<p>Belarus' state news agency BelTA reported on Monday (May 30) that the country will soon conduct mobilisation exercise in Gomel region. This region borders Ukraine which is currently being invaded by Russia. Belarus and Russia are allies. Gomel region borders Russia as well.</p>

<p>On June 22-July 1, planned exercises with military commissariats - military administrative agencies - and armed forces will be conducted, BelTA reported, citing Andrey Krivonosov, military commissar of the Gomel region.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukrainian president Zelensky visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region</strong></p>

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<p>"Events of this kind are traditionally held to increase the combat and mobilization readiness of military commissariats, and improve military knowledge and practical skills of those liable for military service," BelTA quoted Krivonosov as saying.</p>

<p>Krivonosov said that between June 28 and July 16, military training will take place with those liable for militaery service for territorial defence formations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-says-will-not-send-ukraine-rocket-systems-that-can-reach-russia-483621">Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>A close ally of Russia, Belarus said in March that its armed forces were not taking part in what Moscow calls its "special operation" in Ukraine, but it did serve as a launchpad for Russia to send thousands of troops across the border on Feb. 24.</p>

<p>On May 26, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko ordered the creation of a new military command for the south of country bordering Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Belarus' state news agency BelTA reported on Monday (May 30) that the country will soon conduct mobilisation exercise in Gomel region. This region borders Ukraine which is currently being invaded by Russia.

Belarus' state news agency BelTA reported on Monday (May 30) that the country will soon conduct mobilisation exercise in Gomel region. This region borders Ukraine which is currently being invaded by Russia. Belarus and Russia are allies. Gomel region borders Russia as well. On June 22-July 1, planned exercises with military commissariats - military administrative agencies - and armed forces will be conducted, BelTA reported, citing Andrey Krivonosov, military commissar of the Gomel region. Watch | Ukrainian president Zelensky visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region × "Events of this kind are traditionally held to increase the combat and mobilization readiness of military commissariats, and improve military knowledge and practical skills of those liable for military service," BelTA quoted Krivonosov as saying. Krivonosov said that between June 28 and July 16, military training will take place with those liable for militaery service for territorial defence formations. Also Read | Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia A close ally of Russia, Belarus said in March that its armed forces were not taking part in what Moscow calls its "special operation" in Ukraine, but it did serve as a launchpad for Russia to send thousands of troops across the border on Feb. 24. On May 26, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko ordered the creation of a new military command for the south of country bordering 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 soon to hold military exercises near Ukraine border: Report

<p>President of Georgia’s breakaway region, South Ossetia, on Monday, scrapped plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia which his predecessor Anatoly Bibilov had scheduled for July 17.</p>

<p><br />
South Ossetia was at the centre of the Russian-Georgian war in 2008 after which the Kremlin recognised the territory as an independent state and stationed military bases there.</p>

<p><br />
In a decree issued Monday, the Moscow-controlled enclave's president Alan Gagloev invoked "uncertainty of the legal consequences of the issue submitted to a referendum".</p>

<p><br />
The decree also stressed "the inadmissibility of a unilateral decision of a referendum on issues affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation".</p>

<p><br />
Gagloev ordered, "to hold, without delay, consultations with the Russian side on the entire range of issues related to the further integration of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation".</p>

<p><br />
On May 13, Gagloev's predecessor, Anatoly Bibilov, signed a decree on holding the referendum, citing the region's "historic aspiration" to join Russia, his office said at the time.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibilov lost his bid for re-election earlier this month. Russia has expressed hope that Gagloev will preserve "continuity" in ties with Moscow.</p>

<p><br />
Tbilisi has previously denounced as "unacceptable" plans by South Ossetia to hold a referendum on joining Russia.</p>

<p><br />
In August 2008, Russian forces launched an all-out invasion of Georgia, which was battling pro-Russian militia in South Ossetia, after they shelled Georgian villages.</p>
<img alt="South Ossetia on Map" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2bf4cd9-b281-487f-9cab-a7e3e021085d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FMiJ8paWQAEJRB5.jpeg" />
<p><br />
The fighting ended five days later with a European Union-mediated ceasefire but claimed more than 700 lives and displaced tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians.</p>

<p><br />
The war's aftermath saw the Kremlin recognise the independence of South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia, which have since remained under Russia's military control.</p>

<p><br />
The conflict marked the culmination of tensions with the Kremlin over staunchly pro-Western Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and North Atlantic&nbsp;Treaty Organisation.</p>

<p><br />
In March, the Hague-based International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, applied for arrest warrants for three current and former South Ossetian officials in connection with war crimes committed against ethnic Georgians.</p>

<p><br />
The alleged crimes included torture, inhuman treatment, illegal detention, violation of personal dignity, hostage-taking and illegal transfers of people.</p>

<p><br />
Last year, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia was responsible for human rights violations in the war's aftermath.</p>

<p><br />
[ Inputs from AFP]<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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President of Georgia’s breakaway region, South Ossetia, on Monday, scrapped plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia which his predecessor Anatoly Bibilov had scheduled for July 17.

President of Georgia’s breakaway region, South Ossetia, on Monday, scrapped plans to hold a referendum on joining Russia which his predecessor Anatoly Bibilov had scheduled for July 17. South Ossetia was at the centre of the Russian-Georgian war in 2008 after which the Kremlin recognised the territory as an independent state and stationed military bases there. In a decree issued Monday, the Moscow-controlled enclave's president Alan Gagloev invoked "uncertainty of the legal consequences of the issue submitted to a referendum". The decree also stressed "the inadmissibility of a unilateral decision of a referendum on issues affecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Russian Federation". Gagloev ordered, "to hold, without delay, consultations with the Russian side on the entire range of issues related to the further integration of South Ossetia and the Russian Federation". On May 13, Gagloev's predecessor, Anatoly Bibilov, signed a decree on holding the referendum, citing the region's "historic aspiration" to join Russia, his office said at the time. Bibilov lost his bid for re-election earlier this month. Russia has expressed hope that Gagloev will preserve "continuity" in ties with Moscow. Tbilisi has previously denounced as "unacceptable" plans by South Ossetia to hold a referendum on joining Russia. In August 2008, Russian forces launched an all-out invasion of Georgia, which was battling pro-Russian militia in South Ossetia, after they shelled Georgian villages. The fighting ended five days later with a European Union-mediated ceasefire but claimed more than 700 lives and displaced tens of thousands of ethnic Georgians. The war's aftermath saw the Kremlin recognise the independence of South Ossetia and another separatist region, Abkhazia, which have since remained under Russia's military control. The conflict marked the culmination of tensions with the Kremlin over staunchly pro-Western Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. In March, the Hague-based International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, applied for arrest warrants for three current and former South Ossetian officials in connection with war crimes committed against ethnic Georgians. The alleged crimes included torture, inhuman treatment, illegal detention, violation of personal dignity, hostage-taking and illegal transfers of people. Last year, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Russia was responsible for human rights violations in the war's aftermath. [ Inputs from AFP] Live TV Code 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.

Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia ditches referendum on joining Russia

<p>Fight between Russian and Ukrainian forces has reached outskirts of Sievierodonetsk, the last city in Luhansk under Ukrainian control. Much of the city has been reduced to ruins but defence by Ukrainian forces has slowed Russian campaign in the Donbas region.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After its initial attempts to seize Ukrainian capital Kyiv failed, Russia has focussed its firepower in Donbas region.</p>

<p>Governor of Luhansk Serhiy Gaidai was quoted by Reuters as saying that Russian troops had advanced into Sievierodonetsk's southeastern and northeastern fringes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukrainian president Zelensky visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region</strong></p>

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<p>"They use the same tactics over and over again. They shell for several hours - for three, four, five hours - in a row and then attack," Gaidai said. "Those who attack die. Then shelling and attack follow again, and so on until they break through somewhere."</p>

<p>He said that with temperatures rising, there was a "terrible smell of death" on the city outskirts.</p>

<p>But Ukrainian forces had driven the Russians out of the village of Toshkivka to the south, he said, potentially frustrating Moscow's push to encircle the area.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-says-will-not-send-ukraine-rocket-systems-that-can-reach-russia-483621">Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, countries of the European Union (EU) have not yet been able to agree on a ban on Russian oil imports.</p>

<p>The EU has rolled out five packages of sanctions against Russia since its troops invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 but an agreement on oil sanctions has proved elusive because so many countries depend on Russian crude.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Fight between Russian and Ukrainian forces has reached outskirts of Sievierodonetsk, the last city in Luhansk under Ukrainian control. Much of the city has been reduced to ruins but defence by Ukrainian forces has slowed Russian campaign in the Donbas region.

Fight between Russian and Ukrainian forces has reached outskirts of Sievierodonetsk, the last city in Luhansk under Ukrainian control. Much of the city has been reduced to ruins but defence by Ukrainian forces has slowed Russian campaign in the Donbas region. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After its initial attempts to seize Ukrainian capital Kyiv failed, Russia has focussed its firepower in Donbas region. Governor of Luhansk Serhiy Gaidai was quoted by Reuters as saying that Russian troops had advanced into Sievierodonetsk's southeastern and northeastern fringes. Watch | Ukrainian president Zelensky visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region × "They use the same tactics over and over again. They shell for several hours - for three, four, five hours - in a row and then attack," Gaidai said. "Those who attack die. Then shelling and attack follow again, and so on until they break through somewhere." He said that with temperatures rising, there was a "terrible smell of death" on the city outskirts. But Ukrainian forces had driven the Russians out of the village of Toshkivka to the south, he said, potentially frustrating Moscow's push to encircle the area. Also Read | Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia Meanwhile, countries of the European Union (EU) have not yet been able to agree on a ban on Russian oil imports. The EU has rolled out five packages of sanctions against Russia since its troops invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 but an agreement on oil sanctions has proved elusive because so many countries depend on Russian crude. (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 ×

Fighting on the outskirts of last Ukrainian city in Luhansk

<p>Chicken, which is said to be the world's most consumed meat, is becoming expensive. A Bloomberg report mentioned that chicken prices have been surging in recent months. From the United States to Singapore, consumers are witnessing an increase in prices. But why is it happening?&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report stated three main reasons behind the price rise, which are the Russia-Ukraine war, detection of bird flu cases and global inflation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted the global supply chain. In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, multiple economic sanctions were imposed on Moscow by the US and Western allies, causing strained relations between them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gas and wheat are one of the most impacted commodities amid the Ukraine war. However, the rise in chicken prices is also connected to the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bloomberg report explained how the prices are affected. Ukraine is a major producer of corn and wheat - components of chicken feed. Now, because of the war, global supply has been cut off.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-intrepid-worlds-largest-bottle-of-whisky-filled-with-311-litres-sells-for-a-whopping-price-483188">The Intrepid: World's largest bottle of whisky, filled with 311 litres, sells for a whopping price</a></strong></p>

<p>Such disruptions are leading to significant pain for poultry farmers. As per the report, prices of a bird jumped about 8 per cent from the end of last year in the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Avian flu emerged as another jolt to the poultry farmers, who struggled to stop the spread and were forced to implement mass culls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Bloomberg report noted that in the US, more than 38 million chickens and turkeys have been killed since the start of February in a massive outbreak. The UK faced its largest-ever outbreak of bird flu last October. One in 20 birds has been culled, the report mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-that-mosquitoes-are-more-prone-to-bite-men-than-women-483166">Study finds that mosquitoes are more prone to bite men than women</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine: Macron, Scholz hold talks with Putin, calls for peace talks</strong></p>

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<p>On Monday (May 23), Malaysia announced that it will halt the export of up to 3.6 million chickens a month from June 1, until domestic production and prices stabilise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement is seen as a major consideration in securing local supplies and placing a cap on surging food costs. Such moves have also caused a rise in the prices of products like chicken.&nbsp;</p>

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Chicken, which is said to be the world's most consumed meat, is becoming expensive. A Bloomberg report mentioned that chicken prices have been surging in recent months.

