Nearly a week after announcing the partial mobilisation of troops to fight in Ukraine, Russia has admitted it had rushed the process and promised to fix the mistakes caused during the call-up.

Nearly a week after announcing the partial mobilisation of troops to fight in Ukraine, Russia has admitted it had rushed the process and promised to fix the mistakes caused during the call-up. Reportedly, upper house speaker Valentina Matviyenko on Sunday came down heavily on the governors overseeing the mobilisation campaigns and directed them to avoid mistakes. In a statement released on Telegram, Matviyenko admitted that incorrect cases of mobilisation were causing outrage amongst the public. "Incorrect cases of mobilisation...are provoking fierce reactions in society, and rightly so. Some are assuming that handing in their report (to their superiors) quickly is more important than correctly fulfilling this important mission. This is unacceptable," said Matviyenko. "Make sure that partial mobilisation is carried out in full and complete compliance with the criteria. And without a single mistake!," she added. Incorrect cases of troop call-up Reportedly, after President Vladimir Putin announced a partial troop mobilisation after Ukraine made decisive gains in the ongoing war, the Russian authorities quickly swung into action and started recruiting people. While Putin said only people with 'relevant' skills or military experience needed to be recruited, the authorities took a rather panicked approach. According to an AFP report, in a case of incorrect recruitment, a 63-year-old diabetic ex-military officer was sent to a training camp in the southwestern region of Volgograd. Read more: Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge Similarly, another 58-year-old school director received a call-up for recruitment, despite having no prior military experience. Both were eventually allowed to return, but it showed that the process was not transparent and clear in its objective. What is partial mobilisation? Succinctly put, military mobilisation refers to a situation when a nation assembles and readies military troops and supplies for war. If a country has ordered a mobilisation, it is organising its armed forces for active military service. The last time Russia ordered a general mobilisation, anyone who was 19 years old was obliged to join the Soviet Army. Those who were 18 were eligible to volunteer. WATCH | What is mobilisation? | Why is Russia resorting to partial mobilisation? × Currently, Putin has ordered a partial mobilisation which means that only a certain percentage of Russia’s potential fighters will be asked to join the offensive on Ukraine. As of now, Putin has signed a decree that will see 300,000 reservists who will be called to fight in Ukraine out of approximately 25 million potential fighters at Moscow's disposal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia admits making mistakes in troop call-up during mobilisation; vows to fix issues

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview broadcast on Sunday that Ukraine had received sophisticated air defence systems from the United States.

It was the first acknowledgement that Ukraine had received the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), long sought by Kyiv and whose shipment was approved by Washington late last month.

"We absolutely need the United States to show leadership and give Ukraine the air defence systems. I want to thank President (Joe) Biden for a positive decision that has been already made," Zelensky said, according to an English-language transcript of the interview.

"But believe me, it's not even nearly enough to cover the civilian infrastructure, schools, hospitals, universities, homes of Ukrainians." 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-knowingly-sending-citizens-to-their-death-says-ukraine-519511">Russian president is knowingly 'sending its citizens to their death', says Ukraine</a>

Zelensky also thanked the United States for HIMARS and other multiple rocket-launching systems enabling Ukraine to advance against Russian occupying forces.

Ukraine has staged counter-offensives this month to free from occupation large swathes of territory in northeastern Kharkiv region. It has also made advances in the south.

Russia describes its seven-month-old incursion into Ukraine as a "special military operation" and denies it targets civilian sites.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview broadcast on Sunday that Ukraine had received sophisticated air defence systems from the United States. It was the first acknowledgement that Ukraine had received the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), long sought by Kyiv and whose shipment was approved by Washington late last month.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview broadcast on Sunday that Ukraine had received sophisticated air defence systems from the United States. It was the first acknowledgement that Ukraine had received the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), long sought by Kyiv and whose shipment was approved by Washington late last month. "We absolutely need the United States to show leadership and give Ukraine the air defence systems. I want to thank President (Joe) Biden for a positive decision that has been already made," Zelensky said, according to an English-language transcript of the interview. "But believe me, it's not even nearly enough to cover the civilian infrastructure, schools, hospitals, universities, homes of Ukrainians." ALSO READ: Russian president is knowingly 'sending its citizens to their death', says Ukraine Zelensky also thanked the United States for HIMARS and other multiple rocket-launching systems enabling Ukraine to advance against Russian occupying forces. Ukraine has staged counter-offensives this month to free from occupation large swathes of territory in northeastern Kharkiv region. It has also made advances in the south. Russia describes its seven-month-old incursion into Ukraine as a "special military operation" and denies it targets civilian sites.

Ukraine receives US air defence system

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s deputy defence minister&nbsp;Dmitry Bulgakov will be&nbsp;replaced&nbsp;by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. Bulgakov was in charge of logistics in the war.&nbsp;

“Army General Dmitry Bulgakov has been relieved of the post of deputy minister of defence,” said Russia’s defence minister on Telegram, on Saturday. Reportedly, the country’s president Vladimir Putin fired him following the military’s dwindling logistics operations in Ukraine. He will now be “released” and transferred into a new role, indicated the ministry. However, they did not mention what would be the new role.&nbsp;

Bulgakov is being replaced with Mikhail Mizintsev who is also infamously known as the “Butcher of Mariupol”. According to media reports, the Col Gen has ordered some of the most brutal attacks on the city of Mariupol in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Mizintsev has been dubbed with the aforementioned title following his orders of an airstrike on a maternity hospital and the attack on a theatre which was sheltering hundreds of children at the time. The 60-year-old has also been sanctioned by the UK for the same following his actions in the Ukrainian city in May, earlier this year.&nbsp;

According to BBC, this move has been seen as a punishment for Bulgakov after his flawed logistics operations in Kyiv after Moscow has not been able to make any headway in the past weeks. Bulgakov has been managing the Russian military’s logistics since 2008 and was also responsible to keep the Russian troops in Syria supplied in 2015.

However, the General has reportedly been sidelined by Moscow in the past months with many blaming him for the faulty and chaotic operations which have affected Russia’s advancement in Ukraine, said BBC. Meanwhile, his successor Mizintsev has been accused of the cluster bombing campaign on residential areas in Aleppo.

Russia has also pressured its only two remaining allies North Korea and Iran for new artillery and drones. Gen Bulgakov’s dismissal also comes amid footage being circulated on social media which shows newly drafted Russians carrying rusty assault rifles, indicated the BBC.&nbsp; 
 
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Newly mobilized Russian men are showing the rusted AK's they were given. <a href="https://t.co/bRvVmdJC5b">pic.twitter.com/bRvVmdJC5b</a>
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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s deputy defence minister Dmitry Bulgakov will be replaced by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. Bulgakov was in charge of logistics in the war.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow’s deputy defence minister Dmitry Bulgakov will be replaced by Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev. Bulgakov was in charge of logistics in the war. “Army General Dmitry Bulgakov has been relieved of the post of deputy minister of defence,” said Russia’s defence minister on Telegram, on Saturday. Reportedly, the country’s president Vladimir Putin fired him following the military’s dwindling logistics operations in Ukraine. He will now be “released” and transferred into a new role, indicated the ministry. However, they did not mention what would be the new role. Bulgakov is being replaced with Mikhail Mizintsev who is also infamously known as the “Butcher of Mariupol”. According to media reports, the Col Gen has ordered some of the most brutal attacks on the city of Mariupol in Ukraine. Mizintsev has been dubbed with the aforementioned title following his orders of an airstrike on a maternity hospital and the attack on a theatre which was sheltering hundreds of children at the time. The 60-year-old has also been sanctioned by the UK for the same following his actions in the Ukrainian city in May, earlier this year. According to BBC, this move has been seen as a punishment for Bulgakov after his flawed logistics operations in Kyiv after Moscow has not been able to make any headway in the past weeks. Bulgakov has been managing the Russian military’s logistics since 2008 and was also responsible to keep the Russian troops in Syria supplied in 2015. However, the General has reportedly been sidelined by Moscow in the past months with many blaming him for the faulty and chaotic operations which have affected Russia’s advancement in Ukraine, said BBC. Meanwhile, his successor Mizintsev has been accused of the cluster bombing campaign on residential areas in Aleppo. Russia has also pressured its only two remaining allies North Korea and Iran for new artillery and drones. Gen Bulgakov’s dismissal also comes amid footage being circulated on social media which shows newly drafted Russians carrying rusty assault rifles, indicated the BBC. Newly mobilized Russian men are showing the rusted AK's they were given. pic.twitter.com/bRvVmdJC5b — Christo Grozev (@christogrozev) September 24, 2022 ×

Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; appoints 'Butcher of Mariupol' in place

A report by Bloomberg indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to exceed the next two years’ initial budget estimates as he plans to add more than 43% to the category related to defence while an additional 40% to law enforcement and national security. This comes amid the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and this increase is seen as an attempt to tailor Moscow’s budget for a long and increasingly expensive war.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Russia’s three-year fiscal plan is prioritising the military and moving away from categories like environmental protection, with a minimum increase in sectors like education and culture for 2023. Meanwhile, at least 5 trillion rubles ($84 billion) which is nearly 3.3% of the country’s GDP is being dedicated to “national defence”.&nbsp;

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a think tank that tracks the global arms industry, Russia’s “national defence” line in the budget accounts for three-quarters of its total military expenditure and includes for operations and arms procurement. Meanwhile, Putin plans on spending a quarter less than the 0.2% GDP on the environment which was estimated earlier. On the other hand, the defence budget which was to decrease to 2.4% of GDP, from an estimated 3.2% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2021, said the Bloomberg report.&nbsp;

They further indicated that only overall figures were made public while the details of this increased military remain classified. The budget plan reportedly assigns the cost of the call-up to at least 16 billion rubles in 2023 and up to 16.5 billion rubles annually in 2024-2025.&nbsp;

This shift shows that Putin is set to escalate his efforts after a major setback faced in Ukraine as he also called for the “partial mobilisation” and drafted at least 300,000 more soldiers who are currently reservists in the Russian army.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-claims-6000-sq-km-retaken-from-russia-515873">Gravitas: Ukraine claims 6,000 sq km retaken from Russia</a>

SIPRI also indicated that Russia was one of the biggest spenders on defence last year and estimated that the country boosted its expenditure on the military in 2021 by 2.9% to $65.9 billion. This was straying away from the previous declines noted between 2016 and 2019 and indicated a third straight year of growth.&nbsp;

Reportedly, the budget was approved on Thursday by the government and is supposed by the two houses of parliament after which it will be signed by Putin to become law. The report also estimated a budget deficit of 2% next year, from 0.9% this year. The government also plans on borrowing up to $1 billion annually in foreign currencies, said the report.&nbsp;

 
Putin’s move to invade Ukraine has severely affected Russia’s economy, as, amid international sanctions, this diversion of resources and manpower to the military can worsen the recession in Moscow. This comes as the labour market is already stretched by poor demographics and with unemployment at an all-time low, says the report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/partial-military-mobilisation-in-russia-has-markets-on-alert-518418">Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge</a>

According to the budget, Moscow’s pipeline gas exports are set to drop by at least 40% between 2023 and 2025, given its stand-off with the rest of Europe, while crude shipments will see some improvement. Notably, the government’s balance sheet has managed to survive well amid the crisis, which the report has attributed to the country’s windfall earnings from the higher cost of commodities.&nbsp;

The budget has also allocated additional money for “patriotic education,” which aims to include history exhibits and equip schools with state symbols. Meanwhile, the defence budget is also set to go up by almost 30% in 2024 but is reportedly still in line with the projections for 2025.&nbsp;

A report by Bloomberg indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to exceed the next two years’ initial budget estimates as he plans to add more than 43% to the category related to defence while an additional 40% to law enforcement and national security.

A report by Bloomberg indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to exceed the next two years’ initial budget estimates as he plans to add more than 43% to the category related to defence while an additional 40% to law enforcement and national security. This comes amid the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and this increase is seen as an attempt to tailor Moscow’s budget for a long and increasingly expensive war. Reportedly, Russia’s three-year fiscal plan is prioritising the military and moving away from categories like environmental protection, with a minimum increase in sectors like education and culture for 2023. Meanwhile, at least 5 trillion rubles ($84 billion) which is nearly 3.3% of the country’s GDP is being dedicated to “national defence”. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a think tank that tracks the global arms industry, Russia’s “national defence” line in the budget accounts for three-quarters of its total military expenditure and includes for operations and arms procurement. Meanwhile, Putin plans on spending a quarter less than the 0.2% GDP on the environment which was estimated earlier. On the other hand, the defence budget which was to decrease to 2.4% of GDP, from an estimated 3.2% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2021, said the Bloomberg report. They further indicated that only overall figures were made public while the details of this increased military remain classified. The budget plan reportedly assigns the cost of the call-up to at least 16 billion rubles in 2023 and up to 16.5 billion rubles annually in 2024-2025. This shift shows that Putin is set to escalate his efforts after a major setback faced in Ukraine as he also called for the “partial mobilisation” and drafted at least 300,000 more soldiers who are currently reservists in the Russian army. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Ukraine claims 6,000 sq km retaken from Russia SIPRI also indicated that Russia was one of the biggest spenders on defence last year and estimated that the country boosted its expenditure on the military in 2021 by 2.9% to $65.9 billion. This was straying away from the previous declines noted between 2016 and 2019 and indicated a third straight year of growth. Reportedly, the budget was approved on Thursday by the government and is supposed by the two houses of parliament after which it will be signed by Putin to become law. The report also estimated a budget deficit of 2% next year, from 0.9% this year. The government also plans on borrowing up to $1 billion annually in foreign currencies, said the report. Putin’s move to invade Ukraine has severely affected Russia’s economy, as, amid international sanctions, this diversion of resources and manpower to the military can worsen the recession in Moscow. This comes as the labour market is already stretched by poor demographics and with unemployment at an all-time low, says the report. ALSO READ: Partial military mobilisation in Russia announcement makes oil, defence stocks surge According to the budget, Moscow’s pipeline gas exports are set to drop by at least 40% between 2023 and 2025, given its stand-off with the rest of Europe, while crude shipments will see some improvement. Notably, the government’s balance sheet has managed to survive well amid the crisis, which the report has attributed to the country’s windfall earnings from the higher cost of commodities. The budget has also allocated additional money for “patriotic education,” which aims to include history exhibits and equip schools with state symbols. Meanwhile, the defence budget is also set to go up by almost 30% in 2024 but is reportedly still in line with the projections for 2025.

