Russia launched a record 188 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv said Tuesday, amid growing international tensions over Russian missile threats and hints Moscow could strike European cities.

Russia launched a record 188 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv said Tuesday, amid growing international tensions over Russian missile threats and hints Moscow could strike European cities. Moscow and Kyiv have been escalating their drone and missile broadsides, with Ukraine recently firing US long-range missiles at Russia and the Kremlin retaliating with an experimental hypersonic missile. The barrage came as ambassadors from Ukraine and NATO's 32 members were due to meet in Brussels over Russia's firing last week of the intermediate-range missile on the city of Dnipro. Also read | Netanyahu's minister says voluntary emigration 'only way' Israel could occupy Gaza "During the night attack, the enemy launched a record number of Shahed strike unmanned aerial vehicles and unidentified drones," the air force said Tuesday, referring to Iranian-designed drones and putting the overall number fired at 188. The air force said it had shot down 76 Russian drones in 17 regions, while another 95 were either lost from their radars or downed by electronic jamming defensive systems. It did not specify what happened to the remainder. Moscow also fired four Iskander-M ballistic missiles, the air force said. "Unfortunately, critical infrastructure facilities were hit, private and apartment buildings were damaged in several regions," a statement said. AFP journalists heard explosions ring out over the capital, while Kyiv city officials said the air alert had lasted five hours and 10 Russian drones were shot down there. Power disrupted In the western Ternopil region, which is among those spared the worst of the fighting, authorities said drones had damaged a "critical infrastructure facility," without elaborating. They said however that the attack had disrupted electricity in the city of Ternopil and surrounding towns, and that engineers were working to stabilise supplies. Putin said the new missile attack last week was in response to Ukraine firing weapons supplied by the United States and Britain into Russia. The Kremlin leader warned that Moscow felt "entitled" to hit military facilities in countries that allow Ukraine to use their weapons against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the strike "the latest bout of Russian madness" and appealed for updated air defence systems to meet the new threat. Kyiv says it hopes to get "concrete and meaningful outcomes" after calling the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. Also read | Father of missing Hawaii woman Hannah Kobayashi died by 'suicide' while searching her diplomats and officials at NATO have played down expectations for any major results from the consultations on Tuesday afternoon at the alliance's Brussels headquarters. The most that is expected is a reiteration of NATO's earlier insistence that Moscow's deployment of the new weaponry will not "deter NATO allies from supporting Ukraine". The meeting "provides an opportunity to discuss the current security situation in Ukraine and will include briefings from Ukrainian officials via video link," a NATO official said. On the battlefield, Ukraine's fatigued troops are struggling to halt advances by Russian forces in the east of the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russia pounds Ukraine with 'record' barrage of 188 drones

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Nov 22) vowed to attack Ukraine with new Oreshnik missiles that are "ready to be used." The statement came just a day after Russia fired a new experimental hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.&nbsp;

"We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posed to Russia," Putin said in a televised meeting with military chiefs, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Putin further revealed in the meeting that Russia would begin serial production of experimental weapons.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-is-no-countermeasure-putin-hails-russias-oreshnik-missile-orders-serial-production-778447">‘There is no countermeasure,’ Putin hails Russia’s Oreshnik missile; orders serial production</a>

In response to the new threat by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country was already seeking updated air defence systems from its allies.&nbsp;

Zelensky called on world leaders to issue a "serious response" so that Putin "feels the real consequences of his actions," BBC reported.

“Using another country not just for terror but also to test new weapons for terror is an international crime,” the Ukrainian president said.

According to news agency Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to obtain the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

Russian strategic missile forces commander Sergei Karakayev joined Putin in the meeting and added that upcoming missiles could strike targets throughout Europe as well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-3-has-already-begun-ex-ukraine-army-chief-warns-citing-us-involvement-778351">‘World War 3 has already begun,’ Ex-Ukraine army chief warns, citing US involvement</a>

“Depending on the objectives and the range of this weapon, it can strike targets on the entire territory of Europe, which sets it apart from other types of long-range precision-guided weapons,” The Guardian reported Karakayev saying.&nbsp;

The United States has slammed Putin's use of this missile but does not believe that it is a "game-changer."&nbsp;

Oreshnik missiles can reportedly fly at 10 times the speed of sound and are capable of striking targets up to 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) away, AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Nov 22) vowed to attack Ukraine with new Oreshnik missiles that are "ready to be used." The statement came just a day after Russia fired a new experimental hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (Nov 22) vowed to attack Ukraine with new Oreshnik missiles that are "ready to be used." The statement came just a day after Russia fired a new experimental hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. "We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posed to Russia," Putin said in a televised meeting with military chiefs, AFP reported. Putin further revealed in the meeting that Russia would begin serial production of experimental weapons. Also read | ‘There is no countermeasure,’ Putin hails Russia’s Oreshnik missile; orders serial production In response to the new threat by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country was already seeking updated air defence systems from its allies. Zelensky called on world leaders to issue a "serious response" so that Putin "feels the real consequences of his actions," BBC reported. “Using another country not just for terror but also to test new weapons for terror is an international crime,” the Ukrainian president said. According to news agency Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to obtain the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). Russian strategic missile forces commander Sergei Karakayev joined Putin in the meeting and added that upcoming missiles could strike targets throughout Europe as well. Also read | ‘World War 3 has already begun,’ Ex-Ukraine army chief warns, citing US involvement “Depending on the objectives and the range of this weapon, it can strike targets on the entire territory of Europe, which sets it apart from other types of long-range precision-guided weapons,” The Guardian reported Karakayev saying. The United States has slammed Putin's use of this missile but does not believe that it is a "game-changer." Oreshnik missiles can reportedly fly at 10 times the speed of sound and are capable of striking targets up to 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles) away, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin vows to continue testing new Oreshnik missile in combat conditions

Elon Musk took part in a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President-elect Donald Trump after his election victory, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP Friday (Nov 8).