Chicken, which is said to be the world's most consumed meat, is becoming expensive. A Bloomberg report mentioned that chicken prices have been surging in recent months. From the United States to Singapore, consumers are witnessing an increase in prices. But why is it happening? The report stated three main reasons behind the price rise, which are the Russia-Ukraine war, detection of bird flu cases and global inflation. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted the global supply chain. In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, multiple economic sanctions were imposed on Moscow by the US and Western allies, causing strained relations between them. Gas and wheat are one of the most impacted commodities amid the Ukraine war. However, the rise in chicken prices is also connected to the war. Bloomberg report explained how the prices are affected. Ukraine is a major producer of corn and wheat - components of chicken feed. Now, because of the war, global supply has been cut off. ALSO READ | The Intrepid: World's largest bottle of whisky, filled with 311 litres, sells for a whopping price Such disruptions are leading to significant pain for poultry farmers. As per the report, prices of a bird jumped about 8 per cent from the end of last year in the UK. Avian flu emerged as another jolt to the poultry farmers, who struggled to stop the spread and were forced to implement mass culls. The Bloomberg report noted that in the US, more than 38 million chickens and turkeys have been killed since the start of February in a massive outbreak. The UK faced its largest-ever outbreak of bird flu last October. One in 20 birds has been culled, the report mentioned. ALSO READ | Study finds that mosquitoes are more prone to bite men than women WATCH | Russian invasion of Ukraine: Macron, Scholz hold talks with Putin, calls for peace talks × On Monday (May 23), Malaysia announced that it will halt the export of up to 3.6 million chickens a month from June 1, until domestic production and prices stabilise. The announcement is seen as a major consideration in securing local supplies and placing a cap on surging food costs. Such moves have also caused a rise in the prices of products like chicken. 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.

From Manhattan to Malaysia, why chickens are becoming expensive?

<p>Russia has claimed that US has biolabs in Nigerian cities that have been responsible for spread of monkeypox. Sputnik News&nbsp;quoted Igor Kirillov, chief of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops. Kirilov has reportedly published a news on Friday (May 27) in which he has made the allegations.</p>

<p>Kirilov reportedly noted WHO's conclusion of monkeypox having spread from Nigeria and said that US biolabs were responsible for it. In his briefing, he claimed that US biolabs were present in cities Abuja, Zaria and Lagos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lagos is capital of Nigeria.</p>

<p>The briefing urged World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate the alleged US role in spreading monkeypox.</p>

<p><strong>Need to act against monkeypox 'now': WHO</strong></p>

<p>The WHO has said that if world acted quickly against monkeypox, it can be contained easily.</p>

<p>"We think that if we put in place the right measures now we probably can contain this easily," Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, told the U.N. agency's annual assembly.</p>

<p>Till now, about 300 cases have been found in around 20 countries.</p>

<p>"For us, we think that the key priority currently is trying to contain this transmission in non-endemic countries," Briand told a technical briefing for member states.</p>

<p>Needed measures included the early detection and isolation of cases and contact tracing, she added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia has claimed that US has biolabs in Nigerian cities that have been responsible for spread of monkeypox. Sputnik News quoted Igor Kirillov, chief of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops.

Russia has claimed that US has biolabs in Nigerian cities that have been responsible for spread of monkeypox. Sputnik News quoted Igor Kirillov, chief of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops. Kirilov has reportedly published a news on Friday (May 27) in which he has made the allegations. Kirilov reportedly noted WHO's conclusion of monkeypox having spread from Nigeria and said that US biolabs were responsible for it. In his briefing, he claimed that US biolabs were present in cities Abuja, Zaria and Lagos. Lagos is capital of Nigeria. The briefing urged World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate the alleged US role in spreading monkeypox. Need to act against monkeypox 'now': WHO The WHO has said that if world acted quickly against monkeypox, it can be contained easily. "We think that if we put in place the right measures now we probably can contain this easily," Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, told the U.N. agency's annual assembly. Till now, about 300 cases have been found in around 20 countries. "For us, we think that the key priority currently is trying to contain this transmission in non-endemic countries," Briand told a technical briefing for member states. Needed measures included the early detection and isolation of cases and contact tracing, she 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 ×

Monkeypox: Russia alleges US labs in Nigeria spreading the disease

<p>The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region has said that Ukrainian soldiers may retreat from their last pocket in the region to avoid being captured. Russian troops are advancing in Luhansk and Donetsk, collectively known as the Donbas region.</p>

<p>If such a withdrawal takes place, it will bring Russia closer to its goal of asserting control of the Donbas region. Russian troops are gaining ground in the region.</p>

<p>Luhansk's governor, Serhiy Gaidai, said Russian troops had entered Sievierodonetsk, the largest Donbas city still held by Ukraine, after trying to trap Ukrainian forces there for days. Gaidai said 90% of buildings in the town were damaged.</p>

<p>"The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Gaidai said on Telegram, referring to Sievierodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets River.</p>

<p>"We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat."</p>

<p>Donbas region has a strong presence of Russia-backed separatist elements. These separatists have said that they now controlled Lyman, a railway hub west of Sievierodonetsk. Ukraine said Russia had captured most of Lyman but that its forces were blocking an advance to Sloviansk, to the southwest.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-war-in-donbas-region-at-maximum-intensity-482459">Ukraine says war in Donbas region at 'maximum intensity'</a></strong></p>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine was protecting its land "as much as our current defence resources allow".</p>

<p>Ukrainian military has said that it repelled eight attacks in Donbas on Friday and destroyed tanks and armoured vehicles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region has said that Ukrainian soldiers may retreat from their last pocket in the region to avoid being captured. Russian troops are advancing in Luhansk and Donetsk, collectively known as the Donbas region.

The governor of Ukraine's Luhansk region has said that Ukrainian soldiers may retreat from their last pocket in the region to avoid being captured. Russian troops are advancing in Luhansk and Donetsk, collectively known as the Donbas region. If such a withdrawal takes place, it will bring Russia closer to its goal of asserting control of the Donbas region. Russian troops are gaining ground in the region. Luhansk's governor, Serhiy Gaidai, said Russian troops had entered Sievierodonetsk, the largest Donbas city still held by Ukraine, after trying to trap Ukrainian forces there for days. Gaidai said 90% of buildings in the town were damaged. "The Russians will not be able to capture Luhansk region in the coming days as analysts have predicted," Gaidai said on Telegram, referring to Sievierodonetsk and its twin city Lysychansk across the Siverskiy Donets River. "We will have enough strength and resources to defend ourselves. However, it is possible that in order not to be surrounded we will have to retreat." Donbas region has a strong presence of Russia-backed separatist elements. These separatists have said that they now controlled Lyman, a railway hub west of Sievierodonetsk. Ukraine said Russia had captured most of Lyman but that its forces were blocking an advance to Sloviansk, to the southwest. Also Read | Ukraine says war in Donbas region at 'maximum intensity' President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine was protecting its land "as much as our current defence resources allow". Ukrainian military has said that it repelled eight attacks in Donbas on Friday and destroyed tanks and armoured vehicles. (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 ×

Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor

<p>Sri Lanka took delivery of Russian oil on Saturday despite US sanctions amid an acute foreign exchange crunch which has&nbsp;left the government unable to finance crude imports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The island nation is suffering its worst economic meltdown since independence&nbsp;with shortages of fuel and other vital goods amid large scale protests in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian crude delivery had been waiting offshore of the capital Colombo's port for over a month as the country was unable to raise $75 million to pay for it, energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.</p>

<p>Colombo is also in talks with Moscow to arrange direct supplies of crude, coal, diesel and petrol despite US-led sanctions.</p>

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<p>"I have made an official request to the Russian ambassador for direct supplies of Russian oil," Wijesekera said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saturday&nbsp;also marks the 50th day of Galle Face protests as demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Rajapaksa administration&nbsp;which forced Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to resign earlier this month.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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Sri Lanka took delivery of Russian oil on Saturday despite US sanctions amid an acute foreign exchange crunch which has left the government unable to finance crude imports.

Sri Lanka took delivery of Russian oil on Saturday despite US sanctions amid an acute foreign exchange crunch which has left the government unable to finance crude imports. The island nation is suffering its worst economic meltdown since independence with shortages of fuel and other vital goods amid large scale protests in the country. The Russian crude delivery had been waiting offshore of the capital Colombo's port for over a month as the country was unable to raise $75 million to pay for it, energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said. Colombo is also in talks with Moscow to arrange direct supplies of crude, coal, diesel and petrol despite US-led sanctions. × "I have made an official request to the Russian ambassador for direct supplies of Russian oil," Wijesekera said. Saturday also marks the 50th day of Galle Face protests as demonstrators have been demanding the resignation of Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Rajapaksa administration which forced Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to resign earlier this month. (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.

Sri Lanka buys Russian oil amid economic meltdown

<p>In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases.</p>

<p>The irony went largely unnoticed. That’s hardly a surprise: For a long time, the Western world has turned a blind eye to Turkey’s heavy-handed treatment of the Kurds. Across decades, the Turkish state has persecuted the Kurdish minority — about 18 percent of the population — with devastating zeal. Thousands have perished and around a million have been displaced in a campaign of severe internal repression. But Western nations, except for a brief spell when Kurdish resistance was holding back an ascendant Islamic State, have rarely seemed to care.</p>

<p>Turkey’s treatment of the Kurds is now center stage — but not because allies have woken up to the injustice of Kurds’ systematic oppression. Instead, it’s because Turkey is effectively threatening to block the admittance of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless they agree to crack down on Kurdish militants. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeing an opportunity to further cement his nationalist agenda, it’s a bold gambit. The tepid response from NATO allies so far suggests he might be successful.</p>

<p>However the situation shakes out, it’s deeply revealing. For Turkey, it underlines once again the vigor with which Mr. Erdogan is keen to stamp out the Kurds while asserting the country as a regional power. For the alliance itself, the impasse brings to light facts currently obscured by its makeover as a purely defensive organization. NATO, which has long acquiesced in the persecution of the Kurds, is far from a force for peace. And Turkey, a member since 1952, proves it.</p>

<p>Turkey’s conflict with the Kurds goes back at least to the late 19th century, when Ottoman centralization led to tribal uprisings. The initial two decades of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923, involved the denial of Kurdish identity, autonomy and language, all of which were mainstays of the Ottoman Empire. Rebellions ensued but were forcibly put down. After remaining largely dormant in the 1940s and 1950s, Kurdish militancy then experienced a revival, under revolutionary banners. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., emerged in this atmosphere.</p>

<p>The organization is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union — and its methods are indeed violent. Across four decades of conflict, the P.K.K. has contributed to the bloodshed and is responsible for the deaths of civilians as well as security officials. Yet Turkey’s militaristic approach to the Kurdish issue has left little room for other, more conciliatory Kurdish organizations.</p>

<p>The country experienced a spring of Kurdish activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, when many left-wing Turkish movements and organizations also expressed solidarity with the Kurds. But a coup d’état in 1980 heavily crushed these forces, with the exception of the P.K.K., most of whose camps were already outside Turkey. In the years after the coup, the heavy torture suffered by Kurdish activists of various organizations swelled the ranks of the P.K.K. More embittered against the Turkish state than ever, many activists saw no other effective home for their struggle.</p>

<p>Things today aren’t much better: Peaceful forms of Kurdish activism — such as those organized by the legal Peoples’ Democratic Party, or H.D.P. — are under constant attack, accused of affiliation with the P.K.K. The government also claims that the P.K.K. is in cahoots with the Gulen movement, a former ally of the ruling party the government accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. It is members of these two groups who Mr. Erdogan is demanding Sweden and Finland give up.</p>

<p>Where was NATO in all of this? The 1980 military intervention, at least passively endorsed by the alliance, was led by Kenan Evren, a commander in NATO’s counter-guerilla forces. Western countries kept on providing ample support for campaigns against the Kurds in the following years, even during the exceptionally violent clashes of 1993-95. As hostilities resumed in the 2010s, the West largely neglected internal waves of repression and Turkey’s recurrent incursions into Syria and Iraq, where Kurds have long sought refuge.</p>

