In a polarising mobilisation effort, the first since World War Two, Russia has finally announced an end to its 'partial mobilisation' for&nbsp;Ukraine.

The announcement comes after deploying over a quarter of the gathered&nbsp;soldiers to the front lines.

The process of mobilisation began in late September after the president in his televised address announced the need of deploying Russian soldiers to Ukraine for the fight.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-bracing-for-unprecedented-power-outages-due-to-russias-bombing-campaign-529288">Also read |&nbsp;Kyiv bracing for 'unprecedented' power outages due to Russia's bombing campaign</a>

During a live meeting in the Kremlin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "The task set by you of (mobilising) 300,000 people has been completed. No further measures are planned." He further claimed that no additional actions are needed and nearly 82,000 soldiers have already been sent to the area. He informed President Putin of the same.

Putin thanked reservists for their dedication to duty, patriotism and unwavering commitment to defend their country, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

People saw the direct effect of Moscow's special military operation initiated in February and then the call for mobilisation. Thousands of individuals protested for both reasons and were detained.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-secret-services-trying-to-subvert-pro-west-govt-in-moldova-report-529199">Also read |&nbsp;Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report</a>

During his televised address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his doubt that Moscow had called up all of its troops. He claimed that the Russian military is so poorly trained and equipped that it s assumed that Russia might deploy soldiers soon.

Kyiv in the meantime has kept advancing. Serhiy Gaidai, Luhansk governor on Friday declared that the Ukrainian forces had essentially taken complete control of a crucial route that links Svavtove and Kreminna. The Ukrainian forces have advanced their control of Kherson.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US has announced another military aid worth $275 million to Ukraine, bringing US military assistance under&nbsp;the Biden administration to&nbsp;$18.5 billion.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a polarising mobilisation effort, the first since World War Two, Russia has finally announced an end to its 'partial mobilisation' for Ukraine. The announcement comes after deploying over a quarter of the gathered soldiers to the front lines.

In a polarising mobilisation effort, the first since World War Two, Russia has finally announced an end to its 'partial mobilisation' for Ukraine. The announcement comes after deploying over a quarter of the gathered soldiers to the front lines. The process of mobilisation began in late September after the president in his televised address announced the need of deploying Russian soldiers to Ukraine for the fight. Also read | Kyiv bracing for 'unprecedented' power outages due to Russia's bombing campaign During a live meeting in the Kremlin, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "The task set by you of (mobilising) 300,000 people has been completed. No further measures are planned." He further claimed that no additional actions are needed and nearly 82,000 soldiers have already been sent to the area. He informed President Putin of the same. Putin thanked reservists for their dedication to duty, patriotism and unwavering commitment to defend their country, Reuters reported. People saw the direct effect of Moscow's special military operation initiated in February and then the call for mobilisation. Thousands of individuals protested for both reasons and were detained. Also read | Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report During his televised address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his doubt that Moscow had called up all of its troops. He claimed that the Russian military is so poorly trained and equipped that it s assumed that Russia might deploy soldiers soon. Kyiv in the meantime has kept advancing. Serhiy Gaidai, Luhansk governor on Friday declared that the Ukrainian forces had essentially taken complete control of a crucial route that links Svavtove and Kreminna. The Ukrainian forces have advanced their control of Kherson. Meanwhile, the US has announced another military aid worth $275 million to Ukraine, bringing US military assistance under the Biden administration to $18.5 billion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'The task set by you has been completed': Russia ends mobilisation for Ukraine, Zelensky expresses doubt

On Thursday (October 27), Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chenchen leader and a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, said that 23 soldiers had been killed and 58 others injured in an artillery attack by Ukraine this week.

Kadyrov claimed the instance happened in southern Kherson in a Telegram statement. He said, "All rescue operations at the site have been completed and there is a final list of dead and injured—23 soldiers were killed and 58 wounded."

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Chechnya is a province in southern Russia with a majority of Muslims in the region, which is headed by Kadyrov. The leader identifies himself as a foot soldier for the Russian president.

It has been nearly eight months since the conflict in Russia's Ukraine began. Thousands and thousands of soldiers from both sides have been killed. The recent instance adds to the Russian fatality toll.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-goddaughter-and-renowned-russian-media-figure-ksenia-sobchak-flees-to-lithuania-528857">Also read |&nbsp;Putin's goddaughter and renowned Russian media figure Ksenia Sobchak flees to Lithuania&nbsp;</a>

The Moscow forces have rarely acknowledged battlefield defeats since the war began, and the Chenchen leader's remarks were unexpected.

He also admitted that he had deployed thousands of soldiers to participate in the conflict. Yes, our losses in the early hours that day were great, but Chechens are participating in jihad ... and if they are destined to fall in the holy war, it is an honour and a great joy for every true Muslim, he remarked.

He claimed that following the conflict, the Chechen soldiers killed nearly 70 Ukrainian soldiers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Thursday (October 27), Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chenchen leader and a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, said that 23 soldiers had been killed and 58 others injured in an artillery attack by Ukraine this week.

On Thursday (October 27), Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chenchen leader and a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, said that 23 soldiers had been killed and 58 others injured in an artillery attack by Ukraine this week. Kadyrov claimed the instance happened in southern Kherson in a Telegram statement. He said, "All rescue operations at the site have been completed and there is a final list of dead and injured—23 soldiers were killed and 58 wounded." Also read | ‘Future belongs to India’: Russia's Vladimir Putin hails PM Modi’s 'independent' foreign policy Chechnya is a province in southern Russia with a majority of Muslims in the region, which is headed by Kadyrov. The leader identifies himself as a foot soldier for the Russian president. It has been nearly eight months since the conflict in Russia's Ukraine began. Thousands and thousands of soldiers from both sides have been killed. The recent instance adds to the Russian fatality toll. Also read | Putin's goddaughter and renowned Russian media figure Ksenia Sobchak flees to Lithuania The Moscow forces have rarely acknowledged battlefield defeats since the war began, and the Chenchen leader's remarks were unexpected. He also admitted that he had deployed thousands of soldiers to participate in the conflict. Yes, our losses in the early hours that day were great, but Chechens are participating in jihad ... and if they are destined to fall in the holy war, it is an honour and a great joy for every true Muslim, he remarked. He claimed that following the conflict, the Chechen soldiers killed nearly 70 Ukrainian soldiers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia-Ukraine conflict: 23 killed, 58 injured in southern Kherson, says Vladimir Putin's ally Kadyrov

The new commander of Russian forces in Ukraine has admitted that the situation in the southern city of Kherson is "difficult." In other news, lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives have proposed a resolution urging President Joe Biden to recognise the war crimes committed by Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will announce the release of 15 million barrels of oil from the US strategic reserve on Wednesday (October 19). In Pakistan this year, within eight months (January-August) over 15,000 police complaints were registered by women, making it the most number on record. &nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kherson-facing-difficult-situation-russian-commander-admits-amid-claims-of-overnight-shelling-by-kyiv-526608">Kherson facing 'difficult' situation, Russian commander admits amid claims of overnight shelling by Kyiv</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/19/304689-2022-10-18t185706z1lynxmpei9h0tyrtroptp4ukraine-crisis-surovikin.JPG" />

"The situation in this area is difficult. The enemy is deliberately striking infrastructure and residential buildings in Kherson," Sergei Surovikin, the Russian air force general now commanding Russia's invasion forces, told the state-owned Rossiya 24 news channel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-urge-biden-to-recognise-war-crimes-committed-by-pakistan-during-1971-bangladesh-liberation-526624">US lawmakers urge Biden to recognise 'war crimes' committed by Pakistan during 1971 Bangladesh liberation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/19/304704-new-wion-11.png" />

The eight-page resolution is titled 'Recognising the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971' and urges that the "active role" played by the Pakistan army and its functioning ancillary units in mass rape and genocide be recognised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-release-15m-barrels-from-us-oil-reserves-after-opec-output-cut-526603">Biden to release 15 million barrels from US oil reserves after OPEC+ output cut</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/19/304683-140601aa287721901666137115011.jpg" />

In reaction to price increases brought on by Russia's invasion of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-withdraws-proposal-to-pentagon-seking-funds-for-starlink-526391">Ukraine</a>, the latest batch of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will be "completing the 180 million barrel release authorised in the spring," a senior US official said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-over-15000-complaints-registered-by-women-harassment-rape-and-family-issues-punjab-at-top-526619">Pakistan: Over 15,000 complaints registered by women for harassment, rape and family issues, Punjab at top&nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/19/304700-000del6382002.jpg" />

According to the 2021 annual report by the Sindh Suhai organisation, which works for women and girls who face abuse stated that 6,842 women were reported to be victims of violence and over 100 were raped.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK PM Liz Truss apologizes for market turmoil, but will public forgive her?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-liz-truss-apologizes-for-market-turmoil-but-will-public-forgive-her-526615/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new commander of Russian forces in Ukraine has admitted that the situation in the southern city of Kherson is "difficult." In other news, lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives have proposed a resolution urging President Joe Biden to recognise the war crimes committed by Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation.

The new commander of Russian forces in Ukraine has admitted that the situation in the southern city of Kherson is "difficult." In other news, lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives have proposed a resolution urging President Joe Biden to recognise the war crimes committed by Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh liberation. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will announce the release of 15 million barrels of oil from the US strategic reserve on Wednesday (October 19). In Pakistan this year, within eight months (January-August) over 15,000 police complaints were registered by women, making it the most number on record. Click on the headlines to read more: Kherson facing 'difficult' situation, Russian commander admits amid claims of overnight shelling by Kyiv "The situation in this area is difficult. The enemy is deliberately striking infrastructure and residential buildings in Kherson," Sergei Surovikin, the Russian air force general now commanding Russia's invasion forces, told the state-owned Rossiya 24 news channel. US lawmakers urge Biden to recognise 'war crimes' committed by Pakistan during 1971 Bangladesh liberation The eight-page resolution is titled 'Recognising the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971' and urges that the "active role" played by the Pakistan army and its functioning ancillary units in mass rape and genocide be recognised. Biden to release 15 million barrels from US oil reserves after OPEC+ output cut In reaction to price increases brought on by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the latest batch of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will be "completing the 180 million barrel release authorised in the spring," a senior US official said on Tuesday. Pakistan: Over 15,000 complaints registered by women for harassment, rape and family issues, Punjab at top According to the 2021 annual report by the Sindh Suhai organisation, which works for women and girls who face abuse stated that 6,842 women were reported to be victims of violence and over 100 were raped. Watch | UK PM Liz Truss apologizes for market turmoil, but will public forgive her?

Morning news brief: Situation in Kherson 'difficult,' US to release 15mn barrels of oil, and more

Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, American companies have been prohibited from dealing with MMZ Avangard, a state-owned&nbsp;firm&nbsp;that makes&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;for one of Russia's most sophisticated weapons, the S-400 air-defence system.

In a measure of Western concern about the S-400, the United States ejected Turkey, a NATO member, from a joint fighter jet programme in 2019 after Ankara took delivery of the Russian system.

But even as the United States was taking actions to blunt MMZ Avangard's business, a publicly traded American&nbsp;technology company, Extreme Networks, was providing MMZ Avangard with computer&nbsp;networking&nbsp;equipment for its office IT systems, according to emails and other business records seen by Reuters, as well as interviews with people familiar with the matter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unga-passes-resolution-condemning-russian-illegal-annexation-of-ukrainian-land-india-abstains-from-voting-524945">Also read |&nbsp;UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting</a>

In a statement to Reuters, Extreme said that based on information provided by the news agency it believed equipment "may have" been sold to MMZ Avangard using a surrogate buyer. Extreme said the equipment was sold without its knowledge. It added, without providing evidence, that an intermediary in Russia was "complicit" in supplying its products via a front company to "bad actors." Extreme said it is reporting its findings of these potential sales to&nbsp;U.S. authorities.