Elon Musk took part in a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President-elect Donald Trump after his election victory, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP Friday (Nov 8). "I confirm it," the presidency official who asked to remain anonymous told AFP, saying that the claim in a report by US news site Axios about the call on Wednesday was accurate. Musk, the world's richest man, played a major role in the Republican campaign, spending over $110 million of his fortune to help get him elected. Trump has said he aims to include Musk in some form of advisory role in his upcoming government. His presence during an official call underlines his close ties to the next US president. Also read | Pentagon officials brace for illegal orders from Donald Trump: Reports Another high-ranking Ukrainian source told AFP that Musk was physically present with Trump during the call. Musk "wasn't on the line, Trump gave him the phone. They were there together somewhere," the source said. Zelensky "thanked him (Musk) for the Starlinks, they talked briefly," the source said, referring to the satellite internet devices used by Ukrainian troops as they fight a Russian invasion. "But the main conversation was of course with Trump," the source added, while saying he and Zelensky "didn't discuss anything substantial, it was just a greeting conversation". Zelensky congratulates Trump Zelensky earlier said that he and Trump shared an "excellent" call, where he congratulated the Republican on his "tremendous victory" and they agreed to "maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation". He did not mention speaking to Musk. When contacted by AFP, Trump's team declined to confirm the Tesla boss's participation in the call, saying they would not discuss private conversations. Axios reported, citing two sources, that the call lasted some 25 minutes and left Zelensky somewhat reassured by what he heard from Trump, without giving specifics. Also read | 'Money's not an issue': Man charged in Trump's assassination attempt revealed Iran army's plan Zelensky said after the call that "strong and unwavering US leadership" under Trump was "vital" for a "just peace". Trump has repeatedly boasted that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours and criticised American aid to Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Washington has been a key military backer of Ukraine and many in Ukraine are worried that Trump will not give the same level of support -- or that he could back a peace settlement to Russia's advantage. On Thursday Zelensky said it would be "unacceptable" for Europe to offer the Kremlin concessions to halt its invasion of Ukraine after Moscow demanded the West enter direct talks on ending the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday hailed Trump as "courageous" for the way he handled himself following an assassination attempt at a rally in July, and said he was "ready" to hold discussions with him. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Elon Musk makes surprise appearance on Trump-Zelensky phone call: Reports

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol discussed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia with US President-elect Donald Trump in a phone conversation Yoon discussed his growing concern about Kim Jong Un's deepening military cooperation with Moscow.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol discussed the presence of North Korean troops in Russia with US President-elect Donald Trump in a phone conversation Yoon discussed his growing concern about Kim Jong Un's deepening military cooperation with Moscow. According to the media reports, Yoon said on Thursday (Nov 7) in a press conference that Trump raised the topic in the first 12 minutes of the call during which the two discussed various issues, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles being developed by Pyongyang. It was not clear what Trump said about the issue during the call. Claiming that he can build a strong relationship with the Republican, Yoon said, “We will strongly protect our freedom and peace by establishing a perfect South Korea-US security posture with the new administration in Washington," Bloomberg reported. At the same time, the South Korean president added that he would work to minimise any potential impact of the Trump administration on South Korea's economy. Also read: Amsterdam riots: Netanyahu orders rescue aircraft for Maccabi Tel Aviv fans In his election campaign, Trump promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war "within 24 hours" by making the two countries negotiate. Trump's relationship with Kim Jon Un Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traded insults and threats during his first presidency over Pyongyang's weapons programs, although they met three times, and Trump once quipped, "We fell in love" after exchanging letters. But even with the three summits they held, Trump failed to persuade Kim to give up his nuclear weapons, while diplomatic efforts under the Biden administration also stalled with the North ignoring a call to meet "anywhere, anytime without preconditions". The relationship is likely to come under fresh focus as Trump returns to the White House and North Korea takes unprecedented steps to help Russia in the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea’s Yoon discusses North Korean troops in Russia with Trump

Ukraine's largest private power firm DTEK stated on Friday (March 29)&nbsp; that three thermal power plants had been damaged by Russian missiles and drones strike. Russia's latest aerial attack targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, causing damage to facilities overnight.

"The occupants attacked three DTEK thermal power plants. Equipment was severely damaged. After the attack, engineers promptly started to deal with the consequences," the DTEK energy provider said on the Telegram messaging app.

According to local reports, at least five people were wounded in Russian strikes in the Kamianske district.

Local television channels in Ukraine reported that explosions were heard in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi regions, as well as the city of Dnipro, as Russian cruise missiles were spotted in Ukrainian airspace.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-downs-more-than-25-drones-in-latest-overnight-russian-strikes-705184">Ukraine claims it downed 26 drones in latest Russian strikes</a>

On March 29, Ukrenerho, a Ukrainian power grid operator, said that Russia had once again attacked Ukraine's energy sector, damaging thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the central and western regions.

Ukrenerho also reported emergency shutdowns in southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Province, with power facilities also affected in Poltava and Cherkasy regions.

<h2>Russian missiles and drone strikes cause damage to energy sector in Ukraine</h2>

Russian&nbsp;missiles and drone strikes have caused significant damage to the energy sector in Ukraine. As a result, Kyiv halted power exports and is relying on imports. DTEK has lost about 50 percent of its capacity due to Russian attacks.

Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko also confirmed that facilities in the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, and Cherkasy were attacked. Galushchenko wrote on Facebook, "Electricity generation facilities were targeted by drones and missiles. The enemy launched a powerful missile and air strike against the fuel and energy sector of Ukraine, using various types of missiles and attack drones."

Meanwhile, Ukraine&nbsp;destroyed at least 58 drones launched by Russia overnight, along with 26 of 39 missiles, the Ukrainian military said.

"The enemy launched a powerful missile and air strike against the fuel and energy sector of Ukraine, using various types of missiles and attack drones," the commander said.

Ukraine's largest private power firm DTEK stated on Friday (March 29) that three thermal power plants had been damaged by Russian missiles and drones strike. Russia's latest aerial attack targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, causing damage to facilities overnight.

