the spacecraft some days ago.

In a press briefing organised by the US space agency, Sergei Krikalev, who leads human spaceflight programmes at Russia's Roscosmos, told reporters the damage was being assessed.&nbsp;

If a thermal analysis -- which assesses how hot it will get inside the cabin -- concludes MS-22 is unfit for crewed flight, then a scheduled launch of another Soyuz capsule in mid-March from Baikonur Cosmodrome could be moved up, and it would launch uncrewed, he said.&nbsp;

"They're looking at late February to send up the next Soyuz vehicle," added Joel Montalbano, NASA's International Space Station programme manager, who was also on the call.&nbsp;

If the new Soyuz vehicle brings the crew back, the damaged spaceship will return to Earth sans the crew.

There are currently seven people aboard the orbital outpost, but if MS-22 were deemed unfit, it would also mean the ISS has just one "lifeboat" capable of carrying four people, in case it needs to be evacuated.&nbsp;

Americans Josh Cassada and Nicole Mann, Japan's Koichi Wakata and Russia's Anna Kikina arrived on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in October.&nbsp;It is unclear why the damage took place, said Montalbano.

But it does not appear as though the Geminid meteor shower, an annual phenomenon, was to blame, since the hull was penetrated from a different direction.&nbsp;

"Both the trajectory team in Houston and the trajectory team in Moscow confirmed it was not from the meteor showers," he said.&nbsp;More work is still needed to determine if it was caused by naturally occurring micrometeoroids,&nbsp;man-made debris in orbit, or a hardware failure, he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia is assessing the damage and examining the flight-worthiness of the Soyuz crew capsule docked with the International Space Station (ISS) after the vehicle, known as MS-22.

Russia is assessing the damage and examining the flight-worthiness of the Soyuz crew capsule docked with the International Space Station (ISS) after the vehicle, known as MS-22. began spraying its coolant into space on December 14. Dramatic Images on NASA TV showed white particles that resembled snowflakes streaming out of the rear of the spacecraft some days ago. In a press briefing organised by the US space agency, Sergei Krikalev, who leads human spaceflight programmes at Russia's Roscosmos, told reporters the damage was being assessed. If a thermal analysis -- which assesses how hot it will get inside the cabin -- concludes MS-22 is unfit for crewed flight, then a scheduled launch of another Soyuz capsule in mid-March from Baikonur Cosmodrome could be moved up, and it would launch uncrewed, he said. "They're looking at late February to send up the next Soyuz vehicle," added Joel Montalbano, NASA's International Space Station programme manager, who was also on the call. If the new Soyuz vehicle brings the crew back, the damaged spaceship will return to Earth sans the crew. There are currently seven people aboard the orbital outpost, but if MS-22 were deemed unfit, it would also mean the ISS has just one "lifeboat" capable of carrying four people, in case it needs to be evacuated. Americans Josh Cassada and Nicole Mann, Japan's Koichi Wakata and Russia's Anna Kikina arrived on a SpaceX Crew Dragon in October. It is unclear why the damage took place, said Montalbano. But it does not appear as though the Geminid meteor shower, an annual phenomenon, was to blame, since the hull was penetrated from a different direction. "Both the trajectory team in Houston and the trajectory team in Moscow confirmed it was not from the meteor showers," he said. More work is still needed to determine if it was caused by naturally occurring micrometeoroids, man-made debris in orbit, or a hardware failure, he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

With Soyuz spacecraft damaged, Russia may send vehicle to rescue International Space Station crew

Russian parliament's lower house is preparing a law to impose higher tax rate on those who left the country after the start of Ukraine war, said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma.&nbsp;"It is right to cancel preferences for those who have left the Russian Federation and to introduce an increased tax rate for them," Volodin wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

"We are working on appropriate changes to the legislation."

It is not fully clear how many Russians have left the country since the start of the war.

By early October, some local media had reported that as many as 700,000 had fled following the September announcement of a mobilisation drive to call up as many as 300,000 to fight. The government had strongly refuted that figure at the time.

Russia's 13% personal income tax is deducted automatically by domestic employers. Russians working abroad who are Russian tax residents must pay the tax independently, according to the Federal Tax Service of Russia.

"It's completely understandable why they fled," Volodin said. "Those who realised that they had made a mistake have already returned. The rest should understand: the vast majority of society does not support their act and believes that they betrayed their country, relatives and friends."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian parliament's lower house is preparing a law to impose higher tax rate on those who left the country after the start of Ukraine war, said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma.

Russian parliament's lower house is preparing a law to impose higher tax rate on those who left the country after the start of Ukraine war, said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma. "It is right to cancel preferences for those who have left the Russian Federation and to introduce an increased tax rate for them," Volodin wrote on the Telegram messaging app. "We are working on appropriate changes to the legislation." It is not fully clear how many Russians have left the country since the start of the war. By early October, some local media had reported that as many as 700,000 had fled following the September announcement of a mobilisation drive to call up as many as 300,000 to fight. The government had strongly refuted that figure at the time. Russia's 13% personal income tax is deducted automatically by domestic employers. Russians working abroad who are Russian tax residents must pay the tax independently, according to the Federal Tax Service of Russia. "It's completely understandable why they fled," Volodin said. "Those who realised that they had made a mistake have already returned. The rest should understand: the vast majority of society does not support their act and believes that they betrayed their country, relatives and friends." (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 impose higher tax on those who left nation after Ukraine war started

A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors.

A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) agent has been arrested on the suspicion that he was spying for Russia. The arrest took place on Thursday and the suspect has been charged with treason, according to the national prosecutors. The officer named Carsten L. was arrested in Berlin under German privacy laws. “The accused is suspected of state treason. In 2022, he shared information that he came by in the course of his work with a Russian intelligence agency. The content is considered a state secret," read the statement shared by federal prosecutors. This is not the first time that Germany has managed to unearth hidden spies. In April, earlier this year, the German government expelled 40 Russian' 'spies' who were surreptitiously providing crucial intel to Moscow. Read more: Russian 'deep cover-spy' mixed freely with NATO officials in Naples, claim investigators However, the last time an intelligence officer was arrested for treason was in 2014. Markus R, an intelligence employee was sentenced to eight years in prison for revealing top-secret information to the USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Notably, BND, in its work and scope is akin to CIA with the mission statement clearly mentioning the job of the agency is to compile “political, economic and military foreign intelligence.” WATCH | Russian spies hacked former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss' mobile phone × Why has the 'spy' activity increased? Germany and Russia have been at loggerheads ever since the latter invaded Ukraine. While Berlin has sided with Kyiv, Moscow has used its position of being the supplier of natural gas and oil to the European country as leverage. For the major part of the year, Germany and Russia squabbled over the Nord Stream 1 pipeline. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea and is considered the lifeline of European countries. It was in July that Russia closed Nord Stream 1 for the first time citing maintenance. It added that the 12-metre turbine used to operate the pipeline was stuck in Canada for repairs. Read more: Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis Afterwards, the multiple blasts surrounding both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines caused a significant slowdown in supplies, taking the bilateral relations between the two powerhouses to an all-time low. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Germany arrests one of its intelligence officers for being a Russian spy

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko. Of those injured, 16 were heavily wounded, Tymoshenko said, according to a report by Reuters.&nbsp;

Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-official-killed-in-car-blast-in-russia-controlled-lyubimivka-545682">Ukraine war: Official killed in car blast in Russia-controlled Lyubimivka</a>

"These are not military facilities ... It is terror, it is killing for the sake of intimidation and pleasure," the President added.&nbsp;

Russia had occupied Kherson shortly after it began its special military operation in Ukraine in February this year. In November, Ukrainian forces recaptured the city in a significant military defeat for Moscow.&nbsp;

However, Kherson has been struck by Russian forces multiple times.&nbsp;

Saturday's attack comes more than a week after two people, including a Red Cross worker,&nbsp;were killed in Russian shelling in the city on December 15. Regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said the attack left Kherson completely without power. President Zelensky had said that Moscow bombed the city more than 16 times on this day.