Ukraine has accused Russia of deploying&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;made by MMZ Avangard against ground targets since Russia launched what it terms its "special operation" on Feb. 24. Ukrainian authorities said MMZ Avangard&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;killed at least 30 civilians in a gruesome attack on a convoy on the edge of the southern city of Zaporizhzhia last month. Neither Kremlin officials nor MMZ Avangard responded to questions for this article. MMZ Avangard's parent, Almaz-Antey, also didn't comment.

Between 2017 and 2021, MMZ Avangard obtained over half a million dollars' worth of Extreme equipment for its IT systems, according to the business records reviewed by Reuters and the people familiar with the matter. The products included high-speed switches, an essential building block of corporate IT networks, and software.

The records also show that the deals went through a seemingly innocuous corporation near Moscow, and despite two Extreme officials raising concerns, the sales went forward.

That a Russian military company, identified as a threat by Washington, continued to acquire&nbsp;U.S. computer hardware is a case study in how Western countries may have overestimated their ability to choke the Russian economy with export bans and trade sanctions. It also highlights how dependent Russia's military machine is on&nbsp;U.S. high-tech&nbsp;equipment.

In April, six weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an Extreme employee filed an internal complaint, seen by Reuters, alleging that the company was selling to various military manufacturers in Russia. "Extreme equipment is used on Russian warships," the complaint said, "in communications systems."

Extreme said in its statement that the allegations were brought by a disgruntled employee. An investigation by the&nbsp;firm&nbsp;had found nothing to corroborate any of the claims until Reuters brought "new facts" to the company's attention this month. The company said it ceased operations in Russia in March, adding that it subsequently launched a process to dismiss the disgruntled employee for poor performance. It said it has no records of sales involving Russian warships.

Extreme, which trades on the NASDAQ exchange and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, has earned a solid reputation in the United States and is an official partner of the National Football League. The NFL declined to comment for this article.

A Reuters investigation in August found that while the United States and allies banned high-tech&nbsp;exports to Russia to try to cripple its defense industry, and many&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies announced that they had halted exports to Russia, the flow of Western brand-name computer parts to Russian clients hasn't stopped.

This account of how Extreme&nbsp;supplied&nbsp;MMZ Avangard and at least two other Russian military companies is based on interviews with three people familiar with the shipments as well as a review by Reuters of documents spanning five years to 2021. The documents include sales records and email exchanges between Extreme employees, customers and distributors. The shipments are reported here for the first time.

The&nbsp;U. Department of Commerce, which administers export restrictions, declined to comment for this story.

It&nbsp;was&nbsp;necessary&nbsp;to use cover

Russian companies, including those in the military sector, have virtually no choice but to buy foreign equipment to build the computer networks necessary for modern-day business. Russia has very limited domestic production of&nbsp;networking&nbsp;equipment.

Founded in 1996, Extreme is a junior player in the computer&nbsp;networking&nbsp;industry. Last year, it posted revenue of $1.1 billion, compared with $50 billion for Cisco Systems.

Still, the smaller company is a "meaningful competitor," according to Alex Henderson, a network and security analyst at Needham and Company in New York. The&nbsp;US&nbsp;military as well as NASA use Extreme hardware and support, according to contracting records, and the company has built up a substantial marketing profile.

In Russia, as well, Extreme lists prestigious customers, such as the Ministry of Health, the federal pension fund and Lomonosov Moscow State University.

But according to documents seen by Reuters, other buyers of Extreme equipment included not just MMZ Avangard but a major Russian military shipbuilding company and a high-tech&nbsp;defense electronics manufacturer.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: More than 50 Western countries promise more weapons for Ukraine

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One of the documents shows that in the four years ending 2020, Russian customers purchased $41.5 million worth of equipment. Reuters couldn't determine Extreme's total sales to sanctioned or military&nbsp;firms because it wasn't clear if transactions other than those involving MMZ Avangard had been recorded under cover names.

In its statement to Reuters, Extreme said it doesn't report country specific revenue.

In Russia, Extreme maintained contacts with its customers in order to help design complex networks that expand over time, according to two of the people familiar with the matter. Each customer or potential buyer had its own account manager at the company and was listed on internal sales records. Actual sales, though, were done through authorized intermediaries.

Extreme, in its statement to Reuters, said it rarely provided direct installation services. It said it had no such contracts with DEMZ or MMZ Avangard.

In its statement, Extreme said it has a "firm&nbsp;policy" not to work with sanctioned entities, but added it isn't always notified of the end customer, especially when its products are sold through so-called "stocking" distributors that hold an inventory.

Extreme named one of those distributors as RRC and said it believed RRC was "complicit" in the scheme to supply MMZ Avangard. RRC and its Cyprus parent, BD Enterprise&nbsp;Networking&nbsp;didn't respond to messages from Reuters seeking comment.

For Russian military companies, Extreme equipment had a strong selling point, the three people familiar with the shipments said: Unlike larger rivals, Extreme doesn't require service subscriptions and frequent software updates. "It is absolutely autonomous," one of the people said of the equipment. "It works without a license and you don't even need to be connected to the internet." This means, another person said, that "you don't need to fear that your system will go dark because someone in the&nbsp;U.S. decided to disconnect you."

Extreme said that the "autonomous model" is not unique to the company, but acknowledged it has become relatively rare.

It was no secret in Russia that MMZ Avangard used Extreme equipment. In late 2019, the missile manufacturer issued a tender through Russia's online public procurement platform, saying it needed spare parts for the Extreme computer networks it possessed. Extreme didn't dispute this but said it wouldn't necessarily be aware of such a tender.

A few months before, in the summer of 2019, an intermediary had contacted Extreme's representative office in Russia, asking for advice on a network upgrade for the missile company, the documents show. "We are working on a solution for the customer, MMZ Avangard," an employee of the intermediary wrote in a June 28, 2019, email to an Extreme system engineer. "I was told that I could seek your help."

As soon as its equipment arrived in Moscow, Extreme dispatched a staff engineer to MMZ Avangard's offices to help ensure a smooth installation, one of the people familiar with the shipments said.

In its statement to Reuters, Extreme said it had no records of an Extreme employee installing equipment at MMZ Avangard.

When it came to processing MMZ Avangard's purchasing orders, the missile&nbsp;maker's name didn't appear on Extreme's books. Instead, Extreme's Moscow employees recorded the orders as having been placed by a company called OOO DEMZ, according to emails and sales records, as well as three people familiar with the matter.

"It was necessary to use a cover because the Russian company is blacklisted in the&nbsp;U.S.," one of the people familiar with the shipments said. It has been illegal for&nbsp;U.S. companies to do business with MMZ Avangard since July 2014, when the&nbsp;U.S. Treasury Department listed its parent company, Almaz-Antey, as a "blocked" entity. The Treasury declined to comment for this story.

MMZ Avangard began buying products from Extreme in December 2017 and was disguised under the DEMZ cover in Extreme business records from that date, according to emails and other documents seen by Reuters. The most recent transaction using the DEMZ cover that Reuters identified was in September 2021. In total, the records show that Extreme shipped goods worth about $645,000 in this way during that period.

Extreme, in its statement, said it now believes that its equipment may have been acquired through a "front company." Extreme confirmed that the DEMZ account listed product purchases for approximately $645,000.

DEMZ is a small company based in Dmitrov, a city 50 miles north of Moscow. Russian corporate records list Vladimir Markov as its general director. Reached by phone, Markov said that DEMZ, which made tools for railcar maintenance, ceased all operations in 2016. The executive said he had never heard of Extreme or of DEMZ buying Extreme equipment for itself or on behalf of others.

The apparent ruse was a shallow one. Purported executives for DEMZ, listed in the Extreme customer records seen by Reuters, were actually employees of the missile&nbsp;maker&nbsp;who had provided their MMZ Avangard email addresses. They even included the Avangard email addresses when they applied for access to an Extreme customer service portal. One of these people declined to comment. The other couldn't be reached. Some of the documents also listed mmza.ru - MMZ Avangard's domain name - as DEMZ's purported web address.

On the last day of 2019, as a "DEMZ" order was winding through Extreme's approval system, an Extreme sales manager working in North Carolina emailed RRC, the Russian distributor, with a question about the domain name: "Can you tell me what the relationship is between DEMZ and mmza.ru?" An employee of the distributor responded that mmza.ru was "the customer's" domain. The employee didn't elaborate. A subsequent message indicates that the sale went through.

Extreme, in its statement, did not address questions about MMZ Avangard staff registering for access to online support, and an Extreme sales manager raising questions about the web domain.

Nearly a year later, dealing with another set of "DEMZ" orders, an employee from Extreme's in-house compliance desk in Ireland spotted the mmza.ru domain in the sales paperwork and researched it. "This link," the compliance team employee said in a Nov. 11, 2020, email, "goes directly to https://mmzavangard.ru/ which is a defense contractor seemingly [sic] to specialize in ground to air missile systems, we need to further review before we can make a decision."

Extreme, in its statement, also did not address questions about this email.

Good news

The Extreme compliance employee instructed the Russia office to have "DEMZ," the purported customer, fill out a form to certify there was no military end-user, that the equipment would not be resold for any military purpose, and that it would not be transferred to any sanctioned company.

Less than a week after the message from the Extreme compliance employee, a two-page letter seen by Reuters attested that the end-user was not sanctioned, and would not use Extreme's equipment in a way banned by&nbsp;U.S. law. Bearing an illegible signature and a blue "DEMZ" stamp, the document was sent to Extreme's compliance desk, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

DEMZ's business, according to the purported self-declaration, had nothing to do with sophisticated&nbsp;missiles. Rather it was "components for the Metalworking of country houses." DEMZ never made such components and was out of business at the time of the letter, according to former director general Markov.

"Just heard back from our supply team for the DEMZ orders," emailed the North Carolina manager on Nov. 25 "with some good news."

The sales could go through.

"Thank you," Extreme's Vienna-based regional director for Northern and Eastern Europe wrote.

U.S. export control specialists told Reuters self-declarations can be useful in determining whether a client is legitimate. However, upon coming across a red flag, "you stop or put on hold the transaction," said James Fuller, a former special agent with the&nbsp;U.S. Department of Commerce. "You don't offer an avenue to provide more false information, or suggest some kind of workaround."

Extreme in its statement to Reuters confirmed that its internal compliance officer had requested and received the self-declaration. The company added that it has "other screening processes to check for red flags."

Shipbuilding

In Russia, Extreme&nbsp;supplied&nbsp;IT equipment to other military companies, according to the business documents seen by Reuters and the people familiar with the matter.

One of them was United Shipbuilding Corp. The company has headquarters in St. Petersburg and operates a host of Russian shipyards, making everything from frigates to submarines to mine sweepers. Like MMZ Avangard, United Shipbuilding has been listed as a "blocked" entity by the&nbsp;U.S. Treasury since July 2014.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-unveils-new-national-security-strategy-china-russia-identified-as-major-threats-524974">Also read |&nbsp;US National Security strategy: China, Russia seen as threats, India as partner</a>

Another one was Concern Morinformsystem-Agat, a manufacturer of radar and other military electronics systems. According to the documents, including a July 2020 public tender, and one of the people familiar with the matter, Agat was relying on equipment from Extreme for some of its systems, which were then fitted on United Shipbuilding warships.

Extreme told Reuters it had no records of selling products to United Shipbuilding or Agat. The Russian companies did not respond to requests for comment.