Report: Putin to increase expenditure on defence and police, amid war in Ukraine

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse.

As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote.

The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula.

Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle.

Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call.

“We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.”

Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-residents-coerced-into-russian-annexation-vote-519102">Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote</a>

“After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces.

Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city.

Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014.

“They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety.

Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum.

“You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv.

In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. 
“The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said.

She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played.

On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers.

She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.”

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard.

Russian soldiers, wearing balaclavas and wielding guns, flanked election workers. Ukrainians were forced to vote while Russian officials or their proxies stood guard. Some residents even hid in their homes, terrified that voting against Russia’s annexation would lead to their being abducted, or worse. As Russia began orchestrating staged voting in referendums across Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine on Friday, Ukrainians in those areas expressed a mix of anger, defiance and fear that their homeland was being usurped by force in what they called a sham vote. The aim of the hastily called referendums, supported by pro-Russian residents and their proxies was apparent; to give President Vladimir Putin of Russia a legally bogus pretext to gobble up their country. And they brought back memories of staged votes in 2014 in Crimea that were swiftly followed by Russia’s annexation of the peninsula. Tina, 27, a freelance journalist who was visiting her fiancé’s parents in Beryslav, in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, said that she drove through the streets on Friday morning and saw Russian officials standing in a neighbor’s yard, waiting for him to fill the ballot before passing it on to someone in a nearby vehicle. Russian officials were going door to door, she said, to deliver ballots, peering into the windows of homes that did not answer their call. “We are against these occupiers,” Tina said, “but we do not have a right to say no. We cannot refuse.” Tina, who said she has participated in protests against the Russian occupation, said that her fiancé’s relatives had locked their gates and doors and turned off their lights, as Ukrainian authorities had advised. But she was worried that their address would be noted and there would be negative repercussions if they refused to answer the door. Read more: Ukraine says residents of captured regions coerced into Russian annexation vote “After living side by side with them for more than six months now, we have learned that any refusal could result in a direct ticket to the basement,” she said, using a phrase Ukrainians under occupation in Kherson, a port city in the country’s south, have started using to describe abductions by occupying forces. Olha, a Ukrainian who spoke on Thursday night to friends in Enerhodar, a Russian-controlled city in southeastern Ukraine near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, said men aged 18 to 35 were being prevented from leaving the city. Echoing the concerns of many Ukrainians, she said she was nervous that Russian annexation would force young men to join the Russian military and fight against fellow Ukrainians. That has already happened in parts of Luhansk and Donetsk occupied by Russia since 2014. “They want to conscript them to the Russian armed forces,” Olha said. “And Ukrainians will have to fight against Ukrainians,” she said, stopping as she broke into tears. Like others interviewed for this article, she did not want to use her full name out of concern for her safety. Andriy, 44, who has friends and relatives in Kherson, said he had spoken to them in recent days and they had told him that it wasn’t possible to leave the city because of the referendum. “You know, those who are smart, they sit at home and don’t go anywhere,” he said by phone from Kyiv. In Russian-occupied Melitopol, in southeastern Ukraine, Natalia, 73, a pensioner, said that the referendums had shocked her. “The scariest thing is that after the referendum, if Ukraine tries to liberate my city, it will be considered as an attack on Russia,” she said. She said the Russians had set up information booths about the referendum across Melitopol, and had hung banners with pro-Russian slogans. The city, she said, was covered with Russian flags, and patriotic Russian music played. On Friday, she said, she looked out the window of her apartment and saw two pro-Russian referendum workers entering the building. She remained inside, far from the window, to avoid being seen. But she managed to spot two soldiers, each wearing a balaclava and clutching a gun, escorting three referendum workers. She said that a polling station had been set up in the gym of a school. “I will not go to vote,” Natalia said. “Only if they point a gun at me, and even then I will vote for Ukraine.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian referendum voting evokes feeling of anger, trepidation and defiance

Russia unfolds annexation plan for Ukraine

Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news.

However, Kyiv's recapture of the city of Izyum has also brought to light an account by Sri Lanka nationals who claim to have been held captive for months by the Russian forces.

BBC reports that Dilujan Paththinajakan along with six other Sri Lankans was captured in May. They had come to Ukraine to find work and/or study&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-ukrainian-troops-heads-to-donbas-region-517998/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The party had just started a long journey from their homes in Kupiansk, northeastern Ukraine, to the more secure city of Kharkiv, which was some 120 kilometres (75 miles) away.

However, they were apprehended by Russian troops at the first checkpoint. The Sri Lankans were led to a machine tool plant in the town of Vovchansk, close to the Russian border, with their hands bound and their eyes covered.

For four months they were kept as prisoners, used as forced labour.&nbsp;

Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content.&nbsp;

They were allowed to use the toilet just once a day and the time for that was limited to two minutes. If and when they were allowed to shower, they again were given just two minutes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-reports-of-mass-graves-in-izyum-accuses-ukraine-of-fabricating-its-discoveries-517911" hreflang="en">Russia slams reports of mass graves in Izyum, accuses Ukraine of fabricating its discoveries</a>

The group mainly was composed of men in their 20s who were all stuffed into one room. The one woman in the group, 50-year-old Mary Edit Uthajkumar, was kept separately.

Mary, who is a heart patient was refused medicine for her condition. She said they were locked in a room and even beaten up.

"They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months."

Among the men, two had their toenails torn off with pliers. All of them reported being beaten up by drunk Russian soldiers, at times guns were used to inflict the beating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-forces-recapture-village-in-luhansk-region-as-russia-loses-control-517905" hreflang="en">Ukrainian forces recapture village in Luhansk region as Russia loses control</a>

"They hit me across the body many times with their guns," one man, 35-year-old Thinesh Gogenthiran. "One of them punched me in the stomach and I was in pain for two days. He then asked me for money."

When the Ukrainian forces started retaking territory in eastern Ukraine earlier this month, including Vovchansk, the seven Sri Lankans were ultimately freed.

Once again, they began their walk towards Kharkiv. They had no way to get in touch with their relatives as they&nbsp;had no phones.&nbsp;But eventually, their fortune changed when a passing motorist noticed them and dialled the cops. They were given a police officer's phone.&nbsp;They have now been brought to Kharkiv, where they are receiving medical care.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news.

Ukraine retook Izyum and other eastern towns, this month, severely disrupting the Kremlin's supply lines and sparking new allegations of Russian atrocities. The discovery of hundreds of graves, some of which contained several victims was one thing which made the news. However, Kyiv's recapture of the city of Izyum has also brought to light an account by Sri Lanka nationals who claim to have been held captive for months by the Russian forces. BBC reports that Dilujan Paththinajakan along with six other Sri Lankans was captured in May. They had come to Ukraine to find work and/or study Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian troops heads to Donbas region The party had just started a long journey from their homes in Kupiansk, northeastern Ukraine, to the more secure city of Kharkiv, which was some 120 kilometres (75 miles) away. However, they were apprehended by Russian troops at the first checkpoint. The Sri Lankans were led to a machine tool plant in the town of Vovchansk, close to the Russian border, with their hands bound and their eyes covered. For four months they were kept as prisoners, used as forced labour. Their ordeal as described by them is enough to give anyone nightmares. Reader discretion is advised for the following content. They were allowed to use the toilet just once a day and the time for that was limited to two minutes. If and when they were allowed to shower, they again were given just two minutes. Also read | Russia slams reports of mass graves in Izyum, accuses Ukraine of fabricating its discoveries The group mainly was composed of men in their 20s who were all stuffed into one room. The one woman in the group, 50-year-old Mary Edit Uthajkumar, was kept separately. Mary, who is a heart patient was refused medicine for her condition. She said they were locked in a room and even beaten up. "They used to beat us when we went to take a shower. They didn't even allow me to meet the others. We were stuck inside for three months." Among the men, two had their toenails torn off with pliers. All of them reported being beaten up by drunk Russian soldiers, at times guns were used to inflict the beating. Also read | Ukrainian forces recapture village in Luhansk region as Russia loses control "They hit me across the body many times with their guns," one man, 35-year-old Thinesh Gogenthiran. "One of them punched me in the stomach and I was in pain for two days. He then asked me for money." When the Ukrainian forces started retaking territory in eastern Ukraine earlier this month, including Vovchansk, the seven Sri Lankans were ultimately freed. Once again, they began their walk towards Kharkiv. They had no way to get in touch with their relatives as they had no phones. But eventually, their fortune changed when a passing motorist noticed them and dialled the cops. They were given a police officer's phone. They have now been brought to Kharkiv, where they are receiving medical care. (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.

After 4 months of brutal torture, 7 Sri Lankans freed with Ukraine's recapture of Izyum. This is their story

Vowing that there will be no letup in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv's troops are reclaiming towns and cities from Moscow.

During his nightly address, he said “Maybe now it seems to some of you that after a series of victories we have a certain lull but its preparation for the next series... because Ukraine must be free — all of it.”

Warning that Moscow is likely to increase attacks on civilian targets, the British defence ministry said Russia will retaliate against battlefield defeats.

Repelling attacks by Russian troops in the areas of the Kharkiv region in the east and Kherson in the south, Ukraine’s military command said its forces secured the eastern bank of the Oskil River.

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While Russian artillery and air strikes kept pounding targets across Ukraine's east, Ukrainians who returned to the northeastern area retaken in Kyiv's lightning advance earlier this month were searching for their dead.

Brushing off Ukraine's swift counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would respond more forcefully if its troops were put under further pressure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/choice-of-a-real-man-russia-attracts-volunteer-soldiers-with-mobile-trucks-incentives-517471" hreflang="en">'Choice of a real man': Russia attracts volunteer soldiers with mobile trucks, incentives</a>

Blaming each other for shelling around Europe's largest nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia, power lines needed to keep it cooled and safe have been disrupted.

After visiting a base in Poland aiding Ukraine's war effort, US Army General and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley called for vigilance on Sunday.

As opposed to reinforcing the front line, Russian forces in Donetsk continue to conduct “meaningless operations” on villages, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

The residents of Izium have been searching for dead relatives at a forest gravesite following the discovery of a mass grave containing the bodies of 17 soldiers. 
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Vowing that there will be no letup in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv's troops are reclaiming towns and cities from Moscow.