More than 11,000 people have left Kherson since it was recaptured in November and most of them had been evacuated by the government, according to the ministry that was responsible for reintegrating the city. During Russia's control, regional officials estimated that 100,000 residents were in Kherson, AFP reported last week.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/up-your-game-putin-tells-russian-defence-industry-546291">Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry</a>

The war in Ukraine has entered the 11th month with no possible end to Russia's aggression. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the defence industry to up its game to ensure that the army got all the weapons, equipment and military hardware that it needed to fight.&nbsp;

"The most important key task of our military-industrial complex is to provide our units and frontline forces with everything they need: weapons, equipment, ammunition, and gear in the necessary quantities and of the right quality in the shortest possible timeframes," Putin said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko.

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian city of Kherson, according to presidential aide Kyrylo Tymoshenko. Of those injured, 16 were heavily wounded, Tymoshenko said, according to a report by Reuters. Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Official killed in car blast in Russia-controlled Lyubimivka "These are not military facilities ... It is terror, it is killing for the sake of intimidation and pleasure," the President added. Russia had occupied Kherson shortly after it began its special military operation in Ukraine in February this year. In November, Ukrainian forces recaptured the city in a significant military defeat for Moscow. However, Kherson has been struck by Russian forces multiple times. Saturday's attack comes more than a week after two people, including a Red Cross worker, were killed in Russian shelling in the city on December 15. Regional governor Yaroslav Yanushevych said the attack left Kherson completely without power. President Zelensky had said that Moscow bombed the city more than 16 times on this day. More than 11,000 people have left Kherson since it was recaptured in November and most of them had been evacuated by the government, according to the ministry that was responsible for reintegrating the city. During Russia's control, regional officials estimated that 100,000 residents were in Kherson, AFP reported last week. ALSO READ | Up your game, Putin tells Russian defence industry The war in Ukraine has entered the 11th month with no possible end to Russia's aggression. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the defence industry to up its game to ensure that the army got all the weapons, equipment and military hardware that it needed to fight. "The most important key task of our military-industrial complex is to provide our units and frontline forces with everything they need: weapons, equipment, ammunition, and gear in the necessary quantities and of the right quality in the shortest possible timeframes," Putin said. (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.

Five killed, 35 injured in Russian shelling in Kherson; Zelensky terms it ‘killing for pleasure’

At least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, the investigators confirmed on Saturday (December 24). &nbsp;

Russian news agency RIA Novosti and fire safety officials were quoted as saying that the deadly fire destroyed the entire second floor of the building. The report also mentioned that the building was apparently not officially registered as a home for the elderly.&nbsp;

State media and emergency services further mentioned that the fire was put out by the early hours when rescuers finished the initial search and rescue work.&nbsp;

The investigative committee said on Telegram: "A fire broke out overnight in a private property used as an illegal nursing home." It added that "the death toll has risen to 22" as previous reports mentioned that 20 were killed.&nbsp;

The Telegram statement also added that "six more were injured, two of them were hospitalised and are in a serious condition with burns".&nbsp;

The exact cause of the fire is not known yet, but the Kuzbass regional administration said on its website that "the preliminary cause of the fire was a violation of fire safety rules when operating a heating stove."&nbsp; 
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At least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, the investigators confirmed on Saturday (December 24).

At least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo, the investigators confirmed on Saturday (December 24). Russian news agency RIA Novosti and fire safety officials were quoted as saying that the deadly fire destroyed the entire second floor of the building. The report also mentioned that the building was apparently not officially registered as a home for the elderly. State media and emergency services further mentioned that the fire was put out by the early hours when rescuers finished the initial search and rescue work. The investigative committee said on Telegram: "A fire broke out overnight in a private property used as an illegal nursing home." It added that "the death toll has risen to 22" as previous reports mentioned that 20 were killed. The Telegram statement also added that "six more were injured, two of them were hospitalised and are in a serious condition with burns". The exact cause of the fire is not known yet, but the Kuzbass regional administration said on its website that "the preliminary cause of the fire was a violation of fire safety rules when operating a heating stove." 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: Fire kills at least 22 at an unregistered private nursing home for elderly

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday (December 22) that the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is running short of food due a blockade that has gone on for two weeks. Armenian PM blamed Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan also lashed out at Russian peacekeeping forces for failing to keep open the Lachin corridor. It is the road route across Azerbaijan that links Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagoro-Karabakh is internationally recognised to be part of Azerbaijan but residents of the region are predominantly Armenian. The region broke away after a war in early 1990.&nbsp;

In 2020, Azerbaijan retook territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh after a short war that ended in a Russian-brokered ceasefire.

Pashinyan told his Cabinet the humanitarian situation in the enclave was "extremely tense as a result of the illegal blockade by Azerbaijan of the Lachin corridor".

He said he had proposed terms to Azerbaijan for lifting the blockade of the route, where Russian peacekeepers have been confronted by a crowd of Azerbaijanis describing themselves as environmental activists.

Azerbaijan says they are involved in a genuine protest against illegal Armenian mining in Nagorno-Karabakh and it was the Russian peacekeepers who closed the road.

Pashinyan said the peacekeepers were not fulfilling their function, which he said was "precisely to prevent such illegal actions and, in particular, to keep the Lachin corridor under control".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian peacekeepers, deployed after the last war in 2020, were working to ensure peace and order, in accordance with their mandate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday (December 22) that the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is running short of food due a blockade that has gone on for two weeks.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday (December 22) that the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is running short of food due a blockade that has gone on for two weeks. Armenian PM blamed Azerbaijan. Pashinyan also lashed out at Russian peacekeeping forces for failing to keep open the Lachin corridor. It is the road route across Azerbaijan that links Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagoro-Karabakh is internationally recognised to be part of Azerbaijan but residents of the region are predominantly Armenian. The region broke away after a war in early 1990. In 2020, Azerbaijan retook territory in and around Nagorno-Karabakh after a short war that ended in a Russian-brokered ceasefire. Pashinyan told his Cabinet the humanitarian situation in the enclave was "extremely tense as a result of the illegal blockade by Azerbaijan of the Lachin corridor". He said he had proposed terms to Azerbaijan for lifting the blockade of the route, where Russian peacekeepers have been confronted by a crowd of Azerbaijanis describing themselves as environmental activists. Azerbaijan says they are involved in a genuine protest against illegal Armenian mining in Nagorno-Karabakh and it was the Russian peacekeepers who closed the road. Pashinyan said the peacekeepers were not fulfilling their function, which he said was "precisely to prevent such illegal actions and, in particular, to keep the Lachin corridor under control". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian peacekeepers, deployed after the last war in 2020, were working to ensure peace and order, in accordance with their mandate. (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 ×

Armenia blames Azerbaijan and Russia for food shortage in Nagorno-Karabakh

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zelensky-meets-joe-biden-in-us-thanks-congress-america-for-their-support-545338">United States Congress</a> on Thursday (December 22) during his visit to Washington amid what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Kyiv. The speech, which was a little over 20 minutes, refers to three battles out of which two have historically been the turning point of their respective wars.&nbsp;

Zelensky compared the ongoing fight for the small eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, to the Battle of Saratoga which was fought during the US Revolutionary War against the British. While also comparing the ongoing conflict with Russia to World War II’s Battle of the Bulge.&nbsp;

Battle of Saratoga and fight for Bakhmut

“The Russian military and mercenaries have been taking Bakhmut nonstop since May. They have been taking it day and night, but Bakhmut stands,” said Zelensky had said in his speech. He added, “Just like the Battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the tragic story of our war for independence and of freedom,”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-in-us-congress-american-aid-to-ukraine-investment-not-charity-will-never-surrender-to-putin-545311">Zelensky in US Congress: Ukraine is ‘alive and kicking’, will ‘never surrender’ to Putin</a>