United Shipbuilding is clearly described as an Extreme customer in email correspondence. In April 2020, an intermediary contacted Extreme's office in Moscow to submit the plan the intermediary had sketched out to modernize United Shipbuilding's data center.

A Russia-based engineer from Extreme responded the next day, pointing to a few items that could be removed from the proposed design.

"Apart from that, it's all correct," the Extreme engineer wrote in the email.

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Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, American companies have been prohibited from dealing with MMZ Avangard, a state-owned firm that makes missiles for one of Russia's most sophisticated weapons, the S-400 air-defence system.

Since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, American companies have been prohibited from dealing with MMZ Avangard, a state-owned firm that makes missiles for one of Russia's most sophisticated weapons, the S-400 air-defence system. In a measure of Western concern about the S-400, the United States ejected Turkey, a NATO member, from a joint fighter jet programme in 2019 after Ankara took delivery of the Russian system. But even as the United States was taking actions to blunt MMZ Avangard's business, a publicly traded American technology company, Extreme Networks, was providing MMZ Avangard with computer networking equipment for its office IT systems, according to emails and other business records seen by Reuters, as well as interviews with people familiar with the matter. Also read | UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting In a statement to Reuters, Extreme said that based on information provided by the news agency it believed equipment "may have" been sold to MMZ Avangard using a surrogate buyer. Extreme said the equipment was sold without its knowledge. It added, without providing evidence, that an intermediary in Russia was "complicit" in supplying its products via a front company to "bad actors." Extreme said it is reporting its findings of these potential sales to U.S. authorities. Ukraine has accused Russia of deploying missiles made by MMZ Avangard against ground targets since Russia launched what it terms its "special operation" on Feb. 24. Ukrainian authorities said MMZ Avangard missiles killed at least 30 civilians in a gruesome attack on a convoy on the edge of the southern city of Zaporizhzhia last month. Neither Kremlin officials nor MMZ Avangard responded to questions for this article. MMZ Avangard's parent, Almaz-Antey, also didn't comment. Between 2017 and 2021, MMZ Avangard obtained over half a million dollars' worth of Extreme equipment for its IT systems, according to the business records reviewed by Reuters and the people familiar with the matter. The products included high-speed switches, an essential building block of corporate IT networks, and software. The records also show that the deals went through a seemingly innocuous corporation near Moscow, and despite two Extreme officials raising concerns, the sales went forward. That a Russian military company, identified as a threat by Washington, continued to acquire U.S. computer hardware is a case study in how Western countries may have overestimated their ability to choke the Russian economy with export bans and trade sanctions. It also highlights how dependent Russia's military machine is on U.S. high-tech equipment. In April, six weeks after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an Extreme employee filed an internal complaint, seen by Reuters, alleging that the company was selling to various military manufacturers in Russia. "Extreme equipment is used on Russian warships," the complaint said, "in communications systems." Extreme said in its statement that the allegations were brought by a disgruntled employee. An investigation by the firm had found nothing to corroborate any of the claims until Reuters brought "new facts" to the company's attention this month. The company said it ceased operations in Russia in March, adding that it subsequently launched a process to dismiss the disgruntled employee for poor performance. It said it has no records of sales involving Russian warships. Extreme, which trades on the NASDAQ exchange and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, has earned a solid reputation in the United States and is an official partner of the National Football League. The NFL declined to comment for this article. A Reuters investigation in August found that while the United States and allies banned high-tech exports to Russia to try to cripple its defense industry, and many tech companies announced that they had halted exports to Russia, the flow of Western brand-name computer parts to Russian clients hasn't stopped. This account of how Extreme supplied MMZ Avangard and at least two other Russian military companies is based on interviews with three people familiar with the shipments as well as a review by Reuters of documents spanning five years to 2021. The documents include sales records and email exchanges between Extreme employees, customers and distributors. The shipments are reported here for the first time. The U. Department of Commerce, which administers export restrictions, declined to comment for this story. It was necessary to use cover Russian companies, including those in the military sector, have virtually no choice but to buy foreign equipment to build the computer networks necessary for modern-day business. Russia has very limited domestic production of networking equipment. Founded in 1996, Extreme is a junior player in the computer networking industry. Last year, it posted revenue of $1.1 billion, compared with $50 billion for Cisco Systems. Still, the smaller company is a "meaningful competitor," according to Alex Henderson, a network and security analyst at Needham and Company in New York. The US military as well as NASA use Extreme hardware and support, according to contracting records, and the company has built up a substantial marketing profile. In Russia, as well, Extreme lists prestigious customers, such as the Ministry of Health, the federal pension fund and Lomonosov Moscow State University. But according to documents seen by Reuters, other buyers of Extreme equipment included not just MMZ Avangard but a major Russian military shipbuilding company and a high-tech defense electronics manufacturer. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: More than 50 Western countries promise more weapons for Ukraine One of the documents shows that in the four years ending 2020, Russian customers purchased $41.5 million worth of equipment. Reuters couldn't determine Extreme's total sales to sanctioned or military firms because it wasn't clear if transactions other than those involving MMZ Avangard had been recorded under cover names. In its statement to Reuters, Extreme said it doesn't report country specific revenue. In Russia, Extreme maintained contacts with its customers in order to help design complex networks that expand over time, according to two of the people familiar with the matter. Each customer or potential buyer had its own account manager at the company and was listed on internal sales records. Actual sales, though, were done through authorized intermediaries. Extreme, in its statement to Reuters, said it rarely provided direct installation services. It said it had no such contracts with DEMZ or MMZ Avangard. In its statement, Extreme said it has a "firm policy" not to work with sanctioned entities, but added it isn't always notified of the end customer, especially when its products are sold through so-called "stocking" distributors that hold an inventory. Extreme named one of those distributors as RRC and said it believed RRC was "complicit" in the scheme to supply MMZ Avangard. RRC and its Cyprus parent, BD Enterprise Networking didn't respond to messages from Reuters seeking comment. For Russian military companies, Extreme equipment had a strong selling point, the three people familiar with the shipments said: Unlike larger rivals, Extreme doesn't require service subscriptions and frequent software updates. "It is absolutely autonomous," one of the people said of the equipment. "It works without a license and you don't even need to be connected to the internet." This means, another person said, that "you don't need to fear that your system will go dark because someone in the U.S. decided to disconnect you." Extreme said that the "autonomous model" is not unique to the company, but acknowledged it has become relatively rare. It was no secret in Russia that MMZ Avangard used Extreme equipment. In late 2019, the missile manufacturer issued a tender through Russia's online public procurement platform, saying it needed spare parts for the Extreme computer networks it possessed. Extreme didn't dispute this but said it wouldn't necessarily be aware of such a tender. A few months before, in the summer of 2019, an intermediary had contacted Extreme's representative office in Russia, asking for advice on a network upgrade for the missile company, the documents show. "We are working on a solution for the customer, MMZ Avangard," an employee of the intermediary wrote in a June 28, 2019, email to an Extreme system engineer. "I was told that I could seek your help." As soon as its equipment arrived in Moscow, Extreme dispatched a staff engineer to MMZ Avangard's offices to help ensure a smooth installation, one of the people familiar with the shipments said. In its statement to Reuters, Extreme said it had no records of an Extreme employee installing equipment at MMZ Avangard. When it came to processing MMZ Avangard's purchasing orders, the missile maker's name didn't appear on Extreme's books. Instead, Extreme's Moscow employees recorded the orders as having been placed by a company called OOO DEMZ, according to emails and sales records, as well as three people familiar with the matter. "It was necessary to use a cover because the Russian company is blacklisted in the U.S.," one of the people familiar with the shipments said. It has been illegal for U.S. companies to do business with MMZ Avangard since July 2014, when the U.S. Treasury Department listed its parent company, Almaz-Antey, as a "blocked" entity. The Treasury declined to comment for this story. MMZ Avangard began buying products from Extreme in December 2017 and was disguised under the DEMZ cover in Extreme business records from that date, according to emails and other documents seen by Reuters. The most recent transaction using the DEMZ cover that Reuters identified was in September 2021. In total, the records show that Extreme shipped goods worth about $645,000 in this way during that period. Extreme, in its statement, said it now believes that its equipment may have been acquired through a "front company." Extreme confirmed that the DEMZ account listed product purchases for approximately $645,000. DEMZ is a small company based in Dmitrov, a city 50 miles north of Moscow. Russian corporate records list Vladimir Markov as its general director. Reached by phone, Markov said that DEMZ, which made tools for railcar maintenance, ceased all operations in 2016. The executive said he had never heard of Extreme or of DEMZ buying Extreme equipment for itself or on behalf of others. The apparent ruse was a shallow one. Purported executives for DEMZ, listed in the Extreme customer records seen by Reuters, were actually employees of the missile maker who had provided their MMZ Avangard email addresses. They even included the Avangard email addresses when they applied for access to an Extreme customer service portal. One of these people declined to comment. The other couldn't be reached. Some of the documents also listed mmza.ru - MMZ Avangard's domain name - as DEMZ's purported web address. On the last day of 2019, as a "DEMZ" order was winding through Extreme's approval system, an Extreme sales manager working in North Carolina emailed RRC, the Russian distributor, with a question about the domain name: "Can you tell me what the relationship is between DEMZ and mmza.ru?" An employee of the distributor responded that mmza.ru was "the customer's" domain. The employee didn't elaborate. A subsequent message indicates that the sale went through. Extreme, in its statement, did not address questions about MMZ Avangard staff registering for access to online support, and an Extreme sales manager raising questions about the web domain. Nearly a year later, dealing with another set of "DEMZ" orders, an employee from Extreme's in-house compliance desk in Ireland spotted the mmza.ru domain in the sales paperwork and researched it. "This link," the compliance team employee said in a Nov. 11, 2020, email, "goes directly to https://mmzavangard.ru/ which is a defense contractor seemingly [sic] to specialize in ground to air missile systems, we need to further review before we can make a decision." Extreme, in its statement, also did not address questions about this email. Good news The Extreme compliance employee instructed the Russia office to have "DEMZ," the purported customer, fill out a form to certify there was no military end-user, that the equipment would not be resold for any military purpose, and that it would not be transferred to any sanctioned company. Less than a week after the message from the Extreme compliance employee, a two-page letter seen by Reuters attested that the end-user was not sanctioned, and would not use Extreme's equipment in a way banned by U.S. law. Bearing an illegible signature and a blue "DEMZ" stamp, the document was sent to Extreme's compliance desk, according to one of the people familiar with the matter. DEMZ's business, according to the purported self-declaration, had nothing to do with sophisticated missiles. Rather it was "components for the Metalworking of country houses." DEMZ never made such components and was out of business at the time of the letter, according to former director general Markov. "Just heard back from our supply team for the DEMZ orders," emailed the North Carolina manager on Nov. 25 "with some good news." The sales could go through. "Thank you," Extreme's Vienna-based regional director for Northern and Eastern Europe wrote. U.S. export control specialists told Reuters self-declarations can be useful in determining whether a client is legitimate. However, upon coming across a red flag, "you stop or put on hold the transaction," said James Fuller, a former special agent with the U.S. Department of Commerce. "You don't offer an avenue to provide more false information, or suggest some kind of workaround." Extreme in its statement to Reuters confirmed that its internal compliance officer had requested and received the self-declaration. The company added that it has "other screening processes to check for red flags." Shipbuilding In Russia, Extreme supplied IT equipment to other military companies, according to the business documents seen by Reuters and the people familiar with the matter. One of them was United Shipbuilding Corp. The company has headquarters in St. Petersburg and operates a host of Russian shipyards, making everything from frigates to submarines to mine sweepers. Like MMZ Avangard, United Shipbuilding has been listed as a "blocked" entity by the U.S. Treasury since July 2014. Also read | US National Security strategy: China, Russia seen as threats, India as partner Another one was Concern Morinformsystem-Agat, a manufacturer of radar and other military electronics systems. According to the documents, including a July 2020 public tender, and one of the people familiar with the matter, Agat was relying on equipment from Extreme for some of its systems, which were then fitted on United Shipbuilding warships. Extreme told Reuters it had no records of selling products to United Shipbuilding or Agat. The Russian companies did not respond to requests for comment. United Shipbuilding is clearly described as an Extreme customer in email correspondence. In April 2020, an intermediary contacted Extreme's office in Moscow to submit the plan the intermediary had sketched out to modernize United Shipbuilding's data center. A Russia-based engineer from Extreme responded the next day, pointing to a few items that could be removed from the proposed design. "Apart from that, it's all correct," the Extreme engineer wrote in the email. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

How a US firm supplied networking technology to maker of feared Russian missiles

A Ukrainian official&nbsp;has said that three Iran-made suicide drones operated by Russian forces targeted Makariv, west of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, early on Thursday. He also said that critical infrastructure facilities were struck in the attack.

