<p>United States President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a "very difficult decision". The bomb has a record of taking the lives of civilians.<br />
<br />
The president stated that it had taken him "a while to be convinced to do it", however, he decided because "the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition".<br />
<br />
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move, calling the aid package a “timely, broad and much-needed defence”, in a tweet and further thanked Biden for “decisive steps that bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy”.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?</a></p>

<p>“The expansion of Ukraine’s defence capabilities will provide new tools for the de-occupation of our land and bringing peace closer,” Zelensky wrote.</p>

<h2><strong>US decision to provide Kyiv cluster bombs criticised</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, a Moscow envoy slammed the decision taken by Washington, calling it "cynicism". "The cruelty and cynicism with which Washington has approached the issue of transferring lethal weapons to Kyiv is striking," said Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by Tass news agency.<br />
<br />
"Now, by the fault of the US, there will be a risk for many years that innocent civilians will be blown up by submunitions that have failed,” he added. More than 120 nations have banned cluster bombs.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, UN human rights office spokesperson Marta Hurtado said, "The use of such munitions should stop immediately and not be used in any place."<br />
<br />
Vice-chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition Governance Board Paul Hannon said, “The Biden administration’s decision to transfer cluster munitions will contribute to the terrible casualties being suffered by Ukrainian civilians both immediately and for years to come. Russia and Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions is adding to Ukraine’s already massive contamination from explosive remnants and landmines.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: Months of internal debate concludes</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-cluster-bombs-for-ukraine-months-of-internal-debate-concludes-613081/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Biden's decision was also opposed by his own Democratic party. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, criticising the decision, said, “We have to be clear: if the US is going to be a leader on international human rights, we must not participate in human rights abuses.”<br />
<br />
“We can support the people of Ukraine in their freedom struggle, while also opposing violations of international law. In fact, the innocent victims of the cluster munitions will almost exclusively be Ukrainian civilians. Instead of dealing cluster munitions, we should be doing everything in our power to end their use,” she added.<br />
<br />
National security adviser Jake Sullivan, White House briefing, had stated that officials "recognise the cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm" from unexploded bombs. "This is why we've deferred the decision for as long as we could,” he had said.&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>
</section>
</main>


United States President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a "very difficult decision". The bomb has a record of taking the lives of civilians.

United States President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a "very difficult decision". The bomb has a record of taking the lives of civilians. The president stated that it had taken him "a while to be convinced to do it", however, he decided because "the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the move, calling the aid package a “timely, broad and much-needed defence”, in a tweet and further thanked Biden for “decisive steps that bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy”. ALSO READ | Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition? “The expansion of Ukraine’s defence capabilities will provide new tools for the de-occupation of our land and bringing peace closer,” Zelensky wrote. US decision to provide Kyiv cluster bombs criticised Meanwhile, a Moscow envoy slammed the decision taken by Washington, calling it "cynicism". "The cruelty and cynicism with which Washington has approached the issue of transferring lethal weapons to Kyiv is striking," said Anatoly Antonov, as quoted by Tass news agency. "Now, by the fault of the US, there will be a risk for many years that innocent civilians will be blown up by submunitions that have failed,” he added. More than 120 nations have banned cluster bombs. Meanwhile, UN human rights office spokesperson Marta Hurtado said, "The use of such munitions should stop immediately and not be used in any place." Vice-chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition Governance Board Paul Hannon said, “The Biden administration’s decision to transfer cluster munitions will contribute to the terrible casualties being suffered by Ukrainian civilians both immediately and for years to come. Russia and Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions is adding to Ukraine’s already massive contamination from explosive remnants and landmines.” WATCH | US Cluster Bombs for Ukraine: Months of internal debate concludes Biden's decision was also opposed by his own Democratic party. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, criticising the decision, said, “We have to be clear: if the US is going to be a leader on international human rights, we must not participate in human rights abuses.” “We can support the people of Ukraine in their freedom struggle, while also opposing violations of international law. In fact, the innocent victims of the cluster munitions will almost exclusively be Ukrainian civilians. Instead of dealing cluster munitions, we should be doing everything in our power to end their use,” she added. National security adviser Jake Sullivan, White House briefing, had stated that officials "recognise the cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm" from unexploded bombs. "This is why we've deferred the decision for as long as we could,” he had said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden defends decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, says 'they are running out of ammunition'

<p>Since the United States&nbsp;announced that it would send the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive, it has drawn opposition and criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations. Meanwhile, Kyiv, on Saturday (July 8), welcoming Washington’s decision said that cluster bombs would be used for retaking Ukrainian territory and vowed not to use them in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About cluster munition</strong></h2>

<p>Cluster munitions have been widely denounced for killing and maiming civilians as they typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets which had targets indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians. Additionally, some of the small bomblets do not explode when deployed and can pose a danger for years after a conflict ends.</p>

<h2><strong>How different countries reacted to US’ decision</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement of sending Ukraine cluster munitions&nbsp;as&nbsp;part of an $800 million security package, was made on Friday and announced by US President Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. “We recognise that cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm from unexploded ordnance,” said the White House official.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “This is why we’ve deferred the decision for as long as we could.” Subsequently, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-defends-decision-to-provide-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-says-they-are-running-out-of-ammunition-613291">Biden</a> also defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a “very difficult” one.</p>

<p><strong>Germany</strong></p>

<p>German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that the country, as a part of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-opposes-sending-cluster-munitions-to-ukraine-foreign-minister-613349">opposes</a> Washington’s decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baerbock told reporters, “I have followed the media reports. For us, as a state party, the Oslo agreement applies."&nbsp;She made the statement in reference&nbsp;to the CCM, which was opened for signature in the Norwegian capital in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CCM bans the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions. The US, along with countries like China and Russia, is not a part of the treaty which bans the bombs in more than 100 countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>United Kingdom</strong></p>

<p>United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Saturday, also announced Britain’s opposition to sending cluster munitions to Ukraine in line with the CCM, while reiterating support for Kyiv. “We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion,” said the British PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-cluster-munitions-to-targeting-schools-researchers-accuse-russia-of-war-crimes-in-ukraine-458172">From cluster munitions to targeting schools: Researchers accuse Russia of war crimes in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Spain</strong></p>

<p>Similarly, the Spanish defence minister, Margarita Robles, on Saturday also said that cluster bombs should not be sent to help Ukraine. Spain is also a signatory of CCM, in line with which, it has also banned cluster munitions. She went on to reiterate Spain’s support for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Spain, based on the firm commitment it has with Ukraine, also has a firm commitment that certain weapons and bombs cannot be delivered under any circumstances,” said Robles. She added, “No to cluster bombs and yes to the legitimate defence of Ukraine, which we understand should not be carried out with cluster bombs.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Canada</strong></p>

<p>Canada also expressed its opposition to Washington’s decision and reiterated its commitment to the Oslo agreement. “We do not support the use of cluster munitions and are committed to putting an end to the effects cluster munitions have on civilians – particularly children,” said the Canadian government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cluster-munitions-would-be-useful-for-ukraine-pentagon-612628">Cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine: Pentagon</a></strong></p>

<p>It added, “Canada is fully compliant with the Convention and we take seriously our obligation under the Convention to encourage its universal adoption.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>United Nations</strong></h2>

<p>The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the UN chief also opposed the move and that he “does not want there to be continued use of cluster munitions on the battlefield.”</p>

<h2><strong>Rights groups, organisations fume</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In a series of statements, several international human rights organisations have criticised Washington’s decision and raised alarm about how it would affect civilians’ lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Human Rights Watch</strong> said that “transferring these weapons would inevitably cause long-term suffering for civilians and undermine the international opprobrium of their use.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, <strong>Amnesty International</strong> said that the Biden administration should understand that “any decision enabling the broader use of cluster bombs in this war will likely lead to one predictable outcome: the further death of civilians.” It added, “Their (cluster munitions) transfer and use by any country under any circumstances is incompatible with international law.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-provide-ukraine-with-cluster-munitions-confirms-white-house-613271">US to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions, confirms White House</a></strong><br />
<br />
“This is a death sentence to civilians over the long term. There are people who have not yet been born who will fall victim (to cluster bombs),” said Baptiste Chapuis of <strong>Handicap International</strong>, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Vice-chair of the <strong>International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition Governance Board</strong>, Paul Hannon said, “The Biden administration’s decision to transfer cluster munitions will contribute to the terrible casualties being suffered by Ukrainian civilians both immediately and for years to come.”<br />
<br />
He added,&nbsp;“Russia and Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions is adding to Ukraine’s already massive contamination from explosive remnants and landmines.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Director of the US-based <strong>Arms Control Association</strong>, Daryl Kimball, said that Washington’s decision would be “escalatory, counterproductive, and only further increase the dangers to civilians caught in combat zones”.&nbsp;He added, “Cluster munitions will not differentiate a Ukrainian soldier from a Russian one.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-mulls-giving-ukraine-lethal-weapons-that-white-house-once-described-as-aiding-war-crimes-612905">White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’</a></strong></p>

<p>Kimball also spoke about how the effectiveness of cluster bombs is “significantly oversold” and while its impact on civilians is “widely acknowledged,” it is “too often overlooked”.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine responds to criticism</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Amid criticism, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov took to Twitter and welcomed US’ decision and said it would help in the “de-occupation of our internationally recognised territories” and vowed that the munitions would not be used in “officially recognised territory of Russia.”</p>

<p>“Our position is simple - we need to liberate our temporarily occupied territories and save the lives of our people,” said Reznikov. He also spoke about how the munitions would help save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and that Kyiv will keep a strict record of their use and exchange information with its partners.</p>

<h2><strong>US decision on cluster bombs for Ukraine shows ‘weakness’: Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Russian Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a statement, said that the US decision to send cluster munitions is an “act of desperation and shows weakness against the backdrop of the failure of the much-touted Ukrainian counteroffensive.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adds-russia-to-its-list-of-shame-over-ukraine-war-heres-why-607614">UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why</a></strong></p>

<p>She added, “The latest ‘miracle weapon’ which Washington and Kyiv are betting on, without thinking about the grave consequences, will have no effect on the special military operation,” referring to what Moscow officially calls its campaign in Ukraine.<br />
<br />
The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman also went on to warn that the decision by Washington showed&nbsp;an “aggressive anti-Russian course…aimed at prolonging the conflict in Ukraine as much as possible”.</p>

<p>Zakharova also went on to call Kyiv’s promises to use the controversial munitions responsibly “not worth anything”.&nbsp;Notably, Russia&nbsp;has also been accused of using&nbsp;cluster munitions in Ukraine.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Cluster Munition Monitor&nbsp;reported that the cluster munitions were&nbsp;actively being used&nbsp;by Russia in August last year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Since the United States announced that it would send the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive, it has drawn opposition and criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations.

Since the United States announced that it would send the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive, it has drawn opposition and criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations. Meanwhile, Kyiv, on Saturday (July 8), welcoming Washington’s decision said that cluster bombs would be used for retaking Ukrainian territory and vowed not to use them in Moscow. About cluster munition Cluster munitions have been widely denounced for killing and maiming civilians as they typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets which had targets indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians. Additionally, some of the small bomblets do not explode when deployed and can pose a danger for years after a conflict ends. How different countries reacted to US’ decision The announcement of sending Ukraine cluster munitions as part of an $800 million security package, was made on Friday and announced by US President Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. “We recognise that cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm from unexploded ordnance,” said the White House official. ALSO READ | Explained | What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition? He added, “This is why we’ve deferred the decision for as long as we could.” Subsequently, Biden also defended his decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, calling it a “very difficult” one. Germany German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that the country, as a part of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), opposes Washington’s decision. Baerbock told reporters, “I have followed the media reports. For us, as a state party, the Oslo agreement applies." She made the statement in reference to the CCM, which was opened for signature in the Norwegian capital in 2008. The CCM bans the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions. The US, along with countries like China and Russia, is not a part of the treaty which bans the bombs in more than 100 countries. United Kingdom United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Saturday, also announced Britain’s opposition to sending cluster munitions to Ukraine in line with the CCM, while reiterating support for Kyiv. “We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion,” said the British PM. ALSO READ | From cluster munitions to targeting schools: Researchers accuse Russia of war crimes in Ukraine Spain Similarly, the Spanish defence minister, Margarita Robles, on Saturday also said that cluster bombs should not be sent to help Ukraine. Spain is also a signatory of CCM, in line with which, it has also banned cluster munitions. She went on to reiterate Spain’s support for Ukraine. “Spain, based on the firm commitment it has with Ukraine, also has a firm commitment that certain weapons and bombs cannot be delivered under any circumstances,” said Robles. She added, “No to cluster bombs and yes to the legitimate defence of Ukraine, which we understand should not be carried out with cluster bombs.” Canada Canada also expressed its opposition to Washington’s decision and reiterated its commitment to the Oslo agreement. “We do not support the use of cluster munitions and are committed to putting an end to the effects cluster munitions have on civilians – particularly children,” said the Canadian government. ALSO WATCH | Cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine: Pentagon It added, “Canada is fully compliant with the Convention and we take seriously our obligation under the Convention to encourage its universal adoption.” United Nations The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the UN chief also opposed the move and that he “does not want there to be continued use of cluster munitions on the battlefield.” Rights groups, organisations fume In a series of statements, several international human rights organisations have criticised Washington’s decision and raised alarm about how it would affect civilians’ lives. Human Rights Watch said that “transferring these weapons would inevitably cause long-term suffering for civilians and undermine the international opprobrium of their use.” Similarly, Amnesty International said that the Biden administration should understand that “any decision enabling the broader use of cluster bombs in this war will likely lead to one predictable outcome: the further death of civilians.” It added, “Their (cluster munitions) transfer and use by any country under any circumstances is incompatible with international law.” ALSO READ | US to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions, confirms White House “This is a death sentence to civilians over the long term. There are people who have not yet been born who will fall victim (to cluster bombs),” said Baptiste Chapuis of Handicap International, as quoted by AFP. Vice-chair of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition Coalition Governance Board, Paul Hannon said, “The Biden administration’s decision to transfer cluster munitions will contribute to the terrible casualties being suffered by Ukrainian civilians both immediately and for years to come.” He added, “Russia and Ukraine’s use of cluster munitions is adding to Ukraine’s already massive contamination from explosive remnants and landmines.” Director of the US-based Arms Control Association, Daryl Kimball, said that Washington’s decision would be “escalatory, counterproductive, and only further increase the dangers to civilians caught in combat zones”. He added, “Cluster munitions will not differentiate a Ukrainian soldier from a Russian one.” ALSO READ | White House to give lethal weapons to Ukraine that it once flagged for ‘war crimes’ Kimball also spoke about how the effectiveness of cluster bombs is “significantly oversold” and while its impact on civilians is “widely acknowledged,” it is “too often overlooked”. Ukraine responds to criticism Amid criticism, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov took to Twitter and welcomed US’ decision and said it would help in the “de-occupation of our internationally recognised territories” and vowed that the munitions would not be used in “officially recognised territory of Russia.” “Our position is simple - we need to liberate our temporarily occupied territories and save the lives of our people,” said Reznikov. He also spoke about how the munitions would help save the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and that Kyiv will keep a strict record of their use and exchange information with its partners. US decision on cluster bombs for Ukraine shows ‘weakness’: Russia Russian Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in a statement, said that the US decision to send cluster munitions is an “act of desperation and shows weakness against the backdrop of the failure of the much-touted Ukrainian counteroffensive.” ALSO READ | UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why She added, “The latest ‘miracle weapon’ which Washington and Kyiv are betting on, without thinking about the grave consequences, will have no effect on the special military operation,” referring to what Moscow officially calls its campaign in Ukraine. The Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman also went on to warn that the decision by Washington showed an “aggressive anti-Russian course…aimed at prolonging the conflict in Ukraine as much as possible”. Zakharova also went on to call Kyiv’s promises to use the controversial munitions responsibly “not worth anything”. Notably, Russia has also been accused of using cluster munitions in Ukraine. The Cluster Munition Monitor reported that the cluster munitions were actively being used by Russia in August last year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Several nations, rights groups and UN oppose US move to send cluster bombs to Ukraine