Ukraine's largest private power firm DTEK stated on Friday (March 29) that three thermal power plants had been damaged by Russian missiles and drones strike. Russia's latest aerial attack targeted Ukraine’s energy sector, causing damage to facilities overnight. "The occupants attacked three DTEK thermal power plants. Equipment was severely damaged. After the attack, engineers promptly started to deal with the consequences," the DTEK energy provider said on the Telegram messaging app. According to local reports, at least five people were wounded in Russian strikes in the Kamianske district. Local television channels in Ukraine reported that explosions were heard in the Ivano-Frankivsk and Khmelnytskyi regions, as well as the city of Dnipro, as Russian cruise missiles were spotted in Ukrainian airspace. Also read | Ukraine claims it downed 26 drones in latest Russian strikes On March 29, Ukrenerho, a Ukrainian power grid operator, said that Russia had once again attacked Ukraine's energy sector, damaging thermal and hydroelectric power plants in the central and western regions. Ukrenerho also reported emergency shutdowns in southeastern Dnipropetrovsk Province, with power facilities also affected in Poltava and Cherkasy regions. Russian missiles and drone strikes cause damage to energy sector in Ukraine Russian missiles and drone strikes have caused significant damage to the energy sector in Ukraine. As a result, Kyiv halted power exports and is relying on imports. DTEK has lost about 50 percent of its capacity due to Russian attacks. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko also confirmed that facilities in the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, and Cherkasy were attacked. Galushchenko wrote on Facebook, "Electricity generation facilities were targeted by drones and missiles. The enemy launched a powerful missile and air strike against the fuel and energy sector of Ukraine, using various types of missiles and attack drones." Meanwhile, Ukraine destroyed at least 58 drones launched by Russia overnight, along with 26 of 39 missiles, the Ukrainian military said. "The enemy launched a powerful missile and air strike against the fuel and energy sector of Ukraine, using various types of missiles and attack drones," the commander said.

Russia destroys three thermal power plants in Ukraine, says the largest private power firm DTEK

The Ukrainian forces have now retreated from a position in the southern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka and this major development has come ahead of the 2nd anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine withdraws from position south Avdiivka

The World Food Programme has requested India for 200,000 tonnes of rice to carry out humanitarian operations, according to a report by Mint.

The appeal comes after the UN-mediated Black Sea grain deal, which was vital for world supply and collapsed last month when Russia withdrew on the grounds that the accord’s humanitarian goals could no longer be substantiated. After India curtailed rice shipments after Russia’s action, food prices worldwide increased even more.

Presently the department of commerce, ministry of external affairs, department of revenue, department of food and public distribution, and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) are reviewing the UN request internally.

Based on the assessment of the stock position, the request is anticipated to be approved.&nbsp;&nbsp;A government official told Mint that India has never turned down a request from the World Food Program.

“The decision will be made strictly on the basis of availability of the commodity and keeping the country’s food security in mind. We have agreed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that we will not impose any export restriction on the WFP. We have come up with rice export restrictions but they will be set aside when it comes to the request made by WFP,” Mint quotes the official as saying.

In order to process the aid, WFP has formally requested the country-of-origin certificate, commercial invoice, sanitary and phytosanitary certificate, as well as crop year certification.

Earlier, WFP-chartered ships supplied more than 380,000 tonnes of wheat through several Black Sea ports as part of the Black Sea grain agreement to support operations in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. This was vital in lowering food costs brought on by the conflict in Ukraine.

In India, the Consumer Food Price Index (CPI)—which accounts for almost to half of the total consumer price basket—measures food inflation and increased to 4.49 per cent in June 2023 from 2.96 per cent (revised) in May 2023. While core inflation estimates show that the underlying trend in inflation is intact, Morgan Stanley anticipates headline inflation to track higher than their previous assumption.

Mint cited the official saying that grain transit from Russia and Ukraine is restricted, driving up food costs globally and raising concerns about supplies.

“The price of rice coming out of Australia and the US, the next big producers, is much higher compared to elsewhere. And India has to ensure food security because the quantity that will be sought by India is enormous,” Mint quoted the official.

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The World Food Programme has requested India for 200,000 tonnes of rice to carry out humanitarian operations, according to a report by Mint. The appeal comes after the UN-mediated Black Sea grain deal, which was vital for world supply and collapsed last month when Russia withdrew on the grounds that the accord’s humanitarian goals could no longer be substantiated.

The World Food Programme has requested India for 200,000 tonnes of rice to carry out humanitarian operations, according to a report by Mint. The appeal comes after the UN-mediated Black Sea grain deal, which was vital for world supply and collapsed last month when Russia withdrew on the grounds that the accord’s humanitarian goals could no longer be substantiated. After India curtailed rice shipments after Russia’s action, food prices worldwide increased even more. Presently the department of commerce, ministry of external affairs, department of revenue, department of food and public distribution, and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) are reviewing the UN request internally. Based on the assessment of the stock position, the request is anticipated to be approved. A government official told Mint that India has never turned down a request from the World Food Program. “The decision will be made strictly on the basis of availability of the commodity and keeping the country’s food security in mind. We have agreed at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that we will not impose any export restriction on the WFP. We have come up with rice export restrictions but they will be set aside when it comes to the request made by WFP,” Mint quotes the official as saying. In order to process the aid, WFP has formally requested the country-of-origin certificate, commercial invoice, sanitary and phytosanitary certificate, as well as crop year certification. Earlier, WFP-chartered ships supplied more than 380,000 tonnes of wheat through several Black Sea ports as part of the Black Sea grain agreement to support operations in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. This was vital in lowering food costs brought on by the conflict in Ukraine. In India, the Consumer Food Price Index (CPI)—which accounts for almost to half of the total consumer price basket—measures food inflation and increased to 4.49 per cent in June 2023 from 2.96 per cent (revised) in May 2023. While core inflation estimates show that the underlying trend in inflation is intact, Morgan Stanley anticipates headline inflation to track higher than their previous assumption. Mint cited the official saying that grain transit from Russia and Ukraine is restricted, driving up food costs globally and raising concerns about supplies. “The price of rice coming out of Australia and the US, the next big producers, is much higher compared to elsewhere. And India has to ensure food security because the quantity that will be sought by India is enormous,” Mint quoted the official. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid worsening global hunger, WFP requests India for 200,000 tonnes of rice 

In Pics | NATO conducts its biggest-ever drill in Germany

The Nova Kakhovka dam breach could be Ukraine’s “worst ecological disaster since the Chornobyl nuclear meltdown”, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrij Melnyk said as experts eagerly wait for water to subside to assess the environmental impact.