"There was a overnight drones' bombardment by invaders on the Makariv community," Andriy Nebytov, head of the Kyiv region police said on the Telegram messaging app.

"According to preliminary information, there were no casualties."

Separately, Oleksiy Kuleba, the governor of the Kyiv region, said that Russian missiles pounded more than 40 Ukrainian cities and towns near&nbsp;Kyiv.

Kuleba stated on the Telegram messaging service that preliminary findings indicated that Iran-manufactured "loitering munitions" also called "kamikaze drones" were to blame for the attacks. These drones wait around the target until instructed, and then ran target&nbsp;detonating their explosive payload on impact.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of Volodymyr Zelensky's presidential office, informed earlier on Thursday earlier that the attack took place by "kamikaze drones on critical infrastructure facilities", without providing further details.

The kamikaze drone attack comes after the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;General Assembly&nbsp;condemned Moscow’s annexation of four Ukrainian areas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unga-passes-resolution-condemning-russian-illegal-annexation-of-ukrainian-land-india-abstains-from-voting-524945">UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting</a>

Three-quarters of the 193-member General Assembly in New York, or 143 nations, voted in favour of a resolution yesterday calling Moscow's annexation unconstitutional, further isolating Russia from the rest of the world.

Only Syria, Nicaragua, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-it-test-fired-pair-of-long-range-cruise-missiles-524927">North Korea</a>, and Belarus joined Russia in voting against the measure. The remaining 35 nations, including China, a strategic ally of Russia, did not participate in the vote.

In the meanwhile, after strong retaliation attacks this week ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to an explosion on a bridge in Crimea, more than 50 Western countries gathered in Brussels to commit greater military assistance to Ukraine, including air defence systems.

In recent weeks, Russia has reportedly carried out a number of attacks using the Shahed-136 drones built in Iran. While the Kremlin has not responded, Iran disputes that it gave Russia the drones.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

A Ukrainian official has said that three Iran-made suicide drones operated by Russian forces targeted Makariv, west of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, early on Thursday.

A Ukrainian official has said that three Iran-made suicide drones operated by Russian forces targeted Makariv, west of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, early on Thursday. He also said that critical infrastructure facilities were struck in the attack. "There was a overnight drones' bombardment by invaders on the Makariv community," Andriy Nebytov, head of the Kyiv region police said on the Telegram messaging app. "According to preliminary information, there were no casualties." Separately, Oleksiy Kuleba, the governor of the Kyiv region, said that Russian missiles pounded more than 40 Ukrainian cities and towns near Kyiv. Kuleba stated on the Telegram messaging service that preliminary findings indicated that Iran-manufactured "loitering munitions" also called "kamikaze drones" were to blame for the attacks. These drones wait around the target until instructed, and then ran target detonating their explosive payload on impact. Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of Volodymyr Zelensky's presidential office, informed earlier on Thursday earlier that the attack took place by "kamikaze drones on critical infrastructure facilities", without providing further details. The kamikaze drone attack comes after the UN General Assembly condemned Moscow’s annexation of four Ukrainian areas. Also read | UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting Three-quarters of the 193-member General Assembly in New York, or 143 nations, voted in favour of a resolution yesterday calling Moscow's annexation unconstitutional, further isolating Russia from the rest of the world. Only Syria, Nicaragua, North Korea, and Belarus joined Russia in voting against the measure. The remaining 35 nations, including China, a strategic ally of Russia, did not participate in the vote. In the meanwhile, after strong retaliation attacks this week ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to an explosion on a bridge in Crimea, more than 50 Western countries gathered in Brussels to commit greater military assistance to Ukraine, including air defence systems. In recent weeks, Russia has reportedly carried out a number of attacks using the Shahed-136 drones built in Iran. While the Kremlin has not responded, Iran disputes that it gave Russia the drones. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran-made kamikaze drones hit Ukraine's Kyiv region; target critical infrastructure facilities

Unpublished

The seven recent North Korean missile launches, personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, were all "tactical nuclear" drills, state media said Monday. In other news, Donald Trump has called for an immediate "peaceful end" to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Finally, controversial American rapper Kanye West has been locked out of his Twitter account after posting anti-Semitic content.

Click&nbsp;on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-recent-missile-tests-were-tactical-nuclear-drills-523871">North Korea claims recent missile tests were 'tactical nuclear drills'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/34454-submarine-missile-north-korea-pti-20171202010817.jpg" />

At a key party congress in January 2021, Kim outlined a five-year defence development plan, calling for the development of smaller and lighter nuclear weapons for "more tactical uses."

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-believes-world-war-iii-is-a-possibility-blames-stupid-people-for-russia-ukraine-conflict-escalation-523884">Trump believes 'World War III' is a possibility, blames 'stupid people' for Russia-Ukraine conflict escalation</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/27/282261-untitled-design-30.png" />

Trump said: "We must demand the immediate negotiation of a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine, or we will end up in World War III and there will be nothing left of our planet."&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kanye-wests-twitter-account-locked-a-day-after-his-return-to-the-platform-523865">Kanye West's Twitter account locked a day after his return to the platform</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/16/296163-kanye-west.jpg" />

“I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,” tweeted West.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;‘Miracle’ three-year-old child survived Thailand massacre asleep under blanket

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Watch |&nbsp;Rio: Pavers train the next generation to maintain iconic Portuguese pavements

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The seven recent North Korean missile launches, personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, were all "tactical nuclear" drills, state media said Monday. In other news, Donald Trump has called for an immediate "peaceful end" to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The seven recent North Korean missile launches, personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, were all "tactical nuclear" drills, state media said Monday. In other news, Donald Trump has called for an immediate "peaceful end" to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Finally, controversial American rapper Kanye West has been locked out of his Twitter account after posting anti-Semitic content. Click on the headlines to read more: North Korea claims recent missile tests were 'tactical nuclear drills' At a key party congress in January 2021, Kim outlined a five-year defence development plan, calling for the development of smaller and lighter nuclear weapons for "more tactical uses." Trump believes 'World War III' is a possibility, blames 'stupid people' for Russia-Ukraine conflict escalation Trump said: "We must demand the immediate negotiation of a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine, or we will end up in World War III and there will be nothing left of our planet." Kanye West's Twitter account locked a day after his return to the platform “I’m a bit sleepy tonight but when I wake up I’m going death con 3 On JEWISH PEOPLE The funny thing is I actually can’t be Anti Semitic because black people are actually Jew also You guys have toyed with me and tried to black ball anyone whoever opposes your agenda,” tweeted West. Watch | ‘Miracle’ three-year-old child survived Thailand massacre asleep under blanket Watch | Rio: Pavers train the next generation to maintain iconic Portuguese pavements

Morning news brief: N Korea's 'tactical nuke drill', Kanye's Twitter account locked, & more

During a joint press conference, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Monday (October 10) declined to disclose India's stand on the upcoming draft resolution against Russia in the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

He said, "As a matter of prudence and policy, we don't predict our votes in advance." He continues, "We have been very clearly against the conflict in Ukraine," PTI reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-live-updates-three-loud-blasts-rock-kyiv-report-523917">Also read |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict live updates | Zelensky says people 'dead and wounded' from strikes across Ukraine</a>

Jaishankar further added, " We believe that this conflict does not serve the interests of anybody neither the participants nor indeed of the international community. And as a country of the Global South, we have been seeing first-hand how much it has impacted low-income countries, the challenges that they are facing in terms of fuel and food and fertilisers."

The foreign minister said he agreed with what the Indian Prime Minister said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit: that this is not the time for a war as it will affect everyone.

India till now hasn't condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but has requested to solve the conflict through the matter of diplomacy and dialogue.&nbsp;Earlier this month, a draught resolution was presented to the UNSC to call for an immediate end to the violence while also stressing finding a resolution.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-reconnected-to-grid-a-day-after-line-was-cut-523869">Also read |&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reconnected to grid a day after line was cut</a>

The diplomats said that the UN General Assembly is yet to decide on a draft resolution on Tuesday or Wednesday.&nbsp;

Russia-Ukraine has entered its seventh month. Till now the war has claimed the lives of thousands of people, forcing million to flee.&nbsp;

Several foreign countries have sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and collectively showed their disagreement against Russia bypassing sanctions. Russia being the target has still not reversed its actions.&nbsp;

(WIth inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

During a joint press conference, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Monday (October 10) declined to disclose India's stand on the upcoming draft resolution against Russia in the UN General Assembly.

During a joint press conference, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishnakar on Monday (October 10) declined to disclose India's stand on the upcoming draft resolution against Russia in the UN General Assembly. He said, "As a matter of prudence and policy, we don't predict our votes in advance." He continues, "We have been very clearly against the conflict in Ukraine," PTI reported. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict live updates | Zelensky says people 'dead and wounded' from strikes across Ukraine Jaishankar further added, " We believe that this conflict does not serve the interests of anybody neither the participants nor indeed of the international community. And as a country of the Global South, we have been seeing first-hand how much it has impacted low-income countries, the challenges that they are facing in terms of fuel and food and fertilisers." The foreign minister said he agreed with what the Indian Prime Minister said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit: that this is not the time for a war as it will affect everyone. India till now hasn't condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but has requested to solve the conflict through the matter of diplomacy and dialogue. Earlier this month, a draught resolution was presented to the UNSC to call for an immediate end to the violence while also stressing finding a resolution. Also read | Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant reconnected to grid a day after line was cut The diplomats said that the UN General Assembly is yet to decide on a draft resolution on Tuesday or Wednesday. Russia-Ukraine has entered its seventh month. Till now the war has claimed the lives of thousands of people, forcing million to flee. Several foreign countries have sent military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine and collectively showed their disagreement against Russia bypassing sanctions. Russia being the target has still not reversed its actions. (WIth inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

EAM Jaishankar refuses to disclose India's upcoming UN vote on Russia

The military commissar of Russia's Khabarovsk region was removed from his post after half of the newly mobilised personnel were sent home as they did not meet the draft criteria, the region's governor said early on Monday.

Russia's first mobilisation since World War Two, declared by President Vladimir Putin on Sept. 21, has led to widespread discontent among officials and citizens over the way the draft has been handled, including complaints about enlistment officers sending call-up papers to clearly ineligible men.

"In 10 days, several thousand of our countrymen received summons and arrived at the military registration and enlistment offices," Mikhail Degtyarev, the governor of the Khabarovsk region in Russia's Far East, said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app.