Vowing that there will be no letup in Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv's troops are reclaiming towns and cities from Moscow. During his nightly address, he said “Maybe now it seems to some of you that after a series of victories we have a certain lull but its preparation for the next series... because Ukraine must be free — all of it.” Warning that Moscow is likely to increase attacks on civilian targets, the British defence ministry said Russia will retaliate against battlefield defeats. Repelling attacks by Russian troops in the areas of the Kharkiv region in the east and Kherson in the south, Ukraine’s military command said its forces secured the eastern bank of the Oskil River. × While Russian artillery and air strikes kept pounding targets across Ukraine's east, Ukrainians who returned to the northeastern area retaken in Kyiv's lightning advance earlier this month were searching for their dead. Brushing off Ukraine's swift counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would respond more forcefully if its troops were put under further pressure. Also read | 'Choice of a real man': Russia attracts volunteer soldiers with mobile trucks, incentives Blaming each other for shelling around Europe's largest nuclear power plant Zaporizhzhia, power lines needed to keep it cooled and safe have been disrupted. After visiting a base in Poland aiding Ukraine's war effort, US Army General and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley called for vigilance on Sunday. As opposed to reinforcing the front line, Russian forces in Donetsk continue to conduct “meaningless operations” on villages, according to the Institute for the Study of War. The residents of Izium have been searching for dead relatives at a forest gravesite following the discovery of a mass grave containing the bodies of 17 soldiers. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

No let-up in taking back Ukrainian towns from Russian forces: Volodymyr Zelensky

Over the past couple of days, Russia has increased attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine as it suffers setbacks on the front lines, said the British Defense Ministry in an online briefing on Sunday. They further indicated that Russian shelling is already hitting towns and cities at night. Meanwhile, Ukrainians return to places abandoned by Moscow’s army and try to find their dead.&nbsp;

According to the governors of various regions in Ukraine, five civilians were killed after Russia attacked the Donetsk region over the past day. On the other hand, Nikopol, a city southeast of Kryvyy Rih has reported several damages to gas pipelines and power lines, as well as dozens of high-rise and private buildings, which were also attacked by Russian strikes.&nbsp;

“In the last seven days, Russia has increased its targeting of civilian infrastructure even where it probably perceives no immediate military effect,” said the UK's defence ministry. This uptick in the number of attacks on civilian infrastructure is following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat of doing so after his ground attack was repelled in northeast Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-troops-recaptured-over-6000-sq-km-while-some-reached-russian-border-515620">Ukrainian troops have reached the state border with Russia, reports suggest</a>

The UK's defence ministry also said that Moscow’s army is putting the aforementioned threat into action, “As it faces setbacks on the front lines, Russia has likely extended the locations it is prepared to strike in an attempt to directly undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people and government,” the defence ministry stated. The strikes have also targeted an electricity grid and a dam, they added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Ukraine’s forces managed to retake 20 or so towns in the northeastern Kharkiv region. However, on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that investigators found evidence of torture against soldiers buried near Izium, which was one of the regions retaken from the Russian forces. The claim was made in a video address, which also indicated the discovery of a mass grave containing at least 17 bodies which showed signs of torture.&nbsp;

Oleksandr Ilienkov, the chief of the prosecutor’s office for the Kharkiv region said in an interview, “One of the bodies (found) has evidence of a ligature pattern and a rope around the neck, tied hands.” Reportedly, the bodies also showed signs of violent death and would undergo forensic examination. This is as Moscow has repeatedly and vehemently denied committing atrocities and deliberately attacking civilians.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the mayor of Izium said, “the exhumation is underway, the graves are being dug up and all the remains are being transported to Kharkiv”. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has not acknowledged or commented on the discovery of the mass grave.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-claims-6000-sq-km-retaken-from-russia-515873">Gravitas: Ukraine claims 6,000 sq km retaken from Russia</a>

Ukraine’s regional governor Vitaliy Kim said one of the overnight shelling by the Russian forces hit a hospital in Mykolaiv, while attacks in other parts of the region also wounded two people. Reportedly, three people were hit in Nikopol, and three people were killed by rocket attacks over the past day in Kharkiv, including an 11-year-old girl, said regional government officials.&nbsp;

Russian troops were forced to pull back from most of the Kharkiv region following the Ukrainian counteroffensive efforts. On Sunday, the last reactor of the six-reactor Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was also switched off after repeated power failures and constant shelling putting crucial safety systems at risk. The power plant was captured by the Russian forces in March earlier this year but is run by Ukrainian engineers.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Over the past couple of days, Russia has increased attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine as it suffers setbacks on the front lines, said the British Defense Ministry in an online briefing on Sunday.

Over the past couple of days, Russia has increased attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine as it suffers setbacks on the front lines, said the British Defense Ministry in an online briefing on Sunday. They further indicated that Russian shelling is already hitting towns and cities at night. Meanwhile, Ukrainians return to places abandoned by Moscow’s army and try to find their dead. According to the governors of various regions in Ukraine, five civilians were killed after Russia attacked the Donetsk region over the past day. On the other hand, Nikopol, a city southeast of Kryvyy Rih has reported several damages to gas pipelines and power lines, as well as dozens of high-rise and private buildings, which were also attacked by Russian strikes. “In the last seven days, Russia has increased its targeting of civilian infrastructure even where it probably perceives no immediate military effect,” said the UK's defence ministry. This uptick in the number of attacks on civilian infrastructure is following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat of doing so after his ground attack was repelled in northeast Ukraine. ALSO READ: Ukrainian troops have reached the state border with Russia, reports suggest The UK's defence ministry also said that Moscow’s army is putting the aforementioned threat into action, “As it faces setbacks on the front lines, Russia has likely extended the locations it is prepared to strike in an attempt to directly undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people and government,” the defence ministry stated. The strikes have also targeted an electricity grid and a dam, they added. Earlier this month, Ukraine’s forces managed to retake 20 or so towns in the northeastern Kharkiv region. However, on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that investigators found evidence of torture against soldiers buried near Izium, which was one of the regions retaken from the Russian forces. The claim was made in a video address, which also indicated the discovery of a mass grave containing at least 17 bodies which showed signs of torture. Oleksandr Ilienkov, the chief of the prosecutor’s office for the Kharkiv region said in an interview, “One of the bodies (found) has evidence of a ligature pattern and a rope around the neck, tied hands.” Reportedly, the bodies also showed signs of violent death and would undergo forensic examination. This is as Moscow has repeatedly and vehemently denied committing atrocities and deliberately attacking civilians. On Sunday, the mayor of Izium said, “the exhumation is underway, the graves are being dug up and all the remains are being transported to Kharkiv”. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has not acknowledged or commented on the discovery of the mass grave. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Ukraine claims 6,000 sq km retaken from Russia Ukraine’s regional governor Vitaliy Kim said one of the overnight shelling by the Russian forces hit a hospital in Mykolaiv, while attacks in other parts of the region also wounded two people. Reportedly, three people were hit in Nikopol, and three people were killed by rocket attacks over the past day in Kharkiv, including an 11-year-old girl, said regional government officials. Russian troops were forced to pull back from most of the Kharkiv region following the Ukrainian counteroffensive efforts. On Sunday, the last reactor of the six-reactor Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was also switched off after repeated power failures and constant shelling putting crucial safety systems at risk. The power plant was captured by the Russian forces in March earlier this year but is run by Ukrainian engineers. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Russia may attack more civilian targets in Ukraine

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

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. Days after liberating thousands of acres of the occupied region from the Russian troops, the Ukrainian authorities on Friday began the process of examining the mass burial site, discovered a day earlier in the east Ukrainian town of Izyum. The officials stated that 99 per cent of the exhumed bodies found at the burial site had signs of violent death, meaning the Russian troops tortured and mutilated them when killing. "Among the bodies that were exhumed today, 99 percent showed signs of violent death. There are several bodies with their hands tied behind their backs, and one person is buried with a rope around his neck." said Oleg Synegubov, head of the Kharkiv regional administration. Synegubov further stated that these people were obviously tortured and executed by the Russian barbarians. Read more: Mass grave with over 400 bodies found in Izium in Kharkiv region recaptured last week, says Ukraine Additionally, the graves of the buried were not marked with names or dates. The Russian troops simply marked a number while burying the dead, leaving no trail for the Ukrainian authorities to identify the victims. According to locals, those exhumed were most likely killed by the Russian forces who occupied the city for the last six months and used it as the base for launching military operations in the Donbas region. The Russian troops attacked Izyum in April and according to witnesses, over 100 were killed in the first assault as Russian bombs were hurled. The emergency service workers wearing blue plastic may have also stumbled upon the graves of little children, who, according to the locals were one of the earliest casualties in the attack. As reported by WION, after the burial site was discovered by Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky in an address informed that the process of verification will begin the next day. "In Izyum, Kharkiv region, a mass burial of people was found. The necessary procedural actions have already started there, more information, clear and verified, should be available tomorrow," said Zelensky in the address. Read more: Supplying arms to Ukraine 'morally acceptable', says Pope Ukraine compared the discovery to what happened in Bucha, on the outskirts of the capital Kyiv in the early stages of the invasion. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russian forces of perpetrating war crimes there. Tens of thousands of civilians were likely killed in a separate Russian assault on the southern port of Mariupol, Ukrainian officials said in April. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Most bodies at mass burial site have signs of violent death, claims Kyiv

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2022. This year the two-day conference is hosted by Uzbekistan in Samarkand. According to officials, the PM will discuss issues related to regional politics, security and the economy at the summit and is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines.&nbsp;

This year’s summit is significant for India as it is held in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent border disputes with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders are also expected to review the group’s activities over the past two decades and the way forward for multilateral cooperation. India is among the eight member nations which also includes countries like China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

“The SCO Summit will be attended by leaders of SCO Member States, Observer States, Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests,” indicated a statement released by the MEA. Reportedly, PM Modi’s focus will be on building stronger trade relations with the countries in the region as well push for greater cooperation in terms of healthcare following the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Officials have also indicated that this year India will also establish a stronger alliance among the countries that push for World Trade Organization (WTO) reform. Reports suggest that New Delhi may also avoid the discussion of the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), notably, the project has somewhat become a point of contention between the two countries. Earlier this year, New Delhi asserted that BRI violates India’s sovereignty as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This assertion has been protested by China who has now abandoned efforts to bring India to the table to discuss the billion-dollar project, said an MEA official.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-summit-2022-shanghai-cooperation-organization-meets-amid-stoked-tensions-515586">SCO Summit 2022: Shanghai cooperation organization meets amid stoked tensions</a>

Furthermore, this summit will be the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Xi following the skirmishes between China and India along the LAC. The two leaders will meet face-to-face after three years since the 2019 BRICS summit in Brasilia. “A lot of bilateral diplomacy has gone into de-escalating the situation and the upcoming meeting between the leaders will be crucial in confirming this, face to face,” said an official with knowledge of the matter. He added, that the disengagement in the Gogra-Hot Springs area in Eastern Ladakh was hurried given the leaders’ meeting.&nbsp;

New Delhi will also discuss topical issues of regional and global importance at the summit, indicated a statement by the MEA. Furthermore, reports also suggest that PM Modi might&nbsp;hold the first ever bilateral meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, however, it is yet to be officially confirmed. This will be India’s fifth summit since it became a member in 2017 and New Delhi will also assume the presidency of the grouping of&nbsp;Central Asian countries for the next year till September 2023.&nbsp; 
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2022. This year the two-day conference is hosted by Uzbekistan in Samarkand.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for September 15 and 16, 2022. This year the two-day conference is hosted by Uzbekistan in Samarkand. According to officials, the PM will discuss issues related to regional politics, security and the economy at the summit and is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines. This year’s summit is significant for India as it is held in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent border disputes with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the leaders are also expected to review the group’s activities over the past two decades and the way forward for multilateral cooperation. India is among the eight member nations which also includes countries like China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. “The SCO Summit will be attended by leaders of SCO Member States, Observer States, Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests,” indicated a statement released by the MEA. Reportedly, PM Modi’s focus will be on building stronger trade relations with the countries in the region as well push for greater cooperation in terms of healthcare following the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials have also indicated that this year India will also establish a stronger alliance among the countries that push for World Trade Organization (WTO) reform. Reports suggest that New Delhi may also avoid the discussion of the Chinese-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), notably, the project has somewhat become a point of contention between the two countries. Earlier this year, New Delhi asserted that BRI violates India’s sovereignty as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This assertion has been protested by China who has now abandoned efforts to bring India to the table to discuss the billion-dollar project, said an MEA official. ALSO READ | SCO Summit 2022: Shanghai cooperation organization meets amid stoked tensions Furthermore, this summit will be the first in-person meeting between PM Modi and President Xi following the skirmishes between China and India along the LAC. The two leaders will meet face-to-face after three years since the 2019 BRICS summit in Brasilia. “A lot of bilateral diplomacy has gone into de-escalating the situation and the upcoming meeting between the leaders will be crucial in confirming this, face to face,” said an official with knowledge of the matter. He added, that the disengagement in the Gogra-Hot Springs area in Eastern Ladakh was hurried given the leaders’ meeting. New Delhi will also discuss topical issues of regional and global importance at the summit, indicated a statement by the MEA. Furthermore, reports also suggest that PM Modi might hold the first ever bilateral meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, however, it is yet to be officially confirmed. This will be India’s fifth summit since it became a member in 2017 and New Delhi will also assume the presidency of the grouping of Central Asian countries for the next year till September 2023.

SCO Summit: What are some of the regional affairs on PM Modi’s agenda?

Citing concerns over "World War III", Tesla CEO Elon Musk blamed&nbsp;the Russia-Ukraine conflict for delaying Twitter's buyout deal worth $44 billion.

Highlighting that the purchase wouldn't "make sense" if a third world war were imminent, the billionaire had allegedly said it'd be wise to "slow down" his Twitter acquisition.

"Their theory about what really happened isn't what really happened," Insider quoted Musk's lawyer as saying.

In response, Twitter said, "The purported termination is invalid for the independent reason that Musk and the other Musk parties have knowingly, intentionally, willfully, and materially breached the agreement."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-jumps-in-on-the-anal-beads-chess-championship-conspiracy-theory-515047">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk jumps in on the 'anal beads' chess championship conspiracy theory</a>

This is not the first reason Musk has given for backing out of the deal as he previously claimed he was not informed about a multi-million dollar severance package that was extended to Twitter's departing security chief Peiter Zatko and that the social media company was concealing information about bots and spams accounts on its platform.

In 2017, Musk has tweeted ''China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at the national level was most likely cause of WW3 imo.''

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China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/904638455761612800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Pointing out his fears that artificial intelligence would ignite World War III, Musk said he believes Putin's prediction that whoever has the best command of AI would "be the ruler of the world" is indeed correct.

Sounding the alarm over a future AI-fueled doomsday, he added "There have been movies about this, you know, like [The] Terminator. There are some scary outcomes." 
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Citing concerns over "World War III", Tesla CEO Elon Musk blamed the Russia-Ukraine conflict for delaying Twitter's buyout deal worth $44 billion. Highlighting that the purchase wouldn't "make sense" if a third world war were imminent, the billionaire had allegedly said it'd be wise to "slow down" his Twitter acquisition.