The catastrophe took place early Tuesday when explosions ripped through the colossal hydroelectric dam in southern Ukraine — draining one of the continent's largest artificial reservoirs.

The deluge forced the evacuation of thousands of people downstream, polluted land, destroyed a large electricity generator and is expected to cause future problems with water supplies.

Concerns are also being raised at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is 160 kilometres (100 miles) upstream. The dam's reservoir provided water for the plant.

The International Energy Agency tweeted that there was “no immediate nuclear safety risk at plant”, because the cooling pools are already full, but the situation could turn worse if the reservoir is depleted, adding that it would make it difficult to replenish the cooling system and operate the diesel generators.

<h2>Kherson dam explosion opens floodgates of blame game between Russia &amp; Ukraine</h2>

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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday convened an emergency meeting of his security council after the collapse. The country’s public prosecutor said it is investigating a possible case of “ecocide”.

It is still unclear what caused the dam to break down even as Ukraine and Russia blame each other for deliberately blasting the main concrete barrier.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Russia blew up Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam wrecking havoc on civilians and the environment downstream on the Dnipro river. Russia’s army was squandered in Ukraine, so it chose to employ water as a weapon. However, this will only increase Ukraine's resolve to drive them off our soil. <a href="https://t.co/agdy6ykyhG">pic.twitter.com/agdy6ykyhG</a>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1665983258473951233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Several media reports highlighted satellite data showing that a road across the dam was already partly inundated in recent days and that water levels were at a record high.

<h2>Human disaster</h2>

However, the immediate impact could be felt on the ground where people living downstream are running for safety. The western shore of the Dnipro is under Ukrainian control, while the east and the dam itself are still held by Russia.

The Ukrainian head of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin,&nbsp;said&nbsp;as many as 16,000 people in Ukrainian-controlled territory are in danger and many would have to leave their homes, reports Politico.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-cause-of-ukraine-dam-destruction-not-conclusively-known-601470">Ukraine dam explosion: US not sure but possibility of Russian role being assessed</a>

Footage posted on social media showed severe flooding in the Russian-controlled town of Nova Kakhovka, next to the dam.

In one clip, swans swim past the ornate city council building, while in another, a sports stadium next to the river is inundated.

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Swans are currently swimming around the administrative center in Nova Kakhovka. <a href="https://t.co/L6lIqiqjto">https://t.co/L6lIqiqjto</a> <a href="https://t.co/kRv0t34e9n">pic.twitter.com/kRv0t34e9n</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1665994759058472960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The dam is the main source of water supply to Ukraine’s agriculture fields, the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula and is also used for cooling the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kakhovka-dam-destruction-live-ukraine-says-breach-biggest-environmental-catastrophe-since-chornobyl-601498">Kakhovka Dam LIVE | 'Biggest environmental catastrophe in 10 years': Ukraine</a>

Its destruction has created a new humanitarian crisis just as Ukraine is starting to unleash a long-awaited counteroffensive to drive Russian troops from its territory.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Nova Kakhovka dam breach could be Ukraine’s “worst ecological disaster since the Chornobyl nuclear meltdown”, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrij Melnyk said as experts eagerly wait for water to subside to assess the environmental impact.

The Nova Kakhovka dam breach could be Ukraine’s “worst ecological disaster since the Chornobyl nuclear meltdown”, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrij Melnyk said as experts eagerly wait for water to subside to assess the environmental impact. The catastrophe took place early Tuesday when explosions ripped through the colossal hydroelectric dam in southern Ukraine — draining one of the continent's largest artificial reservoirs. The deluge forced the evacuation of thousands of people downstream, polluted land, destroyed a large electricity generator and is expected to cause future problems with water supplies. Concerns are also being raised at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is 160 kilometres (100 miles) upstream. The dam's reservoir provided water for the plant. The International Energy Agency tweeted that there was “no immediate nuclear safety risk at plant”, because the cooling pools are already full, but the situation could turn worse if the reservoir is depleted, adding that it would make it difficult to replenish the cooling system and operate the diesel generators. Kherson dam explosion opens floodgates of blame game between Russia & Ukraine Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday convened an emergency meeting of his security council after the collapse. The country’s public prosecutor said it is investigating a possible case of “ecocide”. It is still unclear what caused the dam to break down even as Ukraine and Russia blame each other for deliberately blasting the main concrete barrier. Russia blew up Ukraine’s Kakhovka dam wrecking havoc on civilians and the environment downstream on the Dnipro river. Russia’s army was squandered in Ukraine, so it chose to employ water as a weapon. However, this will only increase Ukraine's resolve to drive them off our soil. pic.twitter.com/agdy6ykyhG — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) June 6, 2023 × Several media reports highlighted satellite data showing that a road across the dam was already partly inundated in recent days and that water levels were at a record high. Human disaster However, the immediate impact could be felt on the ground where people living downstream are running for safety. The western shore of the Dnipro is under Ukrainian control, while the east and the dam itself are still held by Russia. The Ukrainian head of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin, said as many as 16,000 people in Ukrainian-controlled territory are in danger and many would have to leave their homes, reports Politico. Also read | Ukraine dam explosion: US not sure but possibility of Russian role being assessed Footage posted on social media showed severe flooding in the Russian-controlled town of Nova Kakhovka, next to the dam. In one clip, swans swim past the ornate city council building, while in another, a sports stadium next to the river is inundated. Swans are currently swimming around the administrative center in Nova Kakhovka. https://t.co/L6lIqiqjto pic.twitter.com/kRv0t34e9n — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 6, 2023 × The dam is the main source of water supply to Ukraine’s agriculture fields, the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula and is also used for cooling the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Also read | Kakhovka Dam LIVE | 'Biggest environmental catastrophe in 10 years': Ukraine Its destruction has created a new humanitarian crisis just as Ukraine is starting to unleash a long-awaited counteroffensive to drive Russian troops from its territory. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nova Kakhovka dam breach could be worst ecological disaster since Chornobyl: Ukraine minister

The Chinese envoy who toured European capitals last month seeking to promote&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;peace&nbsp;talks said on Friday that Beijing is considering another&nbsp;mission,&nbsp;after&nbsp;acknowledging that his trip may not produce immediate results.