Referring to the Battle of Saratoga was seen as a turning point in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) fought by the ‘Patriots’ who wanted to gain independence from Great Britain. After over 150 years of Britain controlling the 13 colonies, once created in the 1600s it was not until the mid-1700s that they began taxing and imposing their laws on the colonies.&nbsp;

This led to years of tensions between the colonies and Britain that eventually culminated in a revolution and subsequent war. On July 4, 1776, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the colonies officially declared themselves free from the British.&nbsp;

However, at the beginning of the war, Patriots faced many defeats against the strongest militaries in the world at the time with trained soldiers and resources. But the two-part battle was seen as a turning point of the war in favour of the colonists, with support from countries like France. According to the archives, the first one was fought on September 19 and the second on October 7.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelenskys-full-speech-in-us-congress-8-biggest-moments-from-his-address-545452">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's full speech in US Congress: 8 biggest moments from his address</a>

Meanwhile, in present-day Ukraine, the battle for Bakhmut has been going on for nearly five months with incessant bombing and civilians fleeing the city which was once reportedly populated&nbsp;with at least 70,000 people has been reduced to nearly 10,000. On the other hand, citing Konrad Muzyka, a Polish military analyst, Reuters reported that even if Russia manages to win, it will be at a great cost.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Furthermore, experts say, there is also a fear that the Kremlin’s forces will use this city as a stepping stone to capturing two bigger cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Additionally, if Ukraine loses&nbsp;then it will be cut off from its access to&nbsp;its road and rail supply line intersection in Bakhmut. However, Muzyka says that its strategic value in Russia has also been lessened since August due to Ukraine’s heavy fortification around the region.&nbsp;

“The fighting for Bakhmut is not senseless, but strategically unsound (for Russia) given weak offensive potential and no prospect of breakthrough even if the city is captured,” said Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian military at a US-based think tank. However, Muzyka says that the battle for this region has become a “battle of attrition”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-alleges-us-of-waging-indirect-war-against-russia-post-zelensky-visit-545581">Kremlin alleges US of waging ‘indirect war’ against Russia post-Zelensky visit&nbsp;</a>

Furthermore, the report citing British intelligence says that Bakhmut’s capture has become “primarily a symbolic, political objective” for Moscow, something that could lift morale. While for Ukraine, the experts said this region is partly about constant support from its allies in the West. This comes after Kyiv’s forces have achieved a string of successes in pushing back against Russia.&nbsp;

According to Kofman, “At this stage, Ukraine is the victim of its own recent success, and suffers from heightened expectations of sustained momentum.” Furthermore, the report suggests that Ukraine’s recent success and fewer defeats could be perceived by the West as a stalemate which would then be less willing to extend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-patriot-missile-defence-system-to-ukraine-all-you-need-to-know-543385">support</a> to Ukraine as the western countries continue to deal with economic pressures, as a result of this conflict.&nbsp;

Russia-Ukraine conflict and World War II’s Battle of the Bugle&nbsp;

“The Russian tactic is primitive. They burn down and destroy everything they see. They sent thugs to the frontlines. They sent convicts to the war...They threw everything against us – similar to the other tyranny, which in the Battle of the Bulge threw everything it had against the free world,” said the Ukrainian president in his speech.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-will-never-surrender-vows-zelensky-while-addressing-us-congress-545334">Ukraine will never surrender, vows Zelensky while addressing US Congress</a>

He added, “Just like the brave American soldiers, which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas. Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender!”&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president is referring to the Battle of the Bulge fought between, December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, which marked the final major counteroffensive by the German forces against the Allied Powers. The battle witnessed heavy fighting and casualties which has also been attributed to the poor weather in the region, however, the Allies prevailed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-meets-top-military-brass-as-zelensky-visits-us-545379">Putin meets top military brass as Zelensky visits US</a>

Earlier this month, as the conflict continued well into 10 months, Russia ruled out the possibility of a “Christmas ceasefire” and also rejected Ukraine’s calls for the withdrawal of troops with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-the-heart-of-ukraine-a-christmas-tree-in-a-hideout-544803">Christmas</a> marking the end of the conflict.&nbsp;

On December 14, in response to questions regarding the possibility of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-reportedly-shells-donetsk-as-moscow-rules-out-a-christmas-ceasefire-543246">“Christmas ceasefire”</a> Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “No, no such offers have been received from anybody. This topic is not on the agenda.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, while Zelensky wants Russia to start pulling back by Christmas, Moscow wants Ukraine to accept the loss of territory to Russia before any progress can be made. Therefore, with the raging war in eastern and southern Ukraine and little movement on either side as well as no ongoing little possibility of talks, the conflict might continue throughout the holiday season.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United States Congress on Thursday (December 22) during his visit to Washington amid what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the United States Congress on Thursday (December 22) during his visit to Washington amid what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Kyiv. The speech, which was a little over 20 minutes, refers to three battles out of which two have historically been the turning point of their respective wars. Zelensky compared the ongoing fight for the small eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, to the Battle of Saratoga which was fought during the US Revolutionary War against the British. While also comparing the ongoing conflict with Russia to World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Battle of Saratoga and fight for Bakhmut “The Russian military and mercenaries have been taking Bakhmut nonstop since May. They have been taking it day and night, but Bakhmut stands,” said Zelensky had said in his speech. He added, “Just like the Battle of Saratoga, the fight for Bakhmut will change the tragic story of our war for independence and of freedom,” ALSO READ | Zelensky in US Congress: Ukraine is ‘alive and kicking’, will ‘never surrender’ to Putin Referring to the Battle of Saratoga was seen as a turning point in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) fought by the ‘Patriots’ who wanted to gain independence from Great Britain. After over 150 years of Britain controlling the 13 colonies, once created in the 1600s it was not until the mid-1700s that they began taxing and imposing their laws on the colonies. This led to years of tensions between the colonies and Britain that eventually culminated in a revolution and subsequent war. On July 4, 1776, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the colonies officially declared themselves free from the British. However, at the beginning of the war, Patriots faced many defeats against the strongest militaries in the world at the time with trained soldiers and resources. But the two-part battle was seen as a turning point of the war in favour of the colonists, with support from countries like France. According to the archives, the first one was fought on September 19 and the second on October 7. ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's full speech in US Congress: 8 biggest moments from his address Meanwhile, in present-day Ukraine, the battle for Bakhmut has been going on for nearly five months with incessant bombing and civilians fleeing the city which was once reportedly populated with at least 70,000 people has been reduced to nearly 10,000. On the other hand, citing Konrad Muzyka, a Polish military analyst, Reuters reported that even if Russia manages to win, it will be at a great cost. Furthermore, experts say, there is also a fear that the Kremlin’s forces will use this city as a stepping stone to capturing two bigger cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Additionally, if Ukraine loses then it will be cut off from its access to its road and rail supply line intersection in Bakhmut. However, Muzyka says that its strategic value in Russia has also been lessened since August due to Ukraine’s heavy fortification around the region. “The fighting for Bakhmut is not senseless, but strategically unsound (for Russia) given weak offensive potential and no prospect of breakthrough even if the city is captured,” said Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian military at a US-based think tank. However, Muzyka says that the battle for this region has become a “battle of attrition”. ALSO READ | Kremlin alleges US of waging ‘indirect war’ against Russia post-Zelensky visit Furthermore, the report citing British intelligence says that Bakhmut’s capture has become “primarily a symbolic, political objective” for Moscow, something that could lift morale. While for Ukraine, the experts said this region is partly about constant support from its allies in the West. This comes after Kyiv’s forces have achieved a string of successes in pushing back against Russia. According to Kofman, “At this stage, Ukraine is the victim of its own recent success, and suffers from heightened expectations of sustained momentum.” Furthermore, the report suggests that Ukraine’s recent success and fewer defeats could be perceived by the West as a stalemate which would then be less willing to extend support to Ukraine as the western countries continue to deal with economic pressures, as a result of this conflict. Russia-Ukraine conflict and World War II’s Battle of the Bugle “The Russian tactic is primitive. They burn down and destroy everything they see. They sent thugs to the frontlines. They sent convicts to the war...They threw everything against us – similar to the other tyranny, which in the Battle of the Bulge threw everything it had against the free world,” said the Ukrainian president in his speech. ALSO WATCH | Ukraine will never surrender, vows Zelensky while addressing US Congress He added, “Just like the brave American soldiers, which held their lines and fought back Hitler’s forces during the Christmas of 1944, brave Ukrainian soldiers are doing the same to Putin’s forces this Christmas. Ukraine holds its lines and will never surrender!” The Ukrainian president is referring to the Battle of the Bulge fought between, December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, which marked the final major counteroffensive by the German forces against the Allied Powers. The battle witnessed heavy fighting and casualties which has also been attributed to the poor weather in the region, however, the Allies prevailed. ALSO READ | Putin meets top military brass as Zelensky visits US Earlier this month, as the conflict continued well into 10 months, Russia ruled out the possibility of a “Christmas ceasefire” and also rejected Ukraine’s calls for the withdrawal of troops with Christmas marking the end of the conflict. On December 14, in response to questions regarding the possibility of a “Christmas ceasefire” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “No, no such offers have been received from anybody. This topic is not on the agenda.” Furthermore, while Zelensky wants Russia to start pulling back by Christmas, Moscow wants Ukraine to accept the loss of territory to Russia before any progress can be made. Therefore, with the raging war in eastern and southern Ukraine and little movement on either side as well as no ongoing little possibility of talks, the conflict might continue throughout the holiday season. (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: Why does Zelensky invoke Battles of Saratoga and World War II in the US Congress speech?