Citing concerns over "World War III", Tesla CEO Elon Musk blamed the Russia-Ukraine conflict for delaying Twitter's buyout deal worth $44 billion. Highlighting that the purchase wouldn't "make sense" if a third world war were imminent, the billionaire had allegedly said it'd be wise to "slow down" his Twitter acquisition. "Their theory about what really happened isn't what really happened," Insider quoted Musk's lawyer as saying. In response, Twitter said, "The purported termination is invalid for the independent reason that Musk and the other Musk parties have knowingly, intentionally, willfully, and materially breached the agreement." Also read | Elon Musk jumps in on the 'anal beads' chess championship conspiracy theory This is not the first reason Musk has given for backing out of the deal as he previously claimed he was not informed about a multi-million dollar severance package that was extended to Twitter's departing security chief Peiter Zatko and that the social media company was concealing information about bots and spams accounts on its platform. In 2017, Musk has tweeted ''China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at the national level was most likely cause of WW3 imo.'' China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017 × Pointing out his fears that artificial intelligence would ignite World War III, Musk said he believes Putin's prediction that whoever has the best command of AI would "be the ruler of the world" is indeed correct. Sounding the alarm over a future AI-fueled doomsday, he added "There have been movies about this, you know, like [The] Terminator. There are some scary outcomes." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Elon Musk blames Russia-Ukraine conflict for delaying Twitter's buyout deal

Several lawmakers from St Petersburg have filed a petition in the country’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, to charge Russian President Vladimir Putin with treason and remove him from office over the conflict in Ukraine. This move drew swift action from authorities as the next day, they received subpoenas from the police charging them with discrediting the Russian armed forces.&nbsp;

The petition was filed on September 7, in the country’s lower house of Parliament, by a group of seven lawmakers from the Smolninskoye district, in St Petersburg where Putin grew up and began his journey in politics as the deputy mayor. The plea was originally written by Nikita Yuferyev and Dmitry Palyuga, who assert&nbsp;that they have acted in accordance with Russian law. Subsequently, they have also published their petition on Twitter, saying that Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine amounts to “treason” based on the country’s constitution.&nbsp;

The duo has based their arguments on four major consequences of the war – the destruction of combat-ready Russian army units, massive loss of life and injury of young and employable citizens, its adverse effect on the country’s economy, and pushing NATO's eastward expansion. During an interview, Yuferyev clarified that they do not see NATO’s expansion as a threat to Moscow, but it is an attempt to appeal to different groups in the country and convince them to call an end to this invasion.&nbsp;

A part of the petition filed by the lawmaker duo from the Smolninskoye district read, “We believe that the decision made by President Putin to start the special military operation is detrimental to the security of Russia and its citizens…We ask you to initiate a treason charge against the president of the Russian Federation to remove him from office."

Notably, half of all the members in the St. Petersburg’s council belong to Putin's party, United Russia; these members did not show up for the voting on the submission of the petition, said Yuferyev. Out of the 20 members, only ten councillors were present for the vote, which is enough for a quorum, according to Russian law. However, ultimately only seven lawmakers approved the petition with three abstentions, which was a majority among the councillors present.&nbsp;

Reportedly, a second municipal council in Moscow’s Lomonosovsky district also voted on a similar petition criticising Putin’s rhetoric regarding the conflict and called for his resignation. “The rhetoric you and your subordinates use is full of intolerance and aggression,” read the statement. It added, that while Russia is threatening the world with nuclear weapons, its people will once again be feared and hated. The petition also urged Putin to step down and called his views and model of governance “hopelessly outdated”.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-invasion-russia-intesifies-crackdown-on-media-464863">Imprisonment of up to 15 years? Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media</a>

Since late February, the beginning of the invasion, Putin has drawn a lot of international condemnation and criticism for his actions but this is seen as both a bold and symbolic move against the Kremlin. The State Duma is controlled by Putin’s United Russia, which gives the authors of the petition very little hope that this plea would be acted upon. However, the lawmakers have indicated that this plea has a symbolic goal to show people that there are a significant number of Russians who do not agree with the current course of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

A day after the document went public, both Yuferyev and Palyuga were reportedly summoned by the local police via a text message asking them to testify on the charges filed against them for discrediting the Russian armed forces and government. In an interview, Yuferyev indicated that they are sure they have not violated the law and that everything is written in accordance with the Constitution. He added, “Of course, we live in a country where even if everything is done legally, but there is a desire to punish us, it will be done”, and that they can manage a 50,000 rubles fine.

In March, the Russian parliament passed legislation which would impose a jail term of up to 15 years for those intentionally spreading “fake news” about the country’s army, which has since reportedly been used against those contradicting the Kremlin and its rhetoric about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Moscow also introduced an article which makes “public action aimed at discrediting the use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation” punishable by fines and jail terms of up to five years, depending on the severity of the action committed.

Several lawmakers from St Petersburg have filed a petition in the country’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, to charge Russian President Vladimir Putin with treason and remove him from office over the conflict in Ukraine.

Several lawmakers from St Petersburg have filed a petition in the country’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, to charge Russian President Vladimir Putin with treason and remove him from office over the conflict in Ukraine. This move drew swift action from authorities as the next day, they received subpoenas from the police charging them with discrediting the Russian armed forces. The petition was filed on September 7, in the country’s lower house of Parliament, by a group of seven lawmakers from the Smolninskoye district, in St Petersburg where Putin grew up and began his journey in politics as the deputy mayor. The plea was originally written by Nikita Yuferyev and Dmitry Palyuga, who assert that they have acted in accordance with Russian law. Subsequently, they have also published their petition on Twitter, saying that Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine amounts to “treason” based on the country’s constitution. The duo has based their arguments on four major consequences of the war – the destruction of combat-ready Russian army units, massive loss of life and injury of young and employable citizens, its adverse effect on the country’s economy, and pushing NATO's eastward expansion. During an interview, Yuferyev clarified that they do not see NATO’s expansion as a threat to Moscow, but it is an attempt to appeal to different groups in the country and convince them to call an end to this invasion. A part of the petition filed by the lawmaker duo from the Smolninskoye district read, “We believe that the decision made by President Putin to start the special military operation is detrimental to the security of Russia and its citizens…We ask you to initiate a treason charge against the president of the Russian Federation to remove him from office." Notably, half of all the members in the St. Petersburg’s council belong to Putin's party, United Russia; these members did not show up for the voting on the submission of the petition, said Yuferyev. Out of the 20 members, only ten councillors were present for the vote, which is enough for a quorum, according to Russian law. However, ultimately only seven lawmakers approved the petition with three abstentions, which was a majority among the councillors present. Reportedly, a second municipal council in Moscow’s Lomonosovsky district also voted on a similar petition criticising Putin’s rhetoric regarding the conflict and called for his resignation. “The rhetoric you and your subordinates use is full of intolerance and aggression,” read the statement. It added, that while Russia is threatening the world with nuclear weapons, its people will once again be feared and hated. The petition also urged Putin to step down and called his views and model of governance “hopelessly outdated”. ALSO READ | Imprisonment of up to 15 years? Amid Ukraine invasion, Russia intensifies crackdown on media Since late February, the beginning of the invasion, Putin has drawn a lot of international condemnation and criticism for his actions but this is seen as both a bold and symbolic move against the Kremlin. The State Duma is controlled by Putin’s United Russia, which gives the authors of the petition very little hope that this plea would be acted upon. However, the lawmakers have indicated that this plea has a symbolic goal to show people that there are a significant number of Russians who do not agree with the current course of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A day after the document went public, both Yuferyev and Palyuga were reportedly summoned by the local police via a text message asking them to testify on the charges filed against them for discrediting the Russian armed forces and government. In an interview, Yuferyev indicated that they are sure they have not violated the law and that everything is written in accordance with the Constitution. He added, “Of course, we live in a country where even if everything is done legally, but there is a desire to punish us, it will be done”, and that they can manage a 50,000 rubles fine. In March, the Russian parliament passed legislation which would impose a jail term of up to 15 years for those intentionally spreading “fake news” about the country’s army, which has since reportedly been used against those contradicting the Kremlin and its rhetoric about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Moscow also introduced an article which makes “public action aimed at discrediting the use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation” punishable by fines and jail terms of up to five years, depending on the severity of the action committed.

Russia: Local lawmakers who accused Putin of treason summoned by police

Speaking on the second day of the Eastern Economic Forum, currently being held in the far-east port city of Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has&nbsp;not lost anything over actions in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"We haven't lost anything. It is true that we see a certain polarisation in the world and in the country, but it is all for a reason. Modern development can only be based upon sovereignty. We did not start anything in regard to the military actions, but&nbsp;we are willing to end it," said the Russian President.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-unveils-new-foreign-policy-doctrine-to-preserve-russian-world-513287">&nbsp;President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’</a>

After playing it cool that Russia had not lost anything, Putin trained his guns on the western nations and called them out for their aggressive sanctions fever.&nbsp;

"I am speaking of the West's sanctions fever, with its brazen, aggressive attempt to impose models of behaviour on other countries, to deprive them of their sovereignty and subordinate them to their will," said Putin.&nbsp;

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-ally-warns-us-that-its-attempts-to-divide-russia-could-lead-to-doomsday-512698">:&nbsp;Putin's ally warns US that its attempts to divide Russia could lead to doomsday</a>

Putin further added that in an attempt to resist the course of history, western countries are undermining the key pillars of the world economic system built over centuries.&nbsp;

As reported extensively by WION, Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February earlier this year. More than six months have passed and Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance, thereby pushing Putin's dream of annexing the Ukrainian territory into jeopardy for now.

Most of the western world has come out in support of Ukraine and imposed a myriad of sanctions on Russia to bleed it dry. In reaction, Moscow has used its position of leverage in oil and natural gas production as well as supply to turn the tables.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-should-ask-siemens-gazprom-on-the-resumption-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-513425">`You should ask Siemens`, Gazprom on the resumption of Nord Stream 1 pipeline</a>

With the indefinite halt of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the lifeline of Europe, the entire continent awaits a bitter and frigid winter with anxiety. Kremlin is in no hurry to resume the supplies while it sells energy to nations like India and China at discounted prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Speaking on the second day of the Eastern Economic Forum, currently being held in the far-east port city of Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has not lost anything over actions in Ukraine.

Speaking on the second day of the Eastern Economic Forum, currently being held in the far-east port city of Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has not lost anything over actions in Ukraine. "We haven't lost anything. It is true that we see a certain polarisation in the world and in the country, but it is all for a reason. Modern development can only be based upon sovereignty. We did not start anything in regard to the military actions, but we are willing to end it," said the Russian President. Read more: President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’ After playing it cool that Russia had not lost anything, Putin trained his guns on the western nations and called them out for their aggressive sanctions fever. "I am speaking of the West's sanctions fever, with its brazen, aggressive attempt to impose models of behaviour on other countries, to deprive them of their sovereignty and subordinate them to their will," said Putin. Read more: Putin's ally warns US that its attempts to divide Russia could lead to doomsday Putin further added that in an attempt to resist the course of history, western countries are undermining the key pillars of the world economic system built over centuries. As reported extensively by WION, Russia started its invasion of Ukraine in February earlier this year. More than six months have passed and Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance, thereby pushing Putin's dream of annexing the Ukrainian territory into jeopardy for now. Most of the western world has come out in support of Ukraine and imposed a myriad of sanctions on Russia to bleed it dry. In reaction, Moscow has used its position of leverage in oil and natural gas production as well as supply to turn the tables. Read more: `You should ask Siemens`, Gazprom on the resumption of Nord Stream 1 pipeline With the indefinite halt of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the lifeline of Europe, the entire continent awaits a bitter and frigid winter with anxiety. Kremlin is in no hurry to resume the supplies while it sells energy to nations like India and China at discounted prices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We haven't lost anything', says Putin on the Ukraine war at Eastern Economic Forum

Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year.

This comes a Russia has shut off gas supplies to Europe. After a three-day maintenance period last week, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced that gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would not resume&nbsp;as scheduled. It blamed Western sanctions for the decision.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "problems with pumping (gas) arose due to sanctions that were imposed against" Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;Gazprom misses September 3 deadline to restart gas supplies

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Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced in a statement that&nbsp;following a fresh network stress test, two of the three remaining power plants will "remain available until mid-April 2023 in case needed."

The facilities as per AFP would be held in reserve in case they were needed to "make a further contribution to the electricity grid in southern Germany," where the development of renewable energy lagged behind that of the north.

According to Habeck, such a crisis is still "very unlikely" because Germany has "very high security of supply."

The Green Minister also emphasised that Germany was sticking to its plan to abandon nuclear power, with all plants being disconnected from the grid at the end of the year, and that it was not reversing course.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-unveils-new-foreign-policy-doctrine-to-preserve-russian-world-513287" hreflang="en">President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’</a>

New fuel rods won't be installed, and the reserve programme will end after mid-April 2023, according to Habeck.

The decision partially postpones a nuclear phase-out that was envisioned under the previous chancellor Angela Merkel, who decided to abandon nuclear power in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan.