At a news conference, Li Hui rejected a media report saying he promoted a ceasefire that would leave its ally Russia occupying parts of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and said Beijing would "do anything" to ease tensions.

However, there are high hurdles to finding common ground between the warring sides, he added.

"We felt that there is a big gap between both sides' positions ... Getting all sides to negotiate now would still face a lot of difficulties," said Li,&nbsp;China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs and a former long-serving ambassador to Moscow.

"China&nbsp;is willing to actively consider sending another delegation to relevant countries to engage in dialogue on resolving the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;crisis," said Li, without elaborating on which countries.

In May, Li completed a 12-day tour of Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Moscow in what&nbsp;China&nbsp;said was a bid to find common ground for an eventual political settlement.

"The risk of escalation of the Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;war is still high," Li said, adding that all sides must take concrete measures to "cool down the situation" and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities.

"As long as it's conducive to easing the situation,&nbsp;China&nbsp;is willing to do anything," he said.

The United States and several European countries have urged Beijing to use its influence over Russia to seek an end to the crisis, although Beijing's refusal to condemn Moscow over the invasion has raised suspicion of its motives.

Li,&nbsp;China's ambassador to Moscow from 2009 to 2019, said Russia has appreciated&nbsp;China's desire and efforts to promote a&nbsp;peaceful settlement of the crisis.

Earlier this year,&nbsp;China&nbsp;published a 12-point&nbsp;peace&nbsp;plan, calling for the protection of civilians and the sovereignty of all countries be respected.

French and German officials with knowledge of Li's meetings in Europe said he had stuck closely to these talking points and had been eager to stress the role of the United States in escalating the crisis by supplying weapons to&nbsp;Ukraine.

"There was no&nbsp;peace&nbsp;plan. It was more of a session of doing a roundtable of each of our positions," said the French official, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive meetings.

"I don't think we expect&nbsp;China&nbsp;to be a mediator, but it can use its influence on Russia and can help make it understand."

The Chinese envoy who toured European capitals last month seeking to promote Ukraine peace talks said on Friday that Beijing is considering another mission, after acknowledging that his trip may not produce immediate results.

The Chinese envoy who toured European capitals last month seeking to promote Ukraine peace talks said on Friday that Beijing is considering another mission, after acknowledging that his trip may not produce immediate results. At a news conference, Li Hui rejected a media report saying he promoted a ceasefire that would leave its ally Russia occupying parts of Ukraine and said Beijing would "do anything" to ease tensions. However, there are high hurdles to finding common ground between the warring sides, he added. "We felt that there is a big gap between both sides' positions ... Getting all sides to negotiate now would still face a lot of difficulties," said Li, China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs and a former long-serving ambassador to Moscow. "China is willing to actively consider sending another delegation to relevant countries to engage in dialogue on resolving the Ukraine crisis," said Li, without elaborating on which countries. In May, Li completed a 12-day tour of Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and Moscow in what China said was a bid to find common ground for an eventual political settlement. "The risk of escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war is still high," Li said, adding that all sides must take concrete measures to "cool down the situation" and ensure the safety of nuclear facilities. "As long as it's conducive to easing the situation, China is willing to do anything," he said. The United States and several European countries have urged Beijing to use its influence over Russia to seek an end to the crisis, although Beijing's refusal to condemn Moscow over the invasion has raised suspicion of its motives. Li, China's ambassador to Moscow from 2009 to 2019, said Russia has appreciated China's desire and efforts to promote a peaceful settlement of the crisis. Earlier this year, China published a 12-point peace plan, calling for the protection of civilians and the sovereignty of all countries be respected. French and German officials with knowledge of Li's meetings in Europe said he had stuck closely to these talking points and had been eager to stress the role of the United States in escalating the crisis by supplying weapons to Ukraine. "There was no peace plan. It was more of a session of doing a roundtable of each of our positions," said the French official, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive meetings. "I don't think we expect China to be a mediator, but it can use its influence on Russia and can help make it understand."

China weighs next Ukraine peace mission after first yields little progress

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes&nbsp;weapons and ammunition&nbsp;to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

For war-renouncing Japan, any procurement would test its willingness to court controversy to help Kyiv because export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, such as the howitzer shells that Ukraine fires daily at Russian units occupying its southeastern regions.

Nonetheless, the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global&nbsp;shortages&nbsp;of munitions.

"There is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan," one of the people with knowledge of discussions on the matter in Japan told Reuters on the condition of anonymity, citing the issue's sensitivity.

Export restrictions for dual-use products or equipment sold commercially are less stringent than for items with a purely military purpose, which is why the US&nbsp;can buy Panasonic Toughbook laptops for its military.

Tokyo, which hosted US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, has told the US&nbsp;government it will allow the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not a military-use-only product, the other source said.

The US&nbsp;wants to plug a Japanese company into a TNT supply chain to deliver explosives to US&nbsp;army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases, the person added.

Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy declined to say whether any Japanese company had approached it about exporting TNT. It added in an email that items not subject to military restrictions would be assessed under regular export rules that consider the buyer's intent, including whether their use would impede international security.

The Japanese defence ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment.

The US&nbsp;State Department did not directly address questions from Reuters about whether the US&nbsp;planned to buy TNT in Japan but said Washington was working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with the support it needs" to defend itself. Japan, it added, "has demonstrated leadership in supporting Ukraine's defense".