"About half of them we returned home as they did not meet the selection criteria for entering the military service." 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-way-flight-tickets-from-russia-increase-by-27-amid-putins-mobilisation-call-522317">One-way flight tickets from Russia increase by 27% amid Putin's mobilisation call&nbsp;</a>

Degtyarev said the removal of the commissar, Yuri Laiko, would not affect the mobilisation plan set by Putin.

The chaotic mobilisation of men to fight in Ukraine has also prompted thousands of fighting-age men to flee from the country to avoid a draft that was billed as enlisting those with military experience and specialities but has often appeared oblivious to service records, health, student status and even age.

Some 2,000 people have been arrested at anti-war protests in more than 30 towns and cities, and some of them were promptly given call-up papers - something the Kremlin said was perfectly legal. 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The military commissar of Russia's Khabarovsk region was removed from his post after half of the newly mobilised personnel were sent home as they did not meet the draft criteria, the region's governor said early on Monday.

The military commissar of Russia's Khabarovsk region was removed from his post after half of the newly mobilised personnel were sent home as they did not meet the draft criteria, the region's governor said early on Monday. Russia's first mobilisation since World War Two, declared by President Vladimir Putin on Sept. 21, has led to widespread discontent among officials and citizens over the way the draft has been handled, including complaints about enlistment officers sending call-up papers to clearly ineligible men. "In 10 days, several thousand of our countrymen received summons and arrived at the military registration and enlistment offices," Mikhail Degtyarev, the governor of the Khabarovsk region in Russia's Far East, said in a video post on the Telegram messaging app. "About half of them we returned home as they did not meet the selection criteria for entering the military service." ALSO READ: One-way flight tickets from Russia increase by 27% amid Putin's mobilisation call Degtyarev said the removal of the commissar, Yuri Laiko, would not affect the mobilisation plan set by Putin. The chaotic mobilisation of men to fight in Ukraine has also prompted thousands of fighting-age men to flee from the country to avoid a draft that was billed as enlisting those with military experience and specialities but has often appeared oblivious to service records, health, student status and even age. Some 2,000 people have been arrested at anti-war protests in more than 30 towns and cities, and some of them were promptly given call-up papers - something the Kremlin said was perfectly legal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Half of mobilised men in Russian region sent home, commissar fired - governor

Days after following the announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilise thousands of Russians for the conflict in Ukraine, Russian men are now finding their way to Georgia to avoid being called up for a fight they do not support. However, there are no clear calculations to define how many Russians have left the country.&nbsp;

As per Russian media and local officials, the projected wait time to enter Georgia at one point on Sunday is 48 hours, and now over 3,000 vehicles are lined up to cross the border. The official statistics stated that till now, Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, has witnessed an influx of approximately 40,000 Russians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-partial-military-mobilisation-exactly-518528">Also read |&nbsp;What is partial military mobilisation exactly?</a>

In conversation with Reuters, Dmitry Kuriliyunok, an army reservist, said that as soon as they found out about mobilisation, they left everything behind and rushed to the car, driving from Krasnodar to Mineralnye Vody, where they, along with his wife and daughter, arrived in Tbilisi a day later.

He said, "We are completely against this war. For us, like for others, it's scary. To die and to kill others, and for what? We don't understand. Therefore, we decided to flee," Reuters reported.

Not just now, a few Russians flew to neighbouring countries months or days before the announcement of mobilisation came due to their dismay over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-full-day-of-mobilisation-in-russia-marked-by-tears-and-protests-reports-suggest-100-conscription-518945">Also read |&nbsp;First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription</a>

However, the influx of newcomers to Tbilisi poses a risk of reigniting simmering anti-Russian sentiment among Georgia's locals.&nbsp;

In Tbilisi, several shops, museums, and other infrastructural properties were plastered with Ukrainian flags. Locals demanded Russians go back home as they believed everything was normal for them, but now as they are being forced to get involved in the war, they are now protesting.

Border crossings with Kazakhstan, Finland, and Mongolia have also reported similar migrations to those at the Russia-Georgia border.&nbsp;

Currently, there are either no seats available on flights leaving from Moscow, or if there are, the tickets are at extremely expensive prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after following the announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilise thousands of Russians for the conflict in Ukraine, Russian men are now finding their way to Georgia to avoid being called up for a fight they do not support.

Days after following the announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin's order to mobilise thousands of Russians for the conflict in Ukraine, Russian men are now finding their way to Georgia to avoid being called up for a fight they do not support. However, there are no clear calculations to define how many Russians have left the country. As per Russian media and local officials, the projected wait time to enter Georgia at one point on Sunday is 48 hours, and now over 3,000 vehicles are lined up to cross the border. The official statistics stated that till now, Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, has witnessed an influx of approximately 40,000 Russians. Also read | What is partial military mobilisation exactly? In conversation with Reuters, Dmitry Kuriliyunok, an army reservist, said that as soon as they found out about mobilisation, they left everything behind and rushed to the car, driving from Krasnodar to Mineralnye Vody, where they, along with his wife and daughter, arrived in Tbilisi a day later. He said, "We are completely against this war. For us, like for others, it's scary. To die and to kill others, and for what? We don't understand. Therefore, we decided to flee," Reuters reported. Not just now, a few Russians flew to neighbouring countries months or days before the announcement of mobilisation came due to their dismay over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Also read | First full day of mobilisation in Russia marked by tears and protests, reports suggest 100% conscription However, the influx of newcomers to Tbilisi poses a risk of reigniting simmering anti-Russian sentiment among Georgia's locals. In Tbilisi, several shops, museums, and other infrastructural properties were plastered with Ukrainian flags. Locals demanded Russians go back home as they believed everything was normal for them, but now as they are being forced to get involved in the war, they are now protesting. Border crossings with Kazakhstan, Finland, and Mongolia have also reported similar migrations to those at the Russia-Georgia border. Currently, there are either no seats available on flights leaving from Moscow, or if there are, the tickets are at extremely expensive prices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thousands of Russians flee to Georgia amid Putin's mobilisation announcement

In Pics | Thousands of Hasidic Jews gather in Ukrainian city of Uman for annual pilgrimage despite war

Almost $1 trillion worth of damage has been caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a government official in Kyiv claimed on Thursday as the war decimates the nation's economy.&nbsp;

According to Oleg Ustenko, President Volodymyr Zelensky's economic counsellor, Ukraine had suffered "somewhere close to $1 trillion" in damages in terms of "direct and indirect costs."&nbsp;

Ustenko stated at a gathering organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin said the sum was equal to five times Ukraine's yearly GDP prior to the invasion in February.&nbsp;

Ukraine suffered a damage of about $100 billion in the first two weeks of the battle, according to an official estimate.

According to Ustenko, the conflict's devastation and displacement posed a "significant problem for public financing."&nbsp;

Many of the enterprises that were still operating "were not working at full capacity or they are working just several hours a day," he claimed.&nbsp;

It indicates that the budget will receive significantly less money than previously anticipated.&nbsp;

Ustenko claimed that despite significant budget cuts, the Ukrainian government had been incurring a five billion euro ($4.9 billion) monthly deficit ever since the invasion.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-two-companies-control-40-of-global-commercial-seed-market-report-518685">Only two companies control 40% of global commercial seed market: Report</a>

Kyiv anticipated that the gap would close to about 3.5 billion euros in 2023, he continued.&nbsp;

To fill the gap, allies have hurriedly poured help into Ukraine, with the World Bank, the European Union, and the G7 promising billions of dollars in funding.&nbsp;

Ustenko stated that the Ukrainian government anticipated a 35–40 per cent&nbsp;decline in the economy this year.&nbsp;

According to him, the decline was the "deepest decline in our GDP that we have experienced since 1991" and the establishment of the current Ukrainian state.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Almost $1 trillion worth of damage has been caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a government official in Kyiv claimed on Thursday as the war decimates the nation's economy.

Almost $1 trillion worth of damage has been caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a government official in Kyiv claimed on Thursday as the war decimates the nation's economy. According to Oleg Ustenko, President Volodymyr Zelensky's economic counsellor, Ukraine had suffered "somewhere close to $1 trillion" in damages in terms of "direct and indirect costs." Ustenko stated at a gathering organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin said the sum was equal to five times Ukraine's yearly GDP prior to the invasion in February. Ukraine suffered a damage of about $100 billion in the first two weeks of the battle, according to an official estimate. According to Ustenko, the conflict's devastation and displacement posed a "significant problem for public financing." Many of the enterprises that were still operating "were not working at full capacity or they are working just several hours a day," he claimed. It indicates that the budget will receive significantly less money than previously anticipated. Ustenko claimed that despite significant budget cuts, the Ukrainian government had been incurring a five billion euro ($4.9 billion) monthly deficit ever since the invasion. Also Read: Only two companies control 40% of global commercial seed market: Report Kyiv anticipated that the gap would close to about 3.5 billion euros in 2023, he continued. To fill the gap, allies have hurriedly poured help into Ukraine, with the World Bank, the European Union, and the G7 promising billions of dollars in funding. Ustenko stated that the Ukrainian government anticipated a 35–40 per cent decline in the economy this year. According to him, the decline was the "deepest decline in our GDP that we have experienced since 1991" and the establishment of the current Ukrainian state. (with inputs from agencies)

Russian invasion has caused $1 trillion worth of damage to Ukraine: Report

Russian-backed representatives of at least four regions in Ukraine have said they will hold a referendum on joining Russia in the coming days.

Leaders in four regions of Ukraine announce referendum

Residents of Kyiv stood in line for hours outside McDonald's restaurants on Tuesday (September 20), as the American fast-food brand reopened three locations in the Ukrainian capital for the first time since Russia's invasion started nearly seven months ago.

The locations only offered delivery services when they first opened, but some customers were so eager to have their food that they waited outside the eateries to pick it up from the couriers standing in line next to them.

For some, the meals provided a taste of life prior to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-reports-of-mass-graves-in-izyum-accuses-ukraine-of-fabricating-its-discoveries-517911">invasion</a> and highlighted a difference with Russia, where McDonald's withdrew its operations in response to Western opposition to the&nbsp;conflict.

"I would really like to detach from the bad vibe of the war and be in those times before the full-scale Russian invasion. This (McDonald's) is what symbolises that time (before the war)," said Denys, an 18-year-old management student, one of the lucky ones to get a meal just in time for lunch.

When he learned that the fast food restaurant had reopened its delivery service, Denys' friend Oleh, who is also a student, opted to work extra shifts to supplement his income.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-will-match-military-aid-spent-on-ukraine-next-year-says-pm-liz-truss-517962">UK will match military aid spent on Ukraine next year, says PM Liz Truss</a>

Due to the overwhelming demand, orders were no longer being taken by the neighbourhood Glovo delivery service.

Anastasiia Tolchynska, a bank employee, 29, joined the line outside the restaurant to place orders for herself and her coworkers.

"I am happy we have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mcdonalds-employees-suffer-sexual-harassment-report-517819">McDonald's</a> and the Russians don't and won't have it. Let the truth be on our side and let (international) business support the truth," she said, even though her order couldn't get through the overloaded system.

More McDonald's locations in western Ukraine will be reopened in the next weeks, and beginning next month, patrons will be allowed to place orders and eat inside the restaurants.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Residents of Kyiv stood in line for hours outside McDonald's restaurants on Tuesday (September 20), as the American fast-food brand reopened three locations in the Ukrainian capital for the first time since Russia's invasion started nearly seven months ago.