Habeck remarked that it was "not a surprise" that Moscow did not resume gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-finland-to-offer-liquidity-guarantees-to-energy-companies-513211">Sweden, Finland to offer liquidity guarantees to energy companies</a>

He said, "The only thing that is reliable from Russia is lies" adding that "we will have to solve our problems without consideration of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's erratic decisions, and that's what we will do."&nbsp;

In Germany, where nuclear power has long been a topic of dispute even before Merkel's decision, extending the lifetime of the plants, which produce 6 per cent of the nation's electricity, has sparked a fierce debate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year.

Faced with an energy crisis at the hands of Russia, Germany has taken a U-turn from its plans of a nuclear exit and announced on Monday that it would keep two of its nuclear plants on standby beyond the end of this year. This comes a Russia has shut off gas supplies to Europe. After a three-day maintenance period last week, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced that gas deliveries via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would not resume as scheduled. It blamed Western sanctions for the decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "problems with pumping (gas) arose due to sanctions that were imposed against" Russia. Watch | Gazprom misses September 3 deadline to restart gas supplies Economy Minister Robert Habeck announced in a statement that following a fresh network stress test, two of the three remaining power plants will "remain available until mid-April 2023 in case needed." The facilities as per AFP would be held in reserve in case they were needed to "make a further contribution to the electricity grid in southern Germany," where the development of renewable energy lagged behind that of the north. According to Habeck, such a crisis is still "very unlikely" because Germany has "very high security of supply." The Green Minister also emphasised that Germany was sticking to its plan to abandon nuclear power, with all plants being disconnected from the grid at the end of the year, and that it was not reversing course. Also read | President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’ New fuel rods won't be installed, and the reserve programme will end after mid-April 2023, according to Habeck. The decision partially postpones a nuclear phase-out that was envisioned under the previous chancellor Angela Merkel, who decided to abandon nuclear power in 2011 in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan. Habeck remarked that it was "not a surprise" that Moscow did not resume gas deliveries via Nord Stream 1. Also read | Sweden, Finland to offer liquidity guarantees to energy companies He said, "The only thing that is reliable from Russia is lies" adding that "we will have to solve our problems without consideration of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's erratic decisions, and that's what we will do." In Germany, where nuclear power has long been a topic of dispute even before Merkel's decision, extending the lifetime of the plants, which produce 6 per cent of the nation's electricity, has sparked a fierce debate. (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.

'Only thing reliable from Russia is lies': Faced with energy crisis Germany takes a U-turn to nuclear energy

Music transcends war, six months into the Russian invasion Kyiv dances on

The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is&nbsp;one not many would've predicted.

Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that war has depleted "American stocks of some types of ammunition" which haven't been replenished on time, and that has sparked concerns among officials, who believe that this could jeopardize the US military's readiness in face of danger.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months

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The United States has given Ukraine 16 Himars rocket launchers, thousands of rifles, drones, missiles, and other weapons over the last six months. The WSJ report citing defence sources says that a large portion of this, including the ammunition, has come directly from US inventory, depleting supplies intended for unforeseen threats.

Among the lethal weapons given to Ukraine are howitzers, which use 155mm combat rounds, the ammunition used to strike Iranian-backed terror groups in Syria last week. As of August 24, the US military has sent the war-torn nation 806,000 rounds of it, depleting its own stockpile to "uncomfortably low" levels, according to a defence official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

Since the United States is not involved in any significant military confrontation, the levels are not currently critical, the official continued, adding "It is not at the level we would like to go into combat."

The situation was "foreseeable", and was "easily fixable" says Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute.

Reportedly,&nbsp;the military is currently conducting "an ammunitions industrial base deep dive in order to support Ukraine while safeguarding their "own supply needs."

The Army claimed it also requested $500 million in annual upgrades for its ammunition factories from Capitol Hill.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is one not many would've predicted.

The Ukraine crisis has had a wide-ranging impact on many countries, but according to a recent report, the impact on the United States, given its military expenditures is one not many would've predicted. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that war has depleted "American stocks of some types of ammunition" which haven't been replenished on time, and that has sparked concerns among officials, who believe that this could jeopardize the US military's readiness in face of danger. Watch | WION Fineprint | Explained: Where the Ukraine war stands after 6 months The United States has given Ukraine 16 Himars rocket launchers, thousands of rifles, drones, missiles, and other weapons over the last six months. The WSJ report citing defence sources says that a large portion of this, including the ammunition, has come directly from US inventory, depleting supplies intended for unforeseen threats. Among the lethal weapons given to Ukraine are howitzers, which use 155mm combat rounds, the ammunition used to strike Iranian-backed terror groups in Syria last week. As of August 24, the US military has sent the war-torn nation 806,000 rounds of it, depleting its own stockpile to "uncomfortably low" levels, according to a defence official. Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? Since the United States is not involved in any significant military confrontation, the levels are not currently critical, the official continued, adding "It is not at the level we would like to go into combat." The situation was "foreseeable", and was "easily fixable" says Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the Washington-based American Enterprise Institute. Reportedly, the military is currently conducting "an ammunitions industrial base deep dive in order to support Ukraine while safeguarding their "own supply needs." The Army claimed it also requested $500 million in annual upgrades for its ammunition factories from Capitol Hill. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US' military aid to Ukraine left its own ammunition stockpiles 'uncomfortably low': Report

In an apparent effort to replenish troops that have sustained significant losses in six months of deadly combat and get ready for a protracted, exhausting battle in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces on Thursday.

The decision to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13%, to 1.15 million by the end of the year coincided with ominous events in Ukraine:

— According to Ukrainian authorities, fires damaged the final functional transmission line, cutting off the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the centre of the conflict in southern Ukraine from the electrical system. The incident led to a regional blackout. A local Russian-installed official reported that the plant was later restored to the grid.

— 25 people have died as a result of a Russian rocket strike on a train station and the neighbourhood on Ukraine's Independence Day, according to Ukrainian authorities. In its attack on Wednesday, Russia claimed to have attacked a military train and killed more than 200 Ukrainian reservists.

Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. The Kremlin's worries about a potential domestic backlash from a larger conscription, however, led some Russian military strategists to foresee a greater dependence on volunteers.

With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-ukrainian-troops-killed-in-chaplyne-railway-station-attack-claims-russia-510118">Russia's armed forces</a> to 2.04 million.

More Russians than the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan, according to estimates from the West, which vary from more than 15,000 to over 20,000. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less able to launch major offensives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-six-months-into-the-russia-ukraine-war-what-are-the-consequences-so-far-509615">Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far?</a>

Only volunteer contract soldiers, according to the Kremlin, are involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, it might be challenging to locate additional willing soldiers, and according to military analysts, the anticipated troop levels might not be enough to support operations.

Retired Russian Col. Retired Viktor Murakhovsky stated that the Kremlin will likely try to continue depending on volunteers and that this will account for the majority of the increase in remarks published by the Moscow-based RBC online news outlet.

Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility has raised concerns in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-operating-21-filtration-locations-to-process-ukraine-pow-us-report-510199">Ukraine</a> about a catastrophe akin to Chernobyl. Russia and Ukraine have both accused the other of bombarding the location.

It was unclear right away if the damaged line in the incident on Thursday carried incoming power or outgoing power needed to run the plant, including the crucial cooling system for the reactors. According to Ukrainian authorities, a backup power line that uses energy from a different, non-nuclear reactor is still connected and in use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/for-the-first-time-india-votes-against-russia-in-unsc-during-procedural-vote-on-ukraine-510162">For the first time, India votes against Russia in UNSC during procedural vote on Ukraine</a>

The Russian government has frequently asserted that its forces exclusively aim at legitimate military objectives after attacks in which civilians have died. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu maintained the military was doing all possible to save civilians hours before the massacre at the railway station, even if it meant slowing down its offensive in Ukraine.

In April, when large groups, primarily made up of women and children, tried to flee the fighting, a Russian missile attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. The assault was called a war crime.

(With inputs from agencies)

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Russia readies emergency blue print, plan risks failure of nuclear plant's cooling system

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In an apparent effort to replenish troops that have sustained significant losses in six months of deadly combat and get ready for a protracted, exhausting battle in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces on Thursday.

In an apparent effort to replenish troops that have sustained significant losses in six months of deadly combat and get ready for a protracted, exhausting battle in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a significant expansion of his nation's military forces on Thursday. The decision to boost army numbers by 137,000, or 13%, to 1.15 million by the end of the year coincided with ominous events in Ukraine: — According to Ukrainian authorities, fires damaged the final functional transmission line, cutting off the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the centre of the conflict in southern Ukraine from the electrical system. The incident led to a regional blackout. A local Russian-installed official reported that the plant was later restored to the grid. — 25 people have died as a result of a Russian rocket strike on a train station and the neighbourhood on Ukraine's Independence Day, according to Ukrainian authorities. In its attack on Wednesday, Russia claimed to have attacked a military train and killed more than 200 Ukrainian reservists. Putin's order was vague as to whether the increase would be accomplished by expanding the draught, increasing volunteerism, or a combination of the two. The Kremlin's worries about a potential domestic backlash from a larger conscription, however, led some Russian military strategists to foresee a greater dependence on volunteers. With the addition of the 1.15 million personnel, the move will increase Russia's armed forces to 2.04 million. More Russians than the Soviet Union lost in its ten-year war in Afghanistan, according to estimates from the West, which vary from more than 15,000 to over 20,000. Up to 80,000 Russian soldiers may have been killed or wounded, according to the Pentagon's report from last week, which makes Moscow less able to launch major offensives. Also read | Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? Only volunteer contract soldiers, according to the Kremlin, are involved in the conflict in Ukraine. However, it might be challenging to locate additional willing soldiers, and according to military analysts, the anticipated troop levels might not be enough to support operations. Retired Russian Col. Retired Viktor Murakhovsky stated that the Kremlin will likely try to continue depending on volunteers and that this will account for the majority of the increase in remarks published by the Moscow-based RBC online news outlet. Fighting near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia facility has raised concerns in Ukraine about a catastrophe akin to Chernobyl. Russia and Ukraine have both accused the other of bombarding the location. It was unclear right away if the damaged line in the incident on Thursday carried incoming power or outgoing power needed to run the plant, including the crucial cooling system for the reactors. According to Ukrainian authorities, a backup power line that uses energy from a different, non-nuclear reactor is still connected and in use. Also read | For the first time, India votes against Russia in UNSC during procedural vote on Ukraine The Russian government has frequently asserted that its forces exclusively aim at legitimate military objectives after attacks in which civilians have died. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu maintained the military was doing all possible to save civilians hours before the massacre at the railway station, even if it meant slowing down its offensive in Ukraine. In April, when large groups, primarily made up of women and children, tried to flee the fighting, a Russian missile attack on a train station in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. The assault was called a war crime. (With inputs from agencies) Also WATCH | Russia readies emergency blue print, plan risks failure of nuclear plant's cooling system

Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes.

As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression".

The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression.&nbsp;However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression.

Watch |&nbsp;6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent

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Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly."

"The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-50-hurt-after-russian-missile-strikes-ukrainian-railway-station-says-zelensky-509936" hreflang="en">15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky</a>

It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present.

Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators.

The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-announce-sham-referenda-this-week-to-formalize-control-of-occupied-territories-in-ukraine-509929" hreflang="en">Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine</a>

Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations.

According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union.

Wednesday (August 24) marked six months since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on neighbouring Ukraine. The day held additional significance for Kyiv because it was on this day, 31 years ago, that the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. As the anniversary celebrations commenced, Ukraine also unveiled plans for how it intends to make Putin responsible for his crimes. As per an AFP report, Ukraine is drawing up plans for a special international tribunal to investigate Russia's alleged "crime of aggression". The Rome Statute of 2010 established the definition of the crime of aggression. However, since neither Ukraine nor Russia has joined the Rome Statute, it is unable to investigate charges of aggression. Watch | 6 months of Ukraine war: War takes gruesome toll on innocent Speaking to AFP, the man spearheading this plan, Andrii Smirnov, deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, said that this court is "the only way to make sure that the criminals who started the Ukraine war are held accountable quickly." "The world has a short memory. That's why I would like this tribunal to start working next year." Also read | 15 killed, 50 hurt after Russian missile strikes Ukrainian railway station, says Zelensky It "will serve to make sure that these people are labelled as criminals, and that they cannot travel in the civilised world," he said, adding that Ukraine is aware that the accused will not be present. Approximately 600 suspects in the aggression have been named by Ukrainian authorities so far, including senior military officers, politicians, and commentators. The international treaty establishing the tribunal has been drafted and is ready for signing by nations. Also read | Russia may announce 'sham' referenda this week to formalize control of occupied territories in Ukraine Under it, any convicted offenders might be incarcerated on the soil of the signatory nations. According to Smirnov, numerous nations are expected to ratify the agreement before the year is through, and talks are ongoing with "several European partners (who) are willing to host the tribunal." (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.

Ukraine reveals plan to hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his 'crime of aggression'

Winter is coming and with it Germany faces the looming threat of an energy shortage. To deal with this threat, the nation's government has approved a new bylaw that will turn buildings colder and leave streets darker.

The law prohibits heating public spaces like town halls and train waiting rooms above 19 degrees Celsius (66.2F). However, social institutions like hospitals are exempted from this rule.