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Eager to help</h2>

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to help Ukraine because his administration fears a Russian victory would embolden China to attack Taiwan and embroil his country in a regional war. Last year, he warned that Ukraine may be "East Asia tomorrow", and his administration announced&nbsp;Japan's biggest military build-up since World War Two.

That retreat from the state pacifism that has dominated Japan's foreign policy for decades has not so far extended to lethal military aid, limiting Tokyo's offerings to Kyiv to kit such as flak jackets, helmets and food rations.

Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Japan during the Hiroshima G7 leaders summit last month, Kishida agreed to donate jeeps and trucks.

There appears to be growing acceptance in Japan about providing military aid to Ukraine, but the degree of lethality is contentious, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.

"The fact that Japan has decided to give trucks to Ukraine shows that things are changing. However, there doesn't yet appear to be any political consensus around the issue of sending lethal aid," he said.

Japan is one of dozens of friends and allies that Washington is asking to help arm Ukraine as it wrestles with stretched military supply chains.

South Korea, which also uses 155mm shells, is among those the US&nbsp;has&nbsp;approached. A South Korean defence official told Reuters that Seoul's stance against providing lethal aid to Kyiv had not changed.

Asked in Tokyo this week about the possibility of a shift in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin said at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan but "any bit of support" for Ukraine was "always welcome".

The sources who spoke to Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US&nbsp;government and did not say how much TNT Washington wanted to buy.

Reuters contacted 22 explosives makers listed on the Japan Explosives Industry Association's website. The only one that said it made industrial TNT was Chugoku Kayaku, a Hiroshima-based firm that supplies Japan's military.

"We have not received any direct inquiry from the US&nbsp;government or US&nbsp;military," the company said in an email.

Asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the firm, which lists an industrial TNT product on its website, said it did not disclose the identity of customers or potential buyers.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Japan's next move</h2>

Supplying commercial TNT to the US&nbsp;may only be a stop-gap measure because many lawmakers of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate the export restrictions.

In December, when Kishida announced Japan's five-year military build-up, he pledged to revise the export rules, opening up the possibility that Japan could supply lethal weapons not only to Ukraine but to other nations that Tokyo and Washington see as potential allies against Russia and China.

Akihisa Nagashima, a former deputy defence minister and a ranking LDP member of the parliamentary committee on national security, said the military build-up would take Japan four-fifths of the way to becoming a "normal country" unencumbered by the legacy of its World War Two defeat.

"Tackling the export restrictions is the remaining 20 per cent," he said.

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The United States is seeking to secure supplies of TNT in Japan for 155mm artillery shells, as Washington rushes weapons and ammunition to Ukraine for a counteroffensive against Russian forces, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. For war-renouncing Japan, any procurement would test its willingness to court controversy to help Kyiv because export rules ban Japanese companies from selling lethal items overseas, such as the howitzer shells that Ukraine fires daily at Russian units occupying its southeastern regions. Nonetheless, the allies appear to have found a workaround to enable the TNT sale amid global shortages of munitions. "There is a way for the United States to buy explosives from Japan," one of the people with knowledge of discussions on the matter in Japan told Reuters on the condition of anonymity, citing the issue's sensitivity. Export restrictions for dual-use products or equipment sold commercially are less stringent than for items with a purely military purpose, which is why the US can buy Panasonic Toughbook laptops for its military. Tokyo, which hosted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, has told the US government it will allow the sale of industrial TNT because the explosive is not a military-use-only product, the other source said. The US wants to plug a Japanese company into a TNT supply chain to deliver explosives to US army-owned munitions plants that would pack them into 155mm shell cases, the person added. Japan's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Economy declined to say whether any Japanese company had approached it about exporting TNT. It added in an email that items not subject to military restrictions would be assessed under regular export rules that consider the buyer's intent, including whether their use would impede international security. The Japanese defence ministry's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency declined to comment. The US State Department did not directly address questions from Reuters about whether the US planned to buy TNT in Japan but said Washington was working with allies and partners "to provide Ukraine with the support it needs" to defend itself. Japan, it added, "has demonstrated leadership in supporting Ukraine's defense". Eager to help Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida wants to help Ukraine because his administration fears a Russian victory would embolden China to attack Taiwan and embroil his country in a regional war. Last year, he warned that Ukraine may be "East Asia tomorrow", and his administration announced Japan's biggest military build-up since World War Two. That retreat from the state pacifism that has dominated Japan's foreign policy for decades has not so far extended to lethal military aid, limiting Tokyo's offerings to Kyiv to kit such as flak jackets, helmets and food rations. Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Japan during the Hiroshima G7 leaders summit last month, Kishida agreed to donate jeeps and trucks. There appears to be growing acceptance in Japan about providing military aid to Ukraine, but the degree of lethality is contentious, said Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. "The fact that Japan has decided to give trucks to Ukraine shows that things are changing. However, there doesn't yet appear to be any political consensus around the issue of sending lethal aid," he said. Japan is one of dozens of friends and allies that Washington is asking to help arm Ukraine as it wrestles with stretched military supply chains. South Korea, which also uses 155mm shells, is among those the US has approached. A South Korean defence official told Reuters that Seoul's stance against providing lethal aid to Kyiv had not changed. Asked in Tokyo this week about the possibility of a shift in Japanese policy on lethal aid, Austin said at a press briefing that any change would be a matter for Japan but "any bit of support" for Ukraine was "always welcome". The sources who spoke to Reuters declined to identify the Japanese company that would supply explosives to the US government and did not say how much TNT Washington wanted to buy. Reuters contacted 22 explosives makers listed on the Japan Explosives Industry Association's website. The only one that said it made industrial TNT was Chugoku Kayaku, a Hiroshima-based firm that supplies Japan's military. "We have not received any direct inquiry from the US government or US military," the company said in an email. Asked if it was discussing any TNT sales through an intermediary, the firm, which lists an industrial TNT product on its website, said it did not disclose the identity of customers or potential buyers. Japan's next move Supplying commercial TNT to the US may only be a stop-gap measure because many lawmakers of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) want to ease or eliminate the export restrictions. In December, when Kishida announced Japan's five-year military build-up, he pledged to revise the export rules, opening up the possibility that Japan could supply lethal weapons not only to Ukraine but to other nations that Tokyo and Washington see as potential allies against Russia and China. Akihisa Nagashima, a former deputy defence minister and a ranking LDP member of the parliamentary committee on national security, said the military build-up would take Japan four-fifths of the way to becoming a "normal country" unencumbered by the legacy of its World War Two defeat. "Tackling the export restrictions is the remaining 20 per cent," he said.