<p>In what is being viewed as a historic move for Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent, on Friday (July 7), to join the European air defence system Sky Shield. The Germany-led efforts come amid threats highlighted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which began over a year ago and in a bid to strengthen Europe’s air defences.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Switzerland and Austria intend to join defence initiative</strong></h2>

<p>The Swiss and Austrian defence ministers, Viola Amherd and Klaudia Tanner signed a memorandum of understanding to join the air defence system known as Sky Shield, in Bern, during a meeting with their German counterpart, Boris Pistorius. &nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, 19 countries, including Bern and Vienna, have joined the Europe-wide defence system which also involves countries including the United Kingdom, the Nordic and Baltic countries, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.</p>

<p>The initiative includes procurement and an agreement to promote research cooperation in the field of armaments, said the Swiss government. The German-led initiative which began in August, last year, is designed to allow European countries to buy defence systems together and train together.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neutral-switzerland-blocks-big-arms-sale-to-ukraine-boosts-russian-fortunes-in-ongoing-war-609887">'Neutral' Switzerland blocks big arms sale to Ukraine, boosts Russian fortunes in ongoing war</a></strong></p>

<p>In line with the initiative to strengthen and bridge the gap in Europe’s air defences, Germany proposed Sky Shield as a fast and cost-efficient plan which involves the procurement of available systems off-the-shelf from suppliers like the United States and others.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Swiss and Austrians move away from ‘neutrality’?</strong></h2>

<p>Both Switzerland and Austria have stressed their neutrality remains unchanged. In a statement, the Swiss government said, “It is in Switzerland’s interest to gear its security and defense policy more consistently towards international cooperation, and to increase its contributions.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Swiss government also said, “Switzerland and Austria also set out the terms regarding neutrality, in an additional declaration,” adding that it includes terms like “they will not participate or be involved in international military conflicts.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Switzerland signs up for Sky Shield project</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-switzerland-signs-up-for-sky-shield-project-613254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Austria has argued that by pooling military resources it is able to maintain its neutral status.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Ukraine war affects Switzerland’s historic neutral stance</strong></h2>

<p>The effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Switzerland’s recent moves have led many to question the viability of its traditionally strict neutrality. Since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, Switzerland has joined the European Union-led (EU) efforts to impose sanctions against Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Swiss, whose neutrality dates back to the 19th century, were able to defend their borders during World War II by making compromises with both Allied and Axis powers, it will be difficult to do so now. Since Switzerland is a member of the United Nations and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is seen as a violation of the UN charter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For the first time in a long time we are facing a conflict in which a country has clearly violated the UN Charter as an aggressor and which activates the right to collective defense, and the question as to whether Switzerland should participate is very controversial,” Thomas Cottier, professor emeritus of European and international economic law at the University of Bern told Spanish newspaper El País.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-exports-to-russia-dropped-marginally-while-pharma-registered-strong-growth-despite-sanctions-581005">Swiss exports to Russia dropped marginally, while pharma registered strong growth despite sanctions</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>“Traditional neutrality is not sustainable, it’s not morally acceptable in my view,” said Social Democrat MP Jon Pult, earlier this year, as quoted by BBC. He added, “If Swiss neutrality means we’re somehow the advocates of international law and of the UN charter then I’m ok with neutrality, because then Switzerland can be a power of peace and freedom and rules-based world order.”</p>

<p>Last month, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard-1 tanks to Kyiv, which the Swiss cabinet said would go against the country’s laws. However, it was not related to a separate sale of Leopard-1 tanks of the Swiss army to the German company Rheinmetall AG. Under the proposed terms of the sale, these tanks cannot be sent to Ukraine but could be used to replace tanks that Germany is sending from its own stock.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


In what is being viewed as a historic move for Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent, on Friday (July 7), to join the European air defence system Sky Shield.

In what is being viewed as a historic move for Switzerland, which is known for its foreign-policy neutrality, along with Austria signed a declaration of intent, on Friday (July 7), to join the European air defence system Sky Shield. The Germany-led efforts come amid threats highlighted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which began over a year ago and in a bid to strengthen Europe’s air defences. Switzerland and Austria intend to join defence initiative The Swiss and Austrian defence ministers, Viola Amherd and Klaudia Tanner signed a memorandum of understanding to join the air defence system known as Sky Shield, in Bern, during a meeting with their German counterpart, Boris Pistorius. So far, 19 countries, including Bern and Vienna, have joined the Europe-wide defence system which also involves countries including the United Kingdom, the Nordic and Baltic countries, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria. The initiative includes procurement and an agreement to promote research cooperation in the field of armaments, said the Swiss government. The German-led initiative which began in August, last year, is designed to allow European countries to buy defence systems together and train together. ALSO READ | 'Neutral' Switzerland blocks big arms sale to Ukraine, boosts Russian fortunes in ongoing war In line with the initiative to strengthen and bridge the gap in Europe’s air defences, Germany proposed Sky Shield as a fast and cost-efficient plan which involves the procurement of available systems off-the-shelf from suppliers like the United States and others. Swiss and Austrians move away from ‘neutrality’? Both Switzerland and Austria have stressed their neutrality remains unchanged. In a statement, the Swiss government said, “It is in Switzerland’s interest to gear its security and defense policy more consistently towards international cooperation, and to increase its contributions.” The Swiss government also said, “Switzerland and Austria also set out the terms regarding neutrality, in an additional declaration,” adding that it includes terms like “they will not participate or be involved in international military conflicts.” ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Switzerland signs up for Sky Shield project Meanwhile, Austria has argued that by pooling military resources it is able to maintain its neutral status. Russia-Ukraine war affects Switzerland’s historic neutral stance The effects of Russia’s war in Ukraine on Switzerland’s recent moves have led many to question the viability of its traditionally strict neutrality. Since the beginning of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine, Switzerland has joined the European Union-led (EU) efforts to impose sanctions against Moscow. While the Swiss, whose neutrality dates back to the 19th century, were able to defend their borders during World War II by making compromises with both Allied and Axis powers, it will be difficult to do so now. Since Switzerland is a member of the United Nations and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is seen as a violation of the UN charter. “For the first time in a long time we are facing a conflict in which a country has clearly violated the UN Charter as an aggressor and which activates the right to collective defense, and the question as to whether Switzerland should participate is very controversial,” Thomas Cottier, professor emeritus of European and international economic law at the University of Bern told Spanish newspaper El País. ALSO READ | Swiss exports to Russia dropped marginally, while pharma registered strong growth despite sanctions “Traditional neutrality is not sustainable, it’s not morally acceptable in my view,” said Social Democrat MP Jon Pult, earlier this year, as quoted by BBC. He added, “If Swiss neutrality means we’re somehow the advocates of international law and of the UN charter then I’m ok with neutrality, because then Switzerland can be a power of peace and freedom and rules-based world order.” Last month, Switzerland blocked Bern-headquartered Ruag AG from selling nearly 100 Leopard-1 tanks to Kyiv, which the Swiss cabinet said would go against the country’s laws. However, it was not related to a separate sale of Leopard-1 tanks of the Swiss army to the German company Rheinmetall AG. Under the proposed terms of the sale, these tanks cannot be sent to Ukraine but could be used to replace tanks that Germany is sending from its own stock. (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.

Neutral Switzerland, Austria to join German-led European Sky Shield defence initiative

In Pics | Top moments of significance of Russia-Ukraine war, 500 days on

<p>The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war sparked massive concerns over the nuclear attack. As the world continues to fear that the next nuclear disaster could be in Eastern&nbsp;Europe, a report by the Financial Times mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report cited Western and Chinese officials as saying that the Chinese officials privately take credit for convincing Russia to stop veiled atomic threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was also mentioned that Xi warned Putin face-to-face during his state visit to Moscow in March, which was one of his first trips outside China after strict lockdown measures under his zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has often warned of an escalation in war and also said that the West's continued support for Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The concerns were further raised when Belarus hosted Russian nuclear weapons. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko insisted that their deployment did not violate international agreements.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-drugs-entered-restricted-area-of-white-house-five-key-points-612208">How drugs entered restricted area of White House? Five key points</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In one of his televised addresses, Putin talked about tactical nuclear weapons, saying that Russia would deploy the weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin had mentioned that he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In reference to China's stance, Andriy Yermak, who is a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Beijing's opposition to Russian threats is an "important position". Yermak said it on messaging app Telegram while sharing a screengrab of the Financial Times article.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/threats-surround-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-amidst-russia-ukraine-wa-612124/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-floods-xi-jinping-urges-authorities-to-step-up-amid-torrential-rains-612161">China floods: Xi Jinping urges authorities to step up amid torrential rains</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky speaks to Macron&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Zelensky told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia was planning "dangerous provocations" at the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said in a statement: "I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant. We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said in his evening address that Russia had "installed objects similar to explosives" on the plant, according to Ukrainian intelligence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Perhaps to simulate the hit on the plant. Maybe they have some other scenario. But in any case, the world sees it."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Radiation is a threat to everyone in the world," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accusation is not entirely new as the Ukrainian army has also alleged that there's a "possible preparation of a provocation on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the near future".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's counterclaim</strong></h2>

<p>Russia has denied all the claims, in fact,&nbsp;Renat Karchaa, who is an advisor to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, accused Kyiv of planning an attack on the plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce... On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Karchaa told Russian state television.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war sparked massive concerns over the nuclear attack. As the world continues to fear that the next nuclear disaster could be in Eastern Europe, a report by the Financial Times mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war sparked massive concerns over the nuclear attack. As the world continues to fear that the next nuclear disaster could be in Eastern Europe, a report by the Financial Times mentioned that Chinese President Xi Jinping warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin against the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The report cited Western and Chinese officials as saying that the Chinese officials privately take credit for convincing Russia to stop veiled atomic threats. It was also mentioned that Xi warned Putin face-to-face during his state visit to Moscow in March, which was one of his first trips outside China after strict lockdown measures under his zero-Covid policy. Russia has often warned of an escalation in war and also said that the West's continued support for Ukraine could lead to a nuclear war. The concerns were further raised when Belarus hosted Russian nuclear weapons. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko insisted that their deployment did not violate international agreements. Also read: How drugs entered restricted area of White House? Five key points In one of his televised addresses, Putin talked about tactical nuclear weapons, saying that Russia would deploy the weapons "without violating our international agreements on nuclear non-proliferation". Putin had mentioned that he spoke to his Belarusian ally Alexander Lukashenko and that they had "agreed to do the same". In reference to China's stance, Andriy Yermak, who is a top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that Beijing's opposition to Russian threats is an "important position". Yermak said it on messaging app Telegram while sharing a screengrab of the Financial Times article. Watch this report: Also read: China floods: Xi Jinping urges authorities to step up amid torrential rains Zelensky speaks to Macron On Tuesday, Zelensky told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia was planning "dangerous provocations" at the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Zelensky said in a statement: "I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant. We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)." Zelensky said in his evening address that Russia had "installed objects similar to explosives" on the plant, according to Ukrainian intelligence. He said, "Perhaps to simulate the hit on the plant. Maybe they have some other scenario. But in any case, the world sees it." "Radiation is a threat to everyone in the world," he further added. The accusation is not entirely new as the Ukrainian army has also alleged that there's a "possible preparation of a provocation on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the near future". Russia's counterclaim Russia has denied all the claims, in fact, Renat Karchaa, who is an advisor to Russia's Rosatom nuclear agency, accused Kyiv of planning an attack on the plant. "Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce... On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," Karchaa told Russian state television. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Did Xi Jinping personally warn Vladimir Putin against nuclear attack in Ukraine?

<p>The Russian military claimed on Tuesday (July 4) that it shot down five drones in an attempted "terrorist" attack near Moscow. The defence ministry said in a telegram post, "this morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using five UAVs against targets in Moscow region and New Moscow was foiled". No casualties were reported during the drone interceptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry further said that four of the drones were intercepted by air defences in the New Moscow region and the fifth one was "suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed on the territory of the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Frights were disturbed amid the chaos, and landings and takeoffs at Moscow's Vnukovo were restricted for several hours early on Tuesday before normal operations resumed after 0500 GMT. A number of flights from Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt were diverted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Kyiv regime's attempt to attack an area where civilian infrastructure is located, including the airport, which incidentally also receives foreign flights, is yet another act of terrorism," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.</p>

<p>"The international community should realise that the United States, Britain, France - permanent members of the UN Security Council - are financing a terrorist regime," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-china-restricts-exports-of-raw-materials-critical-to-chip-production-611607">The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Russian troops at two major battlefronts</strong></h2>

<p>Serhii Cherevatyi, who is the spokesperson for the eastern grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that Russia has reportedly deployed over 180,000 troops to the two major eastern battlefronts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with Ukrainian media on Monday, Cherevatyi said that troops have been deployed across the eastern frontline. The official noted that the Lyman-Kupyansk front is longer, which is why the enemy is "concentrating their forces there" and also added that there are "more than 120,000 enemy troops" in the Lyman-Kupyansk direction at the moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia banking on drones to pepper Western artillery pieces&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-banking-on-drones-to-pepper-western-artillery-pieces-611621/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-chinese-aircraft-crossed-taiwans-straits-median-line-taipei-611663">Eight Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan's Strait's median line: Taipei</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Fighting rages in south</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Maliar, "everywhere things are hot" in the east, with Russian forces advancing near the beleaguered cities of Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She wrote, "Our troops are facing intense enemy resistance, remote mining and the redeployment of enemy reserves, but are tirelessly creating the conditions for the fastest possible advance."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Russian military claimed on Tuesday (July 4) that it shot down five drones in an attempted "terrorist" attack near Moscow. The defence ministry said in a telegram post, "this morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using five UAVs against targets in Moscow region and New Moscow was foiled".