As per Guardian, the legislation will come into force in about a week's time and will remain in place for six months.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp; |&nbsp;Germany: Heating of public buildings to be restricted, no illuminated advertising billboards

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Germany recently had its Russian gas flows slashed to 20 per cent of its capacity.&nbsp;

Reuters reports that Russian gas giant Gazprom said the cut is because of a "technical issue". Berlin, however, claims that the action is politically motivated in light of the sanctions Europe has imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-six-months-into-the-russia-ukraine-war-what-are-the-consequences-so-far-509615">Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far?</a>

Moreover, legislation was passed to give trains carrying coal and oil priority over passenger or other commodities trains in order to reorder transportation on the railways.

Speaking to the press, economy minister Robert Habeck said, "Overall, the measures save energy. However, not to the extent that we can sit back and say, 'That'll do now'".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazproms-halt-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-plunges-europe-into-a-gas-crisis-509359">Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis</a>

The new law will also require the turning off of radiators in hallways, foyers, entranceways, and technical rooms. Buildings and monuments would no longer be lit just for aesthetic reasons.

Additionally, businesses may be prohibited from keeping their storefronts lit at night. The heating of private swimming pools will also be banned.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Winter is coming and with it Germany faces the looming threat of an energy shortage. To deal with this threat, the nation's government has approved a new bylaw that will turn buildings colder and leave streets darker.

Winter is coming and with it Germany faces the looming threat of an energy shortage. To deal with this threat, the nation's government has approved a new bylaw that will turn buildings colder and leave streets darker. The law prohibits heating public spaces like town halls and train waiting rooms above 19 degrees Celsius (66.2F). However, social institutions like hospitals are exempted from this rule. As per Guardian, the legislation will come into force in about a week's time and will remain in place for six months. Watch | Germany: Heating of public buildings to be restricted, no illuminated advertising billboards Germany recently had its Russian gas flows slashed to 20 per cent of its capacity. Reuters reports that Russian gas giant Gazprom said the cut is because of a "technical issue". Berlin, however, claims that the action is politically motivated in light of the sanctions Europe has imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? Moreover, legislation was passed to give trains carrying coal and oil priority over passenger or other commodities trains in order to reorder transportation on the railways. Speaking to the press, economy minister Robert Habeck said, "Overall, the measures save energy. However, not to the extent that we can sit back and say, 'That'll do now'". Also read | Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis The new law will also require the turning off of radiators in hallways, foyers, entranceways, and technical rooms. Buildings and monuments would no longer be lit just for aesthetic reasons. Additionally, businesses may be prohibited from keeping their storefronts lit at night. The heating of private swimming pools will also be banned. (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.

Germany's energy woes to turn streets darker, buildings colder

After half a year of war in Ukraine, a slim majority of Americans agrees that the United States should continue to support Kyiv until Russia withdraws all its forces, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Wednesday.

The polling suggests continued support for President Joe Biden's policy of backing Ukraine, despite economic worries and domestic political developments grabbing Americans' attention in recent months.

The Biden administration has provided weapons and ammunition for Ukraine's bid to repel Russian forces and is expected to announce a new security assistance package of about $3 billion, a U.S. official said, as Ukraine's marks its Independence Day on Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to recapture territory seized after the February&nbsp;24 invasion and in earlier incursions beginning in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.

Out of 1,005 people in the United States who took part in an online poll last week, 53% expressed support for backing Ukraine "until all Russian forces are withdrawn from territory claimed by Ukraine." Only 18% said they opposed.

That support came from both sides of the political divide, although Democratic voters were more likely to back the position, with 66% of Democrats in support compared to 51% of Republicans.

A slim majority, 51%, also supported providing arms such as guns and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine's military, compared with 22% who opposed.

In previous polls, higher numbers of Americans have backed providing arms to Ukraine but directly comparable polling was not available.

In line with past polling, there was little support among Americans from across the political spectrum for sending U.S. troops to Ukraine. Only 26% said they supported such an intervention, but 43% agreed with sending U.S. troops to NATO allies neighboring Ukraine who are not at war with Russia.

The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. 
&nbsp;

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After half a year of war in Ukraine, a slim majority of Americans agrees that the United States should continue to support Kyiv until Russia withdraws all its forces, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Wednesday.

After half a year of war in Ukraine, a slim majority of Americans agrees that the United States should continue to support Kyiv until Russia withdraws all its forces, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Wednesday. The polling suggests continued support for President Joe Biden's policy of backing Ukraine, despite economic worries and domestic political developments grabbing Americans' attention in recent months. The Biden administration has provided weapons and ammunition for Ukraine's bid to repel Russian forces and is expected to announce a new security assistance package of about $3 billion, a U.S. official said, as Ukraine's marks its Independence Day on Wednesday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to recapture territory seized after the February 24 invasion and in earlier incursions beginning in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea. Out of 1,005 people in the United States who took part in an online poll last week, 53% expressed support for backing Ukraine "until all Russian forces are withdrawn from territory claimed by Ukraine." Only 18% said they opposed. That support came from both sides of the political divide, although Democratic voters were more likely to back the position, with 66% of Democrats in support compared to 51% of Republicans. A slim majority, 51%, also supported providing arms such as guns and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine's military, compared with 22% who opposed. In previous polls, higher numbers of Americans have backed providing arms to Ukraine but directly comparable polling was not available. In line with past polling, there was little support among Americans from across the political spectrum for sending U.S. troops to Ukraine. Only 26% said they supported such an intervention, but 43% agreed with sending U.S. troops to NATO allies neighboring Ukraine who are not at war with Russia. The poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. 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.

Just over half of Americans say US should back Ukraine until Russia withdraws: Poll

Following the car-bomb death of the daughter of an ultranationalist Russian ideologue, Ukraine is preparing for an increase in Russian missile assaults to coincide with its independence day on Wednesday.

As reported by the Guardian, the military of the nation issued a warning that Moscow was placing air defence systems in Belarus and had deployed five warships and submarines armed with cruise missiles in the Black Sea. For four days starting on Monday, large gatherings are prohibited in Kyiv.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-missiles-pound-odesa-as-ukrainian-independence-day-draws-closer-508917">Ukraine</a>, had issued a warning overnight on Saturday, saying that "Russia may try to do something extremely ugly, something particularly cruel" this week as the nation commemorates its 31st anniversary of independence.

After the daughter of an ultranationalist Russian thinker was killed in a vehicle bombing, Ukraine is preparing for an increase in Russian missile assaults to coincide with its independence day on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-topless-protestors-surround-olaf-scholz-at-a-public-event-demand-ban-on-russian-gas-imports-508977">Germany: Topless protestors surround Olaf Scholz at a public event; demand ban on Russian gas imports</a>

The nation's military forces also issued a warning on Sunday night, claiming that between August 22 and August 25, Russia had restricted the airspace over the Russian border areas of Lipetsk, Voronezh, and other locations.

After the killing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexander-dugins-daughter-killed-in-car-bomb-attack-who-is-darya-dugina-508788">Darya Dugina</a>, whose father is the Russian political analyst Alexander Dugin, on the outskirts of Moscow on Saturday night, tensions between the two at war nations ran the risk of escalating further.

Although some Russian hawks attempted to accuse Ukraine for the killing without providing any evidence, the country denied being involved in the attack, claiming investigations into the killing were still ongoing.

On Sunday night, a former Russian Duma member expelled for anti-Kremlin activities who is now based in Kyiv claimed that a previously unidentified group of Russian partisans was responsible for the assault.

Ilya Ponomarev stated that the National Republican Army, an underground organisation operating inside Russia that is committed to overturning the Putin dictatorship, was responsible for the tragic blast.

Long before the Moscow car bombing episode, there was anxiety over whether Russia would intensify its attacks around Ukraine's independence day. However, Moscow might exploit it as yet another justification.

The car bomb was dubbed "an assassination attempt" by prominent Russian hawks who blamed Kyiv for it and demanded that the Kremlin retaliate by targeting Kyiv-based government figures.

According to Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, "then we should talk about the policy of state terrorism conducted by the Kyiv regime" if a connection to Ukraine was proved and validated by the appropriate authorities.

It would be the first time since February that the carnage unleashed on Ukraine reached the Russian capital, affecting the family of a Kremlin supporter close to one of Moscow's most affluent neighbourhoods, if the vehicle bombing is unquestionably related to the war.

Kyiv vehemently refuted the accusations. According to Mykhailo Podolyak, a Zelenskiy adviser, "Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do with this because we are not a criminal state like Russia, or even a terrorist one at that."

How Kremlin will react depends on whether this is a genuine opposition movement or a Russia-style complicated conspiracy of smoke and mirrors, according to Keir Giles, a Russia expert at the Chatham House thinktank. "We may not know for some time yet," Giles said.

Shortly after Dugina left the Tradition cultural event at the estate where her father had lectured, a blast took place. A friend reported that although it was thought that the two would depart together, they instead boarded different vehicles.

Dugina was killed instantaneously five minutes later when a bomb detonated in the vehicle she was operating. As the car was engulfed in flames and slammed into a wall, witnesses claimed that debris was strewn all over the road.

Known for adopting an extreme right-wing perspective on Russia's place in the world, Dugin and his daughter have previously supported violence against Ukraine. He's been called a "Russian fascist" and is a well-known conspiracy theorist.

It has been asserted that he contributed to the expansionist foreign policy of the Russian president. However, many insiders claim that Dugin had little authority over the Kremlin, therefore it is still unclear how much influence he had over Putin.

The bombing was "premeditated and of a contract character," according to investigators, according to Alexander Bastrykin, director of the investigative committee, the principal federal investigating body in Russia.

Also watch |&nbsp;August 24: Ukraine to mark Independence day, to mark 31 years of independence from Soviet rule

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Following the car-bomb death of the daughter of an ultranationalist Russian ideologue, Ukraine is preparing for an increase in Russian missile assaults to coincide with its independence day on Wednesday.

Following the car-bomb death of the daughter of an ultranationalist Russian ideologue, Ukraine is preparing for an increase in Russian missile assaults to coincide with its independence day on Wednesday. As reported by the Guardian, the military of the nation issued a warning that Moscow was placing air defence systems in Belarus and had deployed five warships and submarines armed with cruise missiles in the Black Sea. For four days starting on Monday, large gatherings are prohibited in Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, had issued a warning overnight on Saturday, saying that "Russia may try to do something extremely ugly, something particularly cruel" this week as the nation commemorates its 31st anniversary of independence. After the daughter of an ultranationalist Russian thinker was killed in a vehicle bombing, Ukraine is preparing for an increase in Russian missile assaults to coincide with its independence day on Wednesday. Also read | Germany: Topless protestors surround Olaf Scholz at a public event; demand ban on Russian gas imports The nation's military forces also issued a warning on Sunday night, claiming that between August 22 and August 25, Russia had restricted the airspace over the Russian border areas of Lipetsk, Voronezh, and other locations. After the killing of Darya Dugina, whose father is the Russian political analyst Alexander Dugin, on the outskirts of Moscow on Saturday night, tensions between the two at war nations ran the risk of escalating further. Although some Russian hawks attempted to accuse Ukraine for the killing without providing any evidence, the country denied being involved in the attack, claiming investigations into the killing were still ongoing. On Sunday night, a former Russian Duma member expelled for anti-Kremlin activities who is now based in Kyiv claimed that a previously unidentified group of Russian partisans was responsible for the assault. Ilya Ponomarev stated that the National Republican Army, an underground organisation operating inside Russia that is committed to overturning the Putin dictatorship, was responsible for the tragic blast. Long before the Moscow car bombing episode, there was anxiety over whether Russia would intensify its attacks around Ukraine's independence day. However, Moscow might exploit it as yet another justification. The car bomb was dubbed "an assassination attempt" by prominent Russian hawks who blamed Kyiv for it and demanded that the Kremlin retaliate by targeting Kyiv-based government figures. According to Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, "then we should talk about the policy of state terrorism conducted by the Kyiv regime" if a connection to Ukraine was proved and validated by the appropriate authorities. It would be the first time since February that the carnage unleashed on Ukraine reached the Russian capital, affecting the family of a Kremlin supporter close to one of Moscow's most affluent neighbourhoods, if the vehicle bombing is unquestionably related to the war. Kyiv vehemently refuted the accusations. According to Mykhailo Podolyak, a Zelenskiy adviser, "Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do with this because we are not a criminal state like Russia, or even a terrorist one at that." How Kremlin will react depends on whether this is a genuine opposition movement or a Russia-style complicated conspiracy of smoke and mirrors, according to Keir Giles, a Russia expert at the Chatham House thinktank. "We may not know for some time yet," Giles said. Shortly after Dugina left the Tradition cultural event at the estate where her father had lectured, a blast took place. A friend reported that although it was thought that the two would depart together, they instead boarded different vehicles. Dugina was killed instantaneously five minutes later when a bomb detonated in the vehicle she was operating. As the car was engulfed in flames and slammed into a wall, witnesses claimed that debris was strewn all over the road. Known for adopting an extreme right-wing perspective on Russia's place in the world, Dugin and his daughter have previously supported violence against Ukraine. He's been called a "Russian fascist" and is a well-known conspiracy theorist. It has been asserted that he contributed to the expansionist foreign policy of the Russian president. However, many insiders claim that Dugin had little authority over the Kremlin, therefore it is still unclear how much influence he had over Putin. The bombing was "premeditated and of a contract character," according to investigators, according to Alexander Bastrykin, director of the investigative committee, the principal federal investigating body in Russia. Also watch | August 24: Ukraine to mark Independence day, to mark 31 years of independence from Soviet rule

Ukraine gears up for intensified attacks following Moscow car bombing

Ukraine war: Six months that shook the world

As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day.