US seeking explosives in Japan for Ukraine artillery shells: Report

In what might be called as one of the biggest incursions from Ukraine since the advent of Russia’s invasion over a year ago, two alleged anti-Kremlin armed groups have claimed responsibility for the attack in the country's western Belgorod region.

The authorities in Moscow have condemned Ukrainian armed groups for the attack and initiated a terrorism probe into the incident.

Meanwhile, Kyiv has denied any involvement, saying that the assailants are Russian citizens.

<h2>Ukraine denies involvement</h2>

Ukrainian officials after the incident said that they are watching the situation as it develops, but the country “has nothing to do with it”. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak suggested that Russian “guerrilla groups” might be the ones responsible for the attack that occurred on Monday.

Notably, Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for several reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory.&nbsp;

He said, "The only driving political force in a totalitarian country of tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement. As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens."&nbsp;

The Russian military, on Tuesday (May 23) said that it had crushed the cross-border attack from Ukraine after deploying jets and artillery to destroy an armed group a day after they attacked the border region with armoured vehicles. Moscow also claimed that it killed over 70 “Ukrainian nationalists” and destroyed four of their armoured vehicles.&nbsp;

According to Russia-installed officials, at least 12 civilians were wounded after what Moscow called a “sabotage” group incursion from Ukraine and introduced an “anti-terror regime” in the region of Belgorod.&nbsp;

Notably, the “anti-terror regime” grants special powers to security services, while also imposing a number of restrictions and measures, which include more security and communications surveillance in a region.&nbsp;

“In the course of the counter-terrorist operation, the nationalist formations were blocked and destroyed by air strikes and artillery fire,” said the Russian defence ministry in a statement.

It also said that Russia killed more than 70 Ukrainian fighters and destroyed four armoured vehicles and five pick-up trucks.&nbsp;

Following the incident, Belgorod’s governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that civilians from nine border villages had been evacuated. However, they haven't yet been asked to return. In response to the alleged attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “What happened yesterday is a cause for deep concern and once again confirms that Ukrainian militants continue their activities against our country.”&nbsp;

The Kremlin said that Putin has been informed about the incident. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the "defence ministry, the FSB (security service) and the border service reported to the Russian president about an attempt of a Ukrainian sabotage group to break into the Belgorod region".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Peskov said the incursion was designed to "divert attention" from Bakhmut and "minimise" Ukraine's loss of the eastern city, which Moscow claimed to capture.&nbsp;

<h2>Two ‘anti-Kremlin’ groups claim responsibility</h2>

As per Reuters reports, two groups claimed responsibility for the incursion - the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and the Freedom of Russia Legion.

RUSSIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS

Founded by a far-right Russian national in the month of August last year, the group comprises Russians who have been fighting in and for Ukraine against their own country, as per Reuters reports.

The group had claimed responsibility for a raid over the border in Russian territory in the month of March and also for the incursion into Belgorod.

According to Reuters, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency said that the RVC is an 'independent underground group' inside Russia that also has a unit in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. However, the Foreign Legion says it has 'nothing to do' with the RVC.

A video posted by the RVC, seen by the news agency Reuters, claims to have seized an armoured Russian personal carrier.&nbsp;

Reuters was able to identify one of the men as Ilya Bogdanov, a Russian national who received Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 after fighting for Kyiv against Russian-backed forces in Ukraine's east.

FREEDOM OF RUSSIA LEGION&nbsp;

Freedom of Russia Legion is said to be formed in the year 2022 "out of the wish of Russians to fight in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against Putin's armed gang."

According to the reports, the group is a Ukraine-based Russian militia group which cooperates with the Ukrainian armed forces and works under Ukrainian command.

It has claimed responsibility for the attack in Belgorod and asserts it has been fighting in eastern Ukraine.

On Monday, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency's spokesperson released a statement saying that the infiltrations in Belgorod only involved Russian citizens and that they were making efforts to create a 'security zone' to safeguard the Ukrainian civilians. &nbsp;

<h2>Leader of RVC warns Russia to expect more incursions</h2>

Combatants of the groups, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and Freedom of Russia Legion, which took responsibility for the incursions in Russia’s western Belgorod region, spoke to the media on Wednesday (May 24).

They held a news conference at a forest clearing in northern Ukraine, near the Russian border.&nbsp;

The leaders of the group while speaking to the reporters said that the Belgorod raid was their "first step" and that they would "continue to conduct more incursions into Russian territory in the near future".

"I think you will see us again on that side," said Denis Kapustin, who introduced himself as the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps group. "I cannot reveal those upcoming things, I cannot even reveal the direction. The ... border is pretty long. Yet again there will be a spot where things will get hot."

"You should be just a little bit patient, and wait just a couple of days to see us again on that side," Kapustin said in Russian referring to the Russian side of the border.

"The operation is ongoing. This is how I should put it, to be honest. It definitely has different phases. So, phase one we consider the successful phase, it's over now. But, the operation is ongoing," he said in English.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In what might be called as one of the biggest incursions from Ukraine since the advent of Russia’s invasion over a year ago, two alleged anti-Kremlin armed groups have claimed responsibility for the attack in the country's western Belgorod region.