The Russian government on Thursday stated that the Patriot missile systems which will be supplied to Ukraine by the United States, as announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Wednesday, will not contribute to settling the war between Kyiv and Moscow, and won't stop Russia from achieving its targets.

While speaking to the reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that there was no sign of willingness to initiate peace talks during the visit of Zelensky and it is evident that the United States is engaged in a proxy war with Russia “to the last Ukrainian”, and that Zelensky and US President Joe Biden are unwilling to hear “Russia’s concerns”.&nbsp;

“We can say with regret that so far neither President (Joe) Biden nor President Zelensky has said even a few words that could be perceived as potential readiness to listen to Russia’s concerns,” Peskov said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-assess-ukraine-conflict-will-set-russias-military-aims-for-next-year-544896">Putin to assess Ukraine conflict; will set Russia's military aims for next year</a>

“Not a single word was heard warning Zelensky against the continued shelling of residential buildings in towns and villages in Donbas and there were no real calls for peace. This suggests that the United States is continuing its line of de facto fighting an indirect war with Russia to the last Ukrainian,” he further stated.

Hours before the visit of Zelensky to the US, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that next year Moscow will continue developing the country's military potential and the nuclear forces' combat readiness. Zelensky’s US visit was his first international trip since Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24.

WATCH|&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian 'kamikaze' drone strikes knocks out power

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Before speaking at the Congress' joint meeting, Zelensky held talks with Biden at the White House, during which the latter promised to provide one Patriot surface-to-air missile battery system.

Previously, Ukraine had requested the Patriots stating it will bolster the country's air defences as they have been facing regular missile strikes by Russia on critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

The Patriot is among the US' most advanced air defence systems which can intercept threats like ballistic and aircraft missiles.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian government on Thursday stated that the Patriot missile systems which will be supplied to Ukraine by the United States, as announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Wednesday, will not contribute to settling the war between Kyiv and Moscow, and won't stop Russia from achieving its targets.

The Russian government on Thursday stated that the Patriot missile systems which will be supplied to Ukraine by the United States, as announced during a visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Wednesday, will not contribute to settling the war between Kyiv and Moscow, and won't stop Russia from achieving its targets. While speaking to the reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that there was no sign of willingness to initiate peace talks during the visit of Zelensky and it is evident that the United States is engaged in a proxy war with Russia “to the last Ukrainian”, and that Zelensky and US President Joe Biden are unwilling to hear “Russia’s concerns”. “We can say with regret that so far neither President (Joe) Biden nor President Zelensky has said even a few words that could be perceived as potential readiness to listen to Russia’s concerns,” Peskov said. ALSO READ| Putin to assess Ukraine conflict; will set Russia's military aims for next year “Not a single word was heard warning Zelensky against the continued shelling of residential buildings in towns and villages in Donbas and there were no real calls for peace. This suggests that the United States is continuing its line of de facto fighting an indirect war with Russia to the last Ukrainian,” he further stated. Hours before the visit of Zelensky to the US, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that next year Moscow will continue developing the country's military potential and the nuclear forces' combat readiness. Zelensky’s US visit was his first international trip since Ukraine was invaded by Russia on February 24. WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Russian 'kamikaze' drone strikes knocks out power Before speaking at the Congress' joint meeting, Zelensky held talks with Biden at the White House, during which the latter promised to provide one Patriot surface-to-air missile battery system. Previously, Ukraine had requested the Patriots stating it will bolster the country's air defences as they have been facing regular missile strikes by Russia on critical infrastructure. The Patriot is among the US' most advanced air defence systems which can intercept threats like ballistic and aircraft missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin accuses US of waging ‘indirect war’ against Russia post-Zelensky visit

In what was apparently quite a defiant stance, Iran on Sunday (December 18) said that it would not "seek permission from anyone" to expand relations with Russia. Iran has dimissing US concerns over growing military partnership between Tehran and Moscow.

CIA chief William Burns told PBS television on Friday the military cooperation between Iran and Russia "poses real threats" to US allies in the Middle East.

Nasser Kanani, spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, called the comments "baseless" and said they were part of a "US propaganda war against Iran".

Tehran "acts independently in regulating its foreign relations and does not seek permission from anyone", Kanani said in a statement Sunday.

He added that Iran's "national interests" dictate its policies.

"Cooperation between Iran and Russia in various fields including defence is expanding within the framework of common interests... and is not against any third country."

Kanani said, "American officials continue their baseless political claims and illegal actions against the Islamic republic of Iran, questioning the conventional defence and military cooperation between Iran and Russia."

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on December 9 had regarded the Tehran-Moscow military partnership as "harmful" to Ukraine, Iran's neighbouring countries and the world.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In what was apparently quite a defiant stance, Iran on Sunday (December 18) said that it would not "seek permission from anyone" to expand relations with Russia.

In what was apparently quite a defiant stance, Iran on Sunday (December 18) said that it would not "seek permission from anyone" to expand relations with Russia. Iran has dimissing US concerns over growing military partnership between Tehran and Moscow. CIA chief William Burns told PBS television on Friday the military cooperation between Iran and Russia "poses real threats" to US allies in the Middle East. Nasser Kanani, spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, called the comments "baseless" and said they were part of a "US propaganda war against Iran". Tehran "acts independently in regulating its foreign relations and does not seek permission from anyone", Kanani said in a statement Sunday. He added that Iran's "national interests" dictate its policies. "Cooperation between Iran and Russia in various fields including defence is expanding within the framework of common interests... and is not against any third country." Kanani said, "American officials continue their baseless political claims and illegal actions against the Islamic republic of Iran, questioning the conventional defence and military cooperation between Iran and Russia." White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on December 9 had regarded the Tehran-Moscow military partnership as "harmful" to Ukraine, Iran's neighbouring countries and the world. (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 ×

Not seeking 'permission' for greater ties with Russia, says Iran

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns said that concerns raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of nuclear weapons have impacted the Russians.&nbsp;“I think it has also been very useful that Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in India have also raised their concerns about the use of nuclear weapons as well. I think that’s also having an impact on the Russians,” said Burns, while speaking to PBS.