<p>If such enabling silence is so persistent, why did Mr. Erdogan choose this particular time to ramp up military adventures? The answer is simple: Elections are around the corner, and the government, overseeing the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, is counting on jingoism as a remedy for national ills. The ruling party has accordingly ratcheted up its moves against the Kurds, with imprisonment of politicians and journalists, military campaigns abroad and bans on concerts and plays at home.</p>

<p>Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has apparently further emboldened Mr. Erdogan. It has allowed Turkey to pose as a friend to the West, earning praise for its early blockade of the Black Sea while continuing to pursue its repressive agenda. What’s more, by pushing Sweden and Finland — perceived to be longtime harborers of Kurdish militants — toward NATO, the war has handed Turkey a golden opportunity.</p>

<p>If the United States were to pressure the two countries to accept Turkey’s demands, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested might happen, it would be more than a policing victory. It would be a rare symbolic triumph. Bombings and cultural bans would be nothing compared with an international admission, sealed by the world’s most powerful country, that Kurdish rights can be waved aside.</p>

<p>It’s tempting to see Turkey as an exceptionally bellicose state. Labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, the country now appears to be the continent’s belligerent man. But it’s wrong to look at the country in isolation. Mr. Erdogan’s aggression is not his alone. It is enabled, encouraged and buttressed by Western countries, as well as Russia.</p>

<p>In Turkey, this is a provocative claim: The authorities want their citizens, and the world, to believe that “foreigners” and “outside powers” have always supported Kurdish separatism. This quite popular but highly twisted perception of reality says nothing about the weapons, logistical support and consent other countries have abundantly provided in the killing of Kurds.</p>

<p>The United States supplied weapons to Syrian Kurds during their fight against the Islamic State, it’s true. But that’s dwarfed by the sophistication and amount of military equipment that Turkey, home to NATO’s second-largest military, secures thanks to being part of the Western alliance.</p>

<p>The truth is that Turkey’s aggression has gone hand in hand with NATO acceptance, even complicity. It’s no use Western countries lecturing Turkey, or Turkey complaining of Western hypocrisy: They are in it together. Whatever happens with the alliance’s expansion — whether the Kurds are sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency or not — this should be a moment of clarity. In a world of war, no country has a monopoly on violence.</p>

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In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases.

In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases. The irony went largely unnoticed. That’s hardly a surprise: For a long time, the Western world has turned a blind eye to Turkey’s heavy-handed treatment of the Kurds. Across decades, the Turkish state has persecuted the Kurdish minority — about 18 percent of the population — with devastating zeal. Thousands have perished and around a million have been displaced in a campaign of severe internal repression. But Western nations, except for a brief spell when Kurdish resistance was holding back an ascendant Islamic State, have rarely seemed to care. Turkey’s treatment of the Kurds is now center stage — but not because allies have woken up to the injustice of Kurds’ systematic oppression. Instead, it’s because Turkey is effectively threatening to block the admittance of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless they agree to crack down on Kurdish militants. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeing an opportunity to further cement his nationalist agenda, it’s a bold gambit. The tepid response from NATO allies so far suggests he might be successful. However the situation shakes out, it’s deeply revealing. For Turkey, it underlines once again the vigor with which Mr. Erdogan is keen to stamp out the Kurds while asserting the country as a regional power. For the alliance itself, the impasse brings to light facts currently obscured by its makeover as a purely defensive organization. NATO, which has long acquiesced in the persecution of the Kurds, is far from a force for peace. And Turkey, a member since 1952, proves it. Turkey’s conflict with the Kurds goes back at least to the late 19th century, when Ottoman centralization led to tribal uprisings. The initial two decades of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923, involved the denial of Kurdish identity, autonomy and language, all of which were mainstays of the Ottoman Empire. Rebellions ensued but were forcibly put down. After remaining largely dormant in the 1940s and 1950s, Kurdish militancy then experienced a revival, under revolutionary banners. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., emerged in this atmosphere. The organization is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union — and its methods are indeed violent. Across four decades of conflict, the P.K.K. has contributed to the bloodshed and is responsible for the deaths of civilians as well as security officials. Yet Turkey’s militaristic approach to the Kurdish issue has left little room for other, more conciliatory Kurdish organizations. The country experienced a spring of Kurdish activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, when many left-wing Turkish movements and organizations also expressed solidarity with the Kurds. But a coup d’état in 1980 heavily crushed these forces, with the exception of the P.K.K., most of whose camps were already outside Turkey. In the years after the coup, the heavy torture suffered by Kurdish activists of various organizations swelled the ranks of the P.K.K. More embittered against the Turkish state than ever, many activists saw no other effective home for their struggle. Things today aren’t much better: Peaceful forms of Kurdish activism — such as those organized by the legal Peoples’ Democratic Party, or H.D.P. — are under constant attack, accused of affiliation with the P.K.K. The government also claims that the P.K.K. is in cahoots with the Gulen movement, a former ally of the ruling party the government accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. It is members of these two groups who Mr. Erdogan is demanding Sweden and Finland give up. Where was NATO in all of this? The 1980 military intervention, at least passively endorsed by the alliance, was led by Kenan Evren, a commander in NATO’s counter-guerilla forces. Western countries kept on providing ample support for campaigns against the Kurds in the following years, even during the exceptionally violent clashes of 1993-95. As hostilities resumed in the 2010s, the West largely neglected internal waves of repression and Turkey’s recurrent incursions into Syria and Iraq, where Kurds have long sought refuge. If such enabling silence is so persistent, why did Mr. Erdogan choose this particular time to ramp up military adventures? The answer is simple: Elections are around the corner, and the government, overseeing the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, is counting on jingoism as a remedy for national ills. The ruling party has accordingly ratcheted up its moves against the Kurds, with imprisonment of politicians and journalists, military campaigns abroad and bans on concerts and plays at home. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has apparently further emboldened Mr. Erdogan. It has allowed Turkey to pose as a friend to the West, earning praise for its early blockade of the Black Sea while continuing to pursue its repressive agenda. What’s more, by pushing Sweden and Finland — perceived to be longtime harborers of Kurdish militants — toward NATO, the war has handed Turkey a golden opportunity. If the United States were to pressure the two countries to accept Turkey’s demands, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested might happen, it would be more than a policing victory. It would be a rare symbolic triumph. Bombings and cultural bans would be nothing compared with an international admission, sealed by the world’s most powerful country, that Kurdish rights can be waved aside. It’s tempting to see Turkey as an exceptionally bellicose state. Labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, the country now appears to be the continent’s belligerent man. But it’s wrong to look at the country in isolation. Mr. Erdogan’s aggression is not his alone. It is enabled, encouraged and buttressed by Western countries, as well as Russia. In Turkey, this is a provocative claim: The authorities want their citizens, and the world, to believe that “foreigners” and “outside powers” have always supported Kurdish separatism. This quite popular but highly twisted perception of reality says nothing about the weapons, logistical support and consent other countries have abundantly provided in the killing of Kurds. The United States supplied weapons to Syrian Kurds during their fight against the Islamic State, it’s true. But that’s dwarfed by the sophistication and amount of military equipment that Turkey, home to NATO’s second-largest military, secures thanks to being part of the Western alliance. The truth is that Turkey’s aggression has gone hand in hand with NATO acceptance, even complicity. It’s no use Western countries lecturing Turkey, or Turkey complaining of Western hypocrisy: They are in it together. Whatever happens with the alliance’s expansion — whether the Kurds are sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency or not — this should be a moment of clarity. In a world of war, no country has a monopoly on violence. 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 ×

Turkey shows what NATO really is

Satellite images of Ukraine conflict show devastation of the battle

<p>US President Joe Biden on Friday (May 27) told Naval Academy graduates that their job will be to ensure maritime freedom in South China Sea. He was spaking before 1200 graduate cadets in Annapolis, Maryland. He told them that they were entering military service at a time of many global challenges.</p>

<p>"You'll defend the international rules of the road, underwrite the future of the Indo-Pacific that is free and open, ensure freedom of navigation of the South China Sea and beyond, and make sure the sea lanes remain open and secure," he said.</p>

<p>"These long-standing basic maritime principles are the bedrock of a global economy and global stability. You're going to help get together our allies in Europe and with our allies in the Indo-Pacific," Biden added.</p>

<p>China claims the entirety of South China Sea citing ancient claims. This has brought it at odds with other countries in the region. US has sought to contest&nbsp;Chinese claims.</p>

<p>During his speech Biden also spoke about situation in Europe where Ukraine is battling Russian invasion. Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempt to divide Europe had backfired.</p>

<p>Biden, who helped form a coalition of nations to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had harsh words for Putin and said his attempt to divide NATO allies had failed.</p>

<p>"Not only is he trying to take over Ukraine, he’s literally trying to wipe out the culture and identity of the Ukrainian people. Attacking schools, nurseries, hospitals, museums, with no other purpose than to eliminate a culture," Biden said.</p>

<p>Putin tried to "Finland-ize" Europe but "instead he NATO-ized all of Europe," said Biden, a reference to neutral nations Finland and Sweden's plans to join the alliance.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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US President Joe Biden on Friday (May 27) told Naval Academy graduates that their job will be to ensure maritime freedom in South China Sea. He was spaking before 1200 graduate cadets in Annapolis, Maryland.

US President Joe Biden on Friday (May 27) told Naval Academy graduates that their job will be to ensure maritime freedom in South China Sea. He was spaking before 1200 graduate cadets in Annapolis, Maryland. He told them that they were entering military service at a time of many global challenges. "You'll defend the international rules of the road, underwrite the future of the Indo-Pacific that is free and open, ensure freedom of navigation of the South China Sea and beyond, and make sure the sea lanes remain open and secure," he said. "These long-standing basic maritime principles are the bedrock of a global economy and global stability. You're going to help get together our allies in Europe and with our allies in the Indo-Pacific," Biden added. China claims the entirety of South China Sea citing ancient claims. This has brought it at odds with other countries in the region. US has sought to contest Chinese claims. During his speech Biden also spoke about situation in Europe where Ukraine is battling Russian invasion. Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempt to divide Europe had backfired. Biden, who helped form a coalition of nations to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine, had harsh words for Putin and said his attempt to divide NATO allies had failed. "Not only is he trying to take over Ukraine, he’s literally trying to wipe out the culture and identity of the Ukrainian people. Attacking schools, nurseries, hospitals, museums, with no other purpose than to eliminate a culture," Biden said. Putin tried to "Finland-ize" Europe but "instead he NATO-ized all of Europe," said Biden, a reference to neutral nations Finland and Sweden's plans to join the alliance. (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 ×

Ensure maritime freedom in South China Sea, Biden tells naval graduates

<p>Ukraine military said on Thursday that Russian forces shelled more 40 towns in Ukraine's Donbas region. This has raised concerns that the shelling may shut off last main escape route for civillians. Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its fourth month.</p>

<p>Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas after failing to achieve victory in capital Kyiv or Kharkiv. Separatist elements in Donbas already enjoy support from Russia.</p>

<p>Russia has poured thousands of troops into the region, attacking from three sides in an attempt to encircle Ukrainian forces holding out in the city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk. Their fall would leave the whole of Luhansk province under Russian control, a key Kremlin war aim.</p>

<p>"The occupiers shelled more than 40 towns in Donetsk and Luhansk region, destroying or damaging 47 civilian sites, including 38 homes and a school. As a result of this shelling five civilians died and 12 were wounded," the Joint Task Force of Ukraine's armed forces said on Facebook.</p>

<p>The report from Ukraine military said that 10 attacks were repelled four tanks and four drones destroyed, and 62 "enemy soldiers" were killed</p>

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russian troops "heavily outnumber us" in some parts of the east.</p>

<p>Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm reports from the battlefield.</p>

<p>As Moscow seeks to solidify its grip on the territory it has seized, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the process for residents of newly captured districts to acquire Russian citizenship and passports.</p>

<p>The Russian parliament scrapped the upper age limit for contractual service in the military on Wednesday, highlighting the need to replace lost troops.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine military said on Thursday that Russian forces shelled more 40 towns in Ukraine's Donbas region. This has raised concerns that the shelling may shut off last main escape route for civillians.