The Russian military claimed on Tuesday (July 4) that it shot down five drones in an attempted "terrorist" attack near Moscow. The defence ministry said in a telegram post, "this morning, an attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using five UAVs against targets in Moscow region and New Moscow was foiled". No casualties were reported during the drone interceptions. The ministry further said that four of the drones were intercepted by air defences in the New Moscow region and the fifth one was "suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed on the territory of the Odintsovo district of the Moscow region". Frights were disturbed amid the chaos, and landings and takeoffs at Moscow's Vnukovo were restricted for several hours early on Tuesday before normal operations resumed after 0500 GMT. A number of flights from Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt were diverted. "The Kyiv regime's attempt to attack an area where civilian infrastructure is located, including the airport, which incidentally also receives foreign flights, is yet another act of terrorism," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "The international community should realise that the United States, Britain, France - permanent members of the UN Security Council - are financing a terrorist regime," she said. Also read: The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production Russian troops at two major battlefronts Serhii Cherevatyi, who is the spokesperson for the eastern grouping of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said that Russia has reportedly deployed over 180,000 troops to the two major eastern battlefronts. In an interview with Ukrainian media on Monday, Cherevatyi said that troops have been deployed across the eastern frontline. The official noted that the Lyman-Kupyansk front is longer, which is why the enemy is "concentrating their forces there" and also added that there are "more than 120,000 enemy troops" in the Lyman-Kupyansk direction at the moment. Watch: Russia banking on drones to pepper Western artillery pieces × Also read: Eight Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan's Strait's median line: Taipei Fighting rages in south On Sunday, Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove. She noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. According to Maliar, "everywhere things are hot" in the east, with Russian forces advancing near the beleaguered cities of Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region. She wrote, "Our troops are facing intense enemy resistance, remote mining and the redeployment of enemy reserves, but are tirelessly creating the conditions for the fastest possible advance." (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 claims Ukraine attacked Moscow with at least five drones

<p>Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Telegram post, the defence official said, "Fierce fighting is taking place there. The enemy is attacking Bilohorivka and Serebrianka." She referred to the two smaller villages south of Svatove — a region where Russian forces have been active. She said, "Fierce fighting is taking place...The situation is quite complicated."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Maliar, "everywhere things are hot" in the east, with Russian forces advancing near the beleaguered cities of Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maliar further mentioned that the Ukrainian forces are making progress near the shattered city of Bakhmut and also on the southern front, where Ukrainian forces have recaptured several villages. She said there had been "gradual advances" in two areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-ukraine-killed-80000-wagner-fighters-and-entire-world-wants-to-kill-vladimir-putin-611084">Zelensky claims Ukraine killed 21,000 Wagner fighters; says 'entire world wants to kill' Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>She wrote, "Our troops are facing intense enemy resistance, remote mining and the redeployment of enemy reserves, but are tirelessly creating the conditions for the fastest possible advance."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While detailing the situation near the town of Svatove, a report by CNN mentioned that the recapture would be crucial for Russia. The eastern town is located in the Luhansk region and has long been regarded as a key target for Ukrainian forces. It is crucial as it is situated along key Russian supply routes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by the news agency Reuters, some Russian accounts of the front line said that Moscow's forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks near villages around Bakhmut and in areas further south, particularly the hilltop town of Vuhlear, which is strategically important. They also reported success in containing Ukrainian troops in the northeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-claims-of-funding-wagner-group-likely-to-make-it-easier-to-try-him-for-war-crimes-experts-611014">Putin's claims of funding Wagner group likely makes it easier to try him for war crimes</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Is Russia weak after a Wagner Mutiny?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-russia-weak-after-a-wagner-mutiny-611131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's counter-offensive</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine has claimed that its counter-offensive is currently underway and also says that the nation was making advances on all fronts. The Ukrainian forces aimed at recapturing areas of the east and south, which were seized by Russia during the invasion last year in February. Kyiv has also said that the forces have reasserted control over clusters of villages in the southeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Russia still holds swathes of territory in the east, south and southeast and also has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains. Instead, it says that Ukraine's military is suffering heavy casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to General Oleksander Tarnavskiy, who is responsible for the southern front, the Ukrainian forces were "systematically destroying the enemy" and reported the deaths of several hundred Russian forces over the last 24 hours.</p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast.

Deputy Ukrainian Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said on Sunday (July 2) that the Russian forces have registered gains near the eastern Ukrainian town of Svatove as she noted that the Ukrainian forces are resisting a Russian onslaught in eastern areas of the front and face difficulties in the northeast. In a Telegram post, the defence official said, "Fierce fighting is taking place there. The enemy is attacking Bilohorivka and Serebrianka." She referred to the two smaller villages south of Svatove — a region where Russian forces have been active. She said, "Fierce fighting is taking place...The situation is quite complicated." According to Maliar, "everywhere things are hot" in the east, with Russian forces advancing near the beleaguered cities of Avdiivka and Maryinka in the Donetsk region. Maliar further mentioned that the Ukrainian forces are making progress near the shattered city of Bakhmut and also on the southern front, where Ukrainian forces have recaptured several villages. She said there had been "gradual advances" in two areas. Also read: Zelensky claims Ukraine killed 21,000 Wagner fighters; says 'entire world wants to kill' Vladimir Putin She wrote, "Our troops are facing intense enemy resistance, remote mining and the redeployment of enemy reserves, but are tirelessly creating the conditions for the fastest possible advance." While detailing the situation near the town of Svatove, a report by CNN mentioned that the recapture would be crucial for Russia. The eastern town is located in the Luhansk region and has long been regarded as a key target for Ukrainian forces. It is crucial as it is situated along key Russian supply routes. As reported by the news agency Reuters, some Russian accounts of the front line said that Moscow's forces had repelled Ukrainian attacks near villages around Bakhmut and in areas further south, particularly the hilltop town of Vuhlear, which is strategically important. They also reported success in containing Ukrainian troops in the northeast. Also read: Putin's claims of funding Wagner group likely makes it easier to try him for war crimes Watch: Is Russia weak after a Wagner Mutiny? × Ukraine's counter-offensive Ukraine has claimed that its counter-offensive is currently underway and also says that the nation was making advances on all fronts. The Ukrainian forces aimed at recapturing areas of the east and south, which were seized by Russia during the invasion last year in February. Kyiv has also said that the forces have reasserted control over clusters of villages in the southeast. Notably, Russia still holds swathes of territory in the east, south and southeast and also has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains. Instead, it says that Ukraine's military is suffering heavy casualties. According to General Oleksander Tarnavskiy, who is responsible for the southern front, the Ukrainian forces were "systematically destroying the enemy" and reported the deaths of several hundred Russian forces over the last 24 hours. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) 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 says Russia made some advances on eastern front, fighting rages in south

<p lang="en-US">CIA Director William Burns, who recently visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and intelligence officials, said that the war has given a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to recruit Russian spies.<br />
<br />
“Director Burns recently travelled to Ukraine, as he has done regularly since the beginning of Russia’s recent aggression more than a year ago,” the official said while speaking to CNN.<br />
<br />
“As with other trips, the director met with his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts and President Zelensky, reaffirming the US commitment to sharing intelligence to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression,” he added.<br />
<br />
The official clarified that Burns travelled to Kyiv before the rebellion of Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, hence it was not discussed between the two leaders.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/progress-of-kyivs-counter-offensive-measured-in-blood-says-ukraine-us-610828">Progress of Kyiv's counter-offensive slowed to prevent bloodshed, loss of lives, say Ukraine, US</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">Speaking to CNN, another official confirmed that Burns held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Naryshkin after the Wagner group's rebellion and reiterated that there was no involvement of the United States in the armed resurrection.<br />
<br />
He stated the mutiny was an "internal Russian affair in which the United States has had and will have no part.” Burns added that Russia's "future as a junior partner and economic colony of China" was being shaped "by Putin's mistakes."</p>

<p lang="en-US"><br />
“Disaffection with the war will continue to gnaw away at the Russian leadership, beneath the steady diet of state propaganda and practised repression,” said Burns on Saturday in remarks to the Ditchley Foundation in England, as per his speech's transcript.<br />
<br />
“That disaffection creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us at CIA, at our core a human intelligence service. We’re not letting it go to waste,” he added.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Social media campaign to recruit spies</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Earlier, it was reported by CNN that a new effort has been launched by the CIA for recruiting Russian spies, which includes a social media campaign aimed at convincing Russians, who are not happy with their life in Russia and the ongoing war against Ukraine, to share their secrets.<br />
<br />
Speaking about the Wagner Group's rebellion, Burns said that the actions and speech of Prigozhin before the attempted march to Moscow by his group show how the war has undermined the power of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-environmental-damage-greta-thunberg-discusses-with-zelensky-610578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US"><br />
“It is striking that Prigozhin preceded his actions with a scathing indictment of the Kremlin’s mendacious rationale for its invasion of Ukraine, and of the Russian military leadership’s conduct of the war,” Burns stated.<br />
<br />
"The impact of those words and those actions will play out for some time - a vivid reminder of the corrosive effect of Putin's war on his own society and his own regime,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


CIA Director William Burns, who recently visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and intelligence officials, said that the war has given a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to recruit Russian spies.

CIA Director William Burns, who recently visited Ukraine and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and intelligence officials, said that the war has given a 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to recruit Russian spies. “Director Burns recently travelled to Ukraine, as he has done regularly since the beginning of Russia’s recent aggression more than a year ago,” the official said while speaking to CNN. “As with other trips, the director met with his Ukrainian intelligence counterparts and President Zelensky, reaffirming the US commitment to sharing intelligence to help Ukraine defend against Russian aggression,” he added. The official clarified that Burns travelled to Kyiv before the rebellion of Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, hence it was not discussed between the two leaders. ALSO READ | Progress of Kyiv's counter-offensive slowed to prevent bloodshed, loss of lives, say Ukraine, US Speaking to CNN, another official confirmed that Burns held talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Naryshkin after the Wagner group's rebellion and reiterated that there was no involvement of the United States in the armed resurrection. He stated the mutiny was an "internal Russian affair in which the United States has had and will have no part.” Burns added that Russia's "future as a junior partner and economic colony of China" was being shaped "by Putin's mistakes." “Disaffection with the war will continue to gnaw away at the Russian leadership, beneath the steady diet of state propaganda and practised repression,” said Burns on Saturday in remarks to the Ditchley Foundation in England, as per his speech's transcript. “That disaffection creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us at CIA, at our core a human intelligence service. We’re not letting it go to waste,” he added. Social media campaign to recruit spies Earlier, it was reported by CNN that a new effort has been launched by the CIA for recruiting Russian spies, which includes a social media campaign aimed at convincing Russians, who are not happy with their life in Russia and the ongoing war against Ukraine, to share their secrets. Speaking about the Wagner Group's rebellion, Burns said that the actions and speech of Prigozhin before the attempted march to Moscow by his group show how the war has undermined the power of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky “It is striking that Prigozhin preceded his actions with a scathing indictment of the Kremlin’s mendacious rationale for its invasion of Ukraine, and of the Russian military leadership’s conduct of the war,” Burns stated. "The impact of those words and those actions will play out for some time - a vivid reminder of the corrosive effect of Putin's war on his own society and his own regime,” he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

CIA director calls Russia-Ukraine war 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to recruit spies

<p lang="en-US">Ukraine has been cautiously counting the gains it has made in the counter-offensive launched this month for reclaiming the territories occupied by Russia and on Friday, a US general and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that the progress is measured in blood.<br />
<br />
Speaking to an audience at the National Press Club in Washington, US Army General Mark Milley said that the counteroffensive was "advancing steadily, deliberately working its way through very difficult minefields ... 500 metres a day, 1,000 metres a day, 2,000 metres a day, that kind of thing."<br />
<br />
He added that he is not surprised to see the progress slower than what was predicted by a few people and computers. "War on paper and real war are different. In real war, real people die. Real people are on those front lines and real people are in those vehicles. Real bodies are being shredded by high explosives,” he said.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-president-lukashenko-asks-wagner-army-to-train-his-military-610780">Belarusian President Lukashenko asks Wagner army to train his military</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">"What I had said was this is going to take six, eight, 10 weeks, it's going to be very difficult. It's going to be very long, and it's going to be very, very bloody. And no one should have any illusions about any of that,” the army general added.<br />
<br />
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week, said that the counteroffensive has been "slower than desired". Ukraine claims to have recaptured a bunch of villages in operations that freed 130 square km (50 square miles) in the south, however, this remains a small percentage of the total territory which is being held by Russia.<br />
<br />
Zelensky on Friday stated that his forces advanced "in all directions of our active operations," while Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said the military assessed progress as "going according to plan," and that Ukraine's counteroffensive needs to be evaluated by "a lot of different military tasks."</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Slow speed aimed at saving lives</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Zelensky has been quoted as saying that Kyiv wished to show results before a July 11 NATO gathering in Lithuania, at which the country is hoping to get an invitation to start the process of becoming part of the US-led military alliance.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia: 50 soldiers, 2 Generals, 20 foreign mercenaries killed</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-50-soldiers-2-generals-20-foreign-mercenaries-killed-610321/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">"Before the summit, we have to show results," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. "But every kilometre costs lives,” he added.<br />
<br />
Acknowledging that the counteroffensive plans have slowed in recent months, he said, "We stopped because we could not advance. Advancing meant losing people and we had no artillery."<br />
<br />
He was further quoted as saying that Kyiv was "very cautious in this regard" and that he would rather choose to let it take more time if it meant losing fewer lives. "Between time and human beings, people are the most important," he added.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


Ukraine has been cautiously counting the gains it has made in the counter-offensive launched this month for reclaiming the territories occupied by Russia and on Friday, a US general and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that the progress is measured in blood.

Ukraine has been cautiously counting the gains it has made in the counter-offensive launched this month for reclaiming the territories occupied by Russia and on Friday, a US general and President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed that the progress is measured in blood. Speaking to an audience at the National Press Club in Washington, US Army General Mark Milley said that the counteroffensive was "advancing steadily, deliberately working its way through very difficult minefields ... 500 metres a day, 1,000 metres a day, 2,000 metres a day, that kind of thing." He added that he is not surprised to see the progress slower than what was predicted by a few people and computers. "War on paper and real war are different. In real war, real people die. Real people are on those front lines and real people are in those vehicles. Real bodies are being shredded by high explosives,” he said. ALSO READ | Belarusian President Lukashenko asks Wagner army to train his military "What I had said was this is going to take six, eight, 10 weeks, it's going to be very difficult. It's going to be very long, and it's going to be very, very bloody. And no one should have any illusions about any of that,” the army general added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last week, said that the counteroffensive has been "slower than desired". Ukraine claims to have recaptured a bunch of villages in operations that freed 130 square km (50 square miles) in the south, however, this remains a small percentage of the total territory which is being held by Russia. Zelensky on Friday stated that his forces advanced "in all directions of our active operations," while Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar said the military assessed progress as "going according to plan," and that Ukraine's counteroffensive needs to be evaluated by "a lot of different military tasks." Slow speed aimed at saving lives Zelensky has been quoted as saying that Kyiv wished to show results before a July 11 NATO gathering in Lithuania, at which the country is hoping to get an invitation to start the process of becoming part of the US-led military alliance. WATCH | Russia: 50 soldiers, 2 Generals, 20 foreign mercenaries killed "Before the summit, we have to show results," Zelensky was quoted as saying by Spanish national broadcaster RTVE. "But every kilometre costs lives,” he added. Acknowledging that the counteroffensive plans have slowed in recent months, he said, "We stopped because we could not advance. Advancing meant losing people and we had no artillery." He was further quoted as saying that Kyiv was "very cautious in this regard" and that he would rather choose to let it take more time if it meant losing fewer lives. "Between time and human beings, people are the most important," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Progress of Kyiv's counter-offensive slowed to prevent bloodshed, loss of lives, say Ukraine, US