In the interview, Burns said that there is no clear evidence present with him today of how Russia plans to make tactical use of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

As per Burns, the sabre-rattling of Russian President Vladimir Putin is only aimed at intimidating others. Putin had earlier acknowledged that the Ukraine conflict is going to continue for a while. He had also issued a warning regarding the deepening threat of a nuclear war breakout.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-propaganda-videos-attempts-to-recruit-citizens-by-dangling-money-respect-and-a-manly-life-544124">Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army</a>

While addressing a meeting of Russia’s Human Rights Council at the Kremlin, Putin said that Russia will fight using “all available means at their disposal”. He stated that is a special military operation.

“With regard to the protracted nature of the special military operation and its results, of course, it’s going to take a while, perhaps,” Putin said, as per a CNN report.

CNN further reported that Putin, without ruling out the possibility of initiating a nuclear war, said that the Russian nuclear arsenal looks more like a deterrent and not a provocation.

The Russian president said that they have a strategy and that they launch a strike in response to actions. He added that nation believes in using nuclear weapons for defence purposes, which they call a retaliatory strike. “That is, when we are struck, we strike in response,” Putin said.

WATCH| NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass

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Putin further alleged that the United States has placed its nuclear weapons in huge numbers on European soil, and added that no nuclear weapons have been transferred by Russia to other territories and there is no such plan to do so, however, it “will protect its allies with all the means at its disposal, if necessary”.

He said that Russians are well aware of nuclear weapons and possess more modern and advanced weapons compared to those present with other nuclear nations. “But we are not going to brandish these weapons like a razor, running around the world,” Putin said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns said that concerns raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of nuclear weapons have impacted the Russians.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Chief William Burns said that concerns raised by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the use of nuclear weapons have impacted the Russians. “I think it has also been very useful that Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi in India have also raised their concerns about the use of nuclear weapons as well. I think that’s also having an impact on the Russians,” said Burns, while speaking to PBS. In the interview, Burns said that there is no clear evidence present with him today of how Russia plans to make tactical use of nuclear weapons. As per Burns, the sabre-rattling of Russian President Vladimir Putin is only aimed at intimidating others. Putin had earlier acknowledged that the Ukraine conflict is going to continue for a while. He had also issued a warning regarding the deepening threat of a nuclear war breakout. ALSO READ| Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army While addressing a meeting of Russia’s Human Rights Council at the Kremlin, Putin said that Russia will fight using “all available means at their disposal”. He stated that is a special military operation. “With regard to the protracted nature of the special military operation and its results, of course, it’s going to take a while, perhaps,” Putin said, as per a CNN report. CNN further reported that Putin, without ruling out the possibility of initiating a nuclear war, said that the Russian nuclear arsenal looks more like a deterrent and not a provocation. The Russian president said that they have a strategy and that they launch a strike in response to actions. He added that nation believes in using nuclear weapons for defence purposes, which they call a retaliatory strike. “That is, when we are struck, we strike in response,” Putin said. WATCH| NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass Putin further alleged that the United States has placed its nuclear weapons in huge numbers on European soil, and added that no nuclear weapons have been transferred by Russia to other territories and there is no such plan to do so, however, it “will protect its allies with all the means at its disposal, if necessary”. He said that Russians are well aware of nuclear weapons and possess more modern and advanced weapons compared to those present with other nuclear nations. “But we are not going to brandish these weapons like a razor, running around the world,” Putin said. (With inputs from agencies)

CIA chief praises India, China for raising nuclear weapons concerns that 'impacted' Russia

Russia announced that musicians will be deployed at the front lines of its ongoing Ukraine war so as to boost the morale of fighting soldiers.&nbsp;This week, the formation of a "front-line creative brigade" was announced by the defence ministry, which it said would include both musicians and vocalists.&nbsp;

The creation of the musicians' brigade was highlighted by the UK's Ministry of Defence in its intelligence update on Sunday.

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 18 December 2022 
 
Find out more about the UK government's response: <a href="https://t.co/ssnfSJnQ3o">https://t.co/ssnfSJnQ3o</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/e2bZ7yBJJJ">pic.twitter.com/e2bZ7yBJJJ</a>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1604355132983910402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Russian frontline troops present in Ukraine were visited by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, stated the government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-propaganda-videos-attempts-to-recruit-citizens-by-dangling-money-respect-and-a-manly-life-544124">Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army</a>

The defence ministry posted a statement to Telegram which said Shoigu "flew around the areas of deployment of troops and checked the advanced positions of Russian units in the zone of the special military operation".

The statement added that the minister "spoke with troops on the frontline" and at a "command post". The minister's visit comes at a time when UK defence officials claimed that low morale has become a "significant vulnerability across much of the Russian force".

The UK stated that the musicians' brigade, which is to be deployed soon after a campaign took place appealing to people to donate musical instruments to army troops, is similar to how "military music and organised entertainment" was historically used to boost the army's morale.

WATCH| NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass

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The UK authorities, however, questioned if the musicians' brigade would distract the army troops who are concerned about "very high casualty rates, poor leadership, pay problems, lack of equipment and ammunition, and lack of clarity about the war's objectives".

The Russian outlet RBC news reported that the musicians' brigade would include candidates mobilised under the recruitment drive of Russian President Vladimir Putin along with "professional artists who voluntarily entered military service".

The outlet added that the new unit will be given the task of maintaining "a high moral, political and psychological state (among) the participants of the special military operation”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia announced that musicians will be deployed at the front lines of its ongoing Ukraine war so as to boost the morale of fighting soldiers. This week, the formation of a "front-line creative brigade" was announced by the defence ministry, which it said would include both musicians and vocalists.

Russia announced that musicians will be deployed at the front lines of its ongoing Ukraine war so as to boost the morale of fighting soldiers. This week, the formation of a "front-line creative brigade" was announced by the defence ministry, which it said would include both musicians and vocalists. The creation of the musicians' brigade was highlighted by the UK's Ministry of Defence in its intelligence update on Sunday. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 18 December 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/ssnfSJnQ3o 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/e2bZ7yBJJJ — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) December 18, 2022 × Meanwhile, the Russian frontline troops present in Ukraine were visited by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, stated the government. ALSO READ| Russian propaganda videos promise money, respect and ‘manly’ life to lure recruits in army The defence ministry posted a statement to Telegram which said Shoigu "flew around the areas of deployment of troops and checked the advanced positions of Russian units in the zone of the special military operation". The statement added that the minister "spoke with troops on the frontline" and at a "command post". The minister's visit comes at a time when UK defence officials claimed that low morale has become a "significant vulnerability across much of the Russian force". The UK stated that the musicians' brigade, which is to be deployed soon after a campaign took place appealing to people to donate musical instruments to army troops, is similar to how "military music and organised entertainment" was historically used to boost the army's morale. WATCH| NATO: Russia's President Putin is planning for long war; Putin meets top military brass The UK authorities, however, questioned if the musicians' brigade would distract the army troops who are concerned about "very high casualty rates, poor leadership, pay problems, lack of equipment and ammunition, and lack of clarity about the war's objectives". The Russian outlet RBC news reported that the musicians' brigade would include candidates mobilised under the recruitment drive of Russian President Vladimir Putin along with "professional artists who voluntarily entered military service". The outlet added that the new unit will be given the task of maintaining "a high moral, political and psychological state (among) the participants of the special military operation”. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to deploy musicians at front lines of Ukraine war to boost morale of troops

Social media company TikTok said on Friday (December 16) that it will cut its Russian staff. The company has stopped key services for Russian users this year.

TikTok has already suspended livestreaming and new uploads in Russia after it introduced strict new censorship rules after it invaded Ukraine in February this year. &nbsp;

"We have had to make a number of decisions this year about our service in Russia, which now unfortunately includes reducing our Russia-based workforce," the company said in a statement.