Residents of Kyiv stood in line for hours outside McDonald's restaurants on Tuesday (September 20), as the American fast-food brand reopened three locations in the Ukrainian capital for the first time since Russia's invasion started nearly seven months ago. The locations only offered delivery services when they first opened, but some customers were so eager to have their food that they waited outside the eateries to pick it up from the couriers standing in line next to them. For some, the meals provided a taste of life prior to the invasion and highlighted a difference with Russia, where McDonald's withdrew its operations in response to Western opposition to the conflict. "I would really like to detach from the bad vibe of the war and be in those times before the full-scale Russian invasion. This (McDonald's) is what symbolises that time (before the war)," said Denys, an 18-year-old management student, one of the lucky ones to get a meal just in time for lunch. When he learned that the fast food restaurant had reopened its delivery service, Denys' friend Oleh, who is also a student, opted to work extra shifts to supplement his income. Also read | UK will match military aid spent on Ukraine next year, says PM Liz Truss Due to the overwhelming demand, orders were no longer being taken by the neighbourhood Glovo delivery service. Anastasiia Tolchynska, a bank employee, 29, joined the line outside the restaurant to place orders for herself and her coworkers. "I am happy we have McDonald's and the Russians don't and won't have it. Let the truth be on our side and let (international) business support the truth," she said, even though her order couldn't get through the overloaded system. More McDonald's locations in western Ukraine will be reopened in the next weeks, and beginning next month, patrons will be allowed to place orders and eat inside the restaurants. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Pure happiness': McDonald's reopens in Kyiv, but for delivery only

Ukraine retakes key territory Putin vows to press attack on Ukraine Why did Russian defences crumble? Is the tide turning? Watch WION Wideangle

WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: Is the tide changing?

Seven months since the war in Ukraine began and there is no sign of conflict ending anytime soon. Where is the war heading? What does US intelligence have to say on Putin's war?

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin may need to change his plans, says US

As Europe deals with rising energy prices, the crisis will force the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the world, whose sparkling lights characterise the night time in the Paris skyline, to go dark early.

However, to honour Queen Elisabeth II's passing on Thursday night, the Eiffel Tower went dark, a remarkable gesture.

The decision to reduce lighting is viewed as a means to serve as an example of the overall decrease in the city's light.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-thing-reliable-from-russia-is-lies-faced-with-energy-crisis-germany-takes-a-u-turn-to-nuclear-energy-513306">Also read |&nbsp;'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy</a>

The tower's nighttime lighting accounts for 4 per cent of its annual energy consumption.

The continent is dealing with soaring energy prices, made worse by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Paris is expected to recommend this week that the monument will go black more than an hour earlier than usual.

The Eiffel Tower currently has a sophisticated lighting system that illuminates it from dark until one in the morning, giving it a golden glow. In addition, 20,000 flashing bulbs give the monument a five-minute glitter every hour starting at dusk. The tower will no longer shine at midnight if the city's hall proposes to have it go dark at 11:45 pm when the last visitors leave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protests-across-europe-over-energy-crisis-513394">Also read |&nbsp;In pics | Protests across Europe over energy crisis</a>

Tower's management head, Jean Francois Martins, said, "It’s a highly symbolic gesture – part of the growing awareness around energy sobriety," The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The monument nearly receives at least 20,000 visitors each day.

By the end of September, Marseille's monuments, including the Pharo Palace, will turn off the lights earlier as well. Other authorities also plan to reduce the nighttime lighting of renowned locations.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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As Europe deals with rising energy prices, the crisis will force the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the world, whose sparkling lights characterise the night time in the Paris skyline, to go dark early.

As Europe deals with rising energy prices, the crisis will force the Eiffel Tower, one of the most visited monuments in the world, whose sparkling lights characterise the night time in the Paris skyline, to go dark early. However, to honour Queen Elisabeth II's passing on Thursday night, the Eiffel Tower went dark, a remarkable gesture. The decision to reduce lighting is viewed as a means to serve as an example of the overall decrease in the city's light. Also read | 'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy The tower's nighttime lighting accounts for 4 per cent of its annual energy consumption. The continent is dealing with soaring energy prices, made worse by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Paris is expected to recommend this week that the monument will go black more than an hour earlier than usual. The Eiffel Tower currently has a sophisticated lighting system that illuminates it from dark until one in the morning, giving it a golden glow. In addition, 20,000 flashing bulbs give the monument a five-minute glitter every hour starting at dusk. The tower will no longer shine at midnight if the city's hall proposes to have it go dark at 11:45 pm when the last visitors leave. Also read | In pics | Protests across Europe over energy crisis Tower's management head, Jean Francois Martins, said, "It’s a highly symbolic gesture – part of the growing awareness around energy sobriety," The Guardian reported. The monument nearly receives at least 20,000 visitors each day. By the end of September, Marseille's monuments, including the Pharo Palace, will turn off the lights earlier as well. Other authorities also plan to reduce the nighttime lighting of renowned locations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid energy crisis in Europe, Eiffel Tower to go dark early 

A recent report released by the UN, the human rights chief claimed that anti-terrorism and anti-extremism policies led by the government had led to serious human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang province. In other news, the legal team for US former President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that there was no "cause for alarm" during the FBI raid but still continues to seek a special master to review the documents. In other news, a US official stating US information claimed that the Russian military is seeking to enlist contract service members and can even draw convicted criminals due to a manpower shortage in Ukraine. Finally, the US Open 2022 saw Serena Williams move to the third round with a tenacious victory over Estonian Anett Kontaveit on Thursday.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serious-human-rights-violations-committed-in-chinas-xinjiang-un-human-rights-chief-511904">Serious human rights violations committed in China's Xinjiang: UN human rights chief</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/01/292027-00032h287w.jpg" />

More than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are allegedly being detained by Beijing in western Xinjiang.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-lawyers-say-discover-of-classified-records-in-fbi-raid-no-cause-for-alarm-511927">Donald Trump's lawyers say discovery of classified records in FBI raid ‘no cause for alarm’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/04/11/254009-donald-trump.jpg" />

"Simply put, the notion that Presidential records would contain sensitive information should have never been cause for alarm," Trump’s lawyers told the judge according to Reuters.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-may-begin-recruiting-convicted-criminals-us-intelligence-511902">Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/01/292023-g5g6wexoiflyxfr7ryglsqas3u.jpg" />

As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its seventh month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday increasing the strength of Russia's armed forces from 1.9 million to 2.04 million.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-marches-on-in-us-open-beats-no2-seed-anett-kontaveit-511907">Serena Williams marches on in US Open, beats No.2 seed Anett Kontaveit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/09/01/292025-00032hf4r4.jpg" />

The 40-year-old, who is expected to officially announce her retirement at the end of the tournament, showed brilliant fight to clinch the encounter 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;EU decides to suspend 2007 visa facilitation deal with Russia

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&nbsp;

A recent report released by the UN, the human rights chief claimed that anti-terrorism and anti-extremism policies led by the government had led to serious human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang province.

A recent report released by the UN, the human rights chief claimed that anti-terrorism and anti-extremism policies led by the government had led to serious human rights violations in China’s Xinjiang province. In other news, the legal team for US former President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that there was no "cause for alarm" during the FBI raid but still continues to seek a special master to review the documents. In other news, a US official stating US information claimed that the Russian military is seeking to enlist contract service members and can even draw convicted criminals due to a manpower shortage in Ukraine. Finally, the US Open 2022 saw Serena Williams move to the third round with a tenacious victory over Estonian Anett Kontaveit on Thursday. Click on the headlines to read more: Serious human rights violations committed in China's Xinjiang: UN human rights chief More than a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are allegedly being detained by Beijing in western Xinjiang. Donald Trump's lawyers say discovery of classified records in FBI raid ‘no cause for alarm’ "Simply put, the notion that Presidential records would contain sensitive information should have never been cause for alarm," Trump’s lawyers told the judge according to Reuters. Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence As the conflict in Ukraine approaches its seventh month, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday increasing the strength of Russia's armed forces from 1.9 million to 2.04 million. Serena Williams marches on in US Open, beats No.2 seed Anett Kontaveit The 40-year-old, who is expected to officially announce her retirement at the end of the tournament, showed brilliant fight to clinch the encounter 7-6, 2-6, 6-2. Watch | EU decides to suspend 2007 visa facilitation deal with Russia

Morning news brief: Human rights violation in China, Trump’s FBI records ‘no cause for alarm’, & more

After shutting its offices earlier in the month, US-based multinational technology giant Dell Technologies on Saturday (August 27) announced that it had completely ceased its operations in Russia.

After shutting its offices earlier in the month, US-based multinational technology giant Dell Technologies on Saturday (August 27) announced that it had completely ceased its operations in Russia. With the termination, Dell has joined the list of more than 300 global companies to have exited the Russian market, ever since it invaded Ukraine. Unlike other companies that acted on a whim and tried to wind up operations rather too quickly and suffered losses, Dell did it in phases. It halted the sales of its products and services in February, before closing the offices in mid-August. "Back in February, we made the decision to not sell, service, or support products in Russia, Belarus, and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, in addition to the already embargoed Crimea," Dell spokesman Mike Siemienas was quoted as saying by Reuters. WATCH | Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country × Meanwhile, according to state-run news agency TASS which quoted Russian deputy industry and trade minister Vasily Shpak, the majority of employees at Dell had been absorbed by Russian producers. "We are monitoring the development of the situation. According to our data, the vast majority of Dell's R&D centre specialists and support engineers in St. Petersburg and Moscow have already received job offers with competitive pay from Russian producers," said Shpak Read More: McDonald's to leave Russia after more than three decades over Ukraine conflict As reported extensively by WION, brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Zara, H&M, and Netflix have all suspended operations in Russia. Spotify and Amazon have also hit a pause on their services in the country. Meanwhile, Citi bank, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Intel, Snapchat and Twitter are few of the other banking and technological giants to turn their backs on Russia. On the contrary, in Ukraine, after months of upheaval, the companies are starting to open their shutters. Reportedly, global fast-food giant McDonald, earlier this month announced that it was gearing for a phased reopening of its outlets in the war-torn country. Read more: McDonald's to open in a phased manner in Ukraine for the first time since war began (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Few weeks after closing offices, Dell winds up its operations in Russia for good

The United States announced that it will provide Kyiv with military aid worth $3 billion to train and equip the soldiers, as the Russia-Ukraine war completes its six months. In other news, two white police officers involved in a Black man’s death won’t be prosecuted. In other news, recent reports by the European Union agencies&nbsp;claimed that the continent is currently facing its worst drought in 500 years. Finally, after 45 years, NASA’s Voyager 2 launched in 1977, and spacecraft to the outer planets and beyond are still continuing their journey.

<o:p>Click on the headlines to read more:</o:p>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-war-hit-6-months-us-to-provide-3-billion-in-fresh-military-aid-to-ukraine-509613">As war hit 6 months, US to provide $3 billion in fresh military aid to Ukraine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/24/290010-war-1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

According to The Associated Press, which has cited US officials, the package is expected to be announced on Wednesday, the day the war hits the six-month mark and Ukraine celebrates its independence day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-police-officers-involved-in-rayshard-brooks-shooting-not-to-face-any-charges-509611">Two US police officers involved in Rayshard Brooks shooting not to face any charges</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/24/290009-brooks.jpg" />

The decision comes two years after Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed outside a Wendy's restaurant following an altercation with the two officers who tried to arrest him for DUI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-facing-worst-drought-in-almost-500-years-new-report-claims-509617">Europe facing worst drought in almost 500 years, new report claims</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/24/290017-5.png" />

In the last few months, several European nations have faced massive wildfires and extreme temperatures which have caused severe damage to both life and property.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-45-years-in-space-nasas-voyager-2-continues-its-interstellar-journey-509609">Watch: 45 years in space, NASA’s Voyager 2 continues its interstellar journey</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/24/290008-r-2.jpeg" />

Voyager 2 continued the Voyager mission's exploration of Uranus and Neptune whereas the original Voyager mission was limited to Jupiter and Saturn. On September 5 of the same year, Voyager 1 was launched into space.