Ukraine military said on Thursday that Russian forces shelled more 40 towns in Ukraine's Donbas region. This has raised concerns that the shelling may shut off last main escape route for civillians. Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its fourth month. Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas after failing to achieve victory in capital Kyiv or Kharkiv. Separatist elements in Donbas already enjoy support from Russia. Russia has poured thousands of troops into the region, attacking from three sides in an attempt to encircle Ukrainian forces holding out in the city of Sievierodonetsk and its twin Lysychansk. Their fall would leave the whole of Luhansk province under Russian control, a key Kremlin war aim. "The occupiers shelled more than 40 towns in Donetsk and Luhansk region, destroying or damaging 47 civilian sites, including 38 homes and a school. As a result of this shelling five civilians died and 12 were wounded," the Joint Task Force of Ukraine's armed forces said on Facebook. The report from Ukraine military said that 10 attacks were repelled four tanks and four drones destroyed, and 62 "enemy soldiers" were killed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Russian troops "heavily outnumber us" in some parts of the east. Reuters said it was unable to independently confirm reports from the battlefield. As Moscow seeks to solidify its grip on the territory it has seized, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree simplifying the process for residents of newly captured districts to acquire Russian citizenship and passports. The Russian parliament scrapped the upper age limit for contractual service in the military on Wednesday, highlighting the need to replace lost troops. (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 shelled more than 40 towns in Donbas, says Ukraine military

<p>Russia considered using monkeypox as a bioweapon until at least till the 1990s, a former Soviet scientist has claimed, reports British tabloid The Metro.</p>

<p>The claims were made by Kanat Alibekov, also known as Kenneth Alibek, who was the Soviet Union's bioweapons expert until its fall in 1991. Later, he stayed in Russia for a year before moving to the US.</p>

<p>In a recently discovered 1998 interview with the American Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project (CBWNP), Alibekov, who allegedly oversaw 32,000 employees over 40 facilities, claimed that the Soviet country had a programme to utilise viruses as weapons.</p>

<p>“So, we developed a special program to determine what ‘model’ viruses could be used instead of human smallpox. We tested vaccinia virus, mousepox virus, rabbitpox virus, and monkeypox virus as models for smallpox.”</p>

<p>“The idea was that all research and development work would be conducted using these model viruses. Once we obtained a set of positive results, it would take just two weeks to conduct the same manipulations with the smallpox virus and to stockpile the warfare agent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-monkeypox-outbreaks-from-us-to-spain-list-of-countries-where-cases-are-detected-recently-480319">Rare monkeypox outbreaks: From US to Spain, list of countries where cases are detected recentl</a></p>

<p>“We would have in our arsenal a genetically altered smallpox virus that could replace the previous one.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Monkeypox outbreak in Europe: Spain and Portugal detect more than 40 cases</strong></p>

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<p>The scientist further claimed that after the end of the USSR, the successor Russia’s defence ministry continued working with monkeypox to “create future biological weapons”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-cases-reported-in-germany-france-belgium-480769">Monkeypox cases reported in Germany, France, Belgium, Canada</a></p>

<p>The same year, he was brought before a United States Congress hearing, where he said he was&nbsp;"convinced that Russia’s biological weapons program has not been completely dismantled”.</p>

<p>Monkeypox was first identified in the 1950s when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research purposes, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.</p>

<p>The illness is often likened to a milder form of smallpox, a disease that has been eradicated globally through widespread vaccination against the smallpox virus.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4"><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia considered using monkeypox as a bioweapon until at least till the 1990s, a former Soviet scientist has claimed, reports British tabloid The Metro. The claims were made by Kanat Alibekov, also known as Kenneth Alibek, who was the Soviet Union's bioweapons expert until its fall in 1991.

Russia considered using monkeypox as a bioweapon until at least till the 1990s, a former Soviet scientist has claimed, reports British tabloid The Metro. The claims were made by Kanat Alibekov, also known as Kenneth Alibek, who was the Soviet Union's bioweapons expert until its fall in 1991. Later, he stayed in Russia for a year before moving to the US. In a recently discovered 1998 interview with the American Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project (CBWNP), Alibekov, who allegedly oversaw 32,000 employees over 40 facilities, claimed that the Soviet country had a programme to utilise viruses as weapons. “So, we developed a special program to determine what ‘model’ viruses could be used instead of human smallpox. We tested vaccinia virus, mousepox virus, rabbitpox virus, and monkeypox virus as models for smallpox.” “The idea was that all research and development work would be conducted using these model viruses. Once we obtained a set of positive results, it would take just two weeks to conduct the same manipulations with the smallpox virus and to stockpile the warfare agent. Also read | Rare monkeypox outbreaks: From US to Spain, list of countries where cases are detected recentl “We would have in our arsenal a genetically altered smallpox virus that could replace the previous one.” Watch | Monkeypox outbreak in Europe: Spain and Portugal detect more than 40 cases The scientist further claimed that after the end of the USSR, the successor Russia’s defence ministry continued working with monkeypox to “create future biological weapons”. Also read | Monkeypox cases reported in Germany, France, Belgium, Canada The same year, he was brought before a United States Congress hearing, where he said he was "convinced that Russia’s biological weapons program has not been completely dismantled”. Monkeypox was first identified in the 1950s when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys used for research purposes, with the first human case reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The illness is often likened to a milder form of smallpox, a disease that has been eradicated globally through widespread vaccination against the smallpox virus. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia was planning to use monkeypox as bioweapon, claims ex-Soviet scientist

<p>As the member countries of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meet in Tokyo, Japan, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war remains a key point of focus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;even as the four QUAD members; Australia, India, Japan and the United States, contemplate the months-long aggression, the fact remains that to date India is yet to take any action against Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Why is it that India hasn't openly condemned Moscow's actions or imposed any sanctions on the aggressor?</strong></p>

<p>India has long-standing ties with the former Soviet nation Russia - especially in the defence sector.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;QUAD Summit 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered a human catastrophe, says Biden</strong></p>

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<p>During a visit to the US in April, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that India would like to be a 'good friend' to Western countries but that the country doesn't want to be weakened and needed to ensure its security.</p>

<p>Experts believe that this means that the South-Asian nation plans to continue its long-standing reliance on Russia.</p>

<p><strong>How dependent is India on Russia?</strong></p>

<p>The country's rivalry with its next-door neighbour Pakistan has long influenced its status as one of the world's largest buyers of weapons. China's growing power in the region has added to India's worries.</p>

<p>BBC reports that since 1992 almost two-thirds of Indian military equipment has come from Russia. As per estimates by a US-based research group &nbsp;Stimson Center, Russian weapons could account for as much as 85 per cent of New Delhi's weapon systems.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-summit-2022-new-initiatives-include-sharing-of-space-data-481665" hreflang="en">Quad Summit 2022: New initiatives include sharing of space data</a></strong></p>

<p>It is to be noted that while India has attempted to diversify its weapon supplies, purchasing from France, Israel, UK and US, Moscow remains a major supplier.</p>

<p>But despite the ties India now shares with these nations, it is yet to join in the international condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Among the QUAD members, the United States has been at the forefront in condemning Moscow and imposing manyfold sanctions, something that Japan and Australia have been quick to join.</p>

<p>India has long practised nonalignment. Even as its close relationship with the United States on one hand and Russia on the other&nbsp;puts it in an uncomfortable position, India is maintaining its status-quo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nation has successfully avoided being entangled in conflicts amid superpowers and maintaining its sovereignty.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rogozin-proposes-russian-names-for-disputed-kuril-islands-ahead-of-quad-summit-481655" hreflang="en">Rogozin proposes Russian names for disputed Kuril Islands ahead of Quad Summit</a></strong></p>

<p>This is not to say that India has sat by quietly as the war in Ukraine continues. Even though it hasn't outright condemned Moscow, the nation has made some pointed comments.</p>

<p>As part of India's statements on Ukraine at the UN Security Council, the country's permanent representative to the United States, T S Tirumurti on February 27 referred to maintaining respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations as the key principles of global order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This sentiment was also echoed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during telephonic conversations with Ukraine's land neighbours the Slovak Republic and Romania.</p>

<p>However, as Russia and China grow closer, it remains to be seen if India changes its foreign policy.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As the member countries of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meet in Tokyo, Japan, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war remains a key point of focus. However, even as the four QUAD members; Australia, India, Japan and the United States, contemplate the months-long aggression, the fact remains that to date India is yet to take any action against Russia.

As the member countries of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue meet in Tokyo, Japan, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war remains a key point of focus. However, even as the four QUAD members; Australia, India, Japan and the United States, contemplate the months-long aggression, the fact remains that to date India is yet to take any action against Russia. Why is it that India hasn't openly condemned Moscow's actions or imposed any sanctions on the aggressor? India has long-standing ties with the former Soviet nation Russia - especially in the defence sector. Watch | QUAD Summit 2022: Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered a human catastrophe, says Biden During a visit to the US in April, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that India would like to be a 'good friend' to Western countries but that the country doesn't want to be weakened and needed to ensure its security. Experts believe that this means that the South-Asian nation plans to continue its long-standing reliance on Russia. How dependent is India on Russia? The country's rivalry with its next-door neighbour Pakistan has long influenced its status as one of the world's largest buyers of weapons. China's growing power in the region has added to India's worries. BBC reports that since 1992 almost two-thirds of Indian military equipment has come from Russia. As per estimates by a US-based research group Stimson Center, Russian weapons could account for as much as 85 per cent of New Delhi's weapon systems. Also read | Quad Summit 2022: New initiatives include sharing of space data It is to be noted that while India has attempted to diversify its weapon supplies, purchasing from France, Israel, UK and US, Moscow remains a major supplier. But despite the ties India now shares with these nations, it is yet to join in the international condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Among the QUAD members, the United States has been at the forefront in condemning Moscow and imposing manyfold sanctions, something that Japan and Australia have been quick to join. India has long practised nonalignment. Even as its close relationship with the United States on one hand and Russia on the other puts it in an uncomfortable position, India is maintaining its status-quo. The nation has successfully avoided being entangled in conflicts amid superpowers and maintaining its sovereignty. Also read | Rogozin proposes Russian names for disputed Kuril Islands ahead of Quad Summit This is not to say that India has sat by quietly as the war in Ukraine continues. Even though it hasn't outright condemned Moscow, the nation has made some pointed comments. As part of India's statements on Ukraine at the UN Security Council, the country's permanent representative to the United States, T S Tirumurti on February 27 referred to maintaining respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations as the key principles of global order. This sentiment was also echoed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during telephonic conversations with Ukraine's land neighbours the Slovak Republic and Romania. However, as Russia and China grow closer, it remains to be seen if India changes its foreign policy. (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.

India is the only member of the Quad that hasn't imposed sanctions on Russia. This is why

<p>Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev resigned from his post at the Geneva office declaring that the Ukraine war was not just "a crime against the Ukrainian people but also, perhaps, the most serious crime against the people of Russia".</p>

<p>President Putin had declared his "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russian forces began their campaign which has entered its fourth month.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-soldier-vadim-shishimarin-jailed-for-life-by-ukrainian-court-over-war-crime-481469">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin jailed for life by Ukrainian court over war crime</a></p>

<p>Bondarev, 41, criticised President Putin's "aggressive war" while taking a jibe at the letter "Z" which has been pasted on Russian military vehicles declaring that it was "crossing out all hopes and prospects for a prosperous free society in our country"&nbsp;as he left the diplomatic service after serving for 20 years.</p>

<p>The Russian diplomat reportedly submitted his resignation letter to the Russian diplomatic mission in Switzerland.</p>

<p>Bondarev declared that those who declared war wanted to "power forever, live in pompous tasteless palaces, sail on yachts comparable in tonnage and cost to the entire Russian navy, enjoying unlimited power and complete impunity" as he referred to Russian oligarchs close to President Putin's regime.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia seeks to capture Ukraine-controlled regions</strong></p>

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<p>Bondarev is reportedly set to stay in Switzerland. UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer lauded the move as he urged all other Russian diplomats at the United Nations and worldwide to follow Bondarev's "moral example and resign".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Good example to follow by all Russian professional diplomats. <a href="https://t.co/MBd22XQG9J">https://t.co/MBd22XQG9J</a></p>
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<p>Bondarev accussed the Russian foreign ministry of "lies" and "unprofessionalism" while criticising foreign minister Lavrov. "Today, the ministry of foreign affairs is not about diplomacy, it is about warmongering, lies and hatred," he said in his letter.</p>

<p>"Russia no longer has allies and there is no one to blame but its reckless and ill-conceived policy," he said.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;</p>

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Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev resigned from his post at the Geneva office declaring that the Ukraine war was not just "a crime against the Ukrainian people but also, perhaps, the most serious crime against the people of Russia".

Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev resigned from his post at the Geneva office declaring that the Ukraine war was not just "a crime against the Ukrainian people but also, perhaps, the most serious crime against the people of Russia". President Putin had declared his "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russian forces began their campaign which has entered its fourth month. Also Read: Russian soldier Vadim Shishimarin jailed for life by Ukrainian court over war crime Bondarev, 41, criticised President Putin's "aggressive war" while taking a jibe at the letter "Z" which has been pasted on Russian military vehicles declaring that it was "crossing out all hopes and prospects for a prosperous free society in our country" as he left the diplomatic service after serving for 20 years. The Russian diplomat reportedly submitted his resignation letter to the Russian diplomatic mission in Switzerland. Bondarev declared that those who declared war wanted to "power forever, live in pompous tasteless palaces, sail on yachts comparable in tonnage and cost to the entire Russian navy, enjoying unlimited power and complete impunity" as he referred to Russian oligarchs close to President Putin's regime. Watch: Russia seeks to capture Ukraine-controlled regions Bondarev is reportedly set to stay in Switzerland. UN Watch executive director Hillel Neuer lauded the move as he urged all other Russian diplomats at the United Nations and worldwide to follow Bondarev's "moral example and resign". Good example to follow by all Russian professional diplomats. https://t.co/MBd22XQG9J — Poland in the EU (@PLPermRepEU) May 23, 2022 × Bondarev accussed the Russian foreign ministry of "lies" and "unprofessionalism" while criticising foreign minister Lavrov. "Today, the ministry of foreign affairs is not about diplomacy, it is about warmongering, lies and hatred," he said in his letter. "Russia no longer has allies and there is no one to blame but its reckless and ill-conceived policy," he 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.

'Tasteless palaces, power forever': Russian diplomat blasts Ukraine war, resigns

<p>Ukraine on Sunday ruled out ceasefire saying that if fighting stops temporarily, Russia would attack harder after the break. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Kyiv cannot accept any deal with Moscow that sees it cedeing territory to Russia.</p>

<p>"The war will not stop (after concessions). It will just be put on pause for some time," Podolyak, Ukraine's lead negotiator, told Reuters in an interview in the heavily guarded presidential office. "They'll start a new offensive, even more bloody and large-scale."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia intensified offensive in Donbas region. A major offensive has been launched in Luhansk, one of the two provinces in Donbas. Such a movement from Russia has come after the end of weeks of resistance by Ukrainian fighters in the port city of Mariupol.</p>

<p><strong>World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<p>Russian-backed separatists already controlled swathes of territory in Luhansk and the neighbouring Donetsk province before the Feb. 24 invasion, but Moscow wants to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Donbas.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-40-billion-in-aid-for-ukraine-armoured-vehicles-air-defences-in-package-481055">Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles &amp; air defences in package</a></strong></p>

<p>"The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly address. The Russian army was trying to attack the cities of Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk, but Ukrainian forces were holding off their advance, he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Zelensky told local television that although the fighting would be bloody, the end would come only through diplomacy and that the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory would be temporary.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine on Sunday ruled out ceasefire saying that if fighting stops temporarily, Russia would attack harder after the break. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Kyiv cannot accept any deal with Moscow that sees it cedeing territory to Russia.

Ukraine on Sunday ruled out ceasefire saying that if fighting stops temporarily, Russia would attack harder after the break. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Kyiv cannot accept any deal with Moscow that sees it cedeing territory to Russia. "The war will not stop (after concessions). It will just be put on pause for some time," Podolyak, Ukraine's lead negotiator, told Reuters in an interview in the heavily guarded presidential office. "They'll start a new offensive, even more bloody and large-scale." Meanwhile, Russia intensified offensive in Donbas region. A major offensive has been launched in Luhansk, one of the two provinces in Donbas. Such a movement from Russia has come after the end of weeks of resistance by Ukrainian fighters in the port city of Mariupol. World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war × Russian-backed separatists already controlled swathes of territory in Luhansk and the neighbouring Donetsk province before the Feb. 24 invasion, but Moscow wants to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Donbas. Also Read | Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles & air defences in package "The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly address. The Russian army was trying to attack the cities of Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk, but Ukrainian forces were holding off their advance, he said. Earlier, Zelensky told local television that although the fighting would be bloody, the end would come only through diplomacy and that the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory would be temporary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine rules out ceasefire, says Russia might hit harder after break

<p>Russia has released an updated list of notable US names who are banned from entering the country, reported CNN. US President Joe Biden has been included. Some other names include US Vice President Kamala Harris, Facebook Mark Zuckerberg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.</p>

<p>Interestingly former US president Donald Trump has not been included in this list, said CNBC. While in office, Trump was viewed to be leaning towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has in past even gone against his own intelligence's opinion to publicly praise Putin.</p>

<p>The list is largely being viewed as a symbolic step taken by Russia to retaliate against Western sanctions. With new updates, the list now includes 963 Americans who are permanently banned from entering Russia.</p>

<p><strong>World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<p>The US has led the charge to impose sanctions on Russia in the wake of Ukraine invasion. The crippling sanctions have made situation difficult for Russian economy but there are few signs, if any, that the sanctions are proving to be a deterrent against further military action in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-40-billion-in-aid-for-ukraine-armoured-vehicles-air-defences-in-package-481055">Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles &amp; air defences in package</a></strong></p>

<p>The updated list has majority of US Senators and members of the House of Representatives. It also mentions current and former government officials, journalists and more.</p>

<p>Even Senator John McCain who died in 2018, has been included in the list.</p>

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Russia has released an updated list of notable US names who are banned from entering the country, reported CNN. US President Joe Biden has been included. Some other names include US Vice President Kamala Harris, Facebook Mark Zuckerberg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Russia has released an updated list of notable US names who are banned from entering the country, reported CNN. US President Joe Biden has been included. Some other names include US Vice President Kamala Harris, Facebook Mark Zuckerberg and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Interestingly former US president Donald Trump has not been included in this list, said CNBC. While in office, Trump was viewed to be leaning towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has in past even gone against his own intelligence's opinion to publicly praise Putin. The list is largely being viewed as a symbolic step taken by Russia to retaliate against Western sanctions. With new updates, the list now includes 963 Americans who are permanently banned from entering Russia. World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war × The US has led the charge to impose sanctions on Russia in the wake of Ukraine invasion. The crippling sanctions have made situation difficult for Russian economy but there are few signs, if any, that the sanctions are proving to be a deterrent against further military action in Ukraine. Also Read | Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles & air defences in package The updated list has majority of US Senators and members of the House of Representatives. It also mentions current and former government officials, journalists and more. Even Senator John McCain who died in 2018, has been included in the list. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden permanently banned from entering Russia, Trump isn't

<p>Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday praised India for reducing fuel prices. He lauded India for not buckling under "US pressure" and buying discounted oil from Russia. Imran Khan claimed that when he was in power, his government was working out such a solution with the help of an independent foreign policy.</p>

<p>He slammed Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led government for "running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin".</p>

<p>"Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy," Imran Khan tweeted while retweeting an information about reduction of the petrol and diesel prices in India.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy.<br />
1/2 <a href="https://t.co/O7O8wFS8jn">pic.twitter.com/O7O8wFS8jn</a></p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1528059598145454083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Indian government has reduced the price of petrol by Rs 9.5 per litre and Diesel by Rs 7 per litre.</p>

<p>Imran Khan, during his last days in office had claimed that there was 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. He had even named the US. Pakistan government under current PM Shehbaz Sharif is in a damage control mode with the US with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari travelling to the country.</p>

<p>Imran Khan said "Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs" bowed to the external pressure forcing a regime change, and "are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin."</p>

<p>"For our govt, Pakistan`s interest was supreme but unfortunately the local Mir Jafars &amp; Mir Sadiqs bowed to external pressure forcing a regime change, and are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin," the former PM tweeted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday praised India for reducing fuel prices. He lauded India for not buckling under "US pressure" and buying discounted oil from Russia.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Saturday praised India for reducing fuel prices. He lauded India for not buckling under "US pressure" and buying discounted oil from Russia. Imran Khan claimed that when he was in power, his government was working out such a solution with the help of an independent foreign policy. He slammed Pakistan Muslim League (N)-led government for "running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin". "Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy," Imran Khan tweeted while retweeting an information about reduction of the petrol and diesel prices in India. Despite being part of the Quad, India sustained pressure from the US and bought discounted Russian oil to provide relief to the masses. This is what our govt was working to achieve with the help of an independent foreign policy. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/O7O8wFS8jn — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 21, 2022 × Indian government has reduced the price of petrol by Rs 9.5 per litre and Diesel by Rs 7 per litre. Imran Khan, during his last days in office had claimed that there was 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. He had even named the US. Pakistan government under current PM Shehbaz Sharif is in a damage control mode with the US with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari travelling to the country. Imran Khan said "Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs" bowed to the external pressure forcing a regime change, and "are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin." "For our govt, Pakistan`s interest was supreme but unfortunately the local Mir Jafars & Mir Sadiqs bowed to external pressure forcing a regime change, and are now running around like a headless chicken with the economy in a tailspin," the former PM tweeted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Imran Khan praises India for reducing fuel prices, defying 'US pressure'

<p>As the war with Russia enters its&nbsp;fourth month, the Biden administration approved a massive $40 billion aid package to Ukraine which included weapons and economic support to the Zelensky government.</p>

<p>The US Congress had approved $14 billion in aid for Ukraine in March just days after President Putin announced his "special military operation" on February 24.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peresvet-and-zadira-russia-unveils-new-laser-weapons-against-ukraine-war-480775">Also Read:&nbsp;'Peresvet' and ‘Zadira': Russia unveils new laser weapons against Ukraine war</a></p>

<p>The bill was passed in the Senate which was stuck after Republican Rand Paul prevented a quick vote. The US Congress had passed the aid package earlier this week in a bipartisan move.</p>

<p>The bill has set aside $6 billion to boost Ukraine's armoured vehicles and air defences to fight the Russian forces. Meanwhile, Ukraine President Zelensky said only talks on the "negotiating table" can help resolve the Ukraine war.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia using food as a weapon?</strong></p>

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<p>Ukraine has been supported&nbsp;by military aid from the US, UK and other countries as it continues to resist the Russian invasion.</p>

<p>However, Russia has made recent gains seizing Mariupol after weeks of heavy bombardment and continues its operation in eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p>Amid the invasion, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership angering Russia which cut off gas supply to Finland.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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As the war with Russia enters its fourth month, the Biden administration approved a massive $40 billion aid package to Ukraine which included weapons and economic support to the Zelensky government.

As the war with Russia enters its fourth month, the Biden administration approved a massive $40 billion aid package to Ukraine which included weapons and economic support to the Zelensky government. The US Congress had approved $14 billion in aid for Ukraine in March just days after President Putin announced his "special military operation" on February 24. Also Read: 'Peresvet' and ‘Zadira': Russia unveils new laser weapons against Ukraine war The bill was passed in the Senate which was stuck after Republican Rand Paul prevented a quick vote. The US Congress had passed the aid package earlier this week in a bipartisan move. The bill has set aside $6 billion to boost Ukraine's armoured vehicles and air defences to fight the Russian forces. Meanwhile, Ukraine President Zelensky said only talks on the "negotiating table" can help resolve the Ukraine war. Watch: Russia using food as a weapon? Ukraine has been supported by military aid from the US, UK and other countries as it continues to resist the Russian invasion. However, Russia has made recent gains seizing Mariupol after weeks of heavy bombardment and continues its operation in eastern Ukraine. Amid the invasion, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership angering Russia which cut off gas supply to Finland. (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.

Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles & air defences in package

<p>Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles.</p>

<p>Following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has asked clients from "unfriendly countries" -- including EU member states -- to pay for gas in rubles, a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against its central bank.</p>

<p>Gazprom said in a statement Saturday that it had "completely stopped gas deliveries" as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum "by the end of the working day on May 20".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sincerely-sorry-russian-soldier-in-war-crimes-trial-says-he-did-not-want-to-kill-will-accept-punishment-480865">'Truly sorry': Russian soldier in war crimes trial in Ukraine says didn't want to kill, will accept punishment</a></strong></p>

<p>Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, natural gas accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.</p>

<p>Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.</p>

<p>"Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," the company said in a statement.</p>

<p>In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.</p>

<p>Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.</p>

<p>Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any "means available".</p>

<p>Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue "normal operation".</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Rift over NATO bid</strong></p>

<p>n efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic claimed payment arrears, although the shortfall was quickly replaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Finland, along with neighbouring Sweden, this week broke its historical military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, after public and political support for the western alliance soared following the invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-proposes-formal-deal-with-allies-to-secure-russian-compensation-for-ukraines-invasion-480862">Zelensky proposes formal deal with allies to secure Russian compensation for Ukraine's invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>Moscow has warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences".</p>

<p>Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.</p>

<p>But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.</p>

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.</p>

<p>Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail".</p>

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Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles.

Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles. Following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has asked clients from "unfriendly countries" -- including EU member states -- to pay for gas in rubles, a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against its central bank. Gazprom said in a statement Saturday that it had "completely stopped gas deliveries" as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum "by the end of the working day on May 20". Also read | 'Truly sorry': Russian soldier in war crimes trial in Ukraine says didn't want to kill, will accept punishment Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption. However, natural gas accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy. Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally. "Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," the company said in a statement. In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros. Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration. Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any "means available". Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue "normal operation". Watch | Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion Rift over NATO bid n efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy. On Sunday, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic claimed payment arrears, although the shortfall was quickly replaced. Finland, along with neighbouring Sweden, this week broke its historical military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, after public and political support for the western alliance soared following the invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Zelensky proposes formal deal with allies to secure Russian compensation for Ukraine's invasion Moscow has warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences". Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids. But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia. Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail". 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 halts gas supplies to Finland

<p>Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to visit Russia in the run-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Imran Khan met Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, the day when Russia's invasion of Ukraine started.</p>

<p>“As far as the former Prime Minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. Pakistan's prime minister conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time the current conflict will start,” said Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari. He is on his maiden US visit.He was speaking at a press conference at United Nations headquarters on Thursday (May 20).</p>

<p>Imran Khan, who has been ousted from his office recently, had fired major salvos at US in his last days in the office. He had alleged a 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. He mentioned US later on. He even said that he had documentary evidence of the conspiracy but was never able to come up with credible proof which supported his claims beyond doubt.</p>

<p>Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari's US visit is being seen by many as a damage-control exercise after Imran Khan's constant tirade against the US, which has been an ally of Pakistan right from Cold War years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-meets-pakistans-foreign-minister-bilawal-bhutto-zardari-480293">US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a></strong></p>

<p>Analysts have said they do not expect the United States to seek a significant broadening of ties with Pakistan`s new government, but to remain mostly focused on security cooperation, especially on counterterrorism and Afghanistan.</p>

<p>State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Wednesday after Blinken and Bhutto-Zardari met that the pair affirmed a "shared desire for a strong and prosperous bilateral relationship."</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to visit Russia in the run-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defended former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to visit Russia in the run-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Imran Khan met Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, the day when Russia's invasion of Ukraine started. “As far as the former Prime Minister’s trip to Russia, I would absolutely defend the former prime minister of Pakistan. Pakistan's prime minister conducted that trip as part of his foreign policy and without knowing that — no one is psychic, no one has a sixth sense — there’s no way we could have possibly known that that would be the time the current conflict will start,” said Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari. He is on his maiden US visit.He was speaking at a press conference at United Nations headquarters on Thursday (May 20). Imran Khan, who has been ousted from his office recently, had fired major salvos at US in his last days in the office. He had alleged a 'foreign conspiracy' to oust him. He mentioned US later on. He even said that he had documentary evidence of the conspiracy but was never able to come up with credible proof which supported his claims beyond doubt. Bilwal Bhutto-Zardari's US visit is being seen by many as a damage-control exercise after Imran Khan's constant tirade against the US, which has been an ally of Pakistan right from Cold War years. Also Read | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Analysts have said they do not expect the United States to seek a significant broadening of ties with Pakistan`s new government, but to remain mostly focused on security cooperation, especially on counterterrorism and Afghanistan. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Wednesday after Blinken and Bhutto-Zardari met that the pair affirmed a "shared desire for a strong and prosperous bilateral relationship." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'No one has sixth sense': Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari defends Imran Khan's Russia visit

<p>The number of NATO troops stationed on the alliance's eastern frontier has nearly doubled since last year, reaching 40,000. There were 4,650 troops under direct NATO command in February 2021, a year before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NATO records. In Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, these soldiers were assigned to four multinational battlegroups.</p>

<p>Then Russia began deploying troops and capabilities along its shared border with Ukraine, accelerating these moves at the end of last year and beginning of this year, claiming it was a defensive move in response to Ukraine's NATO ambitions and the trans-Atlantic alliance's eastward expansion since the 1990s.</p>

<p>NATO and its 30 members bolstered their eastern locations with more soldiers and capabilities in response to Russia's troop buildup.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-backs-finland-and-swedens-historic-nato-application-480234" hreflang="en">Biden backs Finland and Sweden's 'historic' NATO application</a></strong></p>

<p>There were 40,000 allied forces under direct NATO command a month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, with existing battlegroups dramatically strengthened — Poland's increased from 1,010 men to 10,500 — and four new battlegroups established in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Over 250 Ukrainians from Azovstal are in Russian captivity</strong></p>

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<p>Furthermore, under bilateral agreements, numerous European countries have requested additional US troops, raising the total number of American soldiers in Europe to around 100,000, the highest level since 2005.</p>

<p>As a result of Russia's aggression, European NATO members have pledged to dramatically increase their defence spending in order to meet the alliance's aim of 2% of GDP. Members of NATO have also begun a "reset" of their policy, promising to enhance deployments and capabilities on the ground, at sea, and in the air. At a conference in June, more specifics on this approach will be revealed.</p>

<p>Furthermore, two European nations, Sweden and Finland, have made formal requests to join the defence alliance, thus doubling the length of the union's shared border with Russia.</p>

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The number of NATO troops stationed on the alliance's eastern frontier has nearly doubled since last year, reaching 40,000. There were 4,650 troops under direct NATO command in February 2021, a year before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NATO records.

The number of NATO troops stationed on the alliance's eastern frontier has nearly doubled since last year, reaching 40,000. There were 4,650 troops under direct NATO command in February 2021, a year before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, according to NATO records. In Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, these soldiers were assigned to four multinational battlegroups. Then Russia began deploying troops and capabilities along its shared border with Ukraine, accelerating these moves at the end of last year and beginning of this year, claiming it was a defensive move in response to Ukraine's NATO ambitions and the trans-Atlantic alliance's eastward expansion since the 1990s. NATO and its 30 members bolstered their eastern locations with more soldiers and capabilities in response to Russia's troop buildup. Also Read: Biden backs Finland and Sweden's 'historic' NATO application There were 40,000 allied forces under direct NATO command a month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, with existing battlegroups dramatically strengthened — Poland's increased from 1,010 men to 10,500 — and four new battlegroups established in Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Watch: Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Over 250 Ukrainians from Azovstal are in Russian captivity × Furthermore, under bilateral agreements, numerous European countries have requested additional US troops, raising the total number of American soldiers in Europe to around 100,000, the highest level since 2005. As a result of Russia's aggression, European NATO members have pledged to dramatically increase their defence spending in order to meet the alliance's aim of 2% of GDP. Members of NATO have also begun a "reset" of their policy, promising to enhance deployments and capabilities on the ground, at sea, and in the air. At a conference in June, more specifics on this approach will be revealed. Furthermore, two European nations, Sweden and Finland, have made formal requests to join the defence alliance, thus doubling the length of the union's shared border with Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: NATO now has 40,000 soldiers on Europe's border with Russia

<p>A Russian gymnast who sported an insignia linked to his country's invasion of Ukraine on a medal podium has been banned for one year, a disciplinary panel said.</p>

<p>Ivan Kuliak's singlet had the letter 'Z' prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine's Kovtun Illia, the gold medallist at a World Cup event in Doha in March.</p>

<p>The 'Z' has been seen daubed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and has come to symbolise support for the invasion.</p>

<p>A disciplinary commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) found that Kuliak violated rules of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the sport's ruling body.</p>

<p>"Mr Kuliak is not allowed to participate in any FIG-sanctioned event or competition organised by an affiliated FIG member federation for one year as of the date of this decision," GEF said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-gymnast-sports-z-symbol-on-shirt-while-sharing-podium-with-ukrainian-winner-sparks-outrage-459807">Russian gymnast sports 'Z' symbol on shirt while sharing podium with Ukrainian winner, sparks outrage</a></p>

<p>Kuliak must also return his bronze medal and prize money of 500 Swiss francs ($500). He has 21 days to appeal against the punishment.</p>

<p>It had already been decided that all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will be banned from future competitions.</p>

<p>"If the protective measures keeping Russian athletes from competing are still in place on 17 May 2023, the ban shall continue and expire six months after the removal of said measures," GEF said.</p>


A Russian gymnast who sported an insignia linked to his country's invasion of Ukraine on a medal podium has been banned for one year, a disciplinary panel said. Ivan Kuliak's singlet had the letter 'Z' prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine's Kovtun Illia, the gold medallist at a World Cup event in Doha in March.

A Russian gymnast who sported an insignia linked to his country's invasion of Ukraine on a medal podium has been banned for one year, a disciplinary panel said. Ivan Kuliak's singlet had the letter 'Z' prominently placed as he stood next to Ukraine's Kovtun Illia, the gold medallist at a World Cup event in Doha in March. The 'Z' has been seen daubed on Russian tanks and vehicles in Ukraine and has come to symbolise support for the invasion. A disciplinary commission of the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation (GEF) found that Kuliak violated rules of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the sport's ruling body. "Mr Kuliak is not allowed to participate in any FIG-sanctioned event or competition organised by an affiliated FIG member federation for one year as of the date of this decision," GEF said. Also Read: Russian gymnast sports 'Z' symbol on shirt while sharing podium with Ukrainian winner, sparks outrage Kuliak must also return his bronze medal and prize money of 500 Swiss francs ($500). He has 21 days to appeal against the punishment. It had already been decided that all Russian and Belarusian gymnasts will be banned from future competitions. "If the protective measures keeping Russian athletes from competing are still in place on 17 May 2023, the ban shall continue and expire six months after the removal of said measures," GEF said.

Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak banned for one year for pro-war 'Z' symbol

<p>Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An agreement has been reached on the removal of the wounded," the Moscow defence ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>"A humanitarian corridor has been opened through which wounded Ukrainian servicemen are being taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk."</p>

<p>Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television: "Any information can harm the processes that are taking place ... Inasmuch as the process is underway, we can't say what's happening right now."</p>

<p>Russian forces have battered Mariupol for almost two months. The last pocket of Ukrainian resistance is Azovstal factory. It is a huge Soviet-era plant that was built during Josef Stalin's time. The factory has labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels underneath to withstand external attack.</p>

<p>Civillians along with Ukrainian soldiers have been holed up inside the steel plant. Most civillians have been evacuated from the plant after a deal brokered by the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross.</p>

<p>But Ukrainian fighters remain at the plant. Videos and pictures posted online have shown some with serious injuries.</p>

<p>Relatives appealed on Monday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to help extract the defenders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town.

Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town. "An agreement has been reached on the removal of the wounded," the Moscow defence ministry said in a statement. "A humanitarian corridor has been opened through which wounded Ukrainian servicemen are being taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk." Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television: "Any information can harm the processes that are taking place ... Inasmuch as the process is underway, we can't say what's happening right now." Russian forces have battered Mariupol for almost two months. The last pocket of Ukrainian resistance is Azovstal factory. It is a huge Soviet-era plant that was built during Josef Stalin's time. The factory has labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels underneath to withstand external attack. Civillians along with Ukrainian soldiers have been holed up inside the steel plant. Most civillians have been evacuated from the plant after a deal brokered by the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross. But Ukrainian fighters remain at the plant. Videos and pictures posted online have shown some with serious injuries. Relatives appealed on Monday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to help extract the defenders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mariupol: Russia offers to evacuate wounded Ukrainian troops from steel plant

<p>American fast-food giant&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country, the company said Monday.</p>

<p>Many Western businesses have pulled out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February.</p>

<p>And earlier on Monday, French automaker Renault announced it had handed over its Russian assets to the government in Moscow, marking the first major nationalisation of the economic disentanglement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-prepares-for-russian-military-push-in-donbas-region-amid-ongoing-crisis-479397">Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>McDonald's&nbsp;in March closed all of its 850 restaurants in the country, where it says it employs 62,000 people.</p>

<p>But on Monday it went a step further, saying in a statement: "After more than 30 years of operations in the country,&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;Corporation announced it will&nbsp;exit the Russian market and has initiated a process to sell its Russian business.</p>

<p>"The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in&nbsp;Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;to conclude&nbsp;that continued ownership of the business in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;values."</p>

<p>It said it was looking to sell "its&nbsp;entire portfolio of&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;restaurants in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to a local buyer".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Global Summit 2022: Is there any foreseeable end to Russia-Ukraine war?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The company added that after the sale, the restaurants would no longer be able to use the&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;name, logo, branding or menu.</p>

<p>Russia, where&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;directly manages more than 80 percent of the restaurants bearing its name, accounts for 9 percent of the company's revenue and 3 percent of its operating profit.</p>

<p>Chief executive Chris Kempczinski said in a statement: "We're exceptionally proud of the 62,000 employees who work in our restaurants, along with the hundreds of Russian suppliers who support our business, and our local franchisees. Their dedication and loyalty to&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;make today's announcement extremely difficult.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-pm-roman-golovchenko-says-western-sanctions-are-blocking-exports-worth-more-than-16-billion-479262">Belarusian PM Roman Golovchenko says Western sanctions are blocking exports worth more than $16 billion</a></strong></p>

<p>"However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the Arches shining there."</p>

<p>On February 24, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into pro-Western Ukraine, triggering unprecedented Western sanctions against Russia and sparking an exodus of foreign corporations including H&amp;M, Starbucks and Ikea.</p>

<p>The authorities said they were ready to nationalise foreign assets -- as happened with Renault -- and some officials assured Russians that their favourite brands would have domestic alternatives.</p>

<p>Officials in Moscow have sought to downplay the gravity of the Western sanctions, promising that Russia will adapt and take steps to stop the flight of foreign currency and capital.</p>


American fast-food giant McDonald's will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country, the company said Monday. Many Western businesses have pulled out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February.

American fast-food giant McDonald's will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country, the company said Monday. Many Western businesses have pulled out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February. And earlier on Monday, French automaker Renault announced it had handed over its Russian assets to the government in Moscow, marking the first major nationalisation of the economic disentanglement. Also read | Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis McDonald's in March closed all of its 850 restaurants in the country, where it says it employs 62,000 people. But on Monday it went a step further, saying in a statement: "After more than 30 years of operations in the country, McDonald's Corporation announced it will exit the Russian market and has initiated a process to sell its Russian business. "The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald's to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald's values." It said it was looking to sell "its entire portfolio of McDonald's restaurants in Russia to a local buyer". Also watch | WION Global Summit 2022: Is there any foreseeable end to Russia-Ukraine war? The company added that after the sale, the restaurants would no longer be able to use the McDonald's name, logo, branding or menu. Russia, where McDonald's directly manages more than 80 percent of the restaurants bearing its name, accounts for 9 percent of the company's revenue and 3 percent of its operating profit. Chief executive Chris Kempczinski said in a statement: "We're exceptionally proud of the 62,000 employees who work in our restaurants, along with the hundreds of Russian suppliers who support our business, and our local franchisees. Their dedication and loyalty to McDonald's make today's announcement extremely difficult. Also read | Belarusian PM Roman Golovchenko says Western sanctions are blocking exports worth more than $16 billion "However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the Arches shining there." On February 24, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into pro-Western Ukraine, triggering unprecedented Western sanctions against Russia and sparking an exodus of foreign corporations including H&M, Starbucks and Ikea. The authorities said they were ready to nationalise foreign assets -- as happened with Renault -- and some officials assured Russians that their favourite brands would have domestic alternatives. Officials in Moscow have sought to downplay the gravity of the Western sanctions, promising that Russia will adapt and take steps to stop the flight of foreign currency and capital.

McDonald's to exit Russia, sell business in country

<p>Ukrainian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces near Izium, a Russian-held town in eastern Ukraine. This can be a serious setback for Russian plans to assume control of entire Donbas region.</p>

<p>After it failed to reach Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas region. Russian forces enjoy support from separatist elements in this region of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been retaking territory in its northeast. Ukrainian forces are driving Russians away from Kharkiv. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine. This has kept up pressure on Izium and Russian supply lines. This means that Russia may find it tough to encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbas.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine under attack: Defenders of Mariupol reject Russian offer to surrender</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's defence ministry said its forces hit a series of military sites, including in the Donbas, killing at least 100 Ukrainian "nationalists."</p>

<p>Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US Republican Senator paid unannounced visit to Kyiv in show of solidarity. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the senators discussed further strengthening sanctions on Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-senate-republican-meets-zelensky-ukraine-calls-for-recognition-of-russia-as-terrorist-state-478994">Top Senate Republican meets Zelensky; Ukraine calls for recognition of Russia as 'terrorist state'</a></strong><br />
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Western analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to anticipate the fierce Ukrainian resistance - and the forceful global response - when he ordered the Feb. 24 invasion.</p>

<p>As well as losing large numbers of men and much military equipment, Russia has been hit by economic sanctions. The Group of Seven leading Western economies pledged in a statement on Saturday to "further increase economic and political pressure on Russia" and to supply more weapons to Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces near Izium, a Russian-held town in eastern Ukraine. This can be a serious setback for Russian plans to assume control of entire Donbas region.

Ukrainian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces near Izium, a Russian-held town in eastern Ukraine. This can be a serious setback for Russian plans to assume control of entire Donbas region. After it failed to reach Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas region. Russian forces enjoy support from separatist elements in this region of Ukraine. Ukraine has been retaking territory in its northeast. Ukrainian forces are driving Russians away from Kharkiv. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine. This has kept up pressure on Izium and Russian supply lines. This means that Russia may find it tough to encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbas. Watch | Ukraine under attack: Defenders of Mariupol reject Russian offer to surrender × Russia's defence ministry said its forces hit a series of military sites, including in the Donbas, killing at least 100 Ukrainian "nationalists." Reuters said it could not independently verify the report. Meanwhile, US Republican Senator paid unannounced visit to Kyiv in show of solidarity. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the senators discussed further strengthening sanctions on Russia. Also Read | Top Senate Republican meets Zelensky; Ukraine calls for recognition of Russia as 'terrorist state' Western analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to anticipate the fierce Ukrainian resistance - and the forceful global response - when he ordered the Feb. 24 invasion. As well as losing large numbers of men and much military equipment, Russia has been hit by economic sanctions. The Group of Seven leading Western economies pledged in a statement on Saturday to "further increase economic and political pressure on Russia" and to supply more weapons to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukrainian forces launch counteroffensive against Russia in east

<p>Russian diplomats in Washington are being threatened with violence and US intelligence services try to make contact with them, Tass news agency cited the ambassador as saying on Saturday.</p>

<p>Anatoly Antonov told Russian television that since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, face-to-face meetings with U.S. officials had ended.</p>

<p>"It`s like a besieged fortress. Basically, our embassy is operating in a hostile environment ... Embassy employees are receiving threats, including threats of physical violence," Tass quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>"Agents from U.S. security services are hanging around outside the Russian embassy, handing out CIA and FBI phone numbers, which can be called to establish contact."</p>

<p>CIA and the FBI declined comment. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately return messages seeking comment.</p>

<p>The Russian ambassador to Poland was doused in a red substance on Monday by people protesting against the war.</p>

<p>Russia and the United States had been locked in a dispute over the size and functioning of their respective diplomatic missions long before Russia invaded Ukraine.</p>

<p>Moscow expelled a number of U.S. diplomats in March after Washington said it was kicking out 12 Russian diplomats at the country`s U.N. mission in New York.</p>

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Russian diplomats in Washington are being threatened with violence and US intelligence services try to make contact with them, Tass news agency cited the ambassador as saying on Saturday.

Russian diplomats in Washington are being threatened with violence and US intelligence services try to make contact with them, Tass news agency cited the ambassador as saying on Saturday. Anatoly Antonov told Russian television that since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, face-to-face meetings with U.S. officials had ended. "It`s like a besieged fortress. Basically, our embassy is operating in a hostile environment ... Embassy employees are receiving threats, including threats of physical violence," Tass quoted him as saying. "Agents from U.S. security services are hanging around outside the Russian embassy, handing out CIA and FBI phone numbers, which can be called to establish contact." CIA and the FBI declined comment. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the US State Department did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The Russian ambassador to Poland was doused in a red substance on Monday by people protesting against the war. Russia and the United States had been locked in a dispute over the size and functioning of their respective diplomatic missions long before Russia invaded Ukraine. Moscow expelled a number of U.S. diplomats in March after Washington said it was kicking out 12 Russian diplomats at the country`s U.N. mission in New York. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Envoy says Russian diplomats in US are threatened, enticed by FBI

<p>A Russian soldier appeared in a court in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday in a first war crimes trial. The soldier faces charges of killing a civillian. Vadim Shishimarin (21), the Russian soldier, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing.</p>

<p>He is accused of killing an unarmed 62-year-old civillian.</p>

<p>He faces possible life imprisonment on charges of war crimes and premeditated murder.</p>

<p>The trial marks a significant moment for Ukraine, where Russian forces have been accused of killing hundreds of civilians since the war began on February 24. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | The first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine on a 21-year-old Russian soldier</strong></p>

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<p>It is accused that Shishimarin fired an automatic rifle from a car window and killed the civillian. This was allegedly done to ensure that there was no witness to the carjacking.</p>

<p>Prosecutor Yaroslav Ushchapivskiy told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that Shishimarin had admitted his guilt and agreed to cooperate with the investigation.</p>

<p>After his convoy was hit in northern Ukraine on February 28, Shishimarin joined four other fleeing soldiers and stole a car from outside the village of Chupakhivka, officials say.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-does-not-have-positive-opinion-on-sweden-finland-joining-nato-478762">Erdogan says Turkey does not have 'positive opinion' on Sweden, Finland joining NATO</a></strong></p>

<p>The civilian, who was not named, was riding his bicycle on the side of the road not far from his home when the alleged theft took place, according to prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One of the military servicemen ordered the accused to kill a civilian so that he would not report them," according to a statement from the prosecutor general's office Thursday.</p>

<p>"The man died on the spot just a few dozen metres (yards) from his home," it added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Russian soldier appeared in a court in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday in a first war crimes trial. The soldier faces charges of killing a civillian. Vadim Shishimarin (21), the Russian soldier, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing.