"We will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances in Russia to determine when we might fully resume our services with safety as our top priority," it said.

Earlier this week, TikTok drew ire of US lawmakers as US Senate passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the Chinese-owned app on government-owned devices.

The vote is the latest action on the part of US lawmakers to crackdown on Chinese companies amid national security fears that Beijing could use them to spy on Americans.

The Senate action comes after North Dakota and Iowa this week joined a growing number of U.S. states in banning TikTok, owned by ByteDance, from state-owned devices amid concerns that data could be passed on to the Chinese government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Social media company TikTok said on Friday (December 16) that it will cut its Russian staff. The company has stopped key services for Russian users this year. TikTok has already suspended livestreaming and new uploads in Russia after it introduced strict new censorship rules after it invaded Ukraine in February this year.

Social media company TikTok said on Friday (December 16) that it will cut its Russian staff. The company has stopped key services for Russian users this year. TikTok has already suspended livestreaming and new uploads in Russia after it introduced strict new censorship rules after it invaded Ukraine in February this year. "We have had to make a number of decisions this year about our service in Russia, which now unfortunately includes reducing our Russia-based workforce," the company said in a statement. "We will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances in Russia to determine when we might fully resume our services with safety as our top priority," it said. Earlier this week, TikTok drew ire of US lawmakers as US Senate passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the Chinese-owned app on government-owned devices. The vote is the latest action on the part of US lawmakers to crackdown on Chinese companies amid national security fears that Beijing could use them to spy on Americans. The Senate action comes after North Dakota and Iowa this week joined a growing number of U.S. states in banning TikTok, owned by ByteDance, from state-owned devices amid concerns that data could be passed on to the Chinese government. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

TikTok to cut staff in Russia, says the social media company in statement

After Russia launched one of its biggest missile attacks since the start of the Ukraine war, Ukraine's national energy provider Ukrenergo on Friday (December 16) warned citizens that it may take longer to restore electricity and power cuts may get longer. Russian missiles battered Ukrainian power grid yet again. This worsened already dire conditions for Ukrainians and provoked accusations of "war crimes" from the European Union.

The strikes knocked out water and electricity services in several regions in a country already enduring near freezing temperatures.

"Priority will be given to critical infrastructure: hospitals, water supply facilities, heat supply facilities, sewage treatment plants," Ukrenergo said in a statement Friday.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine War Update: Ukrainian general says Russia preparing for 'prolonged' war

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Residents of the capital wrapped in winter coats crammed into underground metro stations after air raid sirens rang out early Friday: the ninth wave of Russian aerial bombardments since October.

"I woke up, I saw a rocket in the sky," Kyiv resident 25-year-old Lada Korovai said. "I saw it and understood that I have to go to the tube."

"We live in this situation. It's a war, it's real war," she told AFP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-ukraine-take-back-crimea-a-biden-admin-official-says-so-report-543823">Can Ukraine take back Crimea? A Biden admin official says it can: Report</a>

Russia attacked Ukraine in February this year. After territorial gains in early months of the war, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces. Russia has then resorted to carrying out missile attacks across Ukraine. Ukraine's energy grid is badly damaged. Russia claims that it has attacked only 'military-linked' energy infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After Russia launched one of its biggest missile attacks since the start of the Ukraine war, Ukraine's national energy provider Ukrenergo on Friday (December 16) warned citizens that it may take longer to restore electricity and power cuts may get longer.

After Russia launched one of its biggest missile attacks since the start of the Ukraine war, Ukraine's national energy provider Ukrenergo on Friday (December 16) warned citizens that it may take longer to restore electricity and power cuts may get longer. Russian missiles battered Ukrainian power grid yet again. This worsened already dire conditions for Ukrainians and provoked accusations of "war crimes" from the European Union. The strikes knocked out water and electricity services in several regions in a country already enduring near freezing temperatures. "Priority will be given to critical infrastructure: hospitals, water supply facilities, heat supply facilities, sewage treatment plants," Ukrenergo said in a statement Friday. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War Update: Ukrainian general says Russia preparing for 'prolonged' war × Residents of the capital wrapped in winter coats crammed into underground metro stations after air raid sirens rang out early Friday: the ninth wave of Russian aerial bombardments since October. "I woke up, I saw a rocket in the sky," Kyiv resident 25-year-old Lada Korovai said. "I saw it and understood that I have to go to the tube." "We live in this situation. It's a war, it's real war," she told AFP. Also Read | Can Ukraine take back Crimea? A Biden admin official says it can: Report Russia attacked Ukraine in February this year. After territorial gains in early months of the war, Russian forces had to retreat in the face of counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces. Russia has then resorted to carrying out missile attacks across Ukraine. Ukraine's energy grid is badly damaged. Russia claims that it has attacked only 'military-linked' energy infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine warns citizens of longer power cuts after fresh Russian battering

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia.&nbsp;The application was presented by PM Kurti to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU.

"We want no back door, no fast-track. We want to build the EU in our country with our people," said Kosovo’s prime minister after the application was handed over to Czech European Affairs Minister Mikulas Bek.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-and-serbia-agree-to-end-car-number-plate-policy-537057">Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates</a>

From its region, Kosovo is the only country which has till now not applied for joining the EU. Although the 27-nation EU is reluctant to further expansion, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made them work towards improvising its relations with six Balkan countries - North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia.

"We firmly believe that a European future is the only way to solve a number of problems in the region, whether economic, social or ethnic," said Minister Bek.

In 2008, Kosovo, an Albanian-majority nation, declared independence from Serbia with the support of the West after the 1998-1999 war in which NATO’s intervention took place to protect the territory.

WATCH|&nbsp;U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads

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Kosovo is not one of the members of the United Nations and its statehood has not been recognised by Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Spain and Romania. Around 110 countries recognise its independence but not Russia, China or Serbia, among others.

Before joining the EU, Kosovo needs to work on normalising its relations with Serbia. The bloc has been working on a deal on which it hopes both countries will agree in a year. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia.

Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti formally applied for Kosovo to become a part of the European Union on Thursday, initiating a bid which could take years to accomplish and depends on the nation normalising its relations with Serbia. The application was presented by PM Kurti to the Czech Republic, which is currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU. "We want no back door, no fast-track. We want to build the EU in our country with our people," said Kosovo’s prime minister after the application was handed over to Czech European Affairs Minister Mikulas Bek. ALSO READ| Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates From its region, Kosovo is the only country which has till now not applied for joining the EU. Although the 27-nation EU is reluctant to further expansion, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made them work towards improvising its relations with six Balkan countries - North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia. "We firmly believe that a European future is the only way to solve a number of problems in the region, whether economic, social or ethnic," said Minister Bek. In 2008, Kosovo, an Albanian-majority nation, declared independence from Serbia with the support of the West after the 1998-1999 war in which NATO’s intervention took place to protect the territory. WATCH| U.S. Balkan envoy meets Kosovo PM Kurti after Serbs block roads Kosovo is not one of the members of the United Nations and its statehood has not been recognised by Greece, Slovakia, Cyprus, Spain and Romania. Around 110 countries recognise its independence but not Russia, China or Serbia, among others. Before joining the EU, Kosovo needs to work on normalising its relations with Serbia. The bloc has been working on a deal on which it hopes both countries will agree in a year. (With inputs from agencies)

Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union

Russian forces on Friday launched at least 60 missiles across Ukraine, with explosions reported in at least 4 cities including the capital Kyiv. Blasts and gunfire from air-defence systems echoed across the war-torn nation.