Watch |&nbsp;Kyiv hosts forum on Crimea liberation, West warns Russia on new annexation plan

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The United States announced that it will provide Kyiv with military aid worth $3 billion to train and equip the soldiers, as the Russia-Ukraine war completes its six months.

The United States announced that it will provide Kyiv with military aid worth $3 billion to train and equip the soldiers, as the Russia-Ukraine war completes its six months. In other news, two white police officers involved in a Black man’s death won’t be prosecuted. In other news, recent reports by the European Union agencies claimed that the continent is currently facing its worst drought in 500 years. Finally, after 45 years, NASA’s Voyager 2 launched in 1977, and spacecraft to the outer planets and beyond are still continuing their journey. Click on the headlines to read more: As war hit 6 months, US to provide $3 billion in fresh military aid to Ukraine According to The Associated Press, which has cited US officials, the package is expected to be announced on Wednesday, the day the war hits the six-month mark and Ukraine celebrates its independence day. Two US police officers involved in Rayshard Brooks shooting not to face any charges The decision comes two years after Rayshard Brooks was shot and killed outside a Wendy's restaurant following an altercation with the two officers who tried to arrest him for DUI. Europe facing worst drought in almost 500 years, new report claims In the last few months, several European nations have faced massive wildfires and extreme temperatures which have caused severe damage to both life and property. Watch: 45 years in space, NASA’s Voyager 2 continues its interstellar journey Voyager 2 continued the Voyager mission's exploration of Uranus and Neptune whereas the original Voyager mission was limited to Jupiter and Saturn. On September 5 of the same year, Voyager 1 was launched into space. Watch | Kyiv hosts forum on Crimea liberation, West warns Russia on new annexation plan

Morning news brief: US announces $3 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Europe facing worst drought, & more

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Reports that Russia intends to try Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russian-occupied Mariupol have raised concerns with the UN Human Rights Office. According to a UN spokeswoman, there is evidence that metal cages are being constructed in the music hall of the Ukrainian city, "presumably to restrain prisoners of war during hearings."&nbsp;

According to the UN, it is a war crime to prosecute POWs for taking part in hostilities. Russia has previously refuted allegations that it mistreats prisoners of war.&nbsp;

Recent social media posts, including those made by Ukrainian officials, appear to show metal cages being constructed on the philharmonic hall's stage.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> has informed international partners about the intentions of the Russian Federation to commit a flagrant war crime — the sham trial of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukrainian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukrainian</a> prisoners of war, defenders of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mariupol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mariupol</a>.<a href="https://t.co/pKXplvzSiU">https://t.co/pKXplvzSiU</a> <a href="https://t.co/S0soUMCMNi">pic.twitter.com/S0soUMCMNi</a>
— UKR Mission to NATO (@UKRinNATO) <a href="https://twitter.com/UKRinNATO/status/1562187628706922498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In Mariupol, on August 24, Russian occupiers plan to judge Ukrainian prisoners in cages on the stage of a destroyed theater. We need to shout about it!!! I don't want it to be allowed. Ukrainian heroes defended us to the last!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzovstalDefenders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzovstalDefenders</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Azov?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Azov</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MariupolTribunal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MariupolTribunal</a> <a href="https://t.co/T1WUT3MLml">pic.twitter.com/T1WUT3MLml</a>
— даша чи дарина (@darinapoda) <a href="https://twitter.com/darinapoda/status/1562044320789807107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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🇺🇦🇷🇺 Vladimir Zelensky said that negotiations between Kiev and Moscow would be impossible if a trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war takes place in Mariupol. 
 
And who said that we need negotiations? And the cages for the Ukronazis are already ready😁 <a href="https://t.co/X4nNp7ju6C">pic.twitter.com/X4nNp7ju6C</a>
— yugo antifascist ☭ 🚩komintern affiliated media. (@AntifaYugo) <a href="https://twitter.com/AntifaYugo/status/1561971245993844736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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‼️pushilin the leader of the so-called DNR,said that Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s demands wouldn’t affect plans to hold a tribunal for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukrainian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukrainian</a> prisoners of war in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mariupol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mariupol</a> 
 
‼️According to him,the materials for the tribunal are already fully ready<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/russiaisaterroriststate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#russiaisaterroriststate</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AZOV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AZOV</a> <a href="https://t.co/ozkrQe2bzD">pic.twitter.com/ozkrQe2bzD</a>
— Анастасія (@B__ANASTASIYA) <a href="https://twitter.com/B__ANASTASIYA/status/1561662559832391680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per BBC reports, images were shot within the last four to five days and match the venue's interior.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to allegations made by Ukraine's intelligence service, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-six-months-into-the-russia-ukraine-war-what-are-the-consequences-so-far-509615?UTM_SRC=breakingnews">Russia</a> intends to perform mock trials for Ukrainian POWs who were seized while defending the city before it was taken by Russian forces in May.&nbsp;

At a news conference, Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that such plans were "not acceptable" and "humiliating," adding that it seemed that the prisoners of war would be restrained during proceedings in these cages.&nbsp;

She continued by saying that the UN is worried that POWs who are accused of crimes won't get a fair trial.&nbsp;

Ms Shamdasani also voiced worry over Russia's refusal to allow Ukrainian POWs access to impartial observers like the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which she claimed could put them at risk of being tortured to get a confession.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;How Russia-Ukraine war rattled markets?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-russia-ukraine-war-rattled-markets-509665/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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. Reports that Russia intends to try Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Russian-occupied Mariupol have raised concerns with the UN Human Rights Office. According to a UN spokeswoman, there is evidence that metal cages are being constructed in the music hall of the Ukrainian city, "presumably to restrain prisoners of war during hearings." According to the UN, it is a war crime to prosecute POWs for taking part in hostilities. Russia has previously refuted allegations that it mistreats prisoners of war. Recent social media posts, including those made by Ukrainian officials, appear to show metal cages being constructed on the philharmonic hall's stage. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. #Ukraine has informed international partners about the intentions of the Russian Federation to commit a flagrant war crime — the sham trial of #Ukrainian prisoners of war, defenders of #Mariupol.https://t.co/pKXplvzSiU pic.twitter.com/S0soUMCMNi — UKR Mission to NATO (@UKRinNATO) August 23, 2022 × In Mariupol, on August 24, Russian occupiers plan to judge Ukrainian prisoners in cages on the stage of a destroyed theater. We need to shout about it!!! I don't want it to be allowed. Ukrainian heroes defended us to the last!#AzovstalDefenders #Azov#MariupolTribunal pic.twitter.com/T1WUT3MLml — даша чи дарина (@darinapoda) August 23, 2022 × 🇺🇦🇷🇺 Vladimir Zelensky said that negotiations between Kiev and Moscow would be impossible if a trial of Ukrainian prisoners of war takes place in Mariupol. And who said that we need negotiations? And the cages for the Ukronazis are already ready😁 pic.twitter.com/X4nNp7ju6C — yugo antifascist ☭ 🚩komintern affiliated media. (@AntifaYugo) August 23, 2022 × ‼️pushilin the leader of the so-called DNR,said that Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s demands wouldn’t affect plans to hold a tribunal for #Ukrainian prisoners of war in #Mariupol ‼️According to him,the materials for the tribunal are already fully ready#russiaisaterroriststate#AZOV pic.twitter.com/ozkrQe2bzD — Анастасія (@B__ANASTASIYA) August 22, 2022 × As per BBC reports, images were shot within the last four to five days and match the venue's interior. According to allegations made by Ukraine's intelligence service, Russia intends to perform mock trials for Ukrainian POWs who were seized while defending the city before it was taken by Russian forces in May. At a news conference, Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that such plans were "not acceptable" and "humiliating," adding that it seemed that the prisoners of war would be restrained during proceedings in these cages. She continued by saying that the UN is worried that POWs who are accused of crimes won't get a fair trial. Ms Shamdasani also voiced worry over Russia's refusal to allow Ukrainian POWs access to impartial observers like the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which she claimed could put them at risk of being tortured to get a confession. WATCH | How Russia-Ukraine war rattled markets?

Ukraine war: UN condemns cages put up in Mariupol concert hall for prisoners of war

Russia launched rockets early on Monday at cities in southern Ukraine, to the west of the continent's largest nuclear power plant, while Kyiv, the country's capital, has forbidden celebrations of the country's independence&nbsp;from Soviet authority this week out of concern for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-topless-protestors-surround-olaf-scholz-at-a-public-event-demand-ban-on-russian-gas-imports-508977">Russian </a>assaults.

There have been requests for the demilitarisation of the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor complex, which is near to artillery and rocket fire, on the Russian-occupied south bank of the Dnipro River.

The frequent shelling, some of which grazed the plant, has been blamed on both Russia and Ukraine. Despite being controlled mostly by Ukrainian experts, it was taken over by Russian forces soon after their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-gears-up-for-intensified-attacks-following-moscow-car-bombing-509001">invasion of Ukraine</a> in February.

At least four people were hurt by Russian rocket salvos that were launched overnight into Nikopol, across the Dnipro from Russian-occupied Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia plant is located, as well as the surrounding Krivyi Rih and Synelnykovsky districts, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko reported on Telegram on Monday.

<img alt="Russia- ukraine war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="815c9b49-576b-4bcb-8711-9a52d867a681" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2022-08-22T072529Z_2_LYNXMPEI7L03T_RTROPTP_4_UKRAINE-CRISIS-BAKHMUT.JPG" />

Son hugs his mom, during the evacuation from war-affected&nbsp;areas&nbsp;in eastern Ukraine, as&nbsp;Russia's attack in Ukraine continues, in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine August 20, 2022. Photo credits: Reuters

In addition, Ukraine said that Russia had launched a missile attack on Voznesensk, which is southwest of the nation's second-largest nuclear power plant.

In a phone discussion on Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and US President Joe Biden emphasised the significance of protecting the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear plants.

While reiterating their "steadfast commitment" to assist Ukraine in the situation, they also welcomed recent discussions on permitting a mission by the U.N. nuclear watchdog&nbsp;

On February 24, Russia launched a "special military operation" to demilitarise its smaller neighbour and defend Russian-speaking areas. Moscow is accused of pursuing an imperial-style war of conquest by Ukraine and its Western sponsors.

The war, which is the largest to affect Europe since World War Two, has destroyed towns and cities, claimed thousands of lives, driven millions from their homes, and widened the geopolitical divide between Russia and the West.

The fighting has been centred in the east and south where frontlines have remained virtually stagnant for weeks since Ukraine successfully resisted a Russian assault to capture Kyiv early in the conflict.

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY IS PROHIBITED

Prior to Wednesday's 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Russian-dominated Soviet government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a warning about the possibility of additional serious attacks.

According to a statement made public by the Kyiv military administration and signed by its head Mykola Zhyrnov, big public events, demonstrations, and other commemorative gatherings have been outlawed in the capital city from Monday through Thursday owing to the potential for rocket strikes.

In the days leading up to Wednesday, which also happens to be the halfway point since Russia's invasion, Zelenskiy warned that Moscow might try "something extremely unpleasant."

Zelenskiy claimed that he had spoken with his French counterpart about "all the threats," and that he had also informed other world leaders, such as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In his nightly video message, Zelenskiy stated of Russia, "All of Ukraine's partners have been notified of what the terrorist state can prepare for this week."

Erdogan attempted to encourage communication, according to Gennady Gatilov, the Russian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, who was reported by The Financial Times in a piece that was published on Sunday.