A Russian soldier appeared in a court in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday in a first war crimes trial. The soldier faces charges of killing a civillian. Vadim Shishimarin (21), the Russian soldier, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing. He is accused of killing an unarmed 62-year-old civillian. He faces possible life imprisonment on charges of war crimes and premeditated murder. The trial marks a significant moment for Ukraine, where Russian forces have been accused of killing hundreds of civilians since the war began on February 24. Watch | The first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine on a 21-year-old Russian soldier × It is accused that Shishimarin fired an automatic rifle from a car window and killed the civillian. This was allegedly done to ensure that there was no witness to the carjacking. Prosecutor Yaroslav Ushchapivskiy told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that Shishimarin had admitted his guilt and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. After his convoy was hit in northern Ukraine on February 28, Shishimarin joined four other fleeing soldiers and stole a car from outside the village of Chupakhivka, officials say. Also Read | Erdogan says Turkey does not have 'positive opinion' on Sweden, Finland joining NATO The civilian, who was not named, was riding his bicycle on the side of the road not far from his home when the alleged theft took place, according to prosecutors. "One of the military servicemen ordered the accused to kill a civilian so that he would not report them," according to a statement from the prosecutor general's office Thursday. "The man died on the spot just a few dozen metres (yards) from his home," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

First Russian soldier appears in Ukraine court for war crimes trial

<p>Russia has cut electricity supply to Finland, a Finnish grid operator has said. The official was quoted by AFP. Tensions are rising between Russia and Finland over the latter's bid to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Finland announced on Thursday that it wanted to join NATO 'without delay'. Russia has termed such a move to be a 'threat'.</p>

<p>The supplies "are zero since midnight," Timo Kaukonen, the Finnish official&nbsp;told AFP.</p>

<p>RAO Nordic, a subsidiary of Russian state energy holding Inter RAO had told AFP on Friday (May 13) that Finland's electricity supply would be cut on May 14. The company mentioned issue of arrears.</p>

<p>“We are forced to suspend the electricity import starting from May 14,” RAO Nordic said as per AFP.</p>

<p>“RAO Nordic is not able to make payments for the imported electricity from Russia,” they added,</p>

<p>“This situation is exceptional and happened for the first time in over 20 years of our trading history.”</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin is fiercely against former Soviet states and countries bordering Russia joining NATO. Putin has expressed displeasure at Ukraine's moves to join the alliance prior to Russian invasion that took place on February 24.</p>

<p>“The expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,”&nbsp; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has been quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p>Russia said on Saturday that it will take necessary precautionary measures if NATO nuclear forces and infrastructure was deployed near Russian borders</p>

<p>"It will be necessary to respond ... by taking adequate precautionary measures that would ensure the viability of deterrence," Interfax agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko as saying&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia has cut electricity supply to Finland, a Finnish grid operator has said. The official was quoted by AFP. Tensions are rising between Russia and Finland over the latter's bid to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Russia has cut electricity supply to Finland, a Finnish grid operator has said. The official was quoted by AFP. Tensions are rising between Russia and Finland over the latter's bid to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Finland announced on Thursday that it wanted to join NATO 'without delay'. Russia has termed such a move to be a 'threat'. The supplies "are zero since midnight," Timo Kaukonen, the Finnish official told AFP. RAO Nordic, a subsidiary of Russian state energy holding Inter RAO had told AFP on Friday (May 13) that Finland's electricity supply would be cut on May 14. The company mentioned issue of arrears. “We are forced to suspend the electricity import starting from May 14,” RAO Nordic said as per AFP. “RAO Nordic is not able to make payments for the imported electricity from Russia,” they added, “This situation is exceptional and happened for the first time in over 20 years of our trading history.” Russian President Vladimir Putin is fiercely against former Soviet states and countries bordering Russia joining NATO. Putin has expressed displeasure at Ukraine's moves to join the alliance prior to Russian invasion that took place on February 24. “The expansion of NATO and the approach of the alliance to our borders does not make the world and our continent more stable and secure,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has been quoted as saying by Reuters. Russia said on Saturday that it will take necessary precautionary measures if NATO nuclear forces and infrastructure was deployed near Russian borders "It will be necessary to respond ... by taking adequate precautionary measures that would ensure the viability of deterrence," Interfax agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko as saying (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has cut Finland's electricity supply, says Finnish grid operator

<p>A Russian representative was allowed to attend UEFA`s Congress in Vienna on Wednesday despite the country`s national teams and clubs being barred from competitions.</p>

<p>Europe`s governing body UEFA and world soccer governing body FIFA suspended Russian clubs and national teams from their competitions in February until further notice after the invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation".</p>

<p>UEFA also ruled out Russia`s bid to host the men`s Euros in 2028 and 2032 earlier this month but confirmed on Wednesday that they were allowed to attend the Congress.</p>

<p>"The General Secretary of the Football Union of Russia attended today`s Congress in Vienna," a UEFA spokesperson told Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-defender-antonio-rudiger-likely-to-join-real-madrid-report-478124">Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger likely to join Real Madrid - Report</a></p>

<p>The Ukrainian FA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said it was `premature` to speak about possibly suspending the Russian football federation.</p>

<p>"If you asked me a month ago, I would think differently than today. And in a month, we don`t know what will happen," Ceferin said at a news conference after the Congress.</p>

<p>"I would not exclude anything, but I would not say anything will happen in the future. Our sanctions were hard for the athletes, I am sorry for them, but in a situation like this there were no other solutions.</p>

<p>"Let`s see in the future. What I hope, and we all hope, is that the madness stops as soon as possible."</p>


A Russian representative was allowed to attend UEFA`s Congress in Vienna on Wednesday despite the country`s national teams and clubs being barred from competitions.

A Russian representative was allowed to attend UEFA`s Congress in Vienna on Wednesday despite the country`s national teams and clubs being barred from competitions. Europe`s governing body UEFA and world soccer governing body FIFA suspended Russian clubs and national teams from their competitions in February until further notice after the invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation". UEFA also ruled out Russia`s bid to host the men`s Euros in 2028 and 2032 earlier this month but confirmed on Wednesday that they were allowed to attend the Congress. "The General Secretary of the Football Union of Russia attended today`s Congress in Vienna," a UEFA spokesperson told Reuters. Also Read: Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger likely to join Real Madrid - Report The Ukrainian FA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said it was `premature` to speak about possibly suspending the Russian football federation. "If you asked me a month ago, I would think differently than today. And in a month, we don`t know what will happen," Ceferin said at a news conference after the Congress. "I would not exclude anything, but I would not say anything will happen in the future. Our sanctions were hard for the athletes, I am sorry for them, but in a situation like this there were no other solutions. "Let`s see in the future. What I hope, and we all hope, is that the madness stops as soon as possible."

UEFA allows Russia to take part in its congress despite ban on clubs and country

<p>EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that Europe stands behind Ukraine, slamming Russia for waging a "atrocious war" and directing "senseless aggression" in the nation, which has suffered massive damage and continues to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her message, delivered via video, comes as the continent commemorates Europe Day, which began with the premise that "conflict should be unthinkable" between European nations.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-will-be-ours-says-putin-on-ukraine-war-ahead-of-may-9-celebrations-477367">Also Read:&nbsp;Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>In the two minute and 20 second video shared on Twitter, the European Union chief is heard saying "Today our continent encounters shadows of the past we thought we had left behind long back. An atrocious war, senseless aggression and destroyed cities. Millions of innocents fleeing their homes. A people desperately struggling to determine its own future,".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us why we are celebrating Europe Day tomorrow.<br />
<br />
The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born.<br />
<br />
72 years later, Europe is united in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends, who aspire to a future of freedom.<br />
<br />
A European future. <a href="https://t.co/xHAhD94rCr">pic.twitter.com/xHAhD94rCr</a></p>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1523272621743345664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"At the same time, the Kremlin's invasion reminds us why we’re celebrating Europe Day. The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born. 72 years later, Europe is stronger and more united than ever."</p>

<p>Her message arrived on the same day as a blast in Ukraine that killed more than 60 people, more than two months after the conflict began over Russia's "denazification" of the country.</p>

<p>"We are recovering from the COVID crisis. Member states have already received 100 billion euros from our recovery fund. Vast investments are securing millions of jobs and creating new jobs every day. We are working hard to protect the climate."</p>

<p>The 'Schuman Declaration' was signed on May 9, 1950, on Europe Day. It is being commemorated this year while the continent is witnessing one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II.</p>

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EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that Europe stands behind Ukraine, slamming Russia for waging a "atrocious war" and directing "senseless aggression" in the nation, which has suffered massive damage and continues to do so.

EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that Europe stands behind Ukraine, slamming Russia for waging a "atrocious war" and directing "senseless aggression" in the nation, which has suffered massive damage and continues to do so. Her message, delivered via video, comes as the continent commemorates Europe Day, which began with the premise that "conflict should be unthinkable" between European nations. Also Read: Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war In the two minute and 20 second video shared on Twitter, the European Union chief is heard saying "Today our continent encounters shadows of the past we thought we had left behind long back. An atrocious war, senseless aggression and destroyed cities. Millions of innocents fleeing their homes. A people desperately struggling to determine its own future,". The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us why we are celebrating Europe Day tomorrow. The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born. 72 years later, Europe is united in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends, who aspire to a future of freedom. A European future. pic.twitter.com/xHAhD94rCr — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 8, 2022 × "At the same time, the Kremlin's invasion reminds us why we’re celebrating Europe Day. The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born. 72 years later, Europe is stronger and more united than ever." Her message arrived on the same day as a blast in Ukraine that killed more than 60 people, more than two months after the conflict began over Russia's "denazification" of the country. "We are recovering from the COVID crisis. Member states have already received 100 billion euros from our recovery fund. Vast investments are securing millions of jobs and creating new jobs every day. We are working hard to protect the climate." The 'Schuman Declaration' was signed on May 9, 1950, on Europe Day. It is being commemorated this year while the continent is witnessing one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Why we are celebrating Europe Day': EU chief criticises Russia over Ukraine conflict

<p>Death of Russian climber Pavel Kostrikin at Camp I of Mount Everest marked the first reported death of a foreigner in current climbing season on the world highest peak. The camp is located at an altitude of 5360 metres &nbsp;(17,585 feet).</p>

<p>Kostrikin (55) died on Saturday, as per Bhishma Kumar Bhattarai, an official of Nepal's Department of Tourism who was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>"The Russian climber fell sick at Camp II and died after being brought to the Camp I," Bhattarai told Reuters without giving further details.</p>

<p>Camp II on the normal southeast ridge route on Everest is located at a height of around 6,400 metres (20,997 feet).</p>

<p>The body of the climber would be brought to Kathmandu when the weather improves.</p>

<p>As per the database of The HImalayan, 311 people have lost lives so far while trying to climb Mount Everest. The peak has been climbed 10,657 times.</p>

<p>An Indian climber died during a summit push at Nepal's Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, a hiking official said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Last month, a Greek climber and a Nepali Sherpa guide died on other peaks.</p>

<p>Mountain climbing is the main tourism activity in Nepal and a key source of income as well as employment. The country has eight of the world's 14 highest mountains.</p>

<p>More than 900 foreign mountaineers have received permits to climb 26 Himalayan peaks in Nepal, including 316 permits for Mount Everest, during the current season ending in May.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Death of Russian climber Pavel Kostrikin at Camp I of Mount Everest marked the first reported death of a foreigner in current climbing season on the world highest peak.

Death of Russian climber Pavel Kostrikin at Camp I of Mount Everest marked the first reported death of a foreigner in current climbing season on the world highest peak. The camp is located at an altitude of 5360 metres (17,585 feet). Kostrikin (55) died on Saturday, as per Bhishma Kumar Bhattarai, an official of Nepal's Department of Tourism who was quoted by Reuters. "The Russian climber fell sick at Camp II and died after being brought to the Camp I," Bhattarai told Reuters without giving further details. Camp II on the normal southeast ridge route on Everest is located at a height of around 6,400 metres (20,997 feet). The body of the climber would be brought to Kathmandu when the weather improves. As per the database of The HImalayan, 311 people have lost lives so far while trying to climb Mount Everest. The peak has been climbed 10,657 times. An Indian climber died during a summit push at Nepal's Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, a hiking official said on Saturday. Last month, a Greek climber and a Nepali Sherpa guide died on other peaks. Mountain climbing is the main tourism activity in Nepal and a key source of income as well as employment. The country has eight of the world's 14 highest mountains. More than 900 foreign mountaineers have received permits to climb 26 Himalayan peaks in Nepal, including 316 permits for Mount Everest, during the current season ending in May. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian climber dies on Mount Everest camp, says official

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