Authorities on social media reported explosions and missile strikes in Kyiv, southern Kryvyi Rih, southeastern Zaporizhzhia, and northeastern Kharkiv, a report by news agency Associated Press said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-installs-intercontinental-missile-ahead-of-strategic-forces-day-watch-543292">Russia installs intercontinental missile ahead of 'Strategic Forces Day' - WATCH</a>

Yurii Inhat, a spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force told local media that over 60 missiles were fired but it was not immediately clear how many the army managed to intercept.&nbsp;

Inhat said that Russian forces fired cruise missiles from positions in the Black Sea, and used a bomber aircraft as part of an effort to “massively distract the attention of the anti-aircraft defence, keeping it in tension.”

In Kryvyi Rih, at least two people were killed and eight others were injured after a missile hit a four-story residential building, according to regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko.&nbsp;

In Kyiv, mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions in at least four districts and urged residents to move into shelters. Klitschko said that the attack on Kyiv continues, adding subway services were suspended, the Associated Press report said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-reportedly-shells-donetsk-as-moscow-rules-out-a-christmas-ceasefire-543246">Ukraine accused of shelling Donetsk as Moscow rules out a ‘Christmas ceasefire’</a>

The Kyiv city administration, meanwhile, said that air defence forces shot down 37 of about 40 missiles that entered the capital's airspace and one person was injured.&nbsp;

The Zaporizhzhia city was hit by about 15 Russian missiles with regional governor Oleksandr Starukh saying that infrastructure was damaged.&nbsp;

Kharkiv saw three missile strikes on critical infrastructure. The city's mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the city was without electricity.

Previously, such a massive air attack was reported on December 5, the report added.&nbsp;

Friday's strikes come a day after Russia warned that if the United States delivered Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, such systems and crew that accompany them would become a legitimate target for the Russian military.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian forces on Friday launched at least 60 missiles across Ukraine, with explosions reported in at least 4 cities including the capital Kyiv. Blasts and gunfire from air-defence systems echoed across the war-torn nation.

Russian forces on Friday launched at least 60 missiles across Ukraine, with explosions reported in at least 4 cities including the capital Kyiv. Blasts and gunfire from air-defence systems echoed across the war-torn nation. Authorities on social media reported explosions and missile strikes in Kyiv, southern Kryvyi Rih, southeastern Zaporizhzhia, and northeastern Kharkiv, a report by news agency Associated Press said. ALSO READ | Russia installs intercontinental missile ahead of 'Strategic Forces Day' - WATCH Yurii Inhat, a spokesperson of the Ukrainian Air Force told local media that over 60 missiles were fired but it was not immediately clear how many the army managed to intercept. Inhat said that Russian forces fired cruise missiles from positions in the Black Sea, and used a bomber aircraft as part of an effort to “massively distract the attention of the anti-aircraft defence, keeping it in tension.” In Kryvyi Rih, at least two people were killed and eight others were injured after a missile hit a four-story residential building, according to regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko. In Kyiv, mayor Vitali Klitschko reported explosions in at least four districts and urged residents to move into shelters. Klitschko said that the attack on Kyiv continues, adding subway services were suspended, the Associated Press report said. ALSO READ | Ukraine accused of shelling Donetsk as Moscow rules out a ‘Christmas ceasefire’ The Kyiv city administration, meanwhile, said that air defence forces shot down 37 of about 40 missiles that entered the capital's airspace and one person was injured. The Zaporizhzhia city was hit by about 15 Russian missiles with regional governor Oleksandr Starukh saying that infrastructure was damaged. Kharkiv saw three missile strikes on critical infrastructure. The city's mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram that the city was without electricity. Previously, such a massive air attack was reported on December 5, the report added. Friday's strikes come a day after Russia warned that if the United States delivered Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, such systems and crew that accompany them would become a legitimate target for the Russian military. (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 launches 60 missile strikes across Ukraine, at least two dead

The United States is in the midst of finalising plans to send the Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine, said media reports citing officials, while a formal announcement is awaited. The ground-based air defence system is something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;has sought from its western allies for some time now.&nbsp;

While it is considered one of the most advanced air defence systems by the US, there are reports citing experts saying that it might not be effective enough for the conflict in Ukraine. This comes as Kyiv is facing massive blackouts affecting millions and according to the United Nations half of the country’s energy infrastructure has been attacked and destroyed reportedly by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-fires-barrage-of-missile-across-ukraine-540716">Russian missiles</a> and drones.&nbsp;

What is the Patriot missile system?

The MIM-104 Patriot is the US army’s top-tier surface-to-air guided missile system which is manufactured by the Virginia-based Raytheon Technologies. The defence system is known for targeting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as manned and unmanned aircraft that was first deployed in the 1980s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-finalising-plans-to-provide-its-most-advanced-air-defence-system-patriot-to-ukraine-say-officials-542843">US set to give Ukraine its most advanced 'Patriot' missile defence system: Report</a>

A typical Patriot battery includes eight launchers which can hold up to four missile interceptors each, it is also equipped with ground radar to detect and track its target, computers, power generating equipment, and a control station. Therefore, unlike other smaller air defence systems, the Patriot requires at least 90 personnel to properly operate it, the training for which takes months.&nbsp;

However, Washington has previously trained Ukrainian troops on how to operate their other complex missile systems which include High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMRAS). Additionally,&nbsp;the US has also&nbsp;previously sent mid-range defensive National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS)&nbsp;to Ukraine.&nbsp;

The US Army said that it currently has 16 Patriot battalions. Notably, the Patriot batteries are regularly deployed across the world, they are currently being operated in or bought by at least 16 countries, including, Taiwan, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Qatar, and so on, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-finalising-plans-to-send-patriot-missile-defense-system-to-ukraine-542866">US finalising plans to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine</a>

The US has&nbsp;also previously sent Patriot missile batteries to NATO allies like Poland as well as the middle eastern nations of Saudi Arabia and Iraq to counter threats by Iran and its proxies. The constantly upgraded air defence system costs at least four million dollars per round while the launchers cost at least $10 million each, said a report by the think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), earlier this year.&nbsp;

What do we know about the&nbsp;proposed transfer so far?

Three officials told CNN that the plan still needs approval from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin before being sent to President Joe Biden for the final signature. Reuters, citing sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that an official announcement could come as early as Thursday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pentagon during a press briefing declined to comment on the reports. While nothing is heard from the Ukrainian officials about the reports either. However, Kyiv recently held a high-level meeting with the US, &nbsp;said Zelensky’s office to Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-strikes-hit-russian-occupied-regions-two-killed-and-several-injured-542055">Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured</a>

The media reports citing officials also said that once approved the missile defence system will be sent in a matter of days and the Ukrainian army personnel will be trained to use them at a US Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany.&nbsp;

This comes as Kyiv has sought these missiles for months now but there have been several obstacles including logistical challenges of delivering the air defence system as well as operating it, reported CNN citing an official.&nbsp;

In addition to the months of training and needing at least more than a dozen personnel to operate the air defence system the Biden administration is also concerned that this move will provoke Russia while there is also the risk that one of their missiles could enter Moscow.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-fresh-missile-attacks-in-southeast-ukraine-540353">Russia-Ukraine war: Fresh missile attacks in Southeast Ukraine</a>

This would further escalate the conflict, reported AP. Notably, the US has also limited HIMRAS’ launchers to targets inside Ukraine. However, noting the intensifying Russian missile attack, the official said that despite the issues, “the reality of what is going on the ground” has led the Biden administration to make this decision, the report added.&nbsp;

How effective would&nbsp;Patriot’s deployment be in Ukraine?