In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to “spread despondency and fear” among them. 
 
“We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious,” Zelensky said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day

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Incidentally, the Independence Day August 24 this year also marks the six-month anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters reports that in his speech, Zelenskiy also made a passing reference to a string of explosions that had occurred recently in Crimea, the Ukrainian area that Russia invaded and seized in 2014.

“You can literally feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-russians-and-one-ukrainian-spies-detained-in-albania-for-trying-to-break-into-a-military-facility-508752" hreflang="en">Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania</a>

Ukrainian government officials are growing increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may decide to intensify his attacks on Ukraine on&nbsp;the nation’s Independence Day.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;the Daily Beast reported that Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has issued a warning that “we must definitely be prepared for possible missile strikes.”

He also forewarned that Russia prefers to deliver "congratulations" on special days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allow-russian-shipments-to-move-unimpeded-or-we-face-a-global-food-crisis-warns-un-chief-508748" hreflang="en">Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief</a>

Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehub, according to Reuters, said that the curfew in the city, the second-largest in Ukraine, would be extended for the entire day on August 24. The northeastern city typically has a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am since it frequently witnesses Russian shelling.

"Remain at home and take heed of warnings!" said Synehub in a Telegram message to Kharkiv residents.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day.

As Ukraine prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day that marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence after the Soviet Union split, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia might try to do something "particularly ugly" on the day. In his nightly video address, Zelensky said that Ukrainians must not allow Moscow to “spread despondency and fear” among them. “We must all be aware that this week Russia could try to do something particularly ugly, something particularly vicious,” Zelensky said. Watch | Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day Incidentally, the Independence Day August 24 this year also marks the six-month anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Reuters reports that in his speech, Zelenskiy also made a passing reference to a string of explosions that had occurred recently in Crimea, the Ukrainian area that Russia invaded and seized in 2014. “You can literally feel Crimea in the air this year, that the occupation there is only temporary and that Ukraine is coming back,” he added. Also read | Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania Ukrainian government officials are growing increasingly concerned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may decide to intensify his attacks on Ukraine on the nation’s Independence Day. Earlier this week, the Daily Beast reported that Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has issued a warning that “we must definitely be prepared for possible missile strikes.” He also forewarned that Russia prefers to deliver "congratulations" on special days. Also read | Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Synehub, according to Reuters, said that the curfew in the city, the second-largest in Ukraine, would be extended for the entire day on August 24. The northeastern city typically has a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am since it frequently witnesses Russian shelling. "Remain at home and take heed of warnings!" said Synehub in a Telegram message to Kharkiv residents. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia might do something ‘ugly’ on our Independence Day, Zelensky warns Ukrainians

Albania has detained three foreign nationals: one Ukrainian and two Russians, as they were trying to infiltrate the Gramsh military facility.

“Three citizens with Russian and Ukrainian passports tried to enter the factory,” said the Albanian defence ministry.

Reuters reports that&nbsp;in a statement on Saturday, the defence ministry stated that two of its soldiers were injured while trying to stop the foreign nationals.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;Is Ukraine ready for another Chernobyl-like catastrophe?

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“The officers who were guarding the plant reacted immediately, but during their efforts to stop the three foreign nationals, two of our soldiers were injured."

It further said that the injured soldiers were in stable condition.

A 24-year-old Russian male who was only identified as a Russian national M.Z. was one of those detained. The man, breached the Gramsh plant's boundaries, attempting to snap pictures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/allow-russian-shipments-to-move-unimpeded-or-we-face-a-global-food-crisis-warns-un-chief-508748" hreflang="en">Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief</a>

He sprayed a chemical on the security personnel as he attempted to flee after being stopped by the military, causing injuries. According to EuroNews, the guards are receiving medical care in a hospital.

A 33-year-old Russian woman, identified as S.T., and a 25-year-old Ukrainian male titled F.A. were also detained nearby.

The three foreign nationals have been detained, according to the government. Prime minister of Albania Edi Rama said the three people are "suspected of espionage".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745" hreflang="en">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

During the summer months, a lot of Russian and Ukrainian visitors travel to Albania for its beaches, they are at a distance of more than 70 kilometres from the Gramsh military base.

Back in Albania's communist era, the facility was used to manufacture the Russian version of the AK-49 rifle. The plant now offers manufacturing services to the defence industry, according to the website of the defence ministry, but no further information was given.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Albania has detained three foreign nationals: one Ukrainian and two Russians, as they were trying to infiltrate the Gramsh military facility. “Three citizens with Russian and Ukrainian passports tried to enter the factory,” said the Albanian defence ministry.

Albania has detained three foreign nationals: one Ukrainian and two Russians, as they were trying to infiltrate the Gramsh military facility. “Three citizens with Russian and Ukrainian passports tried to enter the factory,” said the Albanian defence ministry. Reuters reports that in a statement on Saturday, the defence ministry stated that two of its soldiers were injured while trying to stop the foreign nationals. Also read | Is Ukraine ready for another Chernobyl-like catastrophe? “The officers who were guarding the plant reacted immediately, but during their efforts to stop the three foreign nationals, two of our soldiers were injured." It further said that the injured soldiers were in stable condition. A 24-year-old Russian male who was only identified as a Russian national M.Z. was one of those detained. The man, breached the Gramsh plant's boundaries, attempting to snap pictures. Also read | Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or we face a global food crisis, warns UN chief He sprayed a chemical on the security personnel as he attempted to flee after being stopped by the military, causing injuries. According to EuroNews, the guards are receiving medical care in a hospital. A 33-year-old Russian woman, identified as S.T., and a 25-year-old Ukrainian male titled F.A. were also detained nearby. The three foreign nationals have been detained, according to the government. Prime minister of Albania Edi Rama said the three people are "suspected of espionage". Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? During the summer months, a lot of Russian and Ukrainian visitors travel to Albania for its beaches, they are at a distance of more than 70 kilometres from the Gramsh military base. Back in Albania's communist era, the facility was used to manufacture the Russian version of the AK-49 rifle. The plant now offers manufacturing services to the defence industry, according to the website of the defence ministry, but no further information was given. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian and Ukrainian spies detained while trying to break into a military facility in Albania

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products must reach world markets "unimpeded" or the world risks a global food crisis as early as next year.

"It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market."

A grain export agreement was reached between Ukraine and Russia this July, the deal is backed by the UN and Turkiye, and implemented by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC).

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The accord grants Russia the freedom to export its fertilisers and agricultural goods in defiance of Western sanctions, however, as per Guterres, Russian shipments of these commodities are nevertheless encountering "obstacles".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-inspects-grain-ship-off-the-coast-of-turkey-508707" hreflang="en">UN chief inspects Ukraine grain ship off the coast of Turkey</a>

"What we see here in Istanbul and in Odessa is only the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertiliser, which are not subject to sanctions," Guterres said.

He added that "Without fertiliser in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023. Getting more food and fertiliser out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-the-latest-775mn-us-arms-package-to-ukraine-include-508745" hreflang="en">What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include?</a>

Since August 1, 650,000 tonnes of grain and agricultural products from Ukraine have departed the ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenny in accordance with the conditions of the July agreement.

Earlier, due to the February Russian invasion of Ukraine, exports of cereal from Kyiv, one of the top producers and exporters in the world, were halted for several months, sparking concerns about a possible worldwide food catastrophe.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products must reach world markets "unimpeded" or the world risks a global food crisis as early as next year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday warned that Russian fertilisers and agricultural products must reach world markets "unimpeded" or the world risks a global food crisis as early as next year. "It is important that all governments and the private sector cooperate to bring them to market." A grain export agreement was reached between Ukraine and Russia this July, the deal is backed by the UN and Turkiye, and implemented by the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC). The accord grants Russia the freedom to export its fertilisers and agricultural goods in defiance of Western sanctions, however, as per Guterres, Russian shipments of these commodities are nevertheless encountering "obstacles". Also read | UN chief inspects Ukraine grain ship off the coast of Turkey "What we see here in Istanbul and in Odessa is only the more visible part of the solution. The other part of this package deal is the unimpeded access to the global markets of Russian food and fertiliser, which are not subject to sanctions," Guterres said. He added that "Without fertiliser in 2022, there may not be enough food in 2023. Getting more food and fertiliser out of Ukraine and Russia is crucial to further calm commodity markets and lower prices for consumers." Also read | What does the latest $775mn US arms package to Ukraine include? Since August 1, 650,000 tonnes of grain and agricultural products from Ukraine have departed the ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenny in accordance with the conditions of the July agreement. Earlier, due to the February Russian invasion of Ukraine, exports of cereal from Kyiv, one of the top producers and exporters in the world, were halted for several months, sparking concerns about a possible worldwide food catastrophe. (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.

Allow Russian shipments to move 'unimpeded' or risk a global food crisis, warns UN chief

Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&amp;P&nbsp;have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating.&nbsp;

On Thursday, as per AFP Fitch said that the August 11 deal alleviates "external debt servicing pressure, in the context of weakening international reserves and acute war-related spending needs," giving Kyiv breathing room on approximately $6 billion in principal and interest outstanding on Eurobonds.

In spite of the fact that Fitch has improved Ukraine's rating from RD to CC, the rating still indicates that there is still a chance of default.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Weapons and explosives inside Ukraine's nuclear power plant

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"Despite this debt servicing relief, the 'CC' rating reflects unresolved debt sustainability risks resulting from Russia's attack and Ukraine's highly stressed public and external finances and macro-financial position," warned Fitch.

Just a day later, on Friday S&amp;P joined Fitch in upgrading Ukraine's credit rating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/systematic-shelling-of-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-by-ukraine-risk-of-catastrophe-putin-508527" hreflang="en">Systematic shelling of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Ukraine risk of 'catastrophe': Putin</a>

In a statement, the agency said that raising the country's foreign debt credit rating to CCC+ "reflects strong committed international financial support to Ukraine, coupled with eroding, albeit still relatively high, foreign exchange reserves."

"As a result, the near-term risks to the government's liquidity position and, more broadly, its capacity to honor commercial debt, including in foreign currency, appear manageable," AFP reported S&amp;P as saying.

However, S&amp;P stated this is based on the presumption that donors like the US and EU will continue to fund Kyiv in the months ahead.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-fresh-arms-package-worth-usd-775-mn-for-ukraine-508519" hreflang="en">US announces fresh arms package worth USD 775 mn for Ukraine</a>

It also said that a loan agreement with the IMF might lower Ukraine's burden.

Even with the increase, S&amp;P cautioned that because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's ability to pay its debts on time "is highly dependent" on variables largely outside of government control".

Last week, Fitch had downgraded Ukraine's ratings&nbsp;to restricted default, while S&amp;P Global had downgraded the nation to selective default.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&P have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating.

Following Ukraine's last-week success in obtaining a two-year respite on its foreign debt from creditors, Fitch and S&P have raised the war-torn nation's credit rating. On Thursday, as per AFP Fitch said that the August 11 deal alleviates "external debt servicing pressure, in the context of weakening international reserves and acute war-related spending needs," giving Kyiv breathing room on approximately $6 billion in principal and interest outstanding on Eurobonds. In spite of the fact that Fitch has improved Ukraine's rating from RD to CC, the rating still indicates that there is still a chance of default. Watch | Gravitas: Weapons and explosives inside Ukraine's nuclear power plant "Despite this debt servicing relief, the 'CC' rating reflects unresolved debt sustainability risks resulting from Russia's attack and Ukraine's highly stressed public and external finances and macro-financial position," warned Fitch. Just a day later, on Friday S&P joined Fitch in upgrading Ukraine's credit rating. Also read | Systematic shelling of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant by Ukraine risk of 'catastrophe': Putin In a statement, the agency said that raising the country's foreign debt credit rating to CCC+ "reflects strong committed international financial support to Ukraine, coupled with eroding, albeit still relatively high, foreign exchange reserves." "As a result, the near-term risks to the government's liquidity position and, more broadly, its capacity to honor commercial debt, including in foreign currency, appear manageable," AFP reported S&P as saying. However, S&P stated this is based on the presumption that donors like the US and EU will continue to fund Kyiv in the months ahead. Also read | US announces fresh arms package worth USD 775 mn for Ukraine It also said that a loan agreement with the IMF might lower Ukraine's burden. Even with the increase, S&P cautioned that because of the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine's ability to pay its debts on time "is highly dependent" on variables largely outside of government control". Last week, Fitch had downgraded Ukraine's ratings to restricted default, while S&P Global had downgraded the nation to selective default. (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.

S&P, Fitch upgrade Ukraine's credit rating but warn there's still a chance of default

As fighting rages on between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

Zelensky made the statement after meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

As per an AFP report, while speaking to the press, the war-torn country's president said he was "very surprised" to hear from the Turkish president that Russia was "ready for some kind of peace", adding, "first they should leave our territory and then we'll see".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day

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This comes as Erdogan warned of "another Chernobyl" after his first face-to-face talks with Zelensky.&nbsp;Speaking to the press in Lviv, he said: "We are worried. We don't want another Chernobyl."