However, he denied rumours that Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed meeting, claiming that there was no "practical basis for doing so," according to the ne

RUSSIA'S SMALL PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH

The city of Mykolaiv, a significant target in the south, has come under attack by Russian forces, according to the Ukraine's General Staff, which reported the development in its morning briefing on Monday.

Additionally, Russia was attempting to restore momentum in the direction of Pisky, Bakhmut, and Kramatorsk, important towns in the Donetsk province that together with the neighbouring Luhansk, which was taken by Moscow's forces earlier in the summer, make up the eastern Donbas region.

The Soledar, Zaytseve, and Bilogorivka regions near Bakhmut were heavily targeted by Russian artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems, according to an update from the Ukrainian military command.

The regional administration said that at least two citizens died. Russia denies committing civilian targets. The daughter of Alexander Dugin, an ultra-nationalist Russian theorist who favours Russia absorbing Ukraine, was killed in a suspected car bomb attack outside of Moscow, according to Russian authorities who are looking into the incident.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said there might be a connection to Ukraine, which a Zelenskiy advisor downplayed, even though investigators stated they were evaluating "all possibilities" while determining who was to blame.

Mykhailo Podolyak claimed on Ukrainian TV that Ukraine has nothing to do with this because it is neither a terrorist or criminal state like the Russian Federation.

Also watch |&nbsp;Ukraine: Russian missiles hit Bakhmut

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-russian-missiles-hit-bakhmut-508981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia launched rockets early on Monday at cities in southern Ukraine, to the west of the continent's largest nuclear power plant, while Kyiv, the country's capital, has forbidden celebrations of the country's independence from Soviet authority this week out of concern for Russian assaults.

Russia launched rockets early on Monday at cities in southern Ukraine, to the west of the continent's largest nuclear power plant, while Kyiv, the country's capital, has forbidden celebrations of the country's independence from Soviet authority this week out of concern for Russian assaults. There have been requests for the demilitarisation of the area around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor complex, which is near to artillery and rocket fire, on the Russian-occupied south bank of the Dnipro River. The frequent shelling, some of which grazed the plant, has been blamed on both Russia and Ukraine. Despite being controlled mostly by Ukrainian experts, it was taken over by Russian forces soon after their invasion of Ukraine in February. At least four people were hurt by Russian rocket salvos that were launched overnight into Nikopol, across the Dnipro from Russian-occupied Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia plant is located, as well as the surrounding Krivyi Rih and Synelnykovsky districts, regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko reported on Telegram on Monday. Son hugs his mom, during the evacuation from war-affected areas in eastern Ukraine, as Russia's attack in Ukraine continues, in Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine August 20, 2022. Photo credits: Reuters In addition, Ukraine said that Russia had launched a missile attack on Voznesensk, which is southwest of the nation's second-largest nuclear power plant. In a phone discussion on Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and US President Joe Biden emphasised the significance of protecting the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear plants. While reiterating their "steadfast commitment" to assist Ukraine in the situation, they also welcomed recent discussions on permitting a mission by the U.N. nuclear watchdog On February 24, Russia launched a "special military operation" to demilitarise its smaller neighbour and defend Russian-speaking areas. Moscow is accused of pursuing an imperial-style war of conquest by Ukraine and its Western sponsors. The war, which is the largest to affect Europe since World War Two, has destroyed towns and cities, claimed thousands of lives, driven millions from their homes, and widened the geopolitical divide between Russia and the West. The fighting has been centred in the east and south where frontlines have remained virtually stagnant for weeks since Ukraine successfully resisted a Russian assault to capture Kyiv early in the conflict. CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY IS PROHIBITED Prior to Wednesday's 31st anniversary of Ukraine's independence from Russian-dominated Soviet government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a warning about the possibility of additional serious attacks. According to a statement made public by the Kyiv military administration and signed by its head Mykola Zhyrnov, big public events, demonstrations, and other commemorative gatherings have been outlawed in the capital city from Monday through Thursday owing to the potential for rocket strikes. In the days leading up to Wednesday, which also happens to be the halfway point since Russia's invasion, Zelenskiy warned that Moscow might try "something extremely unpleasant." Zelenskiy claimed that he had spoken with his French counterpart about "all the threats," and that he had also informed other world leaders, such as Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In his nightly video message, Zelenskiy stated of Russia, "All of Ukraine's partners have been notified of what the terrorist state can prepare for this week." Erdogan attempted to encourage communication, according to Gennady Gatilov, the Russian ambassador to the UN in Geneva, who was reported by The Financial Times in a piece that was published on Sunday. However, he denied rumours that Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin had discussed meeting, claiming that there was no "practical basis for doing so," according to the ne RUSSIA'S SMALL PROGRESS IN THE SOUTH The city of Mykolaiv, a significant target in the south, has come under attack by Russian forces, according to the Ukraine's General Staff, which reported the development in its morning briefing on Monday. Additionally, Russia was attempting to restore momentum in the direction of Pisky, Bakhmut, and Kramatorsk, important towns in the Donetsk province that together with the neighbouring Luhansk, which was taken by Moscow's forces earlier in the summer, make up the eastern Donbas region. The Soledar, Zaytseve, and Bilogorivka regions near Bakhmut were heavily targeted by Russian artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems, according to an update from the Ukrainian military command. The regional administration said that at least two citizens died. Russia denies committing civilian targets. The daughter of Alexander Dugin, an ultra-nationalist Russian theorist who favours Russia absorbing Ukraine, was killed in a suspected car bomb attack outside of Moscow, according to Russian authorities who are looking into the incident. The Russian Foreign Ministry said there might be a connection to Ukraine, which a Zelenskiy advisor downplayed, even though investigators stated they were evaluating "all possibilities" while determining who was to blame. Mykhailo Podolyak claimed on Ukrainian TV that Ukraine has nothing to do with this because it is neither a terrorist or criminal state like the Russian Federation. Also watch | Ukraine: Russian missiles hit Bakhmut

Ukraine bans Independence day celebrations as Russia launches rockets at locations near nuclear plant

Millions in Britain are braving for a much colder winter as sky-high energy prices are set to make it unaffordable for the majority to heat their homes. To provide an alternative, Britain's libraries and museums have stepped up, dubbing themselves as 'warm havens'.

Millions in Britain are braving for a much colder winter as sky-high energy prices are set to make it unaffordable for the majority to heat their homes. To provide an alternative, Britain's libraries and museums have stepped up, dubbing themselves as 'warm havens'. Reportedly, these public buildings will form a part of a network across the country, providing warm shelters to people to avoid the frigid cool temperatures outside. The main attempt of such 'warm havens' will be to help reduce excess winter deaths. In Pics | As it happened: Heatwave 2022 — 'Monster wildfire' in France, drought in England, China's Yangtze river shrinks “We are acutely aware of the huge impact that the energy crisis will have on many living within the local community. We will be promoting our libraries as designated ‘warm spaces’ for those who can’t afford to heat their homes.” said a library owner who had already spent $33,000 on new seats and furniture, anticipating the increase in visitors. While the onus is being put on the public buildings to fill the void, their own energy bills are touching record highs. Hence the ministers across the UK are being urged to release immediate funding, directed towards the public buildings. It is pertinent to note that while UK-based energy companies such as Centrica and Shell are having bumper profitable quarters, an average UK household is expected to shell as much as $5,000, come the winters. UK natural gas prices have risen nearly 96 per cent in the year to July, while electricity prices are up 54 per cent. Read more: UK gas major Centrica's profits soar amid sky-high energy prices The war between Ukraine and Russia has hit Europe the hardest. However, compared to other European countries, the energy bill prices in the UK have soared the most. Up until last year, Russia supplied the European Union, which the UK was part of once, with 40 per cent of its gas needs. However, that figure has dropped drastically this year as Russia continues to use its position of leverage to hurt Europe for supporting Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Museums and libraries to turn 'warm havens' in the UK to reduce winter deaths

Energy giant Shell has decided to give its workers a one-off bonus of eight percent. This comes as a result of the profit that the company recorded from high oil and gas prices. Shell has made it clear that the award is a reflection of its financial gains and has got nothing to do with the rising cost of living. The company reported second quarter profits of nine billion last week. Nearly 82,000 members of Shell’s staff worldwide will get this pay boost up and the top executives will be excluded from these benefits.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bp-profit-triples-to-93-bn-on-soaring-energy-prices-502930">BP profit triples to $9.3&nbsp;bn on soaring energy prices</a>

The war in Ukraine has contributed to this profit by fuelling higher prices of oil and gas. Russia has reduced supplies to Europe following the war and the disruption thereof has led to soaring wholesale prices of oil and gas. This, in turn has passed the costs on customers by increasing the energy bills. Thus,&nbsp;&nbsp;it has increased the profits of the firm. Not only Shell but its rival BP has also reported a record breaking high quarterly profits.&nbsp;

As reported by BBC, the company has said that "the award enables those employees to share in our current operational and financial success - it is not a response to inflation or cost-of-living challenges”.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/developing-countries-facing-major-food-inflation-due-to-ukraine-crisis-says-world-bank-502744">Developing countries facing major food inflation due to Ukraine crisis, says World Bank</a>

Around 5,000 of Shell's representatives in Britain are in line to profit from the reward. However, 1,200 employees of Shell Energy Retail- a loss-making household supply unit, will not receive the bonuses. Shell has likewise said it would return billions of dollars to its investors subsequent to its quarterly monetary profits last month.

Watch |&nbsp;Gas ban imposed as Latvian firm was paying in Euros to Russia&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gas-ban-imposed-as-latvian-firm-was-paying-in-euros-to-russia-502445/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Though various oil and gas companies are benefiting, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for oil and gas companies to face special taxes, calling it “immoral” for firms to be profiting from the Ukraine war. Further, he added that "This grotesque greed is punishing the poorest and most vulnerable people, while destroying our only common home”.&nbsp;</div>

(With inputs from agencies)

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Energy giant Shell has decided to give its workers a one-off bonus of eight percent. This comes as a result of the profit that the company recorded from high oil and gas prices.

Energy giant Shell has decided to give its workers a one-off bonus of eight percent. This comes as a result of the profit that the company recorded from high oil and gas prices. Shell has made it clear that the award is a reflection of its financial gains and has got nothing to do with the rising cost of living. The company reported second quarter profits of nine billion last week. Nearly 82,000 members of Shell’s staff worldwide will get this pay boost up and the top executives will be excluded from these benefits. Also read | BP profit triples to $9.3 bn on soaring energy prices The war in Ukraine has contributed to this profit by fuelling higher prices of oil and gas. Russia has reduced supplies to Europe following the war and the disruption thereof has led to soaring wholesale prices of oil and gas. This, in turn has passed the costs on customers by increasing the energy bills. Thus, it has increased the profits of the firm. Not only Shell but its rival BP has also reported a record breaking high quarterly profits. As reported by BBC, the company has said that "the award enables those employees to share in our current operational and financial success - it is not a response to inflation or cost-of-living challenges”. Also read | Developing countries facing major food inflation due to Ukraine crisis, says World Bank Around 5,000 of Shell's representatives in Britain are in line to profit from the reward. However, 1,200 employees of Shell Energy Retail- a loss-making household supply unit, will not receive the bonuses. Shell has likewise said it would return billions of dollars to its investors subsequent to its quarterly monetary profits last month. Watch | Gas ban imposed as Latvian firm was paying in Euros to Russia Though various oil and gas companies are benefiting, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for oil and gas companies to face special taxes, calling it “immoral” for firms to be profiting from the Ukraine war. Further, he added that "This grotesque greed is punishing the poorest and most vulnerable people, while destroying our only common home”. (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.

Shell staff benefits from soaring energy bills