In what might be called as one of the biggest incursions from Ukraine since the advent of Russia’s invasion over a year ago, two alleged anti-Kremlin armed groups have claimed responsibility for the attack in the country's western Belgorod region. The authorities in Moscow have condemned Ukrainian armed groups for the attack and initiated a terrorism probe into the incident. Meanwhile, Kyiv has denied any involvement, saying that the assailants are Russian citizens. Ukraine denies involvement Ukrainian officials after the incident said that they are watching the situation as it develops, but the country “has nothing to do with it”. Ukrainian presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak suggested that Russian “guerrilla groups” might be the ones responsible for the attack that occurred on Monday. Notably, Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for several reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory. He said, "The only driving political force in a totalitarian country of tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement. As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens." The Russian military, on Tuesday (May 23) said that it had crushed the cross-border attack from Ukraine after deploying jets and artillery to destroy an armed group a day after they attacked the border region with armoured vehicles. Moscow also claimed that it killed over 70 “Ukrainian nationalists” and destroyed four of their armoured vehicles. According to Russia-installed officials, at least 12 civilians were wounded after what Moscow called a “sabotage” group incursion from Ukraine and introduced an “anti-terror regime” in the region of Belgorod. Notably, the “anti-terror regime” grants special powers to security services, while also imposing a number of restrictions and measures, which include more security and communications surveillance in a region. “In the course of the counter-terrorist operation, the nationalist formations were blocked and destroyed by air strikes and artillery fire,” said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. It also said that Russia killed more than 70 Ukrainian fighters and destroyed four armoured vehicles and five pick-up trucks. Following the incident, Belgorod’s governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that civilians from nine border villages had been evacuated. However, they haven't yet been asked to return. In response to the alleged attack, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “What happened yesterday is a cause for deep concern and once again confirms that Ukrainian militants continue their activities against our country.” The Kremlin said that Putin has been informed about the incident. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the "defence ministry, the FSB (security service) and the border service reported to the Russian president about an attempt of a Ukrainian sabotage group to break into the Belgorod region". Peskov said the incursion was designed to "divert attention" from Bakhmut and "minimise" Ukraine's loss of the eastern city, which Moscow claimed to capture. Two ‘anti-Kremlin’ groups claim responsibility As per Reuters reports, two groups claimed responsibility for the incursion - the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and the Freedom of Russia Legion. RUSSIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS Founded by a far-right Russian national in the month of August last year, the group comprises Russians who have been fighting in and for Ukraine against their own country, as per Reuters reports. The group had claimed responsibility for a raid over the border in Russian territory in the month of March and also for the incursion into Belgorod. According to Reuters, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency said that the RVC is an 'independent underground group' inside Russia that also has a unit in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion. However, the Foreign Legion says it has 'nothing to do' with the RVC. A video posted by the RVC, seen by the news agency Reuters, claims to have seized an armoured Russian personal carrier. Reuters was able to identify one of the men as Ilya Bogdanov, a Russian national who received Ukrainian citizenship in 2015 after fighting for Kyiv against Russian-backed forces in Ukraine's east. FREEDOM OF RUSSIA LEGION Freedom of Russia Legion is said to be formed in the year 2022 "out of the wish of Russians to fight in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against Putin's armed gang." According to the reports, the group is a Ukraine-based Russian militia group which cooperates with the Ukrainian armed forces and works under Ukrainian command. It has claimed responsibility for the attack in Belgorod and asserts it has been fighting in eastern Ukraine. On Monday, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency's spokesperson released a statement saying that the infiltrations in Belgorod only involved Russian citizens and that they were making efforts to create a 'security zone' to safeguard the Ukrainian civilians. Leader of RVC warns Russia to expect more incursions Combatants of the groups, the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) and Freedom of Russia Legion, which took responsibility for the incursions in Russia’s western Belgorod region, spoke to the media on Wednesday (May 24). They held a news conference at a forest clearing in northern Ukraine, near the Russian border. The leaders of the group while speaking to the reporters said that the Belgorod raid was their "first step" and that they would "continue to conduct more incursions into Russian territory in the near future". "I think you will see us again on that side," said Denis Kapustin, who introduced himself as the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps group. "I cannot reveal those upcoming things, I cannot even reveal the direction. The ... border is pretty long. Yet again there will be a spot where things will get hot." "You should be just a little bit patient, and wait just a couple of days to see us again on that side," Kapustin said in Russian referring to the Russian side of the border. "The operation is ongoing. This is how I should put it, to be honest. It definitely has different phases. So, phase one we consider the successful phase, it's over now. But, the operation is ongoing," he said in English. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Belgorod raid: The combatants who infiltrated Russia and infuriated Putin

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Tuesday that the country will continue to look into the recent alleged leak of sensitive information until the source was identified. The Department of Justice has launched an inquiry into the recent social media postings of what appears to be a large number of US intelligence documents. The probe takes place as further records that span everything from US help for Ukraine to details about important US allies like Israel surface on Friday, increasing the ramifications of the already concerning leaks. Following social media posts of what appeared to be sensitive information on the war in Ukraine, the Pentagon announced on Thursday that it was investigating the situation.

Pentagon leaks: Will turn every rock to find source of leak, says US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

The Department of Justice has launched an inquiry into the recent social media postings of what appears to be a large number of US intelligence documents. The probe takes place as further records that span everything from US help for Ukraine to details about important US allies like Israel surface on Friday, increasing the ramifications of the already concerning leaks. Following social media posts of what appeared to be sensitive information on the war in Ukraine, the Pentagon announced on Thursday that it was investigating the situation.

Pentagon leaks: US suspects more leaks in coming days

The Department of Justice has launched an inquiry into the recent social media postings of what appear to be a large number of US intelligence documents. The probe takes place as further records that span everything from US help for Ukraine to details about important US allies like Israel surface on Friday, increasing the ramifications of the already concerning leaks. Following social media posts of what appeared to be sensitive information on the war in Ukraine, the Pentagon announced on Thursday that it was investigating the situation.

US scrambles to find source of leaked Ukraine intel

Pentagon leak says Kyiv's air defence could run out of missiles

Three US officials told Reuters that Russia or pro-Russian elements are probably responsible for the leak of several classified U.S. military documents that were posted on social media and provide a partial, month-old snapshot of the conflict in Ukraine. Separately, the Justice Department said it was looking into the leak.

Pentagon investigating leak of secret Ukrainian documents