<p lang="en-US">Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency.<br />
<br />
"In Kyiv already. I wanted the first act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union to be in Ukraine" with its president, wrote Sanchez on his official Twitter account, stating he would convey "all of Europe's solidarity".<br />
<br />
"We will keep supporting the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," added the prime minister, who had announced his visit during an EU summit on Thursday, claiming that its aim was to show the "unfaltering support" of the EU for Kyiv as it continues to battle the Russian invasion.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-orders-tighter-security-at-ukraine-belarus-border-after-arrival-of-wagner-fighters-610721">Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">A year ago, Ukraine was given the EU candidacy status and this year, it hopes to start formal negotiations on what it is required to do to firm up its membership bid.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Kyiv plans to win over LatAm through Spain's presidency</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Ukraine has been hoping to use the EU presidency of Spain to try to "gain influence" in Latin America, where many countries have opposed the efforts of Kyiv to retake territories which have been occupied by Russia, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to Spanish media.<br />
<br />
Speaking on Friday, Zelensky said that the invitation to participate in an EU-Latin American summit in Brussels on July 17-18 was extended to him by Sanchez, however, many unspecified countries had blocked it.<br />
<br />
"We have a peace formula, and Pedro has supported us a lot. He has a constant dialogue with Latin America and they listen to him, it's a fact. But I'll say frankly that some Latin American countries are blocking the decision and this invitation," he stated, in remarks from Kyiv which aired by state broadcaster TVE.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-environmental-damage-greta-thunberg-discusses-with-zelensky-610578/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US"><br />
"I want them not only to join the peace formula but to stand against war," he stated. Earlier this year, Western countries were irritated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he stated that the West had been "encouraging" war by arming Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Zelensky, in the interview, also appealed for a concrete plan for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been working with allies to get major international support for a peace blueprint, without any territorial compromises.<br />
<br />
Senior officials from the EU, Ukraine, G7 countries, and nations like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey held a meeting on Saturday in Denmark to discuss the concept and stated that some progress was made by them, however, any summit for endorsing a document was at least months away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that he reached Kyiv early on Saturday to hold talks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country kicked off its European Union's presidency. "In Kyiv already. I wanted the first act of the Spanish presidency of the Council of the European Union to be in Ukraine" with its president, wrote Sanchez on his official Twitter account, stating he would convey "all of Europe's solidarity". "We will keep supporting the Ukrainian people until peace returns to Europe," added the prime minister, who had announced his visit during an EU summit on Thursday, claiming that its aim was to show the "unfaltering support" of the EU for Kyiv as it continues to battle the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security at Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters A year ago, Ukraine was given the EU candidacy status and this year, it hopes to start formal negotiations on what it is required to do to firm up its membership bid. Kyiv plans to win over LatAm through Spain's presidency Ukraine has been hoping to use the EU presidency of Spain to try to "gain influence" in Latin America, where many countries have opposed the efforts of Kyiv to retake territories which have been occupied by Russia, said President Volodymyr Zelensky, while speaking to Spanish media. Speaking on Friday, Zelensky said that the invitation to participate in an EU-Latin American summit in Brussels on July 17-18 was extended to him by Sanchez, however, many unspecified countries had blocked it. "We have a peace formula, and Pedro has supported us a lot. He has a constant dialogue with Latin America and they listen to him, it's a fact. But I'll say frankly that some Latin American countries are blocking the decision and this invitation," he stated, in remarks from Kyiv which aired by state broadcaster TVE. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war environmental damage: Greta Thunberg discusses with Zelensky "I want them not only to join the peace formula but to stand against war," he stated. Earlier this year, Western countries were irritated by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva when he stated that the West had been "encouraging" war by arming Ukraine. Zelensky, in the interview, also appealed for a concrete plan for Ukraine to join NATO. Kyiv has been working with allies to get major international support for a peace blueprint, without any territorial compromises. Senior officials from the EU, Ukraine, G7 countries, and nations like Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey held a meeting on Saturday in Denmark to discuss the concept and stated that some progress was made by them, however, any summit for endorsing a document was at least months away. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Spanish PM Sanchez reaches Kyiv to kick off Madrid's EU presidency

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.</p>

<p>The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership&nbsp;was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus.</p>

<p>Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-lukashenko-emerged-as-a-key-player-to-resolve-wagner-situation-608913">Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation</a></p>

<p>"I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled."</p>

<p>He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed.</p>

<p>“We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed."</p>

<p>Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered the security at his country's border with Belarus to be tightened after the arrival of fighters from the mercenary group Wagner in the neighbouring nation. The mercenary group's fighters and its chief were offered an exile in Belarus after their mutiny against Russian military leadership was aborted last week. As a part of a deal, President Vladimir Putin gave the fighters a choice of signing contracts with the Russian defence ministry, returning to civilian life or going into exile in Belarus. Zelensky, on Friday, said that he had been informed of the situation in Belarus by the Ukrainian intelligence service GUR, foreign intelligence services and border guards. "By the decision of the Stavka (chief of staff), Commander-in-Chief (Valery) Zaluzhny and General (Sergey) Nayev were instructed to strengthen the northern direction in order to guarantee peace. There are appropriate deadlines," the Ukraine leader said in a video posted on Telegram. Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus': Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families. Also read: Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation "I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision - they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to, can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled." He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed. “We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed." Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko offered Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin refuge after he aborted the armed rebellion against Moscow a week ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Volodymyr Zelensky orders tighter security on Ukraine-Belarus border after arrival of Wagner fighters

<p>A Ukrainian official said on Friday (June 30) that the troops are advancing in all directions in their counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces. Ukraine says its counter-offensive is currently underway, and claims that the nation was making advances on all fronts. Kyiv has also said that the forces have reasserted control over clusters of villages in the southeast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Russia still holds swathes of territory in the east, south and southeast and also has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains.&nbsp;Instead, it says that Ukraine's military is suffering heavy casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by news agency Reuters, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television: "If we talk about the entire frontline, both east and south, we have seized the strategic initiative and are advancing in all directions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Maliar added that the Ukrainian troops were moving "confidently" on the flanks around the eastern city of Bakhmut, which is held by Russian forces. She also said that the main fighting was going on around the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lavrov-responds-to-failed-mutiny-says-russia-will-be-stronger-610610">Lavrov responds to failed mutiny, says Russia will be 'stronger'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>She further mentioned that Kyiv's forces were moving with mixed success and mainly levelling the frontline in the south. "In the south, we are moving with varying success, sometimes there are days when it is more than a kilometre, sometimes less than a kilometre, sometimes up to two&nbsp;kilometres," she said.</p>

<p>According to Maliar, the effectiveness of the counteroffensive should be evaluated by "a lot of different military tasks" and not just by advances and the liberation of settlements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that "all these tasks are being carried out and only the military can assess this correctly and accurately, and according to their assessment, everything is going according to plan".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-join-sco-next-week-lavrov-610580">Iran to join SCO next week: Lavrov</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's northern defences&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday&nbsp;ordered top military commanders to strengthen the northern military sector. This comes amid the presence of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said that Ukrainian intelligence and security forces had reported on the situation in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour, at a meeting of top military and political leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offers to help put down Wagner mutiny&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chechen-leader-ramzan-kadyrov-offers-to-help-put-down-wagner-mutiny-610642/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The&nbsp;Ukrainian president said on the Telegram messaging app, "The decision...is for Commander-in-Chief (General Valeriy) Zaluzhnyi and 'North' commander (General Serhiy) Naev to implement a set of measures to strengthen this direction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also spoke about the counter-offensive and said that it is moving more slowly than desired. Notably, the Ukrainian officials have also said the "main event" of the counteroffensive has yet to start, and that Ukraine has not yet sent its main troop reserves into combat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A Ukrainian official said on Friday (June 30) that the troops are advancing in all directions in their counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces. Ukraine says its counter-offensive is currently underway, and claims that the nation was making advances on all fronts.

A Ukrainian official said on Friday (June 30) that the troops are advancing in all directions in their counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces. Ukraine says its counter-offensive is currently underway, and claims that the nation was making advances on all fronts. Kyiv has also said that the forces have reasserted control over clusters of villages in the southeast. But Russia still holds swathes of territory in the east, south and southeast and also has not acknowledged the Ukrainian gains. Instead, it says that Ukraine's military is suffering heavy casualties. As reported by news agency Reuters, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television: "If we talk about the entire frontline, both east and south, we have seized the strategic initiative and are advancing in all directions." Meanwhile, Maliar added that the Ukrainian troops were moving "confidently" on the flanks around the eastern city of Bakhmut, which is held by Russian forces. She also said that the main fighting was going on around the city. Also read: Lavrov responds to failed mutiny, says Russia will be 'stronger' She further mentioned that Kyiv's forces were moving with mixed success and mainly levelling the frontline in the south. "In the south, we are moving with varying success, sometimes there are days when it is more than a kilometre, sometimes less than a kilometre, sometimes up to two kilometres," she said. According to Maliar, the effectiveness of the counteroffensive should be evaluated by "a lot of different military tasks" and not just by advances and the liberation of settlements. She said that "all these tasks are being carried out and only the military can assess this correctly and accurately, and according to their assessment, everything is going according to plan". Also read: Iran to join SCO next week: Lavrov Ukraine's northern defences Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday ordered top military commanders to strengthen the northern military sector. This comes amid the presence of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Belarus. Zelensky said that Ukrainian intelligence and security forces had reported on the situation in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour, at a meeting of top military and political leaders. Watch: Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offers to help put down Wagner mutiny × The Ukrainian president said on the Telegram messaging app, "The decision...is for Commander-in-Chief (General Valeriy) Zaluzhnyi and 'North' commander (General Serhiy) Naev to implement a set of measures to strengthen this direction." He also spoke about the counter-offensive and said that it is moving more slowly than desired. Notably, the Ukrainian officials have also said the "main event" of the counteroffensive has yet to start, and that Ukraine has not yet sent its main troop reserves into combat. (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-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims its forces have advanced in all directions in counteroffensive

<p>Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday (June 30) that the nation will emerge "stronger" in the aftermath of the failed mutiny, which the mercenary group Wagner launched last weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a briefing in Moscow, Lavrov told journalists: "Russia has always overcome all its problems... it comes out stronger and stronger. It will be the same this time, too. This process has already begun."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked if Russia can guarantee its stability after the Wagner mutiny, Lavrov said, "We are not obliged to explain to anyone or give any guarantees. We act transparently, our president and all the political powers of the country spoke about it."</p>

<p>"If someone in the West has any doubts - it's their problem. We ourselves have serious doubts in the adequacy of many Western leaders," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Answering a question from foreign media, Lavrov said: "Thank you for your concern about our national interests, but you shouldn't be worried".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The revolt posed the most serious threat to President Vladimir Putin's decades-long rule.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-join-sco-next-week-lavrov-610580">Iran to join SCO next week: Lavrov</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>While mentioning Ukraine, Lavrov said that Kyiv was playing a dangerous game regarding the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia. He accused Kyiv of "pure lies" with statements suggesting that Moscow plans to blow up the plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN atomic energy agency has frequently appealed to both sides to avoid shelling in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest, which is located in southern Ukraine but is controlled by Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov said, "The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant has had IAEA experts there for many months. These experts send regular reports to Vienna, the IAEA headquarters, they can do this every day. This is their decision."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These experts and IAEA General Director Grossi (Rafael Grossi), who visited Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, know very well who is shelling Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant. Recently there has been much less such shelling, but it has been quite regular recently. They know very well that this is dangerous and can lead to no good," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine accuses Russia over deportation of orphans</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-accuses-russia-over-deportation-of-orphans-610588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-enacts-new-foreign-policy-law-broadening-xi-jinpings-powers-to-counter-us-610559">China passes new foreign policy law broadening Xi Jinping's powers to counter US</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Wagner Group's role in Ukraine war&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Wagner Group, a Russian state-funded paramilitary organisation, which was active in the ongoing Ukraine war, led an armed revolt against the Russian government last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mutiny came after constant accusations by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin against Russian ministers. The feud between him and the Russian army escalated for months and Prigozhin passed increasingly scathing statements against generals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it came to an end when Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko mediated a deal to halt a mutiny by Prigozhin's mercenary fighters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Wagner group played a key role in the capture of several east Ukraine towns, including Bakhmut, after a mass recruitment drive in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday (June 30) that the nation will emerge "stronger" in the aftermath of the failed mutiny, which the mercenary group Wagner launched last weekend.

Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday (June 30) that the nation will emerge "stronger" in the aftermath of the failed mutiny, which the mercenary group Wagner launched last weekend. During a briefing in Moscow, Lavrov told journalists: "Russia has always overcome all its problems... it comes out stronger and stronger. It will be the same this time, too. This process has already begun." On being asked if Russia can guarantee its stability after the Wagner mutiny, Lavrov said, "We are not obliged to explain to anyone or give any guarantees. We act transparently, our president and all the political powers of the country spoke about it." "If someone in the West has any doubts - it's their problem. We ourselves have serious doubts in the adequacy of many Western leaders," he added. Answering a question from foreign media, Lavrov said: "Thank you for your concern about our national interests, but you shouldn't be worried". The revolt posed the most serious threat to President Vladimir Putin's decades-long rule. Also read: Iran to join SCO next week: Lavrov While mentioning Ukraine, Lavrov said that Kyiv was playing a dangerous game regarding the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhia. He accused Kyiv of "pure lies" with statements suggesting that Moscow plans to blow up the plant. The UN atomic energy agency has frequently appealed to both sides to avoid shelling in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest, which is located in southern Ukraine but is controlled by Russian forces. Lavrov said, "The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant has had IAEA experts there for many months. These experts send regular reports to Vienna, the IAEA headquarters, they can do this every day. This is their decision." "These experts and IAEA General Director Grossi (Rafael Grossi), who visited Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, know very well who is shelling Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant. Recently there has been much less such shelling, but it has been quite regular recently. They know very well that this is dangerous and can lead to no good," he further added. Watch: Ukraine accuses Russia over deportation of orphans × Also read: China passes new foreign policy law broadening Xi Jinping's powers to counter US Wagner Group's role in Ukraine war The Wagner Group, a Russian state-funded paramilitary organisation, which was active in the ongoing Ukraine war, led an armed revolt against the Russian government last week. The mutiny came after constant accusations by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin against Russian ministers. The feud between him and the Russian army escalated for months and Prigozhin passed increasingly scathing statements against generals. However, it came to an end when Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko mediated a deal to halt a mutiny by Prigozhin's mercenary fighters. The Wagner group played a key role in the capture of several east Ukraine towns, including Bakhmut, after a mass recruitment drive in Russia. (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.

Lavrov responds to failed mutiny, says Russia will be 'stronger'

<p>Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda told reporters in Kyiv, "It is difficult for us to exclude today that the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus could pose a potential threat to Poland, which shares a border with Belarus, a threat to Lithuania... as well as potentially to Latvia."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, a jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew out of Rostov and landed near Minsk, which was later confirmed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. However, their presence itself has become a matter of concern for the Polish President.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-intel-foils-wagners-attempt-to-capture-russias-military-leadership-report-609743">Wagner aimed to capture Russia's military leadership, sped up efforts after plans leaked: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Poland and Lithuania presidents in Kyiv&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The presidents of Poland and Lithuania made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday and met their Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duda said in a joint news conference that Poland and Lithuania will do everything they can to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, NATO members unanimously said that Ukraine must get all support during the war against Russia. They are affirmative about Ukraine's inclusion in NATO but have yet to resolve differences over how to address Kyiv's desire for membership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lithuania and Poland have been among the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in NATO and the EU, and have been calling for accepting it into both. Meanwhile, Lithuania is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Ukraine from a Norwegian company.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deadly-russian-missile-strike-hits-pizza-restaurant-in-ukraine-609769/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wished-to-wipe-out-wagner-chief-prigozhin-during-mutiny-claims-lukashenko-609677">Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Poland gets first batch of Abrams&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Poland also received the first shipment of US-made advanced Abrams tanks. The defence minister said that it is a boost to the nation's military capabilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters, "The first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army. This year we will have more tanks and they will form a battalion of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak said, hailing the US-made Abrams as "the best tanks in the world."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authorities in Warsaw ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the United States, with the first batch comprising 14 tanks which arrived at the port city of Szczecin. The shipment is part of a deal worth $1.4 billion for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were previously used by the US Marine Corps.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said on Wednesday (June 28) during a visit to Ukraine that the presence of Wagner troops in Belarus could be a potential "threat" to the countries of the region. Duda told reporters in Kyiv, "It is difficult for us to exclude today that the presence of the Wagner Group in Belarus could pose a potential threat to Poland, which shares a border with Belarus, a threat to Lithuania... as well as potentially to Latvia." On Tuesday, a jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew out of Rostov and landed near Minsk, which was later confirmed by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian leader was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus. He said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he further added. Lukashenko mentioned that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. However, their presence itself has become a matter of concern for the Polish President. Also read: Wagner aimed to capture Russia's military leadership, sped up efforts after plans leaked: Report Poland and Lithuania presidents in Kyiv The presidents of Poland and Lithuania made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday and met their Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Duda said in a joint news conference that Poland and Lithuania will do everything they can to ensure that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO as soon as possible. Notably, NATO members unanimously said that Ukraine must get all support during the war against Russia. They are affirmative about Ukraine's inclusion in NATO but have yet to resolve differences over how to address Kyiv's desire for membership. Lithuania and Poland have been among the staunchest supporters of Ukraine in NATO and the EU, and have been calling for accepting it into both. Meanwhile, Lithuania is buying NASAMS air defence systems for Ukraine from a Norwegian company. Watch: Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine × Also read: Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko Poland gets first batch of Abrams On Wednesday, Poland also received the first shipment of US-made advanced Abrams tanks. The defence minister said that it is a boost to the nation's military capabilities amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Poland's Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters, "The first tanks are already on Polish soil, it's an important day for the Polish army. This year we will have more tanks and they will form a battalion of Abrams tanks," Blaszczak said, hailing the US-made Abrams as "the best tanks in the world." The authorities in Warsaw ordered a total of 366 Abrams tanks from the United States, with the first batch comprising 14 tanks which arrived at the port city of Szczecin. The shipment is part of a deal worth $1.4 billion for 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks that were previously used by the US Marine Corps. (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.

Poland says Wagner troops in Belarus 'threat' to countries of the region

<p>Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and&nbsp;injured 56&nbsp;on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As of 07:00 (0400 GMT) on June 28, the bodies of eight dead people (including three children, two of them born in 2008 and 2011) were unblocked from under the rubble of the destroyed cafe building," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Telegram.</p>

<p>The educational department of Kramatorsk city council said in a Telegram post,&nbsp;"Two sisters, both age 14, died in the missile&nbsp;attack."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the attack in Kramatorsk wounded another 56 people.</p>

<p>The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers.</p>

<p>As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city.&nbsp;The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately, but have&nbsp; been repurposed it for loosely targeted strikes on cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant.</p>

<p>"We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, a crowd quickly gathered at the site of the strike where fires broke out after the strikes as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims.</p>

<p>President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;condemned the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks.</p>

<p>"Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where&nbsp;22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said.</p>

<p>"Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-plane-belonging-to-wagner-chief-reportedly-lands-in-belarus-609259">Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus</a></p>

<p>According to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, two Russian rockets hit the city of 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east.</p>

<p>"There was a good crowd" at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, a 32-year-old Ruslan, told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried," he said. "I was lucky."</p>

<p>Natalia, in tears, explained that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven.</p>

<p>"They can't get him out, he was covered&nbsp;by debris," she said.</p>

<p>The strike also caused destruction and damaged several nearby buildings which have often been targeted by Russian forces since the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022.</p>

<p>"People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion," a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as "Ghost", and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP.</p>

<p>He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. "A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out," he said.<br />
<br />
Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and injured 56 on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters.

Russian rocket strikes in Ukraine killed at least 11 people and injured 56 on Tuesday, said the country's interior minister. Among the dead at the cafe which was hit in Kramatorsk, a town located in eastern Ukraine, include three children, two of whom were twin sisters. "As of 07:00 (0400 GMT) on June 28, the bodies of eight dead people (including three children, two of them born in 2008 and 2011) were unblocked from under the rubble of the destroyed cafe building," the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Telegram. The educational department of Kramatorsk city council said in a Telegram post, "Two sisters, both age 14, died in the missile attack." The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said that the attack in Kramatorsk wounded another 56 people. The rocket strikes hit a restaurant in the town of Kramatorsk, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the east, and is a popular eatery that is frequented by both journalists and soldiers. As per Ukrainian police, Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city. The S-300 is a surface-to-air missile that cannot hit targets on the ground accurately, but have been repurposed it for loosely targeted strikes on cities. "There were a lot of people in there -- there are children under the rubble," said Yevgen, who had been dining with two friends at the Ria Pizza restaurant. "We were just about to leave," he said, but one of his friends was not "under the rubble", he told AFP after the blast. As per AFP reports, a crowd quickly gathered at the site of the strike where fires broke out after the strikes as soldiers and rescue workers searched for other victims. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the missile strikes saying that S-300 missiles were used to carry out the deadly attacks. "Exactly on the anniversary of the Russian terrorists' attack on Kremenchuk, on a shopping mall, where 22 people were killed, Russian savages again fired missiles at the Kremenchuk district," he said. "Today, Russian terrorists also brutally shelled Kramatorsk... Unfortunately, there are killed and wounded. Assistance is being provided. The rubble is being cleared." Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin in Belarus According to Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, two Russian rockets hit the city of 150,000 people, one of the largest still under Ukrainian control in the country's besieged east. "There was a good crowd" at the restaurant when the missile hit, one of its cooks, a 32-year-old Ruslan, told AFP. "I had just arrived: I was standing there, and then I was buried," he said. "I was lucky." Natalia, in tears, explained that her half-brother Nikita, 23, was inside near the pizza oven. "They can't get him out, he was covered by debris," she said. The strike also caused destruction and damaged several nearby buildings which have often been targeted by Russian forces since the invasion launched by Russia in February 2022. "People told me they heard a plane flying, there was a hissing and then an explosion," a 19-year-old Ukrainian soldier who gave his war name as "Ghost", and was nearby when the strike occurred, told AFP. He quickly entered the restaurant to help rescue workers. "A girl was trapped, injured. They haven't yet been able to get her out," he said. Kramatorsk is located in Donetsk, one of the four Ukrainian provinces that Russia claimed to annex last September but does not fully control. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian strikes at restaurant in Ukraine kill 11, including three kids, injure 56

<p>A jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday (June 27). Several media reports mentioned that a flight-tracking website showed Wagner chief's plane flying out of Rostov and landing near Minsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was confirmed by Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, who&nbsp;was quoted as saying&nbsp;by the state&nbsp;media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, the Belarusian leader said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he was&nbsp;quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko also said that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want.</p>

<p>According to the Reuters news agency, &nbsp;Lukashenko said, "We offered them one of the abandoned military bases. Please - we have a fence, we have everything - put up your tents."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-knew-about-wagner-rebellion-but-kept-it-secret-from-most-allies-reports-609144">US knew about Wagner's rebellion plans but kept it secret from most allies: Reports</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>This comes just a few days after Prigozhin led an armed revolt against Putin's government on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko, who mediated a deal to halt a mutiny by Prigozhin's mercenary fighters, said on Tuesday that long-standing tensions between Moscow's army and the Wagner mercenary group had been mismanaged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mutiny came after a series of claims and counterclaims made by the Wagner chief as the feud between him and the Russian army escalated for months. Prigozhin made increasingly scathing statements against generals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko said, "We missed the situation, and then we thought that it would resolve itself, but it did not resolve."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko also said that it had been "painful" to watch events unfold in Russia. He further mentioned that during the crisis situation, he had put Belarusian troops and police on full alert.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two people who fought at the front clashed, there are no heroes in this case," he added, referring to the Wagner chief and his rival Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-putin-begins-address-to-russians-thanks-citizens-for-patriotism-during-wagner-revolt-609015">Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry also said on Tuesday that it was preparing to take over military hardware belonging to the Wagner mercenary group.</p>

<p>The defence ministry said in a statement online, "Preparations are underway for the transfer of heavy military equipment from the private military company Wagner to units of the Russian armed forces."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin accuses the West&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian president on Monday&nbsp;accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to "kill each other". During a Monday night address, he also claimed that Prigozhin's uprising was "doomed to fail". He made a special mention to the civilians for showing "unity" in the face of a "treacherous" rebellion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Putin's authority had not been weakened by the armed mutiny. Meanwhile, Putin said that the group of Wagner mercenaries failed to win the support of the Russian people or its army.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Has Putin's credibility been damaged?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wagner-mutiny-has-putins-credibility-been-damaged-608985/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In a televised address to law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin, he said, "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin told troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry, "You de facto stopped a civil war."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," he said, before holding a minute's&nbsp;silence in their memory, without saying how many died.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday (June 27). Several media reports mentioned that a flight-tracking website showed Wagner chief's plane flying out of Rostov and landing near Minsk.

A jet belonging to Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin flew to Belarus from Russia on Tuesday (June 27). Several media reports mentioned that a flight-tracking website showed Wagner chief's plane flying out of Rostov and landing near Minsk. It was confirmed by Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, who was quoted as saying by the state media Belta that Prigozin was currently in Belarus. As quoted, the Belarusian leader said that "security guarantees have been given" as promised to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I see Prigozhin's been flying aboard this plane - yes, indeed he’s in Belarus today," he was quoted as saying. Lukashenko also said that Belarus is not building any camps for the group, but will accommodate them if they want. According to the Reuters news agency, Lukashenko said, "We offered them one of the abandoned military bases. Please - we have a fence, we have everything - put up your tents." Also read: US knew about Wagner's rebellion plans but kept it secret from most allies: Reports This comes just a few days after Prigozhin led an armed revolt against Putin's government on Saturday. Lukashenko, who mediated a deal to halt a mutiny by Prigozhin's mercenary fighters, said on Tuesday that long-standing tensions between Moscow's army and the Wagner mercenary group had been mismanaged. The mutiny came after a series of claims and counterclaims made by the Wagner chief as the feud between him and the Russian army escalated for months. Prigozhin made increasingly scathing statements against generals. Lukashenko said, "We missed the situation, and then we thought that it would resolve itself, but it did not resolve." Lukashenko also said that it had been "painful" to watch events unfold in Russia. He further mentioned that during the crisis situation, he had put Belarusian troops and police on full alert. "Two people who fought at the front clashed, there are no heroes in this case," he added, referring to the Wagner chief and his rival Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Also read: Putin says Wagner mutineers 'can join army or go to Belarus' in his address to Russians The Russian defence ministry also said on Tuesday that it was preparing to take over military hardware belonging to the Wagner mercenary group. The defence ministry said in a statement online, "Preparations are underway for the transfer of heavy military equipment from the private military company Wagner to units of the Russian armed forces." Putin accuses the West The Russian president on Monday accused Ukraine and its Western allies of wanting Russians to "kill each other". During a Monday night address, he also claimed that Prigozhin's uprising was "doomed to fail". He made a special mention to the civilians for showing "unity" in the face of a "treacherous" rebellion. The Kremlin on Tuesday said that Putin's authority had not been weakened by the armed mutiny. Meanwhile, Putin said that the group of Wagner mercenaries failed to win the support of the Russian people or its army. Watch: Has Putin's credibility been damaged? × In a televised address to law enforcement agencies outside the Kremlin, he said, "People who were drawn into the rebellion saw that the army and the people were not with them." Putin told troops from the defence ministry, National Guard, FSB security service and interior ministry, "You de facto stopped a civil war." "In the confrontation with rebels, our comrades-in-arms, pilots, were killed. They did not flinch and honourably fulfilled their orders and their military duty," he said, before holding a minute's silence in their memory, without saying how many died. (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-Ukraine war: Lukashenko says Wagner chief Prigozhin is in Belarus

<p>Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US&nbsp;rivals a will to protect US&nbsp;interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.</p>

<p>The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll.</p>

<p>Eighty-one per cent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favour supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine,&nbsp;according to the latest poll.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-strike-on-restaurant-in-ukraine-leaves-42-injured-child-among-those-dead-609728/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defence ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-intel-foils-wagners-attempt-to-capture-russias-military-leadership-report-609743">Leaked intel foils Wagner's attempt to capture Russia's military leadership: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago.</p>

<p>"This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former US&nbsp;ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace.</p>

<p>"The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing US&nbsp;military support for Ukraine.</p>

<p>The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022.</p>

<p>The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction.</p>

<p>The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves."</p>

<p>In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance.</p>

<p><br />
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US rivals a will to protect US interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.

Solid majorities of Americans support providing weaponry to Ukraine to defend itself against Russia and believe that such aid demonstrates to China and other US rivals a will to protect US interests and allies, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey. The two-day poll that was concluded on Tuesday charted a sharp rise in backing for arming Ukraine, with 65% of the respondents approving of the shipments compared with 46% in a May poll. Eighty-one per cent of Democrats, 56% of Republicans and 57% of independents favour supplying U.S. weapons to Ukraine, according to the latest poll. Watch | Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead × The survey was conducted just days after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private Wagner mercenary company, launched and then called off a mutiny over what he charged was the Russian defence ministry's mishandling of the war in Ukraine. Also Read | Leaked intel foils Wagner's attempt to capture Russia's military leadership: Report The findings appeared to provide firmer backing for US President Joe Biden's policy of doing "whatever it takes" to assist Ukraine in recapturing territory that Russia seized in an initial assault in 2014 and its full-scale invasion 16 months ago. "This definitely reinforces Biden's decision to be all-in on this," said William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine now with the U.S. Institute of Peace. "The Republican leadership of the House and Senate will also take heart from this," Taylor said. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers have opposed continuing US military support for Ukraine. The Biden administration has approved 41 weapons packages for Ukraine totaling more than $40 billion since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched what he calls "a special military operation" in February 2022. The online Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted nationwide, collecting responses from 1,004 adults, including 400 Democrats and 383 Republicans. It had a credibility interval, a measure of precision, of about 4 percentage points in either direction. The poll found that 76% of Americans believe that providing aid to Ukraine demonstrates to China and other rivals that the United States has "the will and capability to protect our interests, our allies and ourselves." In other findings, the survey said large majorities of Americans - 67% and 73% - are more likely to support a candidate in next year's U.S. presidential election who will continue military aid to Ukraine and one who backs the NATO alliance. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Most Americans support US arming Ukraine -Reuters/Ipsos

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidbZ0zBjFoVMPf" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidbZ0zBjFoVMPf" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Nepali Gurkhas are joining the Russian mercenary group Wagner eyeing Russian citizenship. According to a report by the EurAsian Times on Sunday (June 25), some of the fighters have retired from the Nepali Army. The report said that Nepal has been caught off guard as it does not have any bilateral pacts with Russia, and the Nepalese embassy in Moscow claimed that youngsters are going in their personal capacity. More than a dozen Nepali youths are getting trained in handling weapons and fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On May 16 this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree, simplifying the process of obtaining Russian citizenship for foreigners who joined the Russian military in the ongoing Ukraine war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the EurAsian Times, strategic analyst Major General Binoj Basnyat (retired) from the Nepal Army said, "This is a concerning situation. The Nepal government is not able to do anything about it as they have gone in an individual capacity."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-vladimir-putin-wanted-to-kill-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-but-stopped-heres-how-609686">Vladimir Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin but stopped. Here's what happened</a></strong></p>

<p>Basnyat said that if Nepalese citizens are part of the military of a sovereign nation, it has to be part of the government's foreign policy, or there has to be a Memorandum of Understanding or a treaty with the other country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No such instruments are in place in this case,” the strategic analyst added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>An offer hard to resist</strong></h2>

<p>The May 16 decree signed by Putin is hard for Nepali youngsters to resist keeping in mind the unemployment rate in the country. Basnyat said that after finishing their studies, a large number of Nepali youngsters are coming out for employment, but they have not been absorbed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The number of youth looking to leave for other countries in search of jobs and opportunities has shot up,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The major employment opportunities in Nepal are in the informal sector with poor working conditions and wages, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Videos show Nepalese youths joining Russian Army</strong></h2>

<p>For the past few weeks, videos on social media platforms including TikTok and Telegram showed Nepali youngsters joining the Russian Army. There was also news of Nepalese citizens joining the French Legion, but entering Russia is easier than entering Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the publication reported that Nepalese Gurkhas won't be joining the Indian Army this year as Kathmandu did not allow the recruitment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A youth from Nepal's Koshi, who studied at a Russian university, said he had two options after completing his education - either go back to Nepal unemployed or join the Russian army.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The person said that even during the (army) training period, the salary was about 50,000 Nepalese Rupees along with insurance. "After one year, citizenship is also available. If I don’t die in one year, I will live here,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Nepali Gurkhas are joining the Russian mercenary group Wagner eyeing Russian citizenship. According to a report by the EurAsian Times on Sunday (June 25), some of the fighters have retired from the Nepali Army.

Nepali Gurkhas are joining the Russian mercenary group Wagner eyeing Russian citizenship. According to a report by the EurAsian Times on Sunday (June 25), some of the fighters have retired from the Nepali Army. The report said that Nepal has been caught off guard as it does not have any bilateral pacts with Russia, and the Nepalese embassy in Moscow claimed that youngsters are going in their personal capacity. More than a dozen Nepali youths are getting trained in handling weapons and fighting. On May 16 this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree, simplifying the process of obtaining Russian citizenship for foreigners who joined the Russian military in the ongoing Ukraine war. Speaking to the EurAsian Times, strategic analyst Major General Binoj Basnyat (retired) from the Nepal Army said, "This is a concerning situation. The Nepal government is not able to do anything about it as they have gone in an individual capacity." Also read | Vladimir Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin but stopped. Here's what happened Basnyat said that if Nepalese citizens are part of the military of a sovereign nation, it has to be part of the government's foreign policy, or there has to be a Memorandum of Understanding or a treaty with the other country. "No such instruments are in place in this case,” the strategic analyst added. An offer hard to resist The May 16 decree signed by Putin is hard for Nepali youngsters to resist keeping in mind the unemployment rate in the country. Basnyat said that after finishing their studies, a large number of Nepali youngsters are coming out for employment, but they have not been absorbed. "The number of youth looking to leave for other countries in search of jobs and opportunities has shot up,” he added. The major employment opportunities in Nepal are in the informal sector with poor working conditions and wages, the report said. Videos show Nepalese youths joining Russian Army For the past few weeks, videos on social media platforms including TikTok and Telegram showed Nepali youngsters joining the Russian Army. There was also news of Nepalese citizens joining the French Legion, but entering Russia is easier than entering Europe. Earlier, the publication reported that Nepalese Gurkhas won't be joining the Indian Army this year as Kathmandu did not allow the recruitment. A youth from Nepal's Koshi, who studied at a Russian university, said he had two options after completing his education - either go back to Nepal unemployed or join the Russian army. The person said that even during the (army) training period, the salary was about 50,000 Nepalese Rupees along with insurance. "After one year, citizenship is also available. If I don’t die in one year, I will live here,” he added. 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.

Nepali Gurkhas joining Wagner group while eyeing Russian citizenship: Report

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday spilled the beans on the hectic parleys that took place to defuse tensions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the rebelling Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.</p>

<p>Lukashenko&nbsp;played a key role in halting the short-lived coup attempt in exchange for a deal that included providing asylum to Prigozhin.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Russia's FSB security service dropped charges against the participants in the insurrection as part of a deal negotiated by Lukashenko and his long-term ally Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko said Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus and was welcome to stay "for some time".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At 10.10, he (Putin) called and informed me in detail about the situation that is happening in Russia. He asked several questions, including how to counteract this, and I realised that the situation is complicated,” Lukashenko said at a military awards ceremony in Minsk.</p>

<p>He then said that Putin wanted to eliminate Prigozhin, but decided not to “rush” after Lukashenko intervened.</p>

<p>Lukashenko said he told the Wagner chief that he would be “squashed like a bug” if he proceeds to march towards Moscow and warned that the Kremlin would never fulfil his demand of ousting Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of The General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov.</p>

<p>The president further revealed that Putin was furious that the Wagner chief wouldn't take his calls during the brief uprising.</p>

<h2><strong>Behind the scenes </strong></h2>

<p>Detailing his back-to-back calls with Putin and Prigozhin on Saturday, Lukashenko told Prigozhin that it would be against his own interests if he thinks that he would get justice for the alleged wrongdoings against Wagner.</p>

<p>“Our first round of talks lasted about 30 minutes and we talked mostly in swear words. Almost only swear words," Lukashenko said.</p>

<p>"Later, it occurred to me that there were 10&nbsp;times more swear words than normal words."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strikes-on-ukraine-restaurant-kills-at-least-injures-22-people-609413">Russian strikes at eatery in Ukraine kill 9, including three kids, injure 56</a></p>

<p>Lukashenko told Prigozhin that "no one will ever hand over Shoigu, Gerasimov, or anyone else, for that matter. Especially in this situation. You know Putin as well as I do."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/firing-season-continues-google-lays-off-employees-at-its-mapping-app-waze-609587">Firing season continues: Google lays off employees at its mapping app Waze</a></p>

<p>“For a long time, I was trying to convince him. And in the end, I said, ‘You know, you can do whatever you want. But don't be offended by me. Our brigade is ready for transfer to Moscow'," Lukashenko told state media.</p>

<p>Lukashenko said that he had detailed negotiations with Putin, who was reluctant to let go Prigozhin unpunished.</p>

<p>“The most dangerous thing, as I understand it, is not what the situation was, but how it could develop and its consequences,” Lukashenko said, according to Belarussian state media.</p>

<p>“I also realised there was a harsh decision taken — to destroy (Prigozhin). I suggested Putin not to hurry. Let’s talk with <a name="_Hlk138863381">Prigozhin</a>, with his commanders.”</p>

<p>Lukashenko said Putin told him: “Listen, Alex, it’s useless. (Prigozhin) doesn’t even pick up the phone, he doesn’t want to talk to anyone.”</p>

<p>But despite that Lukashenko said he was able to get hold of the Wagner boss and bring him to senses.</p>

<h2><strong>Kremlin’s response</strong></h2>

<p>Putin has so far been silent on the backchannel talks between his long-time ally Lukashenko and Prigozhin.</p>

<p>But in a statement, the Kremlin credited Lukashenko for helping to de-escalate the tense situation, though they did not corroborate the Belarus leader’s account of events.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Lukashenko was able to draw on a personal relationship&nbsp;with Prigozhin to reach the deal, which would also see Wagner troops and equipment absorbed by the Russian military.</p>

<p>The Defence Ministry didn't release any information about casualties, but media reports said at least a dozen airmen were killed.</p>

<p>When asked why the rebels were allowed to advance to roughly 200 kilometres away from Moscow without facing any resistance, National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov said authorities tried to assemble a strong force capable of stopping the onslaught.</p>

<p>"We concentrated our forces in one fist closer to Moscow," he told reporters. "If we spread them thin, they would have come like a knife through butter."</p>

<p>General Zolotov also said the National Guard had lacked battle tanks and other heavy weapons, but&nbsp;would now get them.</p>

<h2><strong>Belarus wouldn’t mind a Wagner-like unit</strong></h2>

<p>Lukashenko further said that his defence minister Viktor Khrennikov was very much interested in having a Wagner-like unit in the Belarusian army. He said that he has instructed Khrennikov to negotiate with Prigozhin on the matter.</p>

<p>When asked where is Prigozhin and his troops are staying, the Belrusian leader said that the mercenary leader and some of his troops are staying at one of the abandoned military bases.</p>

<p>They will be staying at their own expense, Lukashenko said.</p>

<h2>What will happen of Wagner troops?</h2>

<p>The Russian Defence Ministry said that preparations are underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command.</p>

<p>Prigozhin issued no public statements on Tuesday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p id="6"><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday spilled the beans on the hectic parleys that took place to defuse tensions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the rebelling Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday spilled the beans on the hectic parleys that took place to defuse tensions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the rebelling Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Lukashenko played a key role in halting the short-lived coup attempt in exchange for a deal that included providing asylum to Prigozhin. On Tuesday, Russia's FSB security service dropped charges against the participants in the insurrection as part of a deal negotiated by Lukashenko and his long-term ally Putin. Lukashenko said Prigozhin had arrived in Belarus and was welcome to stay "for some time". “At 10.10, he (Putin) called and informed me in detail about the situation that is happening in Russia. He asked several questions, including how to counteract this, and I realised that the situation is complicated,” Lukashenko said at a military awards ceremony in Minsk. He then said that Putin wanted to eliminate Prigozhin, but decided not to “rush” after Lukashenko intervened. Lukashenko said he told the Wagner chief that he would be “squashed like a bug” if he proceeds to march towards Moscow and warned that the Kremlin would never fulfil his demand of ousting Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of The General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov. The president further revealed that Putin was furious that the Wagner chief wouldn't take his calls during the brief uprising. Behind the scenes Detailing his back-to-back calls with Putin and Prigozhin on Saturday, Lukashenko told Prigozhin that it would be against his own interests if he thinks that he would get justice for the alleged wrongdoings against Wagner. “Our first round of talks lasted about 30 minutes and we talked mostly in swear words. Almost only swear words," Lukashenko said. "Later, it occurred to me that there were 10 times more swear words than normal words." Also read | Russian strikes at eatery in Ukraine kill 9, including three kids, injure 56 Lukashenko told Prigozhin that "no one will ever hand over Shoigu, Gerasimov, or anyone else, for that matter. Especially in this situation. You know Putin as well as I do." Also read | Firing season continues: Google lays off employees at its mapping app Waze “For a long time, I was trying to convince him. And in the end, I said, ‘You know, you can do whatever you want. But don't be offended by me. Our brigade is ready for transfer to Moscow'," Lukashenko told state media. Lukashenko said that he had detailed negotiations with Putin, who was reluctant to let go Prigozhin unpunished. “The most dangerous thing, as I understand it, is not what the situation was, but how it could develop and its consequences,” Lukashenko said, according to Belarussian state media. “I also realised there was a harsh decision taken — to destroy (Prigozhin). I suggested Putin not to hurry. Let’s talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders.” Lukashenko said Putin told him: “Listen, Alex, it’s useless. (Prigozhin) doesn’t even pick up the phone, he doesn’t want to talk to anyone.” But despite that Lukashenko said he was able to get hold of the Wagner boss and bring him to senses. Kremlin’s response Putin has so far been silent on the backchannel talks between his long-time ally Lukashenko and Prigozhin. But in a statement, the Kremlin credited Lukashenko for helping to de-escalate the tense situation, though they did not corroborate the Belarus leader’s account of events. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Lukashenko was able to draw on a personal relationship with Prigozhin to reach the deal, which would also see Wagner troops and equipment absorbed by the Russian military. The Defence Ministry didn't release any information about casualties, but media reports said at least a dozen airmen were killed. When asked why the rebels were allowed to advance to roughly 200 kilometres away from Moscow without facing any resistance, National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov said authorities tried to assemble a strong force capable of stopping the onslaught. "We concentrated our forces in one fist closer to Moscow," he told reporters. "If we spread them thin, they would have come like a knife through butter." General Zolotov also said the National Guard had lacked battle tanks and other heavy weapons, but would now get them. Belarus wouldn’t mind a Wagner-like unit Lukashenko further said that his defence minister Viktor Khrennikov was very much interested in having a Wagner-like unit in the Belarusian army. He said that he has instructed Khrennikov to negotiate with Prigozhin on the matter. When asked where is Prigozhin and his troops are staying, the Belrusian leader said that the mercenary leader and some of his troops are staying at one of the abandoned military bases. They will be staying at their own expense, Lukashenko said. What will happen of Wagner troops? The Russian Defence Ministry said that preparations are underway for Wagner's troops, who numbered 25,000, to hand over their heavy weapons to the Russian military. Prigozhin had said those moves were being taken ahead of a July 1 deadline for his fighters to sign contracts to serve under the Russian military's command. Prigozhin issued no public statements on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Putin wanted to kill Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, but stopped. Here's what happened

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that he had requested Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "wipe out" mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin amid the armed mutiny of Wagner group that pushed Russia to the brink of civil war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, Putin had promised to crush the mutiny which it compared to the wartime turmoil that had led to the revolution of 1917 followed by civil war, however, hours later the Wagner chief finalised a deal which allowed him along with some of his fighters to go to Belarus.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Wagner&nbsp;chief flew to Belarus from Russia. Lukashenko, while talking about the conversation he had with Putin on Saturday, made use of the Russian criminal slang phrase used for killing someone which is similar to the English phrase to "wipe out".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-lukashenko-emerged-as-a-key-player-to-resolve-wagner-situation-608913">Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation</a></p>

<p>"I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putin's address) to wipe out&nbsp;the mutineers," said Lukashenko in a meeting of his army officials as well as journalists on Tuesday, as reported by the Belarusian state media.</p>

<p>"I suggested to Putin not to rush. 'Come on,' I said, 'Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders.' To which he told me: 'Listen, Sasha, it's useless. He doesn't even pick up the phone, he doesn’t want to talk to anyone'," he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same Russian verb was used by Putin in 1999 about Chechen militants, as he vowed to "wipe out them out in the shithouse". The remarks made by Putin became a widely quoted emblem of the Russian leader's severe persona.</p>

<h2><strong>'Experience of Wagner troops beneficial'</strong></h2>

<p>No immediate comment was made by Kremlin on the remarks of Lukashenko. The statements gave a rare insight into the conversations that took place inside the Kremlin as Russia, as per its own account of Putin, teetered towards a kind of turmoil which the country had not seen for decades.</p>

<p>Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin and an old acquaintance of Prigozhin, said that he had asked the Russian president to think "beyond our own noses" and that the elimination of Prigozhin can trigger a widespread revolt by his fighters.</p>

<p>The Belarusian leader also stated that the experience of Wagner troops can benefit his own army as the troop, according to the deal finalised with the Kremlin, are now free to go towards Belarus.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Revolt: Lukashenko positions himself as voice of reason</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wagner-revolt-lukashenko-positions-himself-as-voice-of-reason-609460/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"This is the most trained unit in the army," Lukashenko was quoted by the BelTA state agency as saying. "Who will argue with this? My military also understands this, and we don't have such people in Belarus," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko, later, said to his military that "people fail to understand that we are approaching this in a pragmatic way ... They've (Wagner) been through it, they'll tell us about the weaponry - what worked well, which worked badly."</p>

<p>Prigozhin's "march of justice" towards Moscow from Rostov-on-Don, the southern city located within 200 kilometres of the capital, was halted after the intervention of Lukashenko.&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that he had requested Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "wipe out" mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin amid the armed mutiny of Wagner group that pushed Russia to the brink of civil war.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that he had requested Russian President Vladimir Putin not to "wipe out" mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin amid the armed mutiny of Wagner group that pushed Russia to the brink of civil war. Initially, Putin had promised to crush the mutiny which it compared to the wartime turmoil that had led to the revolution of 1917 followed by civil war, however, hours later the Wagner chief finalised a deal which allowed him along with some of his fighters to go to Belarus. On Tuesday, Wagner chief flew to Belarus from Russia. Lukashenko, while talking about the conversation he had with Putin on Saturday, made use of the Russian criminal slang phrase used for killing someone which is similar to the English phrase to "wipe out". ALSO READ | Explained | How Lukashenko emerged as key player to resolve Wagner situation "I also understood: a brutal decision had been made (and it was the undertone of Putin's address) to wipe out the mutineers," said Lukashenko in a meeting of his army officials as well as journalists on Tuesday, as reported by the Belarusian state media. "I suggested to Putin not to rush. 'Come on,' I said, 'Let's talk with Prigozhin, with his commanders.' To which he told me: 'Listen, Sasha, it's useless. He doesn't even pick up the phone, he doesn’t want to talk to anyone'," he stated. The same Russian verb was used by Putin in 1999 about Chechen militants, as he vowed to "wipe out them out in the shithouse". The remarks made by Putin became a widely quoted emblem of the Russian leader's severe persona. 'Experience of Wagner troops beneficial' No immediate comment was made by Kremlin on the remarks of Lukashenko. The statements gave a rare insight into the conversations that took place inside the Kremlin as Russia, as per its own account of Putin, teetered towards a kind of turmoil which the country had not seen for decades. Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin and an old acquaintance of Prigozhin, said that he had asked the Russian president to think "beyond our own noses" and that the elimination of Prigozhin can trigger a widespread revolt by his fighters. The Belarusian leader also stated that the experience of Wagner troops can benefit his own army as the troop, according to the deal finalised with the Kremlin, are now free to go towards Belarus. WATCH | Wagner Revolt: Lukashenko positions himself as voice of reason "This is the most trained unit in the army," Lukashenko was quoted by the BelTA state agency as saying. "Who will argue with this? My military also understands this, and we don't have such people in Belarus," he added. Lukashenko, later, said to his military that "people fail to understand that we are approaching this in a pragmatic way ... They've (Wagner) been through it, they'll tell us about the weaponry - what worked well, which worked badly." Prigozhin's "march of justice" towards Moscow from Rostov-on-Don, the southern city located within 200 kilometres of the capital, was halted after the intervention of Lukashenko. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin wished to ‘wipe out’ Wagner chief Prigozhin after mutiny, claims Lukashenko

<p>Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
All criminal charges against Prigozhin will also be dropped under the deal that ends the&nbsp;armed insurrection&nbsp;that appeared as the gravest threat to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>"Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.</p>

<p>Peskov further added that under the deal, Wagner fighters will also not be prosecuted. "We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front," he said.</p>

<p>"An agreement has been reached that Wagner would return to its bases," Peskov said, adding that those fighters who had not participated in the rebellion would be allowed to formally join the Russian army.</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner chief Prigozhin orders his fighters to retreat</strong></h2>

<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance towards Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases.</p>

<p>This comes as Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years.</p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.”</p>

<p>“At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Lukashenko</strong></h2>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group&nbsp;Wagner&nbsp;Yegevy Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Russia mercenary group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who turned his force against the military leadership in Moscow, will quit Russia and move to Belarus under an agreement brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, the Kremlin said on Saturday. All criminal charges against Prigozhin will also be dropped under the deal that ends the armed insurrection that appeared as the gravest threat to the authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Avoiding bloodshed, internal confrontation, and clashes with unpredictable results was the highest goal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Peskov further added that under the deal, Wagner fighters will also not be prosecuted. "We have always respected their heroic deeds at the front," he said. "An agreement has been reached that Wagner would return to its bases," Peskov said, adding that those fighters who had not participated in the rebellion would be allowed to formally join the Russian army. Wagner chief Prigozhin orders his fighters to retreat Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance towards Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases. This comes as Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years. Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.” “At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Lukashenko Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group Wagner Yegevy Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces. "The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to quit Russia and move to Belarus under deal to end mutiny

<p>In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus.&nbsp;Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases.</p>

<p>The Wagner mutiny drama ended after Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march towards Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in last 30 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-unearth-4000-year-old-stonehenge-burial-ground-in-the-netherlands-608203">Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands</a></p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner&nbsp;chief, Lukashenko held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-rolls-out-perspectives-tab-in-major-search-engine-revamp-608201">Google rolls out 'Perspectives' tab in major search-engine revamp</a></p>

<p>“At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚡️⚡️⚡️ President of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belarus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lukashenko?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lukashenko</a> held talks w/ head of PMC Wagner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Prigozhin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Prigozhin</a>. Negotiations continued throughout the day.<br />
<br />
‼️Y.Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of 🇧🇾 to stop the movement of armed people of the Wagner company on the territory of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://t.co/Kpf2SW7RNu">pic.twitter.com/Kpf2SW7RNu</a></p>
— Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelarusMFA/status/1672660872668368898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops on the country's land on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "Why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated?</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putins-chef-vs-defence-minister-where-has-wagner-operated-608172/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Many world leaders were also keeping a close eye on the events in Russia as Putin faced a tough battle to push back Wagner chief from making gains in several Russian regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Wagner chief pledged to overthrow Russia's military leadership and his forces were moving through the Lipetsk region, situated around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, however, it seems like a deal was brokered between the warring factions which ultimately lead to the turning back of mercenary forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's parliamentary leaders had expressed support for President Putin against Wagner mercenaries. On Saturday, the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament declared their backing for President Vladimir Putin amidst the Wagner mercenary group's attempted ousting of the country's military leadership.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus.

In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rebel leader of the Wagner Group of mercenaries, ordered his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation and avert potential bloodshed following a deal with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko under which Russia would drop all charges against him and he will be granted safe passage to Belarus. Prigozhin revealed on Saturday that his forces had made significant progress, covering a distance of 200 km (124 miles) within the past 24 hours, but he has now issued orders for them to promptly return to their respective bases. The Wagner mutiny drama ended after Belarus claimed that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march towards Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in last 30 years. Also Read | Archaeologists unearth 4,000-year-old ‘Stonehenge’ burial ground in the Netherlands Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner chief, Lukashenko held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. It said Prigozhin had “accepted [Lukashenko’s] request to “stop the movement of armed men from the Wagner company on Russian territory and [take] further steps to de-escalate the situation.” Also Read | Google rolls out 'Perspectives' tab in major search-engine revamp “At the moment, there is an absolutely advantageous and acceptable way to defuse the situation on the table, with security guarantees for Wagner’s fighters,” Lukashenko’s press service said, as per media reports. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ President of #Belarus #Lukashenko held talks w/ head of PMC Wagner #Prigozhin. Negotiations continued throughout the day. ‼️Y.Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of 🇧🇾 to stop the movement of armed people of the Wagner company on the territory of #Russia pic.twitter.com/Kpf2SW7RNu — Belarus MFA 🇧🇾 (@BelarusMFA) June 24, 2023 × Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops on the country's land on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "Why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army." Watch | 'Putin's chef' vs Defence Minister: Where has Wagner operated? × Many world leaders were also keeping a close eye on the events in Russia as Putin faced a tough battle to push back Wagner chief from making gains in several Russian regions. Earlier in the day, Wagner chief pledged to overthrow Russia's military leadership and his forces were moving through the Lipetsk region, situated around 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Moscow, however, it seems like a deal was brokered between the warring factions which ultimately lead to the turning back of mercenary forces. Russia's parliamentary leaders had expressed support for President Putin against Wagner mercenaries. On Saturday, the speakers of both houses of the Russian parliament declared their backing for President Vladimir Putin amidst the Wagner mercenary group's attempted ousting of the country's military leadership. 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. ×

Wagner chief Prigozhin orders fighters to retreat, halt advance on Moscow to prevent bloodshed

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague."</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner chief commands fighters to retreat</strong></h2>

<p>In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary, commanded his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed.</p>

<p>His move came after Belarus asserted that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;had made an emergency television broadcast railing against the “deadly threat to our state”.</p>

<p>Progozhin said that he wanted to avoid shedding Russian blood and would order his troops back to their bases instead.</p>

<p>“Now the moment has come when blood can be shed,” he said. “Therefore, realising all the responsibility for the fact that Russian blood will be shed from one side, we will turn our convoys around and go in the opposite direction to our field camps.”<br />
<br />
The Kremlin announced later on Saturday night that Prigozhin would move to Belarus under a deal to end what was in effect the country’s first armed coup in decades.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case that had been opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped, and the Wagner fighters who had taken part in his “march for justice” would not face any action in recognition of their previous service to Russia.</p>

<p>The Kremlin had earlier been forced to mobilise its forces and prepare defences as Prigozhin sent a convoy of armed troops towards Moscow.</p>

<p>Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops within the country on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces. "The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague." Wagner chief commands fighters to retreat In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary, commanded his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. His move came after Belarus asserted that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years. Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had made an emergency television broadcast railing against the “deadly threat to our state”. Progozhin said that he wanted to avoid shedding Russian blood and would order his troops back to their bases instead. “Now the moment has come when blood can be shed,” he said. “Therefore, realising all the responsibility for the fact that Russian blood will be shed from one side, we will turn our convoys around and go in the opposite direction to our field camps.” The Kremlin announced later on Saturday night that Prigozhin would move to Belarus under a deal to end what was in effect the country’s first armed coup in decades. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case that had been opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped, and the Wagner fighters who had taken part in his “march for justice” would not face any action in recognition of their previous service to Russia. The Kremlin had earlier been forced to mobilise its forces and prepare defences as Prigozhin sent a convoy of armed troops towards Moscow. Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops within the country on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Belarus leader after Wagner chief announces turnaround

<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief,&nbsp;on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were ready to make concessions to the defence ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message released by his spokespeople.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry has denied Prigozhin's claims of strikes on camps of Wagner&nbsp;forces. As per a report by CNN,&nbsp;Russia’s domestic intelligence service has now&nbsp;opened a criminal case against him.</p>

<h2><strong>There was no need for Russia to invade Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner chief also blamed defence minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin has often accused Shoigu and some other officials during the course of the war, but the latest allegation is significant, as it questions Russia's justifications for invading Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted on social media on&nbsp;Friday (June 23), the Wagner chief can be heard saying that Russia did not face any imminent security threat to justify the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a half-hour video released by his press service, Prigozhin&nbsp;said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-rippled-13-cruise-missiles-fired-by-russia-607781">Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"On 24 February [2022] there was nothing extraordinary happening there. Now the Ministry of Defence is trying to deceive the public, deceive the president and tell a story that there was some crazy aggression by Ukraine, that - together with the whole NATO&nbsp;bloc - Ukraine was planning to attack us," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a Marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star… the war wasn't for demilitarising or de-nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why did the special military operation begin? ... the war was needed for the self-promotion of a bunch of ba***rds," he added, further blaming Russian military leadership for "poorly planning" the invasion and "embarrassing" because of the setbacks on the battlefield.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-mounts-legal-challenge-to-keep-embassy-site-near-australian-parliament-607792">Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He said, "Shoigu killed thousands of the most combat-ready Russian soldiers in the first days of the war. The mentally ill sc**bags decided 'It's okay, we'll throw in a few thousand more Russian men as cannon fodder.&nbsp;They'll die under artillery fire, but we'll get what we want'."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's why it has become a protracted war," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin said that the war was also needed to enrich the ruling elite who were not satisfied with the commercial potential of part of Ukraine's Donbas region that Moscow seized control of in 2014 via a proxy separatist force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "The task was to divide material assets (in Ukraine). There was massive theft in the Donbas, but they wanted more."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian diplomat stages protest as Australia dismisses lease for Moscow embassy&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-diplomat-stages-protest-as-australia-dismisses-lease-for-moscow-embassy-607879/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Russia 'retreating' from Ukraine attacks&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner's chief also said that Moscow's forces are retreating in Ukraine's east and south following Kyiv's counteroffensive - remarks that are basically contradicting recent assessments by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine was suffering "catastrophic" losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the ground now ... the Russian army is retreating on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are pushing back the Russian army," Prigozhin said on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, just a few days after launching the invasion, Russia claimed that it annexed the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are washing ourselves in blood. No one is bringing reserves. What they tell us is the deepest deception," Prigozhin added, referring to the Russian military and political leadership.</p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief, on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief, on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces. "We were ready to make concessions to the defence ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message released by his spokespeople. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," he added. The Russian defence ministry has denied Prigozhin's claims of strikes on camps of Wagner forces. As per a report by CNN, Russia’s domestic intelligence service has now opened a criminal case against him. There was no need for Russia to invade Ukraine Wagner chief also blamed defence minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine in February last year. Prigozhin has often accused Shoigu and some other officials during the course of the war, but the latest allegation is significant, as it questions Russia's justifications for invading Ukraine. In a video posted on social media on Friday (June 23), the Wagner chief can be heard saying that Russia did not face any imminent security threat to justify the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a half-hour video released by his press service, Prigozhin said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president." Also read: Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia "On 24 February [2022] there was nothing extraordinary happening there. Now the Ministry of Defence is trying to deceive the public, deceive the president and tell a story that there was some crazy aggression by Ukraine, that - together with the whole NATO bloc - Ukraine was planning to attack us," he said. "The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a Marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star… the war wasn't for demilitarising or de-nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star," he further added. "Why did the special military operation begin? ... the war was needed for the self-promotion of a bunch of ba***rds," he added, further blaming Russian military leadership for "poorly planning" the invasion and "embarrassing" because of the setbacks on the battlefield. Also read: Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament He said, "Shoigu killed thousands of the most combat-ready Russian soldiers in the first days of the war. The mentally ill sc**bags decided 'It's okay, we'll throw in a few thousand more Russian men as cannon fodder. They'll die under artillery fire, but we'll get what we want'." "That's why it has become a protracted war," he said. Prigozhin said that the war was also needed to enrich the ruling elite who were not satisfied with the commercial potential of part of Ukraine's Donbas region that Moscow seized control of in 2014 via a proxy separatist force. He said, "The task was to divide material assets (in Ukraine). There was massive theft in the Donbas, but they wanted more." Watch: Russian diplomat stages protest as Australia dismisses lease for Moscow embassy × Russia 'retreating' from Ukraine attacks Wagner's chief also said that Moscow's forces are retreating in Ukraine's east and south following Kyiv's counteroffensive - remarks that are basically contradicting recent assessments by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine was suffering "catastrophic" losses. "On the ground now ... the Russian army is retreating on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are pushing back the Russian army," Prigozhin said on social media. Last year, just a few days after launching the invasion, Russia claimed that it annexed the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. "We are washing ourselves in blood. No one is bringing reserves. What they tell us is the deepest deception," Prigozhin added, referring to the Russian military and political leadership. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Wagner chief accuses Russian military of bombing his forces, vows revenge

<p>Last year, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to&nbsp;one of his key allies,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin, that 'it's not an era of war' while reflecting on the war in Ukraine. He reiterated the same while addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress on Thursday (June 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi spoke about a range of issues, but one of the key takeaways was the mention of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which started last year in February,&nbsp;leading to massive food and fuel crisis globally. &nbsp;</p>

<p>During his address, PM Modi said, "Our knowledge partnership will serve humanity and seek solutions to the global challenges of climate change, hunger and health."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The last few years have seen deeply disruptive developments. With the Ukraine conflict, war has returned to Europe. It is causing great pain in the region," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-at-us-congress-momentous-developments-in-another-al-america-and-india-607562">PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Indian prime minister also said that "since it involves major powers, the consequences are severe. Countries of the Global South have been particularly affected".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He mentioned in his speech that the global order is based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As I have said directly and publicly, this is not an era of war. But, it is one of dialogue and diplomacy," he said, further adding that "we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-in-us-modi-modi-chants-inside-the-us-house-of-congress-607577/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Modi and Biden back Ukraine's 'territorial integrity'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden and Modi jointly backed Ukraine's "territorial integrity" as they voiced alarm over the conflict, on which India has taken a neutral stand and New Delhi has refused to join Western sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint statement as Modi paid a state visit to Washington, the two leaders "called for respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/democracy-is-in-indias-dna-no-space-for-discrimination-says-pm-modi-on-minority-rights-607527">'Democracy is in India's DNA, no space for discrimination', says PM Modi on minority rights</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Amid the Ukraine war, the Biden administration has largely given a pass to India for refusing to join Western sanctions on Russia and instead buying its oil at a discount.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts have said that Washington sees New&nbsp;Delhi as a broader alignment when it comes to the challenge of China and the threat of radical Islamism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Last year, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to one of his key allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin, that 'it's not an era of war' while reflecting on the war in Ukraine.

Last year, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said to one of his key allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin, that 'it's not an era of war' while reflecting on the war in Ukraine. He reiterated the same while addressing a joint meeting of the US Congress on Thursday (June 22). PM Modi spoke about a range of issues, but one of the key takeaways was the mention of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which started last year in February, leading to massive food and fuel crisis globally. During his address, PM Modi said, "Our knowledge partnership will serve humanity and seek solutions to the global challenges of climate change, hunger and health." "The last few years have seen deeply disruptive developments. With the Ukraine conflict, war has returned to Europe. It is causing great pain in the region," he added. Also read: PM Modi at US Congress: 'Momentous developments' in another Al - America and India The Indian prime minister also said that "since it involves major powers, the consequences are severe. Countries of the Global South have been particularly affected". He mentioned in his speech that the global order is based on respect for the principles of the UN Charter, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. "As I have said directly and publicly, this is not an era of war. But, it is one of dialogue and diplomacy," he said, further adding that "we all must do what we can to stop the bloodshed and human suffering". Watch this report: × Modi and Biden back Ukraine's 'territorial integrity' US President Joe Biden and Modi jointly backed Ukraine's "territorial integrity" as they voiced alarm over the conflict, on which India has taken a neutral stand and New Delhi has refused to join Western sanctions on Russia. In a joint statement as Modi paid a state visit to Washington, the two leaders "called for respect for international law, principles of the UN charter and territorial integrity and sovereignty." Also read: 'Democracy is in India's DNA, no space for discrimination', says PM Modi on minority rights Amid the Ukraine war, the Biden administration has largely given a pass to India for refusing to join Western sanctions on Russia and instead buying its oil at a discount. Experts have said that Washington sees New Delhi as a broader alignment when it comes to the challenge of China and the threat of radical Islamism. 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.

PM Modi again says ‘this is not an era of war’, urges for end to ‘bloodshed, human suffering’

<p>Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country.</p>

<p>"Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media.</p>

<p>The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.</p>

<p>"The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said.</p>

<p>Air raid alerts rang across&nbsp; Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas.</p>

<p>The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type.</p>

<p>Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-considering-nuclear-plant-terror-attack-zelensky-607773/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south.</p>

<p>“We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television.</p>

<p>Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive.</p>

<p>So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he&nbsp;would have expected.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’</strong></h2>

<p>The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula.</p>

<p>In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol.</p>

<p>“In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said.</p>

<p>“In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.

Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media. The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. "The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said. Air raid alerts rang across Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas. The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type. Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems. Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south. “We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television. Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive. So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he would have expected. ‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’ The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula. In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol. “In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said. “In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia

<p>The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2bfd44a-7fff-72d5-ff48-4d5ecb69e0bc">What was the report about?</b></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>What did it find about Russia and Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings</strong></h2>

<p>In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22).

The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders. What was the report about? The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022. The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals. The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict. Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war. The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen. Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters. What did it find about Russia and Ukraine? According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters. The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP. On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”. Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago. ‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces. “I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP. It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021. Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. (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.

UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why

<p>Kyiv said on Wednesday (June 21) that the the destruction of Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this month caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages to the environment. Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame over the dam that was breached earlier this month in the Russian-held region, causing devastating floods in the Kherson area, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open after a reported blast on the Kakhovka dam, which sits on the Dnipro River that feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a reconstruction conference in London, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: "Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine." He said that the overall cost of Ukraine's reconstruction, estimated at $411 billion by the World Bank, "will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also added that the "preliminary estimates" of $1.5 billion in environmental damages following the dam breach do not include "losses to agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and the cost of rebuilding the plant itself".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-counteroffensive-is-slower-than-desired-says-zelensky-606979">Ukraine counteroffensive is 'slower than desired', says Zelensky</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-reconstruction-conference-in-uk-landmark-state-visit-indian-pm-in-us-606989/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Ukraine: Now a reconstruction project</strong></h2>

<p>At the same conference in London, Ukraine urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months. Shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. The estimate shows that the ongoing war, which started last year in February, has put Ukraine in desperate need of the largest reconstruction project in Europe since World War Two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States, Britain, the European Union and others have already pledged billions of dollars in additional help at the London conference, but Ukraine said it needed yet more capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-shoot-down-three-drones-outside-moscow-calls-it-an-attack-by-ukraine-606929">Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Shmyhal said that the war-torn nation needs $6 billion over the next 12 months. He said, "We have set an ambitious goal of securing pledges for this amount as a result of this conference."&nbsp;</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opened the conference with an appeal to businesses and governments to do more to help rebuild. He announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk Insurance as he addressed the key difficulty for most companies wanting to invest in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine's defence and for the counteroffensive, and we'll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war," Sunak told the conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Kyiv said on Wednesday (June 21) that the the destruction of Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this month caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages to the environment.

Kyiv said on Wednesday (June 21) that the the destruction of Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this month caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages to the environment. Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame over the dam that was breached earlier this month in the Russian-held region, causing devastating floods in the Kherson area, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open after a reported blast on the Kakhovka dam, which sits on the Dnipro River that feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. At a reconstruction conference in London, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: "Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine." He said that the overall cost of Ukraine's reconstruction, estimated at $411 billion by the World Bank, "will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant". He also added that the "preliminary estimates" of $1.5 billion in environmental damages following the dam breach do not include "losses to agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and the cost of rebuilding the plant itself". Also read: Ukraine counteroffensive is 'slower than desired', says Zelensky Watch this report: × Ukraine: Now a reconstruction project At the same conference in London, Ukraine urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months. Shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. The estimate shows that the ongoing war, which started last year in February, has put Ukraine in desperate need of the largest reconstruction project in Europe since World War Two. The United States, Britain, the European Union and others have already pledged billions of dollars in additional help at the London conference, but Ukraine said it needed yet more capital. Also read: Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine Shmyhal said that the war-torn nation needs $6 billion over the next 12 months. He said, "We have set an ambitious goal of securing pledges for this amount as a result of this conference." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opened the conference with an appeal to businesses and governments to do more to help rebuild. He announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk Insurance as he addressed the key difficulty for most companies wanting to invest in Ukraine. "Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine's defence and for the counteroffensive, and we'll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war," Sunak told the conference. (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.

Environmental damage from Ukraine dam breach at $1.5 billion, says Kyiv

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is&nbsp;considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations.</p>

<p>Zelensky released a video statement, saying that Kyiv was sharing its information with international partners about the plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Without revealing the source, he said, "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - a terrorist act with a release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, I have had to remind (people) more than once that radiation knows no state borders. And who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind..." Zelensky added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Zelensky, Russian forces are reportedly orchestrating a radiation leak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-warns-china-against-use-of-force-calls-for-swedens-inclusion-in-nato-607427">German Chancellor Scholz warns China against use of force, calls for Sweden's inclusion in NATO</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-strikes-key-bridge-between-mainland-and-crimea-607412/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Russia dismisses claim&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia and Kremlin dismissed the claim by Ukraine calling the allegation "another lie". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that a team of UN nuclear inspectors had visited the plant and rated everything there highly secure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same day, Russia even announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crimean-bridge-struck-by-missile-attacks-russia-blames-ukraine-607279">Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Zaporizhzhia is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper. The strategically important city is known for its island of Khortytsia and Dnieper Hydroelectric Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the war, Zaporizhzhia NPP used to be a powerful electricity supplier in Ukraine. The plant used to generate 40-42 billion kWh of power which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent&nbsp;of electricity generated by Ukrainian NPPs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plant is located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, on the bank of the Kakhovka water reservoir, which was recently breached causing massive flooding in adjacent regions. Zelensky also said intelligence agencies had gathered new evidence of how Russian forces blew up the dam and other structures at the hydroelectric plant. "It was a completely deliberate, calculated crime," he claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia captured Zaporizhzhia at the start of the war and an attack on March 4 renewed fears that the invasion could result in damage to one of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors.&nbsp;It could trigger another emergency like the 1986 Chornobyl accident, the world's worst nuclear disaster.&nbsp;Experts claim&nbsp;that if the nuclear plant blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations. Zelensky released a video statement, saying that Kyiv was sharing its information with international partners about the plant. Without revealing the source, he said, "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - a terrorist act with a release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this." "Unfortunately, I have had to remind (people) more than once that radiation knows no state borders. And who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind..." Zelensky added. According to Zelensky, Russian forces are reportedly orchestrating a radiation leak. Also read: German Chancellor Scholz warns China against use of force, calls for Sweden's inclusion in NATO Watch this report: × Russia dismisses claim Russia and Kremlin dismissed the claim by Ukraine calling the allegation "another lie". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that a team of UN nuclear inspectors had visited the plant and rated everything there highly secure. On the same day, Russia even announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency. Also read: Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine Zaporizhzhia is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper. The strategically important city is known for its island of Khortytsia and Dnieper Hydroelectric Station. Before the war, Zaporizhzhia NPP used to be a powerful electricity supplier in Ukraine. The plant used to generate 40-42 billion kWh of power which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent of electricity generated by Ukrainian NPPs. The plant is located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, on the bank of the Kakhovka water reservoir, which was recently breached causing massive flooding in adjacent regions. Zelensky also said intelligence agencies had gathered new evidence of how Russian forces blew up the dam and other structures at the hydroelectric plant. "It was a completely deliberate, calculated crime," he claimed. Russia captured Zaporizhzhia at the start of the war and an attack on March 4 renewed fears that the invasion could result in damage to one of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors. It could trigger another emergency like the 1986 Chornobyl accident, the world's worst nuclear disaster. Experts claim that if the nuclear plant blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl. (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.

Moscow dismisses Zelensky's claims that Russia is planning to attack Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

<p>Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To confirm the Ukrainian claims partly, Russia's defence ministry said that the forces had hit and destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across the neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. It also said that forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in three different directions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war-torn nation said that at night, Russia launched 35 "Shahed" attack drones, and 32 of them were shot down by Ukraine, further mentioning that anti-aircraft defence operated in most regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the officials, the Kyiv region was impacted the most as non-residential structures and several private houses were damaged. However, there were no reports of casualties or injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine claimed that there were three hits on a critically important object in Lviv and around seven S-300 missiles were launched at night in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-kyiv-cant-account-for-hundreds-of-millions-in-weapons-russia-ukraine-war-606587/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Rescue worker killed in Kherson</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine said on Tuesday (June 20) that one rescue worker was killed and several others were injured by Russian forces in the southern city of Kherson, a region which is flooded after the breach of the Kakhovka dam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath&nbsp;Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The destruction of the dam caused devastating floods in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian interior minister Igor Klymenko said on social media, "One employee of the State Emergency Service dead, another eight were injured in Kherson." Klymenko also added that the team was involved in clean-up efforts in the wake of the flood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-comes-out-with-new-rules-to-control-social-lives-of-top-generals-606454">Chinese military comes out with new rules to control social lives of top generals</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear weapons threat is 'real'</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden issued a warning over the constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons during the war. During the course of the war, which started last year in February, Biden's counterpart Vladimir Putin and several other prominent personalities in Russia tried to threaten the West over the usage of tactical nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Biden told a group of donors in California on Monday, that "when I was out here about two years ago saying I worried about the Colorado River drying up, everybody looked at me like I was crazy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons. It's real," Biden added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed.

Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed. To confirm the Ukrainian claims partly, Russia's defence ministry said that the forces had hit and destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across the neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. It also said that forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in three different directions. The war-torn nation said that at night, Russia launched 35 "Shahed" attack drones, and 32 of them were shot down by Ukraine, further mentioning that anti-aircraft defence operated in most regions. According to the officials, the Kyiv region was impacted the most as non-residential structures and several private houses were damaged. However, there were no reports of casualties or injuries. Ukraine claimed that there were three hits on a critically important object in Lviv and around seven S-300 missiles were launched at night in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs. Also read: Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Watch: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons × Rescue worker killed in Kherson Ukraine said on Tuesday (June 20) that one rescue worker was killed and several others were injured by Russian forces in the southern city of Kherson, a region which is flooded after the breach of the Kakhovka dam. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The destruction of the dam caused devastating floods in southern Ukraine. The Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Ukrainian interior minister Igor Klymenko said on social media, "One employee of the State Emergency Service dead, another eight were injured in Kherson." Klymenko also added that the team was involved in clean-up efforts in the wake of the flood. Also read: Chinese military comes out with new rules to control social lives of top generals Nuclear weapons threat is 'real' United States President Joe Biden issued a warning over the constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons during the war. During the course of the war, which started last year in February, Biden's counterpart Vladimir Putin and several other prominent personalities in Russia tried to threaten the West over the usage of tactical nuclear weapons. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Biden told a group of donors in California on Monday, that "when I was out here about two years ago saying I worried about the Colorado River drying up, everybody looked at me like I was crazy". "They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons. It's real," Biden added. (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 war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline

<p>A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Pentagon says it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion<a href="https://t.co/GesSDyU1xV">pic.twitter.com/GesSDyU1xV</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1671297929200685056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This adjustment has now led to a surplus in American coffers which the administration plans to use in future security packages meant to shore up Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. Of $6.2 billion, there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous year ending September 2022.<br />
<br />
“It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated&nbsp;for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns,” the spokeswoman said.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine’s new counter-offensive against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, new developments have emerged as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against the Kremlin's occupying forces. This move aims to reclaim the territory that has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Fake image of explosion at Pentagon briefly goes viral</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fake-image-of-explosion-at-pentagon-briefly-goes-viral-595399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, Ukrainian forces are encountering challenges such as heavily mined areas and fortified defences, as stated by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s assault on Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its assault on the Kyiv region by deploying numerous Shahed exploding drones. This attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the air defence system of Ukraine, which has been engaged in warfare for nearly 16 months. Ukrainian officials reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 32 out of the 35 drones launched by Russia early on Tuesday.</p>

<h2><strong>USA’s military aid to Ukraine so far</strong></h2>

<p>Initially estimated on June 13, the US had pledged over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. However, with the new calculation, it appears that the actual amount of aid provided by the US is less than $34 billion.</p>

<p>It is difficult for officials to determine the exact remaining funds available for drawdowns or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which offers long-term funding for the procurement of various weapons, including larger air defence systems.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-daniel-ellsbergs-history-defining-disclosure-with-pentagon-papers-that-rocked-white-house-605431"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | Daniel Ellsberg's history-defining expose of Pentagon Papers that rocked White House</strong></a></p>

<p>In response to Russia's invasion, the US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine, totalling approximately $113 billion. Some of this financial support has been allocated to replenishing US military equipment that was deployed to the frontlines.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation. BREAKING: Pentagon says it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billionpic.twitter.com/GesSDyU1xV — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 20, 2023 × This adjustment has now led to a surplus in American coffers which the administration plans to use in future security packages meant to shore up Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. Of $6.2 billion, there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous year ending September 2022. “It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns,” the spokeswoman said. Ukraine’s new counter-offensive against Russia In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, new developments have emerged as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against the Kremlin's occupying forces. This move aims to reclaim the territory that has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Watch: Fake image of explosion at Pentagon briefly goes viral × However, Ukrainian forces are encountering challenges such as heavily mined areas and fortified defences, as stated by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces. Russia’s assault on Ukraine Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its assault on the Kyiv region by deploying numerous Shahed exploding drones. This attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the air defence system of Ukraine, which has been engaged in warfare for nearly 16 months. Ukrainian officials reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 32 out of the 35 drones launched by Russia early on Tuesday. USA’s military aid to Ukraine so far Initially estimated on June 13, the US had pledged over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. However, with the new calculation, it appears that the actual amount of aid provided by the US is less than $34 billion. It is difficult for officials to determine the exact remaining funds available for drawdowns or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which offers long-term funding for the procurement of various weapons, including larger air defence systems. Also read: Explained | Daniel Ellsberg's history-defining expose of Pentagon Papers that rocked White House In response to Russia's invasion, the US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine, totalling approximately $113 billion. Some of this financial support has been allocated to replenishing US military equipment that was deployed to the frontlines. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US overestimated value of weapons sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion: Pentagon