The official who spoke on the condition of anonymity also said that while one Patriot battery has a long firing range it only covers a limited broad area and that the defence system which is usually deployed as a battalion (four batteries) will not be the case for Ukraine which will only be receiving one. Therefore, it will protect smaller areas like a military base but not large cities like Kyiv.&nbsp;

Whereas, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who had led the Ukraine policy during the former US president Donald Trump’s administration, Alexander Vindman, told Reuters that the system is “very, very significant.” He added, the Patriot missile system will be “quite capable” of dealing with challenges that Russia poses in Ukraine, particularly if Moscow deploys its short-range ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-power-cuts-in-all-regions-of-ukraine-after-fresh-russia-attacks-540388">Emergency power cuts in 'all regions of Ukraine' after fresh Russian attacks</a>

Another former senior military official with the knowledge system said that while it will send a strong message and will be effective against short-range ballistic missiles, one battery will not be a game changer for the conflict. Echoing a similar sentiment, an official at the CSIS, Tom Karako told the AP that the Patriot system can help defend Ukraine against Iran-supplied ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

He added that while the air defence system could also intercept a tactical nuclear device if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to move forward with his veiled threats of using them made earlier, it would depend on how it is delivered. Furthermore, the Patriot is not known for its performance against small drones.&nbsp;

In 2017, when Houthis attacked the US Patriot system in Saudi Arabia with Qasef kamikaze drones they targeted the air defence system’s radar which Karako says is a powerful one and better at identifying targets than the Ukrainian S-300 system. However, the attack left the system’s radar out of order long enough for the Houthis to fire their long-range missiles which couldn’t be intercepted in time.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-explosions-reported-from-kyiv-following-drone-attack-says-mayor-542893">Ukraine air defence shot down Iran-made 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky</a>

The incident was reportedly caught on video which has since raised many questions about the Patriot’s success rate. This comes as Russia has reportedly been using Iran-made kamikaze drones to attack critical infrastructure in Ukraine, including power plants which have left millions of homes across the country in darkness.&nbsp;

Russia’s response to the potential deal

While the deal has not even been finalised, the Kremlin has already warned the US that the Patriot air defence system would be a legitimate target for Russian strikes against Ukraine. Russian spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said that the missile defence system would “definitely” be a target, but later also said that he did not want to comment on unconfirmed media reports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-installs-intercontinental-missile-ahead-of-strategic-forces-day-watch-543292">Russia installs intercontinental missile ahead of 'Strategic Forces Day' - WATCH</a>

On the other hand, Moscow’s mission in Washington, in a statement said, that even without the Patriot systems the US is “getting deeper and deeper into the conflict” and that this proposed transfer would lead to consequences.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The United States is in the midst of finalising plans to send the Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine, said media reports citing officials, while a formal announcement is awaited.

The United States is in the midst of finalising plans to send the Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine, said media reports citing officials, while a formal announcement is awaited. The ground-based air defence system is something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought from its western allies for some time now. While it is considered one of the most advanced air defence systems by the US, there are reports citing experts saying that it might not be effective enough for the conflict in Ukraine. This comes as Kyiv is facing massive blackouts affecting millions and according to the United Nations half of the country’s energy infrastructure has been attacked and destroyed reportedly by Russian missiles and drones. What is the Patriot missile system? The MIM-104 Patriot is the US army’s top-tier surface-to-air guided missile system which is manufactured by the Virginia-based Raytheon Technologies. The defence system is known for targeting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as manned and unmanned aircraft that was first deployed in the 1980s. ALSO READ | US set to give Ukraine its most advanced 'Patriot' missile defence system: Report A typical Patriot battery includes eight launchers which can hold up to four missile interceptors each, it is also equipped with ground radar to detect and track its target, computers, power generating equipment, and a control station. Therefore, unlike other smaller air defence systems, the Patriot requires at least 90 personnel to properly operate it, the training for which takes months. However, Washington has previously trained Ukrainian troops on how to operate their other complex missile systems which include High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMRAS). Additionally, the US has also previously sent mid-range defensive National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) to Ukraine. The US Army said that it currently has 16 Patriot battalions. Notably, the Patriot batteries are regularly deployed across the world, they are currently being operated in or bought by at least 16 countries, including, Taiwan, Japan, Israel, South Korea, Qatar, and so on, reported the Associated Press. ALSO WATCH | US finalising plans to send Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine The US has also previously sent Patriot missile batteries to NATO allies like Poland as well as the middle eastern nations of Saudi Arabia and Iraq to counter threats by Iran and its proxies. The constantly upgraded air defence system costs at least four million dollars per round while the launchers cost at least $10 million each, said a report by the think tank, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), earlier this year. What do we know about the proposed transfer so far? Three officials told CNN that the plan still needs approval from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin before being sent to President Joe Biden for the final signature. Reuters, citing sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that an official announcement could come as early as Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pentagon during a press briefing declined to comment on the reports. While nothing is heard from the Ukrainian officials about the reports either. However, Kyiv recently held a high-level meeting with the US, said Zelensky’s office to Reuters. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Missiles strike Russian-occupied regions, two killed and several injured The media reports citing officials also said that once approved the missile defence system will be sent in a matter of days and the Ukrainian army personnel will be trained to use them at a US Army base in Grafenwoehr, Germany. This comes as Kyiv has sought these missiles for months now but there have been several obstacles including logistical challenges of delivering the air defence system as well as operating it, reported CNN citing an official. In addition to the months of training and needing at least more than a dozen personnel to operate the air defence system the Biden administration is also concerned that this move will provoke Russia while there is also the risk that one of their missiles could enter Moscow. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Fresh missile attacks in Southeast Ukraine This would further escalate the conflict, reported AP. Notably, the US has also limited HIMRAS’ launchers to targets inside Ukraine. However, noting the intensifying Russian missile attack, the official said that despite the issues, “the reality of what is going on the ground” has led the Biden administration to make this decision, the report added. How effective would Patriot’s deployment be in Ukraine? The official who spoke on the condition of anonymity also said that while one Patriot battery has a long firing range it only covers a limited broad area and that the defence system which is usually deployed as a battalion (four batteries) will not be the case for Ukraine which will only be receiving one. Therefore, it will protect smaller areas like a military base but not large cities like Kyiv. Whereas, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who had led the Ukraine policy during the former US president Donald Trump’s administration, Alexander Vindman, told Reuters that the system is “very, very significant.” He added, the Patriot missile system will be “quite capable” of dealing with challenges that Russia poses in Ukraine, particularly if Moscow deploys its short-range ballistic missiles. ALSO READ | Emergency power cuts in 'all regions of Ukraine' after fresh Russian attacks Another former senior military official with the knowledge system said that while it will send a strong message and will be effective against short-range ballistic missiles, one battery will not be a game changer for the conflict. Echoing a similar sentiment, an official at the CSIS, Tom Karako told the AP that the Patriot system can help defend Ukraine against Iran-supplied ballistic missiles. He added that while the air defence system could also intercept a tactical nuclear device if Russian President Vladimir Putin were to move forward with his veiled threats of using them made earlier, it would depend on how it is delivered. Furthermore, the Patriot is not known for its performance against small drones. In 2017, when Houthis attacked the US Patriot system in Saudi Arabia with Qasef kamikaze drones they targeted the air defence system’s radar which Karako says is a powerful one and better at identifying targets than the Ukrainian S-300 system. However, the attack left the system’s radar out of order long enough for the Houthis to fire their long-range missiles which couldn’t be intercepted in time. ALSO READ | Ukraine air defence shot down Iran-made 13 kamikaze drones targeting Kyiv, claims Zelensky The incident was reportedly caught on video which has since raised many questions about the Patriot’s success rate. This comes as Russia has reportedly been using Iran-made kamikaze drones to attack critical infrastructure in Ukraine, including power plants which have left millions of homes across the country in darkness. Russia’s response to the potential deal While the deal has not even been finalised, the Kremlin has already warned the US that the Patriot air defence system would be a legitimate target for Russian strikes against Ukraine. Russian spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said that the missile defence system would “definitely” be a target, but later also said that he did not want to comment on unconfirmed media reports. ALSO READ | Russia installs intercontinental missile ahead of 'Strategic Forces Day' - WATCH On the other hand, Moscow’s mission in Washington, in a statement said, that even without the Patriot systems the US is “getting deeper and deeper into the conflict” and that this proposed transfer would lead to consequences. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US to send Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine: All you need to know

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