He also assured Ukraine that Ankara was a firm ally: "While continuing our efforts to find a solution, we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-turkey-stands-on-the-side-of-ukraine-508183" hreflang="en">Erdogan says Turkey stands 'on the side of Ukraine', warns of 'another' Chernobyl</a>

World leaders have issued urgent warnings as fighting recently flared up at Europe's largest nuclear facility, the Zaporizhzhia&nbsp;power station. The Ukrainian facility is currently under Russian control.

During talks with Erdogan, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that any damage to the plant would be equivalent to "suicide".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-soldiers-shooting-at-or-from-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-are-ukraines-special-targets-zelensky-506633">Russian soldiers shooting at, or from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, now Ukraine's 'special targets': Zelensky</a>

While the battle continues in several regions of Ukraine, it has recently concentrated in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and its nuclear facility. Following a direct interaction with Guterres in Lviv, Zelensky has requested that the UN provide security at the plant.

He accused Russia of carrying out "deliberate" attacks on the plant and demanded that the "UN must ensure the security of this strategic object, its demilitarisation and complete liberation from Russian troops."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As fighting rages on between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

As fighting rages on between Kyiv and Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine. Zelensky made the statement after meeting with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. As per an AFP report, while speaking to the press, the war-torn country's president said he was "very surprised" to hear from the Turkish president that Russia was "ready for some kind of peace", adding, "first they should leave our territory and then we'll see". Watch | Gravitas: Russia plans "special operation" for Ukraine's Independence Day This comes as Erdogan warned of "another Chernobyl" after his first face-to-face talks with Zelensky. Speaking to the press in Lviv, he said: "We are worried. We don't want another Chernobyl." He also assured Ukraine that Ankara was a firm ally: "While continuing our efforts to find a solution, we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends." Also read | Erdogan says Turkey stands 'on the side of Ukraine', warns of 'another' Chernobyl World leaders have issued urgent warnings as fighting recently flared up at Europe's largest nuclear facility, the Zaporizhzhia power station. The Ukrainian facility is currently under Russian control. During talks with Erdogan, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that any damage to the plant would be equivalent to "suicide". Also read | Russian soldiers shooting at, or from Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, now Ukraine's 'special targets': Zelensky While the battle continues in several regions of Ukraine, it has recently concentrated in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and its nuclear facility. Following a direct interaction with Guterres in Lviv, Zelensky has requested that the UN provide security at the plant. He accused Russia of carrying out "deliberate" attacks on the plant and demanded that the "UN must ensure the security of this strategic object, its demilitarisation and complete liberation from Russian troops." (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.

As Turkey warns of 'another Chernobyl', Zelensky says 'no peace' until Russia withdraws its troops

Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;

For the last two weeks, the power plant has been at grave risk as shelling around it continues.&nbsp;This has raised concern among the international community, United Nations nuclear watchdog IAEA has even warned of impending nuclear disaster and has&nbsp;called for a demilitarised zone.

NATO too has called for an urgent need to inspect the power plant.

For&nbsp;insights into&nbsp;the looming tragedy, WION spoke to senior journalist Mac William Bishop, who is currently situated near&nbsp;Mykolaiv, Ukraine. When asked about the present scenario around the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Bishop noted that the situation "isn't clear"&nbsp;at this time.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills

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As per him "Russian military forces are in control of the nuclear power plant however the Ukrainian workers that operate the plant still continue to go to work, maintain the plant and ensure its safe operation."

Bishop says that the situation isn’t that bad at the moment, but that there is a concern that "it could become quite bad, quite quickly"

Talking about the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, he said that Ukraine has been the scene of one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history, the fallout of which affected the whole of Europe and the site of which is still the scene of an exclusion zone "where people still can't live and possibly won't be able to for hundreds of years".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-nuclear-operator-reports-most-powerful-cyberattack-since-the-start-of-the-russian-invasion-507577" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion'</a>

"There is a major concern obviously, when you talk about mixing nuclear reactors and high explosives, military grade weapons...the possibility that there could be a catastrophic failure is real and I think that is why so many actors in the international community are now concerned about what is happening in this location."&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the impending disaster would affect the whole of Europe and has requested international agencies to intervene.&nbsp;

In Bishop's view "It has also been the strategy of the Ukrainian government to try to get more international actors involved in this conflict and so of course that is also part of the reason why they are reaching out to the IAEA and UN for assistance in dealing with this issue"

Following the plant's strike in March, nuclear catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Fortunately, there was no radiation leak and there was no damage to the reactors. The plant has remained at the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict ever since and the two nations continue to blame one another for the strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-military-need-to-use-nuclear-arms-in-ukraine-says-russia-calls-speculations-absolute-lies-507644" hreflang="en">Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia</a>

Talking about the ongoing blame game between Russia and Ukraine and his thoughts on who actually shelled the plant Bishop remarked "If Russian troops are occupying this nuclear power plant it would make little sense for the Ukrainians to shell the facility in order to try and liberate it. Meanwhile, why the Russians would shell a facility that they are controlling also makes little sense from a strategic and tactical standpoint."

He pointed out that "there is a very intensive propaganda, information war being conducted by both Ukraine and Russia, on social media platforms, through traditional news outlets," and that "each side is working to shape the narrative to their advantage"

"We simply don't have enough details about what exactly is happened or the nature of these shelling, the origin of it to make any kind of clear assessment at this point," he added.

As per reports, on Thursday (August 18), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv.

The question is: Will the upcoming visits by the heads of the UN and a possible visit by the IAEA chief have any impact or potentially calm things down?

"I think that is certainly the hope of any responsible party that's looking at events around this nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, international organisations like the UN, they've not proven to be particularly affective in this conflict. But there are some signs of hope because there have been some isolated incidents in which the UN was able to achieve limited evacuations of non-combatants in key areas for example," said Bishop.&nbsp;

Although demilitarising the area around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia would resolve this immediate issue, it wouldn't address the larger issues or the conflict, he said, adding that it is important to keep in mind that this is a critical situation.

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Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia.

Fears of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine are growing every day as the country and its aggressor Russia, continue to engage in strikes around Europe's largest nuclear power plant, Zaporizhzhia. For the last two weeks, the power plant has been at grave risk as shelling around it continues. This has raised concern among the international community, United Nations nuclear watchdog IAEA has even warned of impending nuclear disaster and has called for a demilitarised zone. NATO too has called for an urgent need to inspect the power plant. For insights into the looming tragedy, WION spoke to senior journalist Mac William Bishop, who is currently situated near Mykolaiv, Ukraine. When asked about the present scenario around the Zaporizhzhia power plant, Bishop noted that the situation "isn't clear" at this time. Watch | Is Europe staring at a nuclear disaster? | Ukraine holds disaster response drills As per him "Russian military forces are in control of the nuclear power plant however the Ukrainian workers that operate the plant still continue to go to work, maintain the plant and ensure its safe operation." Bishop says that the situation isn’t that bad at the moment, but that there is a concern that "it could become quite bad, quite quickly" Talking about the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, he said that Ukraine has been the scene of one of the worst nuclear accidents in human history, the fallout of which affected the whole of Europe and the site of which is still the scene of an exclusion zone "where people still can't live and possibly won't be able to for hundreds of years". Also read | Ukraine nuclear operator reports 'most powerful cyberattack since the start of the Russian invasion' "There is a major concern obviously, when you talk about mixing nuclear reactors and high explosives, military grade weapons...the possibility that there could be a catastrophic failure is real and I think that is why so many actors in the international community are now concerned about what is happening in this location." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the impending disaster would affect the whole of Europe and has requested international agencies to intervene. In Bishop's view "It has also been the strategy of the Ukrainian government to try to get more international actors involved in this conflict and so of course that is also part of the reason why they are reaching out to the IAEA and UN for assistance in dealing with this issue" Following the plant's strike in March, nuclear catastrophe was narrowly avoided. Fortunately, there was no radiation leak and there was no damage to the reactors. The plant has remained at the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict ever since and the two nations continue to blame one another for the strike. Also read | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia Talking about the ongoing blame game between Russia and Ukraine and his thoughts on who actually shelled the plant Bishop remarked "If Russian troops are occupying this nuclear power plant it would make little sense for the Ukrainians to shell the facility in order to try and liberate it. Meanwhile, why the Russians would shell a facility that they are controlling also makes little sense from a strategic and tactical standpoint." He pointed out that "there is a very intensive propaganda, information war being conducted by both Ukraine and Russia, on social media platforms, through traditional news outlets," and that "each side is working to shape the narrative to their advantage" "We simply don't have enough details about what exactly is happened or the nature of these shelling, the origin of it to make any kind of clear assessment at this point," he added. As per reports, on Thursday (August 18), United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Kyiv. The question is: Will the upcoming visits by the heads of the UN and a possible visit by the IAEA chief have any impact or potentially calm things down? "I think that is certainly the hope of any responsible party that's looking at events around this nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, international organisations like the UN, they've not proven to be particularly affective in this conflict. But there are some signs of hope because there have been some isolated incidents in which the UN was able to achieve limited evacuations of non-combatants in key areas for example," said Bishop. Although demilitarising the area around the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia would resolve this immediate issue, it wouldn't address the larger issues or the conflict, he said, adding that it is important to keep in mind that this is a critical situation. "Threats of nuclear force, threats of nuclear terrorism, they have been a constant backdrop to this conflict and the only way to end that threat is to end the war, unfortunately that does not appear to be something that's likely to happen in the next few months." × 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.

Exclusive | Only way to end nuclear threat from Zaporizhzhia 'is to end the war', says senior journalist

In response to a surge in Russian tourists travelling to Europe, Finland will reduce the number of visas granted to Russians beginning on September 1.

According to the ministry, Finland would reduce daily visa application appointments in Russia from 1,000 to 500, with only 100 set aside for tourists.&nbsp;After a number of Western nations restricted their airspace to Russian planes in reaction to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Finnish land border crossings have remained among the few access ports into Europe for Russians.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories

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Following Russia's easing of pandemic-related border restrictions a month ago, Russian tourists started utilising Finland's Helsinki-Vantaa airport as a gateway to European vacation spots, and the Finnish government on Tuesday agreed to limit their numbers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mother-heroine-vladimir-putin-revives-soviet-era-award-for-mothers-of-ten-or-more-kids-507507" hreflang="en">'Mother Heroine': Vladimir Putin revives Soviet-era award for mothers of ten or more kids</a>

Pekka Haavisto, the Finnish foreign minister told reporters, "And this maybe is not very appropriate if we, for example, think of the airspace restrictions put in place for Russia."

According to Haavisto, Finland and the Baltic nations would also suggest that the European Union terminate its visa facilitation deal with Russia, which facilitates Russians' travel to and within the EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-rock-ammunition-depot-in-russia-controlled-crimea-507413" hreflang="en">Explosions rock ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea, Ukraine's role suspected</a>

Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, and Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, are among the EU leaders who have called for an EU-wide visa ban.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disagreed with this position on Monday, saying Russians should be allowed to leave their home country if they disagree with the government.&nbsp;As per Haavisto, Finland was considering developing a national humanitarian visa that would be available to Russians who wanted to leave or travel to Europe for reasons such as advocacy or journalism.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In response to a surge in Russian tourists travelling to Europe, Finland will reduce the number of visas granted to Russians beginning on September 1. According to the ministry, Finland would reduce daily visa application appointments in Russia from 1,000 to 500, with only 100 set aside for tourists.

In response to a surge in Russian tourists travelling to Europe, Finland will reduce the number of visas granted to Russians beginning on September 1. According to the ministry, Finland would reduce daily visa application appointments in Russia from 1,000 to 500, with only 100 set aside for tourists. After a number of Western nations restricted their airspace to Russian planes in reaction to Russia's attack on Ukraine, Finnish land border crossings have remained among the few access ports into Europe for Russians. Watch | WION Fineprint | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff stirs Chernobyl memories Following Russia's easing of pandemic-related border restrictions a month ago, Russian tourists started utilising Finland's Helsinki-Vantaa airport as a gateway to European vacation spots, and the Finnish government on Tuesday agreed to limit their numbers. Also read | 'Mother Heroine': Vladimir Putin revives Soviet-era award for mothers of ten or more kids Pekka Haavisto, the Finnish foreign minister told reporters, "And this maybe is not very appropriate if we, for example, think of the airspace restrictions put in place for Russia." According to Haavisto, Finland and the Baltic nations would also suggest that the European Union terminate its visa facilitation deal with Russia, which facilitates Russians' travel to and within the EU. Also read | Explosions rock ammunition depot in Russia-controlled Crimea, Ukraine's role suspected Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, and Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, are among the EU leaders who have called for an EU-wide visa ban. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disagreed with this position on Monday, saying Russians should be allowed to leave their home country if they disagree with the government. As per Haavisto, Finland was considering developing a national humanitarian visa that would be available to Russians who wanted to leave or travel to Europe for reasons such as advocacy or journalism. (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.

Finland limits visas to Russian tourists who were using nation as a gateway to Europe amid sanctions

Finland and Estonia joined Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic in limiting or cancelling visas for Russian citizens. Estonia will block more than 50,000 visas from 18th August, Finland will cut back on the number of visas issued from 1st September.

EU divided over sanctions on Russian tourists