<p>The US knew of a Ukrainian plan to attack the Nord Stream pipelines as early as three months before underwater explosions damaged them, claimed the Washington Post in a report. The news outlet cited leaked information posted online. The report said that America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) learned in June last year that a Ukrainian special operations force consisting of six people intended to blow up the pipelines.</p>

<p>Nord Stream pipelines carry natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the pipelines and the subsequent explosions had assumed great political importance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The intelligence cited by the Washington Post was reportedly shared on chat platform Discord, allegedly by Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira, who was arrested for the leak of classified documents.</p>

<p>Teixeira was recently charged for leaking sensitive US documents. The Post said that it got a copy from one of Teixeira's online friends. The intelligence report was based on information obtained from an individual in Ukraine. The newspaper said that the CIA shared it with Germany and other European countries in June 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia's rare acknowledgment of losses</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/russias-rare-acknowledgment-of-losses-russia-ukraine-war-updates-601462/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Post said officials in multiple countries had confirmed that the intelligence summary posted on Discord accurately stated what the European service told the CIA.</p>

<p>The report in the Washington Post said that the newspaper was withholding the name of the European intelligence agency as well as some aspects of the alleged plan after a request from government officials.</p>

<p>Reuters said that the CIA and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nord Stream 1 and the newly built Nord Stream 2 pipelines were ruptured after several undersea explosions took place last year in September. The explosions occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Both nations have said that the explosions were deliberate. However, it is yet to be clearly determined who was responsible. The two countries are investigating the incident along with Germany.</p>

<h2><strong>The situation last year</strong></h2>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. As the Western countries led by the US imposed harsh economic sanctions on Russia, the latter responded by leveraging its position as the major energy supplier of Europe. Russia even halted energy supplies, partially in some cases, which sent fuel prices skywards globally. It was feared that Europe and particularly Ukraine would face extremely harsh conditions due to energy shortage and approaching winter in the latter part of the year.</p>

<p>The explosions rupturing Nord Stream pipelines hence came into quick international focus and both sides accused the other of doing the deed in order to play politics over it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>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><em><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></em></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>


The US knew of a Ukrainian plan to attack the Nord Stream pipelines as early as three months before underwater explosions damaged them, claimed the Washington Post in a report.

The US knew of a Ukrainian plan to attack the Nord Stream pipelines as early as three months before underwater explosions damaged them, claimed the Washington Post in a report. The news outlet cited leaked information posted online. The report said that America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) learned in June last year that a Ukrainian special operations force consisting of six people intended to blow up the pipelines. Nord Stream pipelines carry natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea. In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the pipelines and the subsequent explosions had assumed great political importance. The intelligence cited by the Washington Post was reportedly shared on chat platform Discord, allegedly by Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira, who was arrested for the leak of classified documents. Teixeira was recently charged for leaking sensitive US documents. The Post said that it got a copy from one of Teixeira's online friends. The intelligence report was based on information obtained from an individual in Ukraine. The newspaper said that the CIA shared it with Germany and other European countries in June 2022. Watch | Russia's rare acknowledgment of losses × The Post said officials in multiple countries had confirmed that the intelligence summary posted on Discord accurately stated what the European service told the CIA. The report in the Washington Post said that the newspaper was withholding the name of the European intelligence agency as well as some aspects of the alleged plan after a request from government officials. Reuters said that the CIA and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Nord Stream 1 and the newly built Nord Stream 2 pipelines were ruptured after several undersea explosions took place last year in September. The explosions occurred in the economic zones of Sweden and Denmark. Also Read | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Both nations have said that the explosions were deliberate. However, it is yet to be clearly determined who was responsible. The two countries are investigating the incident along with Germany. The situation last year Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. As the Western countries led by the US imposed harsh economic sanctions on Russia, the latter responded by leveraging its position as the major energy supplier of Europe. Russia even halted energy supplies, partially in some cases, which sent fuel prices skywards globally. It was feared that Europe and particularly Ukraine would face extremely harsh conditions due to energy shortage and approaching winter in the latter part of the year. The explosions rupturing Nord Stream pipelines hence came into quick international focus and both sides accused the other of doing the deed in order to play politics over it. (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 ×

US knew of Ukrainian plan to blow up Nord Stream three months before blasts: Report

<p>The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Russia said it had repelled "a large-scale offensive" by Ukrainian forces in the Moscow-occupied Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said, "The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities," she said, further adding that Kyiv's troops were occupying the "dominant heights" and reported some "success".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malyar added, "In the south, the enemy is on the defensive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Reuters on Monday that the nation has enough weapons to begin its counter-offensive against Russia. Kuleba added that the operation will give the country the victory it needs to join NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While giving an interview to the news agency in the Ukrainian capital, Kuleba admitted that membership of the military alliance would "probably" only be possible for Ukraine after the end of active hostilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuleba noted that the next big aim of Ukraine is to get NATO membership after some of its allies agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets coveted by Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We (already) unlocked all weapons... There is nothing big left to fight for."</p>

<p>"NATO membership cannot stop this war, but NATO membership will stop further wars. This is why the best way to ensure security in the region is to come to the moment when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia thwarts 'major attack' in Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>There were claims and counterclaims as Moscow claimed that it had thwarted a major offensive against its forces in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters reports mentioned that it was unclear whether the attacks represented the start of Ukraine's long-heralded counteroffensive against Russia's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement posted on Telegram at 1:30am Moscow time (2230 GMT), the defence ministry said: "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front. The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked to comment, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said: "We do not have such information and we do not comment on any kind of fake."&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>


The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. This comes after Russia said it had repelled "a large-scale offensive" by Ukrainian forces in the Moscow-occupied Donetsk region. Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said, "The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions." "The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities," she said, further adding that Kyiv's troops were occupying the "dominant heights" and reported some "success". Malyar added, "In the south, the enemy is on the defensive." On the other hand, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Reuters on Monday that the nation has enough weapons to begin its counter-offensive against Russia. Kuleba added that the operation will give the country the victory it needs to join NATO. While giving an interview to the news agency in the Ukrainian capital, Kuleba admitted that membership of the military alliance would "probably" only be possible for Ukraine after the end of active hostilities. Kuleba noted that the next big aim of Ukraine is to get NATO membership after some of its allies agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets coveted by Kyiv. He said, "We (already) unlocked all weapons... There is nothing big left to fight for." "NATO membership cannot stop this war, but NATO membership will stop further wars. This is why the best way to ensure security in the region is to come to the moment when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO," he added. Russia thwarts 'major attack' in Ukraine There were claims and counterclaims as Moscow claimed that it had thwarted a major offensive against its forces in eastern Ukraine. Reuters reports mentioned that it was unclear whether the attacks represented the start of Ukraine's long-heralded counteroffensive against Russia's invasion. In a statement posted on Telegram at 1:30am Moscow time (2230 GMT), the defence ministry said: "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction." "The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front. The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success," it said. On being asked to comment, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said: "We do not have such information and we do not comment on any kind of fake." (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.

Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia 'thwarts major attack' in Ukraine

<p>The governor of Belgorod region in Russia, which shares&nbsp;a border with Ukraine, on Sunday reported ongoing clashes&nbsp;on&nbsp;the frontier and accepted that pro-Ukrainian forces had captured Russians prisoner during cross-border fighting.</p>

<p>Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov&nbsp;said that he was willing to&nbsp;talk with pro-Ukrainian forces&nbsp;to retrieve "our guys" from the fighters who claim to have&nbsp;captured Russian soldiers as prisoners in the Belgorod region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first time, Russian official have admitted that there fighters have been&nbsp;captured&nbsp;by pro-Ukraine forces during the war.</p>

<p>The pro-Kyiv groups like the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Legion for Freedom of Russia, earlier had called on the governor of&nbsp;Belgorod to meet fighters and release captive soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The only thing stopping me from negotiating with them is our guys that are in their hands, maybe they are already dead," Gladkov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A sabotage group came in, there is combat in Novaya Tavolzhanka. I hope they will all be destroyed,"&nbsp;Gladkov stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's army stated that they&nbsp;have repelled a "sabotage group of Ukrainian terrorists" who were trying to cross the frontier near the settlement. "The enemy was hit by artillery. The enemy scattered and retreated," the army said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Evacuate border district, says governor</strong></h2>

<p>The government authorities in Russia on Sunday appealed to the residents of the Shebekino district&nbsp;sharing borders with Ukraine&nbsp;to evacuate the area as shelling intensified.<br />
<br />
The Russian district of Shebekino, which is located in the western Belgorod on the Ukraine border, has been facing daily shelling which has killed many civilians and forced villagers to flee from the region.<br />
<br />
The region's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov appealed to residents to co-operate with the government authorities and evacuate the district.<br />
<br />
"I ask that in the villages of, first of all, the Shebekino district that has been shelled, to listen to the position of authorities and leave — temporarily leave — their homes," Gladkov&nbsp;said on Telegram.<br />
<br />
He added that their goal was "to safeguard what is most important: your life and the lives of your close ones". He added that the district went through another "not calm night" with "a lot of damage".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-mercenary-group-ready-to-defend-russian-border-region-of-belgorod-yevgeny-prigozhin-600346">Wagner mercenary group ready to defend Russian border region of Belgorod: Yevgeny Prigozhin</a></p>

<p>The statement was made by Gladkov a day after two women died in border villages because of shelling. He stated that "more than 4,000 people" who belong to border areas are currently staying in temporary housing in the Belgorod region.<br />
<br />
He added that on Sunday, the government authorities would shift the children of soldiers, who have been deployed to Ukraine, and minors from border villages to youth camps.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the war with Russia&nbsp;has killed at least 500 Ukrainian children.</p>

<p>In a statement, the president said that “Russian weapons and hatred, which continue to take and destroy the lives of Ukrainian children every day," killed the hundreds who had perished since the full-scale invasion by Russia of Ukraine started on February 24, 2022.</p>

<p>“Many of them could have become famous scholars, artists, sports champions, contributing to Ukraine's history,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia missiles hit airfield in central Ukraine, says Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, the Ukrainian authorities claimed that the Russian missiles struck an airfield located near the city of Kropyvnytskyi, in the central region of the country.<br />
<br />
Russia launched “six missiles and five attack drones", said Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat on television.<br />
<br />
"Unfortunately not all of them were destroyed. Of the six, four were destroyed by air defence and two hit the operational airfield near Kropyvnytskyi," he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Sirens wail as Kyiv repels Russian air attacks | Ukraine-Russia War</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sirens-wail-as-kyiv-repels-russian-air-attacks-ukraine-russia-war-600270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Meanwhile, the Russian army also confirmed that&nbsp;it hit military airfields of Ukraine with long-range weapons.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
<p>"Today at night, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike with long-range precision-guided air-launched weapons against enemy targets at military airfields," said the Russian army in a statement.&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<p>Kropyvnytskyi is a small city located in central Ukraine's Kirovohrad region, south of the capital Kyiv.<br />
<br />
The attack comes as air assaults were intensified by Russia on Ukraine, with the capital city Kyiv facing attacks for several days in a row this week.<br />
<br />
The war, which has now continued for more than 15 months, has escalated further as Kyiv has been claiming that they are preparing for a major counteroffensive.<br />
<br />
The border villages of Russia also faced intense shelling this week.<br />
<br />
<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><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>


The governor of Belgorod region in Russia, which shares a border with Ukraine, on Sunday reported ongoing clashes on the frontier and accepted that pro-Ukrainian forces had captured Russians prisoner during cross-border fighting.

The governor of Belgorod region in Russia, which shares a border with Ukraine, on Sunday reported ongoing clashes on the frontier and accepted that pro-Ukrainian forces had captured Russians prisoner during cross-border fighting. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that he was willing to talk with pro-Ukrainian forces to retrieve "our guys" from the fighters who claim to have captured Russian soldiers as prisoners in the Belgorod region. For the first time, Russian official have admitted that there fighters have been captured by pro-Ukraine forces during the war. The pro-Kyiv groups like the Russian Volunteer Corps and the Legion for Freedom of Russia, earlier had called on the governor of Belgorod to meet fighters and release captive soldiers. "The only thing stopping me from negotiating with them is our guys that are in their hands, maybe they are already dead," Gladkov said. "A sabotage group came in, there is combat in Novaya Tavolzhanka. I hope they will all be destroyed," Gladkov stated. Russia's army stated that they have repelled a "sabotage group of Ukrainian terrorists" who were trying to cross the frontier near the settlement. "The enemy was hit by artillery. The enemy scattered and retreated," the army said in a statement. Evacuate border district, says governor The government authorities in Russia on Sunday appealed to the residents of the Shebekino district sharing borders with Ukraine to evacuate the area as shelling intensified. The Russian district of Shebekino, which is located in the western Belgorod on the Ukraine border, has been facing daily shelling which has killed many civilians and forced villagers to flee from the region. The region's governor Vyacheslav Gladkov appealed to residents to co-operate with the government authorities and evacuate the district. "I ask that in the villages of, first of all, the Shebekino district that has been shelled, to listen to the position of authorities and leave — temporarily leave — their homes," Gladkov said on Telegram. He added that their goal was "to safeguard what is most important: your life and the lives of your close ones". He added that the district went through another "not calm night" with "a lot of damage". ALSO READ | Wagner mercenary group ready to defend Russian border region of Belgorod: Yevgeny Prigozhin The statement was made by Gladkov a day after two women died in border villages because of shelling. He stated that "more than 4,000 people" who belong to border areas are currently staying in temporary housing in the Belgorod region. He added that on Sunday, the government authorities would shift the children of soldiers, who have been deployed to Ukraine, and minors from border villages to youth camps. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the war with Russia has killed at least 500 Ukrainian children. In a statement, the president said that “Russian weapons and hatred, which continue to take and destroy the lives of Ukrainian children every day," killed the hundreds who had perished since the full-scale invasion by Russia of Ukraine started on February 24, 2022. “Many of them could have become famous scholars, artists, sports champions, contributing to Ukraine's history,” he added. Russia missiles hit airfield in central Ukraine, says Kyiv On Sunday, the Ukrainian authorities claimed that the Russian missiles struck an airfield located near the city of Kropyvnytskyi, in the central region of the country. Russia launched “six missiles and five attack drones", said Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat on television. "Unfortunately not all of them were destroyed. Of the six, four were destroyed by air defence and two hit the operational airfield near Kropyvnytskyi," he added. WATCH | Sirens wail as Kyiv repels Russian air attacks | Ukraine-Russia War Meanwhile, the Russian army also confirmed that it hit military airfields of Ukraine with long-range weapons. "Today at night, the armed forces of the Russian Federation carried out a group strike with long-range precision-guided air-launched weapons against enemy targets at military airfields," said the Russian army in a statement. Kropyvnytskyi is a small city located in central Ukraine's Kirovohrad region, south of the capital Kyiv. The attack comes as air assaults were intensified by Russia on Ukraine, with the capital city Kyiv facing attacks for several days in a row this week. The war, which has now continued for more than 15 months, has escalated further as Kyiv has been claiming that they are preparing for a major counteroffensive. The border villages of Russia also faced intense shelling this week. (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

New fighting on Russian side of Ukraine border, says governor

<p>A Russian-installed official claimed on Sunday (June 4), that five&nbsp;drones were shot down in Dzhankoi in annexed Crimea and caused damage to some infrastructure. Meanwhile, at least 22&nbsp;people, including five children, were injured and a&nbsp;two-year-old girl was killed&nbsp;after an explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday the regional governor said in an update on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>A drone attack in Crimea?</strong><br />
<br />
Russian-installed official&nbsp;Sergei Aksyonov&nbsp;took to Telegram and said five&nbsp;drones were shot down and four others were jammed but did not hit targets,&nbsp;in Crimea's Dzhankoi which is also reported to be near a Moscow military air base.<br />
<br />
"There is damage to windows in several houses in a residential district," said Kryuchkov about the overnight incident, adding, "All services are working. Official information - in the morning." However, the Russian official said that an&nbsp;unexploded drone was found near&nbsp;a residential house which forced the evacuation of some 50 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, whose city Dzhankoi is said to be home to Moscow’s largest military base in the region, as per Ukrainian officials. This also comes a day after the regional official of Russia's Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed that an unprecedented Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the border region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Since this morning, the district of Shebekino has been under shelling of the Ukrainian armed forces," said Gladkov, adding that an "elderly woman" was killed in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka and another woman succumbed to her wounds in the village of Bezlyudovka. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What happened in Dnipro?</strong><br />
<br />
An explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, on Saturday, in a two-storey residential building has injured at least 20 people, said Ukrainian regional governor, Serhiy Lysak. He also claimed that three of the children were in serious condition, while a total of 17 people were being treated at the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident was reported in the Pidhorodnenska community where, as per local media reports four people were later pulled out of the rubble but Lysak said another child was likely still trapped in the debris. The strike which is said to be caused by a Russian missile, has also reportedly hit an emergency services building.</p>

<p>However, hours later, in an update of the incident, he said that a total of 22 people were injured and a&nbsp;two-year-old girl was killed. The regional governor also said that 10 homes,&nbsp;a shop and a gas pipeline were also hit during the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Telegram and wrote, "Unfortunately, there are people under the rubble. Once again, Russia proves it is a terrorist state. The Russians will bear responsibility for everything committed against our state and people."</p>

<p>The two-year-old girl's&nbsp;body was pulled from the wreckage after the missile strike on Saturday, said the Ukrainian official.&nbsp;"At night, a girl's body was retrieved from under the rubble of a house in the Pidhorodnenska community," said&nbsp;Lysak, on Telegram, adding that she had just turned two.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Russian air attack repelled: Ukraine</strong></p>

<p>Early Sunday, Ukrainian officials said that Russia launched a wave of air attacks on Kyiv and they were able to repel all missiles and drones on their approach to the capital city using air defence systems. Around this time, the entire country was under air raid alert for nearly three hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The head of the military administration took to Telegram, on Sunday and wrote, "According to preliminary information, not a single air target reached the capital."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Air defence destroyed everything that was heading towards the city already at their distant approaches." According to a report by Reuters, witnesses heard several blasts in the Kyiv region but not in the city. Additionally, the blasts were also said to be likely from the air defence systems hitting targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<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><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 Russian-installed official claimed on Sunday (June 4), that five drones were shot down in Dzhankoi in annexed Crimea and caused damage to some infrastructure. Meanwhile, at least 22 people, including five children, were injured and a two-year-old girl was killed after an explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday the regional governor said in an update on Sunday.

A Russian-installed official claimed on Sunday (June 4), that five drones were shot down in Dzhankoi in annexed Crimea and caused damage to some infrastructure. Meanwhile, at least 22 people, including five children, were injured and a two-year-old girl was killed after an explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Saturday the regional governor said in an update on Sunday. A drone attack in Crimea? Russian-installed official Sergei Aksyonov took to Telegram and said five drones were shot down and four others were jammed but did not hit targets, in Crimea's Dzhankoi which is also reported to be near a Moscow military air base. "There is damage to windows in several houses in a residential district," said Kryuchkov about the overnight incident, adding, "All services are working. Official information - in the morning." However, the Russian official said that an unexploded drone was found near a residential house which forced the evacuation of some 50 people. Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, whose city Dzhankoi is said to be home to Moscow’s largest military base in the region, as per Ukrainian officials. This also comes a day after the regional official of Russia's Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, claimed that an unprecedented Ukrainian shelling killed two people in the border region. "Since this morning, the district of Shebekino has been under shelling of the Ukrainian armed forces," said Gladkov, adding that an "elderly woman" was killed in the village of Novaya Tavolzhanka and another woman succumbed to her wounds in the village of Bezlyudovka. What happened in Dnipro? An explosion near the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, on Saturday, in a two-storey residential building has injured at least 20 people, said Ukrainian regional governor, Serhiy Lysak. He also claimed that three of the children were in serious condition, while a total of 17 people were being treated at the hospital. The incident was reported in the Pidhorodnenska community where, as per local media reports four people were later pulled out of the rubble but Lysak said another child was likely still trapped in the debris. The strike which is said to be caused by a Russian missile, has also reportedly hit an emergency services building. However, hours later, in an update of the incident, he said that a total of 22 people were injured and a two-year-old girl was killed. The regional governor also said that 10 homes, a shop and a gas pipeline were also hit during the strike. After the incident, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Telegram and wrote, "Unfortunately, there are people under the rubble. Once again, Russia proves it is a terrorist state. The Russians will bear responsibility for everything committed against our state and people." The two-year-old girl's body was pulled from the wreckage after the missile strike on Saturday, said the Ukrainian official. "At night, a girl's body was retrieved from under the rubble of a house in the Pidhorodnenska community," said Lysak, on Telegram, adding that she had just turned two. Russian air attack repelled: Ukraine Early Sunday, Ukrainian officials said that Russia launched a wave of air attacks on Kyiv and they were able to repel all missiles and drones on their approach to the capital city using air defence systems. Around this time, the entire country was under air raid alert for nearly three hours. The head of the military administration took to Telegram, on Sunday and wrote, "According to preliminary information, not a single air target reached the capital." He added, "Air defence destroyed everything that was heading towards the city already at their distant approaches." According to a report by Reuters, witnesses heard several blasts in the Kyiv region but not in the city. Additionally, the blasts were also said to be likely from the air defence systems hitting targets. (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 You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian official says 5 drones shot down in Crimea; two-year-old killed after blast in Ukraine’s Dnipro

<p>A Russian official said that two civilians were killed on Friday (June 2) in shelling on the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine has intensified shelling over the past few days, which forced thousands of residents to flee villages near Russia's southwestern border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that shelling had struck a section of road in the town of Maslova Pristan, which is some 15 kilometres from Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two women were travelling in one of them. They died from their injuries on the spot," he said, also stating that shell fragments had struck passing cars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another post later in the day, Gladkov said two more people had been injured and an industrial facility had caught fire after shelling in the town of Shebekino.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to the news agency AFP, Belgorod mayor Valentin Demidov said that a total of 5,000 people had transited through the temporary shelters and registered in recent days, with many then going to stay with relatives.</p>

<p>He said, "We are trying to re-settle people as quickly as possible. We hope they will not have to be there (in temporary accommodation) for long but we have to prepare for anything."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another message posted later on the day, Gladkov said residents from the town of Shebekino have poured into the region's main city, also called Belgorod.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shebekino has been hit hard as Russian officials said it suffered heavy bombardment on Thursday as well as a cross-border incursion. According to Gladkov, more than 2,500 people were being evacuated from the Shebekino area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Four homes have been damaged by shelling in the Bryansk region, which is north of Belgorod, said the governor. Meanwhile, the head of the neighbouring Kursk region said some buildings had been damaged in an overnight drone attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar reports emerged from the Smolensk region as long-range drones hit two towns overnight, the local governor there said. The head of Russia's Kaluga region said a blast had been reported in a forest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine claims it destroyed&nbsp;missiles</strong></h2>

<p>Russia has intensified air strikes on several Ukrainian regions in over the past few days. On Friday, Ukraine said it had destroyed all 15 missiles and 21 drones from a new wave of overnight attacks that left two people wounded in Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The chief of the capital's city administration, Sergiy Popko, said on Telegram: "In the last six days, (Russians) have already carried out six attacks on the city!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local authorities said that three people including a nine-year-old child were killed in Kyiv on Thursday after rocket fragments fell when Russia launched ballistic and cruise missiles on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Estonian President in Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As Estonian President Alar Karis visited Ukraine on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he knew it would be "impossible" for Ukraine to join NATO while Russia was waging war on his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint briefing in the Ukrainian capital with Estonian President Alar Karis, he said joining the alliance was still the best security guarantee for Kyiv.</p>

<p>"But we are adequate people and understand that we will not pull any NATO country into a war. And that's why we understand that we won't be a member of NATO while this war is ongoing. Not because we don't want to, because it's impossible," Zelensky said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I welcome President of Estonia <a href="https://twitter.com/AlarKaris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlarKaris</a> to Kyiv.<br />
<br />
Estonia is among those whose assistance to our defense is the fastest and the largest, if you look at the ratio of aid to the country's GDP. Thank you for all your support!<br />
<br />
🇺🇦🇪🇪 <a href="https://t.co/hOQwm6sbMz">pic.twitter.com/hOQwm6sbMz</a></p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1664615530215485443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 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><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)&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>


A Russian official said that two civilians were killed on Friday (June 2) in shelling on the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine. Ukraine has intensified shelling over the past few days, which forced thousands of residents to flee villages near Russia's southwestern border.

A Russian official said that two civilians were killed on Friday (June 2) in shelling on the Belgorod region on the border with Ukraine. Ukraine has intensified shelling over the past few days, which forced thousands of residents to flee villages near Russia's southwestern border. Belgorod governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram that shelling had struck a section of road in the town of Maslova Pristan, which is some 15 kilometres from Ukraine's northern Kharkiv region. "Two women were travelling in one of them. They died from their injuries on the spot," he said, also stating that shell fragments had struck passing cars. In another post later in the day, Gladkov said two more people had been injured and an industrial facility had caught fire after shelling in the town of Shebekino. While speaking to the news agency AFP, Belgorod mayor Valentin Demidov said that a total of 5,000 people had transited through the temporary shelters and registered in recent days, with many then going to stay with relatives. He said, "We are trying to re-settle people as quickly as possible. We hope they will not have to be there (in temporary accommodation) for long but we have to prepare for anything." In another message posted later on the day, Gladkov said residents from the town of Shebekino have poured into the region's main city, also called Belgorod. Shebekino has been hit hard as Russian officials said it suffered heavy bombardment on Thursday as well as a cross-border incursion. According to Gladkov, more than 2,500 people were being evacuated from the Shebekino area. Four homes have been damaged by shelling in the Bryansk region, which is north of Belgorod, said the governor. Meanwhile, the head of the neighbouring Kursk region said some buildings had been damaged in an overnight drone attack. Similar reports emerged from the Smolensk region as long-range drones hit two towns overnight, the local governor there said. The head of Russia's Kaluga region said a blast had been reported in a forest. Ukraine claims it destroyed missiles Russia has intensified air strikes on several Ukrainian regions in over the past few days. On Friday, Ukraine said it had destroyed all 15 missiles and 21 drones from a new wave of overnight attacks that left two people wounded in Kyiv. The chief of the capital's city administration, Sergiy Popko, said on Telegram: "In the last six days, (Russians) have already carried out six attacks on the city!" Local authorities said that three people including a nine-year-old child were killed in Kyiv on Thursday after rocket fragments fell when Russia launched ballistic and cruise missiles on Kyiv. Estonian President in Ukraine As Estonian President Alar Karis visited Ukraine on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he knew it would be "impossible" for Ukraine to join NATO while Russia was waging war on his country. In a joint briefing in the Ukrainian capital with Estonian President Alar Karis, he said joining the alliance was still the best security guarantee for Kyiv. "But we are adequate people and understand that we will not pull any NATO country into a war. And that's why we understand that we won't be a member of NATO while this war is ongoing. Not because we don't want to, because it's impossible," Zelensky said. I welcome President of Estonia @AlarKaris to Kyiv. Estonia is among those whose assistance to our defense is the fastest and the largest, if you look at the ratio of aid to the country's GDP. Thank you for all your support! 🇺🇦🇪🇪 pic.twitter.com/hOQwm6sbMz — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 2, 2023 × 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.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims two killed as Ukraine shells border regions

<p>During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto, put forth a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, his proposal received prompt criticism from other attendees. Subianto called for immediate cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, citing the adverse effects of the conflict on Asian nations' economies and food supplies.</p>

<p>He suggested a ceasefire at the current positions of the conflicting parties and the establishment of demilitarised zones, which would be guaranteed by observers and United Nations peacekeeping forces.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
“I call on Russia and Ukraine to embark on an immediate cessation of hostilities,” Subianto said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-electric-two-wheeler-retail-sales-hit-record-high-in-may-2023-600040">India's electric two-wheeler retail sales hit record high in May 2023</a></p>

<p>Subianto also proposed a "referendum in the disputed areas" to be organised by the UN. Furthermore, he expressed Indonesia's readiness to contribute units to a potential UN peacekeeping operation.</p>

<p>Indonesia, following its non-aligned diplomacy approach, had previously attempted to mediate peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, visited Kyiv and Moscow and held meetings with the leaders of both countries. However, Subianto's proposal faced criticism at the summit, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating that peace in Ukraine must be achieved on "just" terms, implying a fair resolution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subianto responded by emphasising Indonesia's perspective and history, stating that he was presenting a conflict resolution plan without taking sides.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musks-tweet-on-whatisawoman-fans-twitter-buzz-heres-all-you-need-to-know-600021">Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know</a></p>

<p>"I'm putting forward a conflict resolution plan," he added. "I'm not saying who is right or who is wrong."</p>

<p>Indonesia had previously voted in favour of a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but it has not implemented economic sanctions against Moscow.</p>

<h2><strong>China's peace plan on Russia-Ukraine conflict&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document called "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis" on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pakistan to begin barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran and Russia</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/pakistan-to-begin-barter-trade-with-afghanistan-iran-and-russia-600047/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This document outlines a 12-point peace plan proposed by China to bring an end to the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The plan includes calling for a ceasefire, taking into account Russia's security concerns, providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and lifting unilateral sanctions, among other measures.</p>

<p>However, this peace plan was met with skepticism by European Union politicians due to its vagueness. While Beijing claims to be a neutral party in the conflict, it has faced criticism for its refusal to condemn Russia's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the United States and Western allies have provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine since the invasion.</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>


During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto, put forth a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, his proposal received prompt criticism from other attendees.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore, Indonesia's defense minister Prabowo Subianto, put forth a plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, his proposal received prompt criticism from other attendees. Subianto called for immediate cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, citing the adverse effects of the conflict on Asian nations' economies and food supplies. He suggested a ceasefire at the current positions of the conflicting parties and the establishment of demilitarised zones, which would be guaranteed by observers and United Nations peacekeeping forces. “I call on Russia and Ukraine to embark on an immediate cessation of hostilities,” Subianto said. Also Read | India's electric two-wheeler retail sales hit record high in May 2023 Subianto also proposed a "referendum in the disputed areas" to be organised by the UN. Furthermore, he expressed Indonesia's readiness to contribute units to a potential UN peacekeeping operation. Indonesia, following its non-aligned diplomacy approach, had previously attempted to mediate peace. The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, visited Kyiv and Moscow and held meetings with the leaders of both countries. However, Subianto's proposal faced criticism at the summit, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stating that peace in Ukraine must be achieved on "just" terms, implying a fair resolution. Subianto responded by emphasising Indonesia's perspective and history, stating that he was presenting a conflict resolution plan without taking sides. Also Read | Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know "I'm putting forward a conflict resolution plan," he added. "I'm not saying who is right or who is wrong." Indonesia had previously voted in favour of a UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but it has not implemented economic sanctions against Moscow. China's peace plan on Russia-Ukraine conflict China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a document called "China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis" on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Pakistan to begin barter trade with Afghanistan, Iran and Russia × This document outlines a 12-point peace plan proposed by China to bring an end to the hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. The plan includes calling for a ceasefire, taking into account Russia's security concerns, providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and lifting unilateral sanctions, among other measures. However, this peace plan was met with skepticism by European Union politicians due to its vagueness. While Beijing claims to be a neutral party in the conflict, it has faced criticism for its refusal to condemn Russia's invasion. Meanwhile, the United States and Western allies have provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine since the invasion. 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. ×

Indonesia’s peace plan to end Russia-Ukraine war draws criticism at Shangri-La Dialogue

<p>Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s epic blockbuster ‘RRR’ gained immense popularity in many countries after the dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film won the Oscar for the Best Original song. Videos of people dancing to the song often emerge on the internet and the popularity of the dance number is not limited to India alone. Recently, a group of soldiers in the southern Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv put their own unique twist to the song and dance moves. The soldiers are seen dancing to the rigorous upbeat tempo, but with their own lyrics. The video has now gone viral across social media.</p>

<p>The clip shows two soldiers dancing to the song before another soldier appears to push them, in a similar manner to the British bully trying to eject Ram Charan’s Alluri Sitaram Raju and Komaram Bheem played by NTR Jr. Following a roughly similar visual narrative as the original song, the two are encouraged by a Ukrainian woman who then hands the two soldiers drone remote controls.</p>

<p>The soldiers use the drones to drop grenades into a marked target, showing video from the drone of the grenade drops. This is a call-back to the now hundreds of videos from Ukrainian military operations, which show drones dropping grenades on Russian soldiers across the frontline. The song continues with more soldiers joining in and dancing. Even the &nbsp;woman is now seen dancing. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The original video was posted by Jane Fedatova, a Ukraine politician.&nbsp;The video has&nbsp; already garnered&nbsp;over 6 lakh views on Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="uk">Військові з Миколаєва зняли пародію на пісню <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaatuNaatu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaatuNaatu</a> з 🇮🇳 фільму "RRR", головний саундтрек якого виграв Оскар цього року.<br />
<br />
У оригінальній сцені гол.герої піснею виражають протест проти британського офіцера (колонізатора) за те, що він не пустив їх на зустріч. <a href="https://t.co/bVbfwdjfj1">pic.twitter.com/bVbfwdjfj1</a></p>
— Jane_fedotova🇺🇦 (@jane_fedotova) <a href="https://twitter.com/jane_fedotova/status/1663297097783734274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The military from Mykolaiv filmed a parody of the song 'Naatu Naatu' from India of the movie ‘RRR’, the main soundtrack of which won an Oscar this year. In the original scene, the main characters express their protest against the British officer (coloniser) for not allowing them to meet with a song,” reads the translated caption Fedatova added to the post.</p>

<p>“Therefore, the fact that the Ukrainian version is against the Russian Federation, which colonised Ukraine, and the original is against another colonizing country, I hope will put the right meanings in the heads of Indians,” she added.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the original song was shot in front of the Ukrainian presidential residence, the Mariinskyi Palace. The shooting was completed over 17 days in August 2021, just six months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. While the surrounding areas in Kyiv suffered heavily during the initial round of bombing and missile strikes, the Mariinskyi Palace itself has escaped unharmed so far.</p>


Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s epic blockbuster ‘RRR’ gained immense popularity in many countries after the dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film won the Oscar for the Best Original song.

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli’s epic blockbuster ‘RRR’ gained immense popularity in many countries after the dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the film won the Oscar for the Best Original song. Videos of people dancing to the song often emerge on the internet and the popularity of the dance number is not limited to India alone. Recently, a group of soldiers in the southern Ukrainian town of Mykolaiv put their own unique twist to the song and dance moves. The soldiers are seen dancing to the rigorous upbeat tempo, but with their own lyrics. The video has now gone viral across social media. The clip shows two soldiers dancing to the song before another soldier appears to push them, in a similar manner to the British bully trying to eject Ram Charan’s Alluri Sitaram Raju and Komaram Bheem played by NTR Jr. Following a roughly similar visual narrative as the original song, the two are encouraged by a Ukrainian woman who then hands the two soldiers drone remote controls. The soldiers use the drones to drop grenades into a marked target, showing video from the drone of the grenade drops. This is a call-back to the now hundreds of videos from Ukrainian military operations, which show drones dropping grenades on Russian soldiers across the frontline. The song continues with more soldiers joining in and dancing. Even the woman is now seen dancing. The original video was posted by Jane Fedatova, a Ukraine politician. The video has already garnered over 6 lakh views on Twitter. Військові з Миколаєва зняли пародію на пісню #NaatuNaatu з 🇮🇳 фільму "RRR", головний саундтрек якого виграв Оскар цього року. У оригінальній сцені гол.герої піснею виражають протест проти британського офіцера (колонізатора) за те, що він не пустив їх на зустріч. pic.twitter.com/bVbfwdjfj1 — Jane_fedotova🇺🇦 (@jane_fedotova) May 29, 2023 × “The military from Mykolaiv filmed a parody of the song 'Naatu Naatu' from India of the movie ‘RRR’, the main soundtrack of which won an Oscar this year. In the original scene, the main characters express their protest against the British officer (coloniser) for not allowing them to meet with a song,” reads the translated caption Fedatova added to the post. “Therefore, the fact that the Ukrainian version is against the Russian Federation, which colonised Ukraine, and the original is against another colonizing country, I hope will put the right meanings in the heads of Indians,” she added. Interestingly, the original song was shot in front of the Ukrainian presidential residence, the Mariinskyi Palace. The shooting was completed over 17 days in August 2021, just six months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. While the surrounding areas in Kyiv suffered heavily during the initial round of bombing and missile strikes, the Mariinskyi Palace itself has escaped unharmed so far.

Watch: RRR’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ song inspires Ukrainian soldiers to resist Russian invasion

<p>In what emerges as the second such attack in less than two weeks, the self-declared anti-Putin Russian nationals from the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' said that they conducted an armed raid on the town of Shebekino across the Ukrainian border in Belgorod province.</p>

<p>The group said that it shelled the local administrative building controlled by Russia. Reports cited Telegram footage of a large block with multiple fires on the roof.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian response</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian governor of Belgorod oblast Vyacheslav Gladkob said that 12 Russians were wounded in the fighting while 29 buildings including a kindergarten were damaged.</p>

<p>Earlier on Thursday, Russia said it had repelled an attempted incursion along its border with Ukraine by what Moscow deems as pro-Ukrainian militants. Heavy shelling and a suspected drone attack prompted a partial evacuation of civilians from the area, the Guardian reported.</p>

<p>"The selfless actions of Russian servicemen repelled three attacks by Ukrainian terrorist formations," the Russian ministry said. "No violations of the state border were allowed."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-belgorod-raid-which-fighters-from-ukraine-infiltrated-russia-and-infuriated-putin-596008">Explained | Belgorod raid: The combatants who infiltrated Russia and infuriated Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was being regularly briefed on the situation at the border and noted that Western powers had refrained from condemning the attacks on Russian territory that it said Ukraine had carried out.</p>

<p>"As before, there is not a single word of criticism for the Kyiv regime — or any condemnation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia claims 70 attackers killed in cross-border Belgorod raid</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-claims-70-attackers-killed-in-cross-border-belgorod-raid-596026/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 attacks on Belgorod, Peskov said, would have absolutely no impact on the course of what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Who are the Russian Volunteer Corps?</strong></h2>

<p>Led by far-right militant Denis Kapustin, described by Russia as a neo-Nazi, it's an armed unit which has emerged in Ukraine which has opened a front against Russian aggression in the region. It took responsibility for the cross-border raid into the Belgorod region of Russia in May 2023.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The spots of attack on Russian positions are reportedly not considered militarily significant. But the raids could have a diversionary value that could force Russia to reposition troops inside its own territory, the Guardian report added.&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</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" 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>


In what emerges as the second such attack in less than two weeks, the self-declared anti-Putin Russian nationals from the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' said that they conducted an armed raid on the town of Shebekino across the Ukrainian border in Belgorod province.

In what emerges as the second such attack in less than two weeks, the self-declared anti-Putin Russian nationals from the 'Russian Volunteer Corps' said that they conducted an armed raid on the town of Shebekino across the Ukrainian border in Belgorod province. The group said that it shelled the local administrative building controlled by Russia. Reports cited Telegram footage of a large block with multiple fires on the roof. Russian response The Russian governor of Belgorod oblast Vyacheslav Gladkob said that 12 Russians were wounded in the fighting while 29 buildings including a kindergarten were damaged. Earlier on Thursday, Russia said it had repelled an attempted incursion along its border with Ukraine by what Moscow deems as pro-Ukrainian militants. Heavy shelling and a suspected drone attack prompted a partial evacuation of civilians from the area, the Guardian reported. "The selfless actions of Russian servicemen repelled three attacks by Ukrainian terrorist formations," the Russian ministry said. "No violations of the state border were allowed." Also read | Explained | Belgorod raid: The combatants who infiltrated Russia and infuriated Putin The Kremlin said President Vladimir Putin was being regularly briefed on the situation at the border and noted that Western powers had refrained from condemning the attacks on Russian territory that it said Ukraine had carried out. "As before, there is not a single word of criticism for the Kyiv regime — or any condemnation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Also watch | Russia claims 70 attackers killed in cross-border Belgorod raid × The attacks on Belgorod, Peskov said, would have absolutely no impact on the course of what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine. Who are the Russian Volunteer Corps? Led by far-right militant Denis Kapustin, described by Russia as a neo-Nazi, it's an armed unit which has emerged in Ukraine which has opened a front against Russian aggression in the region. It took responsibility for the cross-border raid into the Belgorod region of Russia in May 2023. What does it mean? The spots of attack on Russian positions are reportedly not considered militarily significant. But the raids could have a diversionary value that could force Russia to reposition troops inside its own territory, the Guardian report added. (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 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: Second raid in Belgorod shakes Russian positions

<p>A dashboard camera of a moving car captured the moment when a motorist came inches close to death as a Russian missile crashed into the busy road in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.<br />
<br />
In the video, a part of the missile can be seen falling onto the road right in front of a moving car which continued to drive after the strike.<br />
<br />
The incident took place on Monday (May 29) and the missile came crashing during a rare daytime attack on the capital city. However, no injuries were reported. In the recorded video, the missile crashed in the middle of the road as it narrowly missed two white cars.<br />
<br />
The missile first broke the overhead wire displaying street signs and traffic lights before it crashed into the road and exploded. As it crashed, fragments of the missile and the electronic device blasted towards the camera.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A dashcam video has captured the moment a missile narrowly missed a car in Kyiv, Ukraine on Monday.<br />
One person in Kyiv’s Podil district was taken to hospital, local authorities said.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Missile?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Missile</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dashcam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dashcam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://t.co/BSKOhyQewt">pic.twitter.com/BSKOhyQewt</a></p>
— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/CGTNEurope/status/1663959171551879169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 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>A small part of the road is seen on fire as black smoke billows into the sky and vehicles continue to drive as if nothing just happened. As per BBC News, the way the missile fell suggests&nbsp;that the air defences had intercepted it earlier before it reached its target. Later, the police collected the fragments for further investigation.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-children-killed-in-russias-fresh-air-strike-in-kyiv-598975">Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Kyiv</a></p>

<p>The location of the missile crash was confirmed by Reuters on the basis of the buildings and roads which were visible in the video and matched the area's satellite and file imagery.<br />
<br />
The aftermath of the incident was filmed by Reuters, further verifying the incident's date and location.</p>

<h2><strong>People not intimidated by Russia's strikes</strong></h2>

<p>The head of Ukraine's military intelligence warned that they will quickly respond to a series of missile strikes carried out by Moscow on Kyiv.<br />
<br />
General Kyrylo Budanov stated that the attacks that took place on Monday failed to intimidate the residents of the city, who continued with daily life.<br />
<br />
However, the intercepted missiles' burning debris fell in residential areas of central Kyiv.<br />
<br />
General Budanov said that he wants to 'upset' Russia's supporters by informing them that people in the city remain unfazed by the missile attack and continue to work after it.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine targeting Russian heartland | How will the US react?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-targeting-russian-heartland-how-will-the-us-react-598923/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><br />
“All those who tried to intimidate us, dreaming that it would have some effect, you will regret it very soon,” he added, in his statement which was published by the intelligence ministry of Ukraine.<br />
<br />
“Our answer will not be long,” he added.<br />
<br />
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier praised the air defence forces of the nation after the largest drone attack was sustained by the capital.<br />
<br />
“You are heroes,” Zelensky stated after military commanders stated that they intercept most of the drones launched by Russia.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><br />
<br />
<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>

<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>
</section>
</main>


A dashboard camera of a moving car captured the moment when a motorist came inches close to death as a Russian missile crashed into the busy road in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.

A dashboard camera of a moving car captured the moment when a motorist came inches close to death as a Russian missile crashed into the busy road in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv. In the video, a part of the missile can be seen falling onto the road right in front of a moving car which continued to drive after the strike. The incident took place on Monday (May 29) and the missile came crashing during a rare daytime attack on the capital city. However, no injuries were reported. In the recorded video, the missile crashed in the middle of the road as it narrowly missed two white cars. The missile first broke the overhead wire displaying street signs and traffic lights before it crashed into the road and exploded. As it crashed, fragments of the missile and the electronic device blasted towards the camera. A dashcam video has captured the moment a missile narrowly missed a car in Kyiv, Ukraine on Monday. One person in Kyiv’s Podil district was taken to hospital, local authorities said.#Kyiv #Missile #Dashcam #Ukraine #Russia pic.twitter.com/BSKOhyQewt — CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) May 31, 2023 × A small part of the road is seen on fire as black smoke billows into the sky and vehicles continue to drive as if nothing just happened. As per BBC News, the way the missile fell suggests that the air defences had intercepted it earlier before it reached its target. Later, the police collected the fragments for further investigation. ALSO READ | Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Kyiv The location of the missile crash was confirmed by Reuters on the basis of the buildings and roads which were visible in the video and matched the area's satellite and file imagery. The aftermath of the incident was filmed by Reuters, further verifying the incident's date and location. People not intimidated by Russia's strikes The head of Ukraine's military intelligence warned that they will quickly respond to a series of missile strikes carried out by Moscow on Kyiv. General Kyrylo Budanov stated that the attacks that took place on Monday failed to intimidate the residents of the city, who continued with daily life. However, the intercepted missiles' burning debris fell in residential areas of central Kyiv. General Budanov said that he wants to 'upset' Russia's supporters by informing them that people in the city remain unfazed by the missile attack and continue to work after it. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine targeting Russian heartland | How will the US react? “All those who tried to intimidate us, dreaming that it would have some effect, you will regret it very soon,” he added, in his statement which was published by the intelligence ministry of Ukraine. “Our answer will not be long,” he added. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier praised the air defence forces of the nation after the largest drone attack was sustained by the capital. “You are heroes,” Zelensky stated after military commanders stated that they intercept most of the drones launched by Russia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Dashcam captures moment when missile crashes into traffic on busy road in Kyiv

<p>An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people,&nbsp;including&nbsp;two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes.<br />
<br />
A series of aerial assaults were launched by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, which included a daytime attack on Monday which forced residents to seek shelter.<br />
<br />
The attack on Thursday started around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), in which two children were killed and 10 others were injured, stated officials.<br />
<br />
"Among the three dead in the Desnyansky district, there were two children (aged 5-6 and 12-13)," wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diplomatic-declaration-of-war-russia-asked-to-vacate-its-four-consulates-in-germany-598828">‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday, Russia stated that it has started the evacuation of hundreds of children from villages as shelling has intensified in Belgorod, as Kremlin called the situation "alarming".<br />
<br />
Authorities have started the evacuation of children from the border districts of Graivoron and Shebekino, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram.<br />
<br />
"The question of children's safety in the two districts...is very important. All of us, adults, are very worried,” Gladkov added.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, tensions further escalated between Russia and the West as Germany announced that it would drastically cut down the diplomatic presence of Moscow on its soil in reply to a similar step taken by the Kremlin.<br />
<br />
Moscow called the decision taken by Germany "ill-thought-out" and promised a response.</p>

<h2><strong>'Alarming situation'</strong></h2>

<p>Governor Gladkov said that the authorities will take the first 300 evacuated children to Voronezh, a city which is around 250 kilometres into Russia. “And over 1,000 more children will be removed to other provinces over the coming days,” he added.<br />
<br />
State-run agency RIA Novosti's correspondent near Voronezh said that buses, with 150 people on board, had arrived.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fighting-in-luhansk-russia-claims-5-killed-in-ukraine-shelling-598825/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Gladkov stated that the situation has worsened in the village of Shebekino, where shelling during the day had increased and injured four people. However, no deaths have been reported so far.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday, one citizen died and two others were injured in a strike that took place at a centre for displaced people in the region. In the recent week, various oil depots have also been hit.<br />
<br />
The attacks came as Kyiv stated that it is preparing to launch a major counteroffensive against Moscow's forces. "The situation is quite alarming," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about shelling in the region.<br />
<br />
"We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far," Peskov added.</p>

<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>

<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>


An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people, including two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes.

An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people, including two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes. A series of aerial assaults were launched by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, which included a daytime attack on Monday which forced residents to seek shelter. The attack on Thursday started around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), in which two children were killed and 10 others were injured, stated officials. "Among the three dead in the Desnyansky district, there were two children (aged 5-6 and 12-13)," wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram. ALSO READ | ‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany On Wednesday, Russia stated that it has started the evacuation of hundreds of children from villages as shelling has intensified in Belgorod, as Kremlin called the situation "alarming". Authorities have started the evacuation of children from the border districts of Graivoron and Shebekino, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. "The question of children's safety in the two districts...is very important. All of us, adults, are very worried,” Gladkov added. On Wednesday, tensions further escalated between Russia and the West as Germany announced that it would drastically cut down the diplomatic presence of Moscow on its soil in reply to a similar step taken by the Kremlin. Moscow called the decision taken by Germany "ill-thought-out" and promised a response. 'Alarming situation' Governor Gladkov said that the authorities will take the first 300 evacuated children to Voronezh, a city which is around 250 kilometres into Russia. “And over 1,000 more children will be removed to other provinces over the coming days,” he added. State-run agency RIA Novosti's correspondent near Voronezh said that buses, with 150 people on board, had arrived. WATCH | Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling Gladkov stated that the situation has worsened in the village of Shebekino, where shelling during the day had increased and injured four people. However, no deaths have been reported so far. On Tuesday, one citizen died and two others were injured in a strike that took place at a centre for displaced people in the region. In the recent week, various oil depots have also been hit. The attacks came as Kyiv stated that it is preparing to launch a major counteroffensive against Moscow's forces. "The situation is quite alarming," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about shelling in the region. "We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far," Peskov 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

Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Ukrainian capital Kyiv

<p>The ongoing Ukraine war continues to escalate with the recent Russian aggression, with Western calls to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons and long-range missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday (May 31) called on the West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks... to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron said that various NATO members could provide these guarantees to the war-torn nation, Macron said, "We have to build something between the security provided to Israel and full-fledged membership."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Latest Russia-Ukraine war development&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN on Wednesday that the Kremlin is concerned about the situation in Belgorod.</p>

<p>Peskov said, "We are indeed concerned about this situation, shelling of civilian objects continues there. In this case, too, by the way, we have not heard a single word of condemnation from anyone from the collective West, so far. The situation is rather alarming. Measures are being taken."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It appears that the war, which majorly remained in Ukrainian territories, is gradually reaching Russia, as recently Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram that four people were injured in a "massive strike" on the town of Shebekino in Russia's southwestern region.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Gladkov said, "Two were promptly taken to a hospital in Belgorod. The man has shrapnel wounds to the neck and back, the condition is serious, and the woman has shrapnel wounds to the arm and forearm. Doctors are now conducting all the necessary examinations."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin jolted NATO</strong></h2>

<p>While speaking to reporters&nbsp;in Bratislava,&nbsp;Macron said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had jolted NATO awake by invading Ukraine last year. The French president said that he had a "harsh word for NATO in December 2019".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He recalled how he had called the Western defence alliance "brain dead" at the time. He added, "I can say that today Vladimir Putin jolted it awake with the worst of electric shocks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron also said that a European defence structure was "indispensable" for the bloc's credibility in the long-term. He said, "A Europe of defence, a European pillar within NATO, is indispensable. It's the only way to be credible... in the long-term."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also added that it was "up to us Europeans to in the future have our own ability to defend ourselves."&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 ongoing Ukraine war continues to escalate with the recent Russian aggression, with Western calls to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons and long-range missiles.

The ongoing Ukraine war continues to escalate with the recent Russian aggression, with Western calls to provide Kyiv with advanced weapons and long-range missiles. Now, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday (May 31) called on the West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees. He added, "That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks... to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine." Macron said that various NATO members could provide these guarantees to the war-torn nation, Macron said, "We have to build something between the security provided to Israel and full-fledged membership." Latest Russia-Ukraine war development Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told CNN on Wednesday that the Kremlin is concerned about the situation in Belgorod. Peskov said, "We are indeed concerned about this situation, shelling of civilian objects continues there. In this case, too, by the way, we have not heard a single word of condemnation from anyone from the collective West, so far. The situation is rather alarming. Measures are being taken." It appears that the war, which majorly remained in Ukrainian territories, is gradually reaching Russia, as recently Belgorod Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram that four people were injured in a "massive strike" on the town of Shebekino in Russia's southwestern region. Gladkov said, "Two were promptly taken to a hospital in Belgorod. The man has shrapnel wounds to the neck and back, the condition is serious, and the woman has shrapnel wounds to the arm and forearm. Doctors are now conducting all the necessary examinations." Putin jolted NATO While speaking to reporters in Bratislava, Macron said that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had jolted NATO awake by invading Ukraine last year. The French president said that he had a "harsh word for NATO in December 2019". He recalled how he had called the Western defence alliance "brain dead" at the time. He added, "I can say that today Vladimir Putin jolted it awake with the worst of electric shocks." Macron also said that a European defence structure was "indispensable" for the bloc's credibility in the long-term. He said, "A Europe of defence, a European pillar within NATO, is indispensable. It's the only way to be credible... in the long-term." He also added that it was "up to us Europeans to in the future have our own ability to defend ourselves." (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.

Macron calls on West to offer Ukraine 'tangible and credible' security guarantees

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) foreign ministers met in Norway's capital city Oslo on Thursday (June 1) to discuss support for Ukraine and Sweden's NATO membership bid. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the ministers are expected to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine, which has been combating the Russian invasion since February last year.

Day 2 of NATO foreign ministers meet in Oslo | English News

<p>The United States on Wednesday (May 31) announced a fresh USD 300 million arms package for Ukraine. The package includes air defence systems and tens of thousands of ammunition rounds. However, the US has warned Ukraine that the weaponry should not be used to carry out attacks within Russia.</p>

<p>“We have been very clear with the Ukrainians privately — we’ve certainly been clear publicly — that we do not support attacks inside Russia. We do not enable and we do not encourage attacks inside Russia,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.</p>

<p>The US Defense Department said that the latest package brings the value to US security assistance to Ukraine to USD 37.6 billion so far.</p>

<p>"The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the US has led an unprecedented effort by NATO and other allies to provide Ukraine with military, security&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;humanitarian&nbsp;aid.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian President Vladimir Putin slams Ukraine as attack drones hit Moscow high-rises</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-president-vladimir-putin-slams-ukraine-as-attack-drones-hit-moscow-high-rises-598883/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 latest package has come just when Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive. The manoeuvre is aimed at pushing Russian forces back from occupied territory in the east and south of the country.</p>

<p>The assistance also comes after a spate of attacks made in shadowy circumstances on targets inside Russia itself, including an unprecedented barrage of drone attacks on Moscow.</p>

<h2><strong>Ground rules laid out</strong></h2>

<p>Kirby said that the US has laid out some ground rules.</p>

<p>“We don't tell them where to strike. We don't tell them where not to strike,” he said. “Ultimately, President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and his military commanders decide what they're going to do.”</p>

<p>However, "we certainly don’t want to see attacks inside Russia that are being propagated, that are being conducted, using US-supplied equipment."</p>

<p>He said that in spite of growing worries over this, the White House is confident that Ukraine will not use the US-built F-16 fighter jets to carry out attacks beyond Ukraine borders. European countries are set to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.</p>

<p>"We have gotten that assurance at various levels," Kirby said.</p>

<p>Kirby said that while Washington is full-heartedly backing the Ukrainian effort to defeat the Russian invasion, it wants to avoid situations that "suck in the West and NATO and the United States" and to "avoid World War III."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | &nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-has-destroyed-ukraines-last-remaining-warship-598736">Russia claims it has destroyed Ukraine's last remaining warship</a></strong></p>

<p>The Pentagon said the $300 million package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems, AIM-7 air defense missiles, Avenger air defense systems and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>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><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>


The United States on Wednesday (May 31) announced a fresh USD 300 million arms package for Ukraine. The package includes air defence systems and tens of thousands of ammunition rounds.

The United States on Wednesday (May 31) announced a fresh USD 300 million arms package for Ukraine. The package includes air defence systems and tens of thousands of ammunition rounds. However, the US has warned Ukraine that the weaponry should not be used to carry out attacks within Russia. “We have been very clear with the Ukrainians privately — we’ve certainly been clear publicly — that we do not support attacks inside Russia. We do not enable and we do not encourage attacks inside Russia,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The US Defense Department said that the latest package brings the value to US security assistance to Ukraine to USD 37.6 billion so far. "The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to provide Ukraine with capabilities to meet its immediate battlefield needs and longer-term security assistance requirements," the Pentagon said in a statement. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, the US has led an unprecedented effort by NATO and other allies to provide Ukraine with military, security as well as humanitarian aid. Watch | Russian President Vladimir Putin slams Ukraine as attack drones hit Moscow high-rises × The latest package has come just when Ukraine is preparing for a counter-offensive. The manoeuvre is aimed at pushing Russian forces back from occupied territory in the east and south of the country. The assistance also comes after a spate of attacks made in shadowy circumstances on targets inside Russia itself, including an unprecedented barrage of drone attacks on Moscow. Ground rules laid out Kirby said that the US has laid out some ground rules. “We don't tell them where to strike. We don't tell them where not to strike,” he said. “Ultimately, President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and his military commanders decide what they're going to do.” However, "we certainly don’t want to see attacks inside Russia that are being propagated, that are being conducted, using US-supplied equipment." He said that in spite of growing worries over this, the White House is confident that Ukraine will not use the US-built F-16 fighter jets to carry out attacks beyond Ukraine borders. European countries are set to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. "We have gotten that assurance at various levels," Kirby said. Kirby said that while Washington is full-heartedly backing the Ukrainian effort to defeat the Russian invasion, it wants to avoid situations that "suck in the West and NATO and the United States" and to "avoid World War III." Also Read | Russia claims it has destroyed Ukraine's last remaining warship The Pentagon said the $300 million package includes munitions for Patriot air defense systems, AIM-7 air defense missiles, Avenger air defense systems and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. (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 ×

US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia

<p>With much bravado, the West has come together to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the United States has given a green signal as well. But why is the US asking European allies to supply American-made jets to Ukraine instead of doing so on its own? And why are Western nations so eager to hand over their F-16s to Ukraine? All the optics aside, what is the F-16 coalition? What is the West’s F-16 game plan?&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>THE SO-CALLED 'F-16 COALITION'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A coalition of European countries is gearing up to help Ukraine operate US-built F-16 fighter jets. They will train Ukrainian pilots to fly these beasts and will eventually supply the jets to Ukraine. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands formed the coalition on May 16, 2023. Belgium, Denmark and Poland have all shown similar interest.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The United Kingdom remains one of the Netherlands’ key partners. In Reykjavík I spoke to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a> about the issues we’re working on together and, of course, about our ongoing joint support for Ukraine in the face of the terrible Russian aggression. <a href="https://t.co/M8ItmkElWh">pic.twitter.com/M8ItmkElWh</a></p>
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) <a href="https://twitter.com/MinPres/status/1658547145891274753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 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>

<h2><strong>WHEN WILL UKRAINE GET F-16s?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Training pilots for a new jet can take well over a year, but a recent US Air Force report indicated that the training for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 can in fact be completed in just four months</p>

<p>But when exactly will Ukraine receive the F-16s? Well, pardon the pun, but it's still up in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>OLD STOCK DUMPING?</strong></h2>

<p>Most Western nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Poland are in the process of phasing out their F-16s now. They will be replaced with the more advanced American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So when the US encourages Western allies to support Ukraine, they’re essentially dumping their old fleet of retired F-16s onto Ukraine to buy new ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guess who will benefit? It's a no-brainer. The US military complex will continue to thrive with more sales of fighter jets. Lockheed Martin’s COO, Frank St. John spoke to Financial Times and mentioned that Lockheed Martin will "ramp up production of F-16s in Greenville (South Carolina) to get to where we can backfill pretty capably any countries that choose to do third-party transfers to help with the current conflict".&nbsp;</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/f-16-fighter-jet-coalition-is-the-west-preparing-ukraine-for-a-suicide-mission-597539/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>F-16 FLEET FOR UKRAINE: A SUICIDE MISSION?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Just evaluate the situation – on one side you have Ukrainian pilots flying F-16 jets rejected by the West, also with bare minimum pilot training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And on the other hand, you have Russia equipped with the S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system, against which the F-16s will probably not stand a chance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In any case, some military experts have said F-16s are not going to be a game changer, despite all the brouhaha. Having said that, it's clear the Russians will surely see Ukraine’s F-16 usage as an escalation and could deploy its own jets in retaliation which are far superior.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Do you also feel it's going to be a suicide mission for Ukraine?</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;</strong></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>


With much bravado, the West has come together to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the United States has given a green signal as well. But why is the US asking European allies to supply American-made jets to Ukraine instead of doing so on its own?

With much bravado, the West has come together to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and the United States has given a green signal as well. But why is the US asking European allies to supply American-made jets to Ukraine instead of doing so on its own? And why are Western nations so eager to hand over their F-16s to Ukraine? All the optics aside, what is the F-16 coalition? What is the West’s F-16 game plan? THE SO-CALLED 'F-16 COALITION' A coalition of European countries is gearing up to help Ukraine operate US-built F-16 fighter jets. They will train Ukrainian pilots to fly these beasts and will eventually supply the jets to Ukraine. The United Kingdom and the Netherlands formed the coalition on May 16, 2023. Belgium, Denmark and Poland have all shown similar interest. The United Kingdom remains one of the Netherlands’ key partners. In Reykjavík I spoke to Prime Minister @RishiSunak about the issues we’re working on together and, of course, about our ongoing joint support for Ukraine in the face of the terrible Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/M8ItmkElWh — Mark Rutte (@MinPres) May 16, 2023 × WHEN WILL UKRAINE GET F-16s? Training pilots for a new jet can take well over a year, but a recent US Air Force report indicated that the training for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 can in fact be completed in just four months But when exactly will Ukraine receive the F-16s? Well, pardon the pun, but it's still up in the air. OLD STOCK DUMPING? Most Western nations like the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway and Poland are in the process of phasing out their F-16s now. They will be replaced with the more advanced American F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. So when the US encourages Western allies to support Ukraine, they’re essentially dumping their old fleet of retired F-16s onto Ukraine to buy new ones. Guess who will benefit? It's a no-brainer. The US military complex will continue to thrive with more sales of fighter jets. Lockheed Martin’s COO, Frank St. John spoke to Financial Times and mentioned that Lockheed Martin will "ramp up production of F-16s in Greenville (South Carolina) to get to where we can backfill pretty capably any countries that choose to do third-party transfers to help with the current conflict". Watch this report: × F-16 FLEET FOR UKRAINE: A SUICIDE MISSION? Just evaluate the situation – on one side you have Ukrainian pilots flying F-16 jets rejected by the West, also with bare minimum pilot training. And on the other hand, you have Russia equipped with the S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system, against which the F-16s will probably not stand a chance. In any case, some military experts have said F-16s are not going to be a game changer, despite all the brouhaha. Having said that, it's clear the Russians will surely see Ukraine’s F-16 usage as an escalation and could deploy its own jets in retaliation which are far superior. Do you also feel it's going to be a suicide mission for Ukraine? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

F-16 fighter jet coalition: Is the West preparing Ukraine for a suicide mission?

<p>At least one person was killed after Russia launched a "massive attack" by drones on the Ukrainian capital,&nbsp;Kyiv, on Monday night and in the early hours of Tuesday, the city's mayor said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As claimed by the city's military administration, the attack was carried out using drones and preliminary information suggested that&nbsp;only Iranian-made Shahed drones were used.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Telegram messaging app, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that rescuers evacuated three injured people and 20 others from a multi-storey building in a southern area of Kyiv after falling debris caused a fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He wrote on the app, "A massive attack!" and further warned the residents to not leave the shelters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Klitschko said, "One person died, three were injured. The two upper floors are destroyed, there may be people under the rubble."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Apartment block in Kyiv’s Holosiyvskyi district, via Kyiv city authorities. Klitschko says residents are being evacuated. <a href="https://t.co/0USTLGXbu8">https://t.co/0USTLGXbu8</a> <a href="https://t.co/hRYLjeQi8r">https://t.co/hRYLjeQi8r</a> <a href="https://t.co/029fjh9Hyd">pic.twitter.com/029fjh9Hyd</a></p>
— Isobel Koshiw (@IKoshiw) <a href="https://twitter.com/IKoshiw/status/1663349267090530305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 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>Russian offensive has intensified in the past few days. The air raid sirens rang out overnight in Kyiv with reports of explosions across the capital as authorities warned more Shahed drones were headed in that direction.</p>

<p>Klitschko also informed on Telegram that three cars were on fire in Pechersk, Kyiv, because of falling debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a new post, Klitschko said that a fire has broken out in a multi-storey building in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. He wrote, "Fire in a multi-story building in Holosiivskyi district. Medics and rescuers are working on the spot."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Kyiv official said that Russia launched a series of drone and missile attacks against the Ukrainian capital in May, mostly at night in order to inflict psychological distress on people.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Ukraine says it destroyed several drones'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The military administration of the Ukrainian capital said early on Tuesday that Ukraine's air defence forces destroyed more than 20 drones in Russia-launched overnight air attacks on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app that Russia conducted the assault using Iranian-made Shahed drones only.&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)&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>


At least one person was killed after Russia launched a "massive attack" by drones on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Monday night and in the early hours of Tuesday, the city's mayor said.

At least one person was killed after Russia launched a "massive attack" by drones on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Monday night and in the early hours of Tuesday, the city's mayor said. As claimed by the city's military administration, the attack was carried out using drones and preliminary information suggested that only Iranian-made Shahed drones were used. On the Telegram messaging app, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that rescuers evacuated three injured people and 20 others from a multi-storey building in a southern area of Kyiv after falling debris caused a fire. He wrote on the app, "A massive attack!" and further warned the residents to not leave the shelters. Klitschko said, "One person died, three were injured. The two upper floors are destroyed, there may be people under the rubble." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Apartment block in Kyiv’s Holosiyvskyi district, via Kyiv city authorities. Klitschko says residents are being evacuated. https://t.co/0USTLGXbu8 https://t.co/hRYLjeQi8r pic.twitter.com/029fjh9Hyd — Isobel Koshiw (@IKoshiw) May 30, 2023 × Russian offensive has intensified in the past few days. The air raid sirens rang out overnight in Kyiv with reports of explosions across the capital as authorities warned more Shahed drones were headed in that direction. Klitschko also informed on Telegram that three cars were on fire in Pechersk, Kyiv, because of falling debris. In a new post, Klitschko said that a fire has broken out in a multi-storey building in Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district. He wrote, "Fire in a multi-story building in Holosiivskyi district. Medics and rescuers are working on the spot." A Kyiv official said that Russia launched a series of drone and missile attacks against the Ukrainian capital in May, mostly at night in order to inflict psychological distress on people. 'Ukraine says it destroyed several drones' The military administration of the Ukrainian capital said early on Tuesday that Ukraine's air defence forces destroyed more than 20 drones in Russia-launched overnight air attacks on Kyiv. Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, said on the Telegram messaging app that Russia conducted the assault using Iranian-made Shahed drones only. 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 war: At least one dead as Russia launches 'massive' drone attack on Kyiv

<p>Russia said on Tuesday (May 30) that it had intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and accused Kyiv of a "terrorist attack". There were no reports of deaths, but authorities said that the early morning attack injured two people, one of whom was hospitalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv's involvement in the attack but Moscow has launched a probe into the incident as the Russian forensic experts were seen in the capital, collecting what appears to be fragments of a drone. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin said there was "no threat at the moment" to residents, some of whom had evacuated briefly. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "Thank God, there were no victims and there is no threat at the moment for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed in "real-time". Peskov said, "The president's working day started very early. He was receiving information in real-time from the defence ministry, the mayor of Moscow, the governor of the Moscow region and the emergencies ministry."&nbsp;</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-reports-drone-strikes-after-kyiv-hit-by-attacks-moscow-says-its-ukrainian-terror-attack-598259/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 drone attack on Moscow is rare — a foreshadowing of a possible escalation of the ongoing war as the Kremlin said that the unprecedented drone attack was a "response" by Kyiv to a recent Russian hit in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peskov said, "It is completely clear that we are talking about response acts by the Kyiv regime to very effective strikes on a command centre (in Ukraine)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lawmaker Maxim Ivanov called it the most serious assault on Moscow since the Nazis, saying no citizen could now avoid "the new reality".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "You will either defeat the enemy as a single fist with our Motherland, or the indelible shame of cowardice, collaboration and betrayal will engulf your family."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, two drones recently exploded over the Kremlin in an attack Russia also blamed on Kyiv and said was aimed at Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Drone strike on Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>The drone attack on Moscow came amid Russia's intensified aggression as at least one person was killed Monday night in a "massive attack" by drones on the Ukrainian capital. It was one such attack carried out recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that rescuers evacuated three injured people and 20 others from a multi-storey building in a southern area of Kyiv after falling debris caused a fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One person died, three were injured. The two upper floors are destroyed, there may be people under the rubble," Klitschko said.</p>

<p>The military administration of the Ukrainian capital said that the air defence forces destroyed more than 20 drones in Russia-launched overnight air attacks on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's chief diplomatic adviser, Ihor Zhovkva, said that the country is not interested in a ceasefire that locks in Russian territorial gains and instead wants the fulfilment of its peace plan, which calls for the complete evacuation of Russian soldiers.</p>


Russia said on Tuesday (May 30) that it had intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and accused Kyiv of a "terrorist attack". There were no reports of deaths, but authorities said that the early morning attack injured two people, one of whom was hospitalised.

Russia said on Tuesday (May 30) that it had intercepted all eight of the Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and accused Kyiv of a "terrorist attack". There were no reports of deaths, but authorities said that the early morning attack injured two people, one of whom was hospitalised. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak denied Kyiv's involvement in the attack but Moscow has launched a probe into the incident as the Russian forensic experts were seen in the capital, collecting what appears to be fragments of a drone. The Kremlin said there was "no threat at the moment" to residents, some of whom had evacuated briefly. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "Thank God, there were no victims and there is no threat at the moment for residents of Moscow and the Moscow region." Kremlin also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was informed in "real-time". Peskov said, "The president's working day started very early. He was receiving information in real-time from the defence ministry, the mayor of Moscow, the governor of the Moscow region and the emergencies ministry." Watch this report: × The drone attack on Moscow is rare — a foreshadowing of a possible escalation of the ongoing war as the Kremlin said that the unprecedented drone attack was a "response" by Kyiv to a recent Russian hit in Ukraine. Peskov said, "It is completely clear that we are talking about response acts by the Kyiv regime to very effective strikes on a command centre (in Ukraine)." Lawmaker Maxim Ivanov called it the most serious assault on Moscow since the Nazis, saying no citizen could now avoid "the new reality". He said, "You will either defeat the enemy as a single fist with our Motherland, or the indelible shame of cowardice, collaboration and betrayal will engulf your family." Notably, two drones recently exploded over the Kremlin in an attack Russia also blamed on Kyiv and said was aimed at Putin. Drone strike on Kyiv The drone attack on Moscow came amid Russia's intensified aggression as at least one person was killed Monday night in a "massive attack" by drones on the Ukrainian capital. It was one such attack carried out recently. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram that rescuers evacuated three injured people and 20 others from a multi-storey building in a southern area of Kyiv after falling debris caused a fire. "One person died, three were injured. The two upper floors are destroyed, there may be people under the rubble," Klitschko said. The military administration of the Ukrainian capital said that the air defence forces destroyed more than 20 drones in Russia-launched overnight air attacks on Kyiv. Ukraine's chief diplomatic adviser, Ihor Zhovkva, said that the country is not interested in a ceasefire that locks in Russian territorial gains and instead wants the fulfilment of its peace plan, which calls for the complete evacuation of Russian soldiers.

Moscow drone attack: Russia blames Ukraine, calls it 'terrorist attack'

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered, during an interview, that nations will be provided with nuclear weapons if they are willing "to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus".&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes just days after Lukashenko said that Russia had begun moving nuclear weapons to its territory, which borders the European Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The movement and re-stationing of "tactical" nuclear weapons in Belarus led to condemnation from the West and also flared up tensions with The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations over the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports have claimed that Lukashenko's comment came during an interview with Russia's Pavel Zarubin, which was filmed on Thursday but was released on Sunday on Ukrainska Pravda.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarus-president-lukashenko-rushed-to-hospital-after-meeting-with-putin-opposition-leader-597612">Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He claimed that any nations who joined the "Union State" pact between Russia and Belarus would be provided with nuclear weapons, calling the prospect a "unique chance to unite".&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by reports, Lukashenko told Zarubin: "If someone is worried... I don't think [President of Kazakhstan] Kassym Tokayev is worried about this, but if something suddenly happens, then no one minds Kazakhstan and other countries having the same close relations as we have with the Russian Federation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's very simple. [Countries] should join the union of Belarus with Russia, and that's it: there will be nuclear weapons for everyone," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Russia and Belarus are formally part of a Union State, which is a borderless union and alliance between the two former Soviet republics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far there are details regarding what Lukashenko exactly wanted to say or whether or not there's a formal plan to invite nations to join the "Union State" of Russia and Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian warship 'Ivan Khurs' arrives in Sevastopol following naval drone attack&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-warship-ivan-khurs-arrives-in-sevastopol-following-naval-drone-attack-597642/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 sending nuclear arms to Belarus&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, when reports emerged that Russia was sending nuclear arms to Belarus in the Ukraine fight, Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta: "It was necessary to prepare storage sites, and so on. We did all this. Therefore, the movement of nuclear weapons began."&nbsp;</p>

<p>While promising the safety of those weapons, he said, "This is not even up for discussion. Don't worry about nuclear weapons. We are responsible for this. These are serious issues. Everything will be alright here."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Putin, has allowed his territory, which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania, to serve as a staging ground for Russia's Ukraine offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine war started last year in February when Putin ordered his troops to launch a "special military operation" against&nbsp;the neighbour. Since the start of the war, each have accused the other of nuclear war provocation.&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>


Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered, during an interview, that nations will be provided with nuclear weapons if they are willing "to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus".

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko offered, during an interview, that nations will be provided with nuclear weapons if they are willing "to join the Union State of Russia and Belarus". This comes just days after Lukashenko said that Russia had begun moving nuclear weapons to its territory, which borders the European Union. The movement and re-stationing of "tactical" nuclear weapons in Belarus led to condemnation from the West and also flared up tensions with The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations over the Ukraine conflict. Media reports have claimed that Lukashenko's comment came during an interview with Russia's Pavel Zarubin, which was filmed on Thursday but was released on Sunday on Ukrainska Pravda. ALSO READ | Belarus President Lukashenko rushed to hospital after meeting with Putin: Report He claimed that any nations who joined the "Union State" pact between Russia and Belarus would be provided with nuclear weapons, calling the prospect a "unique chance to unite". As quoted by reports, Lukashenko told Zarubin: "If someone is worried... I don't think [President of Kazakhstan] Kassym Tokayev is worried about this, but if something suddenly happens, then no one minds Kazakhstan and other countries having the same close relations as we have with the Russian Federation." "It's very simple. [Countries] should join the union of Belarus with Russia, and that's it: there will be nuclear weapons for everyone," he added. For the unversed, Russia and Belarus are formally part of a Union State, which is a borderless union and alliance between the two former Soviet republics. So far there are details regarding what Lukashenko exactly wanted to say or whether or not there's a formal plan to invite nations to join the "Union State" of Russia and Belarus. WATCH | Russian warship 'Ivan Khurs' arrives in Sevastopol following naval drone attack × Russia sending nuclear arms to Belarus Earlier this week, when reports emerged that Russia was sending nuclear arms to Belarus in the Ukraine fight, Lukashenko said, according to state news agency Belta: "It was necessary to prepare storage sites, and so on. We did all this. Therefore, the movement of nuclear weapons began." While promising the safety of those weapons, he said, "This is not even up for discussion. Don't worry about nuclear weapons. We are responsible for this. These are serious issues. Everything will be alright here." Lukashenko, who is a close ally of Putin, has allowed his territory, which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania, to serve as a staging ground for Russia's Ukraine offensive. The Russia-Ukraine war started last year in February when Putin ordered his troops to launch a "special military operation" against the neighbour. Since the start of the war, each have accused the other of nuclear war provocation. (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.

Lukashenko's promise: Nukes for those who join 'Russia-Belarus union state'

<p>A top Ukrainian war chief has revealed that the war-torn nation is ready to launch its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the assault to reclaim territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin at any time, be it "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A key figure in President Volodymyr Zelensky's de facto war cabinet, Danilov also confirmed that some Wagner mercenary forces were withdrawing from the city of Bakhmut — which has been the site of intense battle. However, he cautioned they were "regrouping to another three locations" and would continue their fight against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Responding to reports about the looming threat of nuclear weapons, Danilov said that he was "absolutely calm" about the deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus by Russia and that it was not news to Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-schools-us-for-criticising-deployment-of-nuclear-weapons-in-belarus-597125">Moscow schools US for criticising deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Why did Ukraine wait so long to launch counter-offensive?</strong></h2>

<p>The country, as per reports, has been meticulously planning its counter-offensive for months, utilising the time to train troops and receive military equipment from Western allies.&nbsp;However, Russian forces have also been fortifying their defences in preparation for the upcoming counter-offensive.</p>

<p>For Ukraine, the stakes are high. The nation needs to show&nbsp;its citizens and Western allies it can break through Russian lines, overcome the military deadlock, and reclaim its sovereign territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Danilov emphasised the importance of avoiding mistakes and warned that the Ukraine government had "no right to make a mistake" as he believes this is a historic opportunity that Ukraine cannot afford to miss.</p>

<h2><strong>Is&nbsp;Ukraine ready for&nbsp;a counter-offensive?</strong></h2>

<p>When questioned about the readiness of Ukrainian forces for the offensive, Danilov stressed the troops'&nbsp;constant state of readiness, noting that their commitment to defending their country does not depend on time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-alleged-russian-lover-was-in-contact-with-kremlin-spy-report-597064">Bill Gates’ alleged Russian lover was in contact with a Kremlin spy: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are always ready. The same as we were ready to defend our country at any time. And it is not a question of time," he said.</p>

<p>"We have to understand that that historic opportunity that is given to us – by God – to our country, we cannot lose, so we can truly become an independent, big European country," he added.</p>

<p>Dismissing speculations that the counter-offensive had already begun, the war chief clarified the Ukrainian armed forces have been engaged in demolishing Russian control centres and military equipment since February 24th 2022 — the start of Russia's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Emphasising the responsibility they have, he said that naming specific dates for the start of the offensive would be imprudent.</p>

<p>"It could happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week."</p>

<p>"It would be weird if I were to name dates of the start of that or those events. That cannot be done…. We have a very responsible task before our country. And we understand that we have no right to make a mistake," he remarked.</p>

<p>Bakhmut, a key region in the ongoing conflict, has been the location of huge amounts of carnage and casualties.</p>

<p>Defending Ukraine's military's decision to fight for an extended period in Bakhmut, despite the heavy casualties, he said "Bakhmut is our land, our territory, and we must defend it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If we start leaving every settlement, that could get us to our western border, as Putin wanted from the first days of the war."&nbsp;Acknowledging that Ukraine currently controls only a small part of the city, Danilov&nbsp;emphasised the significant role Bakhmut has played in the war.</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>


A top Ukrainian war chief has revealed that the war-torn nation is ready to launch its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the assault to reclaim territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin at any time, be it "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week".

A top Ukrainian war chief has revealed that the war-torn nation is ready to launch its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russian forces. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, revealed in an interview with the BBC that the assault to reclaim territory from President Vladimir Putin's occupying forces could begin at any time, be it "tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week". A key figure in President Volodymyr Zelensky's de facto war cabinet, Danilov also confirmed that some Wagner mercenary forces were withdrawing from the city of Bakhmut — which has been the site of intense battle. However, he cautioned they were "regrouping to another three locations" and would continue their fight against Ukraine. Responding to reports about the looming threat of nuclear weapons, Danilov said that he was "absolutely calm" about the deployment of nuclear weapons to Belarus by Russia and that it was not news to Ukraine. Also read | Moscow schools US for criticising deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus Why did Ukraine wait so long to launch counter-offensive? The country, as per reports, has been meticulously planning its counter-offensive for months, utilising the time to train troops and receive military equipment from Western allies. However, Russian forces have also been fortifying their defences in preparation for the upcoming counter-offensive. For Ukraine, the stakes are high. The nation needs to show its citizens and Western allies it can break through Russian lines, overcome the military deadlock, and reclaim its sovereign territory. Danilov emphasised the importance of avoiding mistakes and warned that the Ukraine government had "no right to make a mistake" as he believes this is a historic opportunity that Ukraine cannot afford to miss. Is Ukraine ready for a counter-offensive? When questioned about the readiness of Ukrainian forces for the offensive, Danilov stressed the troops' constant state of readiness, noting that their commitment to defending their country does not depend on time. Also read | Bill Gates’ alleged Russian lover was in contact with a Kremlin spy: Report "We are always ready. The same as we were ready to defend our country at any time. And it is not a question of time," he said. "We have to understand that that historic opportunity that is given to us – by God – to our country, we cannot lose, so we can truly become an independent, big European country," he added. Dismissing speculations that the counter-offensive had already begun, the war chief clarified the Ukrainian armed forces have been engaged in demolishing Russian control centres and military equipment since February 24th 2022 — the start of Russia's invasion. Emphasising the responsibility they have, he said that naming specific dates for the start of the offensive would be imprudent. "It could happen tomorrow, the day after tomorrow or in a week." "It would be weird if I were to name dates of the start of that or those events. That cannot be done…. We have a very responsible task before our country. And we understand that we have no right to make a mistake," he remarked. Bakhmut, a key region in the ongoing conflict, has been the location of huge amounts of carnage and casualties. Defending Ukraine's military's decision to fight for an extended period in Bakhmut, despite the heavy casualties, he said "Bakhmut is our land, our territory, and we must defend it." "If we start leaving every settlement, that could get us to our western border, as Putin wanted from the first days of the war." Acknowledging that Ukraine currently controls only a small part of the city, Danilov emphasised the significant role Bakhmut has played in the war. (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.

Kyiv's much-awaited counter-offensive can begin 'tomorrow, day after or in a week': Top Ukraine war chief

<p>In order to secure 'fast' Russian military and civilian movement into Ukrainian territories already under Moscow's control, President Vladimir Putin issued stricter border security orders on Sunday.</p>

<p>Putin said the duty of the border service was to "reliably cover" the lines close to the conflict zone. He made these remarks on Border Guard Day in a message to the border personnel, a division of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-over-1500-arrested-in-protests-by-extinction-rebellion-climate-group-597390">Netherlands: Over 1,500 arrested in protests by Extinction Rebellion climate group</a></p>

<p>Attacks within Russia have increased in the recent weeks. Most of these attacks are drone strikes on border regions. However, the&nbsp;territory inside Russian borders is not left untouched. For instance, on Saturday, an oil pipeline came under attack in northwest Moscow.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-homegrown-passenger-jet-c919-embarks-on-maiden-commercial-flight-597356">China's first homegrown passenger jet C919 embarks on maiden commercial flight</a></p>

<p>In a post on the Kremlin's Telegram handle, Putin said, "It is necessary to ensure the fast movement of both military and civilian vehicles and cargo, including food, humanitarian aid building materials sent to the new subjects of the (Russian) Federation."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Belgorod shellings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports, three people had been hurt by Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod on Saturday.&nbsp;Attacks have destroyed the military, rail, and electricity infrastructure and targeted the Russian borderlands of Kursk and Belgorod. Local local authorities have been blaming Ukraine for these incidents.</p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv denies claims</strong></h2>

<p>Kyiv has never officially accepted blame for assaults within Russia and on Ukrainian territory under Russian control. In fact, Ukraine claimed that destroying infrastructure serves as a prelude to Russia for its intended ground offensive on Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian-occupied territories</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The four Ukrainian provinces of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk were annexed by Putin last September. Kyiv at the time alleged that the referendums were nothing short of a sham. Notably, the four territories are only partially under Russian authority.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's fresh drone strikes on Kyiv &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Local authorities have reported that a fresh drone strike was launched by Russia on Kyiv, overnight.</p>

<p>According to Vitaliy Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, a man died when drone debris hit a gas station nearby while another woman suffered injuries. Before a "new drone wave" struck the capital, he claimed that air defences had shot down more than 20 drones that were headed for Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India's new Parliament: PM Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on Sunday | Details</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/indias-new-parliament-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-new-parliament-on-sunday-details-597344/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Later, using early data, Kyiv's military administration claimed that more than 40 drones had been shot down. Air raid alarms were set out earlier on Sunday in 12 Ukrainian areas, from Dnipropetrovsk in the south-east to Volyn in the north-west.</p>

<p>Klitschko advised Kyiv residents to "stay in shelters" in a social media post, noting that the night would be "difficult". He said that at least two high-rise buildings&nbsp;in various parts of the capital were on fire as a result of being struck by drone shards that were falling to the ground.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's counteroffensive</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, Ukraine said it was prepared to begin a long-promised counteroffensive to retake land lost to Russia during the war that has now been going on for over a year.&nbsp;The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, displacement of people, and humanitarian challenges. There have been periods of relative calm and ceasefire agreements, but occasional flare-ups of violence have continued. Also, many Ukrainian cities have been brought to ruins due to Russia's war.</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 order to secure 'fast' Russian military and civilian movement into Ukrainian territories already under Moscow's control, President Vladimir Putin issued stricter border security orders on Sunday.

In order to secure 'fast' Russian military and civilian movement into Ukrainian territories already under Moscow's control, President Vladimir Putin issued stricter border security orders on Sunday. Putin said the duty of the border service was to "reliably cover" the lines close to the conflict zone. He made these remarks on Border Guard Day in a message to the border personnel, a division of the Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia. Also Read | Netherlands: Over 1,500 arrested in protests by Extinction Rebellion climate group Attacks within Russia have increased in the recent weeks. Most of these attacks are drone strikes on border regions. However, the territory inside Russian borders is not left untouched. For instance, on Saturday, an oil pipeline came under attack in northwest Moscow. Also Read | China's first homegrown passenger jet C919 embarks on maiden commercial flight In a post on the Kremlin's Telegram handle, Putin said, "It is necessary to ensure the fast movement of both military and civilian vehicles and cargo, including food, humanitarian aid building materials sent to the new subjects of the (Russian) Federation." Belgorod shellings As per reports, three people had been hurt by Ukrainian shelling in Belgorod on Saturday. Attacks have destroyed the military, rail, and electricity infrastructure and targeted the Russian borderlands of Kursk and Belgorod. Local local authorities have been blaming Ukraine for these incidents. Kyiv denies claims Kyiv has never officially accepted blame for assaults within Russia and on Ukrainian territory under Russian control. In fact, Ukraine claimed that destroying infrastructure serves as a prelude to Russia for its intended ground offensive on Kyiv. Russian-occupied territories The four Ukrainian provinces of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk were annexed by Putin last September. Kyiv at the time alleged that the referendums were nothing short of a sham. Notably, the four territories are only partially under Russian authority. Russia's fresh drone strikes on Kyiv Local authorities have reported that a fresh drone strike was launched by Russia on Kyiv, overnight. According to Vitaliy Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, a man died when drone debris hit a gas station nearby while another woman suffered injuries. Before a "new drone wave" struck the capital, he claimed that air defences had shot down more than 20 drones that were headed for Kyiv. Watch | India's new Parliament: PM Modi to inaugurate new Parliament on Sunday | Details × Later, using early data, Kyiv's military administration claimed that more than 40 drones had been shot down. Air raid alarms were set out earlier on Sunday in 12 Ukrainian areas, from Dnipropetrovsk in the south-east to Volyn in the north-west. Klitschko advised Kyiv residents to "stay in shelters" in a social media post, noting that the night would be "difficult". He said that at least two high-rise buildings in various parts of the capital were on fire as a result of being struck by drone shards that were falling to the ground. Ukraine's counteroffensive On Saturday, Ukraine said it was prepared to begin a long-promised counteroffensive to retake land lost to Russia during the war that has now been going on for over a year. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, displacement of people, and humanitarian challenges. There have been periods of relative calm and ceasefire agreements, but occasional flare-ups of violence have continued. Also, many Ukrainian cities have been brought to ruins due to Russia's war. 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. ×

Putin orders heightened border security as Kyiv faces massive Russian drone attack

<p>Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday (May 26) that during a telephone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, he turned down an invitation to travel to Saint Petersburg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Lula said that he had to decline the invite as he "can't visit Russia at the moment", but he had thanked Putin for an invitation to attend an economic forum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lula cited New Delhi's stance on the Ukraine war, which is a diplomatic solution to end it, saying, "I reiterated Brazil's willingness, along with India, Indonesia and China, to talk to both sides of the conflict in pursuit of peace."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had also discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Lula has positioned himself as a peace broker to stop the conflict. His proposal, based on Brazil's legacy of non-intervention and neutrality, calls for a group of non-combatant states to hold discussions with both Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">Conversei agora por telefone com o presidente da Rússia, Vladimir Putin. Agradeci a um convite para ir ao Fórum Econômico Internacional de São Petersburgo, e respondi que não posso ir a Rússia nesse momento, mas reiterei a disposição do Brasil, junto com a Índia, Indonésia e…</p>
— Lula (@LulaOficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/LulaOficial/status/1662105504355610629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 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>He has turned down the request just days after a confrontation between him and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Japan, where a meeting between the two was cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And after that Lula had said that they "waited and received the information that he [Zelensky] was late".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lula said that the Ukrainian president "did not show up ... clearly, he had appointments and he couldn't come. He had said that he wasn't disappointed but was upset because he would like to meet him to "discuss the matter". He added that "Zelensky is a grown-up. He knows what he’s doing".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Ukraine war&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine war started after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to the neighbouring nation in February 2022. While many Western countries have sent weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself and have hit Moscow with financial sanctions, Lula instead has tried to position himself as a mediator, creating a group of nations seeking to produce a negotiated peace deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Commenting on support for Ukraine, a senior Senator said on a visit to Kyiv on Friday (May 26) that if the United States fails to back the war-torn nation enough, that would send a signal to China that it could take Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lindsey Graham, a Republican, said after meeting Zelensky that US President Joe Biden should send more weapons to Ukraine in addition to the more than $35 billion of weaponry and military hardware already provided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A hard line toward China is one of the few policies with bipartisan support in the deeply divided US Congress.&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>


Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday (May 26) that during a telephone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, he turned down an invitation to travel to Saint Petersburg.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Friday (May 26) that during a telephone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, he turned down an invitation to travel to Saint Petersburg. In a tweet, Lula said that he had to decline the invite as he "can't visit Russia at the moment", but he had thanked Putin for an invitation to attend an economic forum. Lula cited New Delhi's stance on the Ukraine war, which is a diplomatic solution to end it, saying, "I reiterated Brazil's willingness, along with India, Indonesia and China, to talk to both sides of the conflict in pursuit of peace." He had also discussed the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this week. Notably, Lula has positioned himself as a peace broker to stop the conflict. His proposal, based on Brazil's legacy of non-intervention and neutrality, calls for a group of non-combatant states to hold discussions with both Russia and Ukraine. Conversei agora por telefone com o presidente da Rússia, Vladimir Putin. Agradeci a um convite para ir ao Fórum Econômico Internacional de São Petersburgo, e respondi que não posso ir a Rússia nesse momento, mas reiterei a disposição do Brasil, junto com a Índia, Indonésia e… — Lula (@LulaOficial) May 26, 2023 × He has turned down the request just days after a confrontation between him and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Japan, where a meeting between the two was cancelled. And after that Lula had said that they "waited and received the information that he [Zelensky] was late". Lula said that the Ukrainian president "did not show up ... clearly, he had appointments and he couldn't come. He had said that he wasn't disappointed but was upset because he would like to meet him to "discuss the matter". He added that "Zelensky is a grown-up. He knows what he’s doing". Russia-Ukraine war The Russia-Ukraine war started after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to the neighbouring nation in February 2022. While many Western countries have sent weapons to Ukraine to help it defend itself and have hit Moscow with financial sanctions, Lula instead has tried to position himself as a mediator, creating a group of nations seeking to produce a negotiated peace deal. Commenting on support for Ukraine, a senior Senator said on a visit to Kyiv on Friday (May 26) that if the United States fails to back the war-torn nation enough, that would send a signal to China that it could take Taiwan. Lindsey Graham, a Republican, said after meeting Zelensky that US President Joe Biden should send more weapons to Ukraine in addition to the more than $35 billion of weaponry and military hardware already provided. A hard line toward China is one of the few policies with bipartisan support in the deeply divided US Congress. (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.

Brazil’s President Lula spoke to Vladimir Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia

<p><meta charset="utf-8" />At least two people were killed and more than 31 injured, including two children, after a missile struck a medical facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that missile was Russia-made, and called it a 'crime against humanity' as he shared a video of the place where the missile hit. It showed smoke coming out of the roofless buildings&nbsp;with blown-out windows.<br />
<br />
"Another (Russian) missile attack, another crime against humanity," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter, describing the damage.&nbsp;"Only an evil state can fight against clinics. There can be no military purpose in this. It is pure Russian terror," he added.<br />
<br />
“There are 23 injured in Dnipro,” the head of the regional military administration Sergiy Lysak wrote on Telegram, after several buildings were hit.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fire covered 1,000 square metres of the medical facility, where a three-story building was partially destroyed, Lysak added.</p>

<p dir="ltr">He added that rescue workers are searching for people under the rubble.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Among the dead is a 69-year-old man. “He was just passing by when a Russian terrorist missile hit the city…,” the official added.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia vs The West: What are tactical nuclear weapons?</strong></h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-vs-the-west-what-are-tactical-nuclear-weapons-russia-ukraine-war-596707/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Zelensky said that with a strike on a medical facility, “Russian terrorists once again confirm their status of fighters against everything humane and honest.”</p>

<p dir="ltr">Among the 23 injured are two boys aged three and six, who have been hospitalised along with 19 others, Lysak said. Three are said to be in a critical condition.</p>

<p dir="ltr">A clip shared by the local media purportedly showed rescuers helping the badly injured people as they escape from the clinic through corridors full of rubble.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office claimed that at least four people are missing following the attack in Dnipro.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Earlier, Lysak claimed that the region came under a "mass attack...with missiles and drones" on Thursday night.</p>

<p dir="ltr">"It was a very difficult night. It was loud," he said. "Dnipro has suffered."</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><strong>Dnpiro comes under fresh attack</strong></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The latest attack on Dnpiro comes after the Ukrainian authorities claimed to have shot down 17 missiles and 31 drones launched from Russia overnight.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Several drones and missiles hit targets in Dnipro and the eastern city of Kharkiv, including an oil depot.</p>

<p dir="ltr">They said that Ukraine's capital Kyiv was also targeted, adding that bits of intercepted drones fell on the roof of a shopping centre, while a house and several cars were damaged.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In Russia, a blast damaged a residential and office building in the southern city of Krasnodar, east of Crimea, on Friday morning.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</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>


At least two people were killed and more than 31 injured, including two children, after a missile struck a medical facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Friday.

At least two people were killed and more than 31 injured, including two children, after a missile struck a medical facility in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that missile was Russia-made, and called it a 'crime against humanity' as he shared a video of the place where the missile hit. It showed smoke coming out of the roofless buildings with blown-out windows. "Another (Russian) missile attack, another crime against humanity," Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter, describing the damage. "Only an evil state can fight against clinics. There can be no military purpose in this. It is pure Russian terror," he added. “There are 23 injured in Dnipro,” the head of the regional military administration Sergiy Lysak wrote on Telegram, after several buildings were hit. The fire covered 1,000 square metres of the medical facility, where a three-story building was partially destroyed, Lysak added. He added that rescue workers are searching for people under the rubble. Among the dead is a 69-year-old man. “He was just passing by when a Russian terrorist missile hit the city…,” the official added. Russia vs The West: What are tactical nuclear weapons? Zelensky said that with a strike on a medical facility, “Russian terrorists once again confirm their status of fighters against everything humane and honest.” Among the 23 injured are two boys aged three and six, who have been hospitalised along with 19 others, Lysak said. Three are said to be in a critical condition. A clip shared by the local media purportedly showed rescuers helping the badly injured people as they escape from the clinic through corridors full of rubble. Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office claimed that at least four people are missing following the attack in Dnipro. Earlier, Lysak claimed that the region came under a "mass attack...with missiles and drones" on Thursday night. "It was a very difficult night. It was loud," he said. "Dnipro has suffered." Dnpiro comes under fresh attack The latest attack on Dnpiro comes after the Ukrainian authorities claimed to have shot down 17 missiles and 31 drones launched from Russia overnight. Several drones and missiles hit targets in Dnipro and the eastern city of Kharkiv, including an oil depot. They said that Ukraine's capital Kyiv was also targeted, adding that bits of intercepted drones fell on the roof of a shopping centre, while a house and several cars were damaged. In Russia, a blast damaged a residential and office building in the southern city of Krasnodar, east of Crimea, on Friday morning. (With inputs from agencies)

Two killed, 31 injured as Russian missile strikes clinic in Ukraine’s Dnipro

Alexander Lukashenko the Belarusian president has confirmed the relocation of some tactical nuclear weapons from Russia to Belarus. He says the process has already started and he has allowed his territory which borders Ukraine as well as EU and NATO members Poland and Lithuania to serve as a launching part for Russia's Ukraine offensive. This comes after Russia signed a deal with its close ally Belarus about the storage of the warheads at the special facility that should be finished in just over a month's time.

Will there be a Nuclear War? Belarus, the new chapter in Russia-Ukraine war

<p>A top US general said on Thursday (May 25) that America has long asked Ukraine not to use US-provided military equipment to carry out attacks inside Russian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Russia accused pro-Ukrainian militia of using US armoured vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said his office was investigating social media images of vehicles and military hardware used in a cross-border incursion by militia in the Russian region of Belgorod earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Milley told a press conference at the Pentagon: "I can't say with definitive accuracy right this minute to you whether that - and I saw the same video - whether that's U.S. supplied equipment or not, what was the nature of the attack, who did what to whom."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "I can't say that with definitiveness right this minute, but I can say that we have asked the Ukrainians not to use US-supplied equipment for direct attacks into Russia."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine&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/battleground-bakhmut-russia-vs-ukraine-wion-wideangle-596550/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 Russian defence ministry provided footage of some destroyed vehicles, including Humvee combat trucks made in America. But the content of the video has not been verified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia said that Kyiv's forces had killed one resident of the Belgorod region and Moscow threatened Kyiv, stating that it would respond "extremely" harshly to all future incursions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After two days of fighting in the southern region of Belgorod, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told military officials: "We will continue to respond promptly and extremely harshly to such actions by Ukrainian militants."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, which started after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the border region of Belgorod in the country's south has been repeatedly shelled, killing dozens of people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And authorities have also reported a series of incidents involving members of "sabotage" groups crossing over from Ukraine. Last month, the city of Belgorod was bombed by a Russian fighter jet which dropped ammunition over the city by accident.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine denies any involvement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian government denied any involvement in the Belgorod raid, which was claimed by two anti-Kremlin armed organisations comprising&nbsp;of Russian nationals, some of whom are far-right leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the apparent attack on Kremlin, Russia blamed Ukraine for it. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied any involvement and said that "we don't attack Putin, or Moscow, we fight on our territory."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine has already stated that it will not employ longer-range weapons pledged by the US to attack Russian territory, instead targeting Russian soldiers on occupied Ukrainian land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Milley said restrictions on US support to Ukraine following Russia's February 2022 invasion were aimed at ensuring Kyiv's self-defence against Russian forces inside Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Milley said, "Why is that? Because we don't want - this is a Ukrainian war. It is not a war between the United States and Russia. It's not a war between NATO and Russia."&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 top US general said on Thursday (May 25) that America has long asked Ukraine not to use US-provided military equipment to carry out attacks inside Russian territory.

A top US general said on Thursday (May 25) that America has long asked Ukraine not to use US-provided military equipment to carry out attacks inside Russian territory. This comes after Russia accused pro-Ukrainian militia of using US armoured vehicles. Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said his office was investigating social media images of vehicles and military hardware used in a cross-border incursion by militia in the Russian region of Belgorod earlier this week. Milley told a press conference at the Pentagon: "I can't say with definitive accuracy right this minute to you whether that - and I saw the same video - whether that's U.S. supplied equipment or not, what was the nature of the attack, who did what to whom." He added, "I can't say that with definitiveness right this minute, but I can say that we have asked the Ukrainians not to use US-supplied equipment for direct attacks into Russia." WATCH | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine × The Russian defence ministry provided footage of some destroyed vehicles, including Humvee combat trucks made in America. But the content of the video has not been verified. Russia said that Kyiv's forces had killed one resident of the Belgorod region and Moscow threatened Kyiv, stating that it would respond "extremely" harshly to all future incursions. After two days of fighting in the southern region of Belgorod, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told military officials: "We will continue to respond promptly and extremely harshly to such actions by Ukrainian militants." Notably, in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, which started after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the border region of Belgorod in the country's south has been repeatedly shelled, killing dozens of people. And authorities have also reported a series of incidents involving members of "sabotage" groups crossing over from Ukraine. Last month, the city of Belgorod was bombed by a Russian fighter jet which dropped ammunition over the city by accident. Ukraine denies any involvement The Ukrainian government denied any involvement in the Belgorod raid, which was claimed by two anti-Kremlin armed organisations comprising of Russian nationals, some of whom are far-right leaders. After the apparent attack on Kremlin, Russia blamed Ukraine for it. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied any involvement and said that "we don't attack Putin, or Moscow, we fight on our territory." Meanwhile, Ukraine has already stated that it will not employ longer-range weapons pledged by the US to attack Russian territory, instead targeting Russian soldiers on occupied Ukrainian land. Milley said restrictions on US support to Ukraine following Russia's February 2022 invasion were aimed at ensuring Kyiv's self-defence against Russian forces inside Ukraine. Milley said, "Why is that? Because we don't want - this is a Ukrainian war. It is not a war between the United States and Russia. It's not a war between NATO and 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.

US general says Ukraine shouldn't use US weaponry inside Russia

Russia plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus and as per Alexander Lukashenko the war heads are already on the move. Putin has already warned that Russia, with way more nuclear weapons than other countries, will use all means to defend itself.

Russia vs The West: What are tactical nuclear weapons? | Russia-Ukraine war

<p>Officials in the United States believe that Ukraine was likely behind the failed drone attack on the Kremlin earlier this month, The New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials said Ukraine is also possibly behind a number of other killings and incursions on Russian territory. The report, however, cited intelligence officials as saying that they do not know which unit exactly was behind the drone attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also unclear if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky knew about the attack beforehand.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Though the failed drone attack did not cause any damage, but it eroded the impression of invincibility of Kremlin.</p>

<p>The report said that the US has based its estimation on intercepted conversations within both Ukraine and Russia. However, it&nbsp;said that it has low confidence in that estimate because it has yet to determine which precise unit was behind the strike.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
American intelligence agencies are not sure who exactly carried out the attack, but insinuate that it was part of a series of covert operations plotted and conducted by Ukraine’s security services.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian PM: We stand together against the West's agenda&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-pm-we-stand-together-against-wests-agenda-596102/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>Kremlin drone attack&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On May 3, two drones attacked the Kremlin in Moscow, but they caused little damage before being destroyed by Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baza, a Telegram channel with links to Russia’s law enforcement agencies, had posted a video of a flying object approaching the dome of the Kremlin Senate building and exploding with an intense burst of light just before it was about to hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Social media videos showed two objects flying in the same direction towards the dome, with the clock on the Kremlin’s Spassky Tower reading 2:27 and 2:43. The first appeared to be destroyed with only a cloud of smoke, but the second appeared to leave a blazing ruin on the dome.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The attack made officials in the United States — Kyiv’s biggest military supplier — uncomfortable since the Government weighs the risk of Russia blaming U.S. and retaliating by expanding the war beyond Ukraine.<br />
<br />
Russia has consistently blamed Ukraine for the drone attack, and&nbsp;also accused the U.S. of playing a role, and alleged that it was an attempt to kill President Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;but both Kyiv and Washington have&nbsp;vehemently denied their&nbsp;involvement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky denied any Ukrainian involvement and said at a press conference in Helsinki, "We don't attack Putin, or Moscow, we fight on our territory."&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the attack, Russia reserved the right to retaliate, Putin's office said, and Russian hardliners demanded swift retribution against Zelensky himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The presidency said in a statement: "Two uncrewed aerial vehicles were aimed at the Kremlin. As a result of timely actions taken by the military and special services with the use of radar warfare systems, the devices were put out of action."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We regard these actions as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on the president's life, carried out on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 Parade, at which the presence of foreign guests is also planned."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Russian side reserves the right to take retaliatory measures where and when it sees fit."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
US officials do not believe it was an attempt to assassinate Putin as he is not known to spending a lot of time at the Kremlin.<br />
<br />
The drones that targeted the Kremlin were small with a light payload and it is unclear whether they would have had sufficient range to be flown from Ukraine to Moscow.<br />
<br />
Besides, US officials have not ruled out the possibility of non-state Ukrainian or Russian actors inside Russia, including Russians sympathetic to Putin hoping to shore up support for him, carrying out the attack.<br />
<br />
<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>


Officials in the United States believe that Ukraine was likely behind the failed drone attack on the Kremlin earlier this month, The New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 24).

Officials in the United States believe that Ukraine was likely behind the failed drone attack on the Kremlin earlier this month, The New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 24). The officials said Ukraine is also possibly behind a number of other killings and incursions on Russian territory. The report, however, cited intelligence officials as saying that they do not know which unit exactly was behind the drone attack. It is also unclear if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky knew about the attack beforehand. Though the failed drone attack did not cause any damage, but it eroded the impression of invincibility of Kremlin. The report said that the US has based its estimation on intercepted conversations within both Ukraine and Russia. However, it said that it has low confidence in that estimate because it has yet to determine which precise unit was behind the strike. American intelligence agencies are not sure who exactly carried out the attack, but insinuate that it was part of a series of covert operations plotted and conducted by Ukraine’s security services. WATCH | Russian PM: We stand together against the West's agenda × Kremlin drone attack On May 3, two drones attacked the Kremlin in Moscow, but they caused little damage before being destroyed by Russia. Baza, a Telegram channel with links to Russia’s law enforcement agencies, had posted a video of a flying object approaching the dome of the Kremlin Senate building and exploding with an intense burst of light just before it was about to hit. Social media videos showed two objects flying in the same direction towards the dome, with the clock on the Kremlin’s Spassky Tower reading 2:27 and 2:43. The first appeared to be destroyed with only a cloud of smoke, but the second appeared to leave a blazing ruin on the dome. The attack made officials in the United States — Kyiv’s biggest military supplier — uncomfortable since the Government weighs the risk of Russia blaming U.S. and retaliating by expanding the war beyond Ukraine. Russia has consistently blamed Ukraine for the drone attack, and also accused the U.S. of playing a role, and alleged that it was an attempt to kill President Vladimir Putin, but both Kyiv and Washington have vehemently denied their involvement. Zelensky denied any Ukrainian involvement and said at a press conference in Helsinki, "We don't attack Putin, or Moscow, we fight on our territory." After the attack, Russia reserved the right to retaliate, Putin's office said, and Russian hardliners demanded swift retribution against Zelensky himself. The presidency said in a statement: "Two uncrewed aerial vehicles were aimed at the Kremlin. As a result of timely actions taken by the military and special services with the use of radar warfare systems, the devices were put out of action." "We regard these actions as a planned terrorist act and an attempt on the president's life, carried out on the eve of Victory Day, the May 9 Parade, at which the presence of foreign guests is also planned." "The Russian side reserves the right to take retaliatory measures where and when it sees fit." US officials do not believe it was an attempt to assassinate Putin as he is not known to spending a lot of time at the Kremlin. The drones that targeted the Kremlin were small with a light payload and it is unclear whether they would have had sufficient range to be flown from Ukraine to Moscow. Besides, US officials have not ruled out the possibility of non-state Ukrainian or Russian actors inside Russia, including Russians sympathetic to Putin hoping to shore up support for him, carrying out the attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US officials say inputs indicate Ukrainian role behind failed drone attack on Kremlin

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidTgCN9W26XYTb" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin warned on Wednesday (May 24) that Russia could face a revolution similar to that of 1917 and lose the war in Ukraine unless the elite got serious about fighting the war. In an interview posted on his Telegram channel, Prigozhin said that his political outlook was dominated "by the love of the motherland" and serving Russian President Vladimir Putin, but cautioned that Moscow was in danger of turmoil, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<p>"Now for political credo - I love my motherland, I serve Putin, Shoigu is useless and we will fight on. That's it," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin added that there was a so-called optimistic view that the West would get tired of war and China would broker a peace deal, but he did not believe this. Instead, Ukraine was preparing a counteroffensive aimed at pushing Russian troops back to its borders before 2014, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If ordinary Russians continued getting their children back in zinc coffins while the children of the elite "shook their arses" in the sun, he said, Russia would face turmoil along the lines of the 1917 revolutions that ushered in a civil war.</p>

<p>"This divide can end as in 1917 with a revolution," the Wagner chief said, adding "First the soldiers will stand up, and after that - their loved ones will rise up."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>20,000 Wagner fighters killed in Bakhmut: Prigozhin</strong></h2>

<p>Prigozhin also said that 20,000 fighters of the Wagner group were killed in the battle for Bakhmut in Ukraine. "During the operation, I recruited 50,000 prisoners, of whom about 20 per cent died. This is exactly the same number as those who came to us under contract, meaning not from prison. Another 20 per cent were wounded and their wounds stop them from performing combat activities for three months or more," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Bakhmut, Prigozhin said, Ukraine suffered casualties of 50,000-70,000 wounded and 50,000 dead. He also cautioned that Ukrainian forces would try to encircle Bakhmut and attack Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further went on to criticise the Russian military leadership and Moscow's post-Soviet policy towards Ukraine.&nbsp;<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>


Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin warned on Wednesday (May 24) that Russia could face a revolution similar to that of 1917 and lose the war in Ukraine unless the elite got serious about fighting the war.

Russian mercenary group Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin warned on Wednesday (May 24) that Russia could face a revolution similar to that of 1917 and lose the war in Ukraine unless the elite got serious about fighting the war. In an interview posted on his Telegram channel, Prigozhin said that his political outlook was dominated "by the love of the motherland" and serving Russian President Vladimir Putin, but cautioned that Moscow was in danger of turmoil, the news agency Reuters reported. "Now for political credo - I love my motherland, I serve Putin, Shoigu is useless and we will fight on. That's it," he said. Prigozhin added that there was a so-called optimistic view that the West would get tired of war and China would broker a peace deal, but he did not believe this. Instead, Ukraine was preparing a counteroffensive aimed at pushing Russian troops back to its borders before 2014, he said. If ordinary Russians continued getting their children back in zinc coffins while the children of the elite "shook their arses" in the sun, he said, Russia would face turmoil along the lines of the 1917 revolutions that ushered in a civil war. "This divide can end as in 1917 with a revolution," the Wagner chief said, adding "First the soldiers will stand up, and after that - their loved ones will rise up." 20,000 Wagner fighters killed in Bakhmut: Prigozhin Prigozhin also said that 20,000 fighters of the Wagner group were killed in the battle for Bakhmut in Ukraine. "During the operation, I recruited 50,000 prisoners, of whom about 20 per cent died. This is exactly the same number as those who came to us under contract, meaning not from prison. Another 20 per cent were wounded and their wounds stop them from performing combat activities for three months or more," he added. In Bakhmut, Prigozhin said, Ukraine suffered casualties of 50,000-70,000 wounded and 50,000 dead. He also cautioned that Ukrainian forces would try to encircle Bakhmut and attack Crimea. He further went on to criticise the Russian military leadership and Moscow's post-Soviet policy towards Ukraine. 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: Wagner Group chief warns Russia could face another revolution unless...

<p>Russia claimed on Tuesday (May 23) that it had scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry said, "After removing the foreign military aircraft from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter went back to its air base."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry claimed that the two aircraft were B-1 strategic bombers belonging to the US Air Force. According to the statement, the army prevented the violation of the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry added, "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar incidents have happened in the past as well and in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, they become detrimental.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just over a week ago, Russia said that two aircraft were intercepted attempting to "violate" its airspace. One of the aircraft was German and the other one was French.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before that, in mid-April, Russia sent a fighter jet to escort a German naval aircraft over the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine War: Are intel agencies fighting a parallel battle?&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-ukraine-war-are-intel-agencies-fighting-a-parallel-battle-595706/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>When a Russian jet hit a US drone</strong></h2>

<p>A major incident happen when an American drone crashed after colliding with a Russian jet over the Black Sea in March.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video was released by the Pentagon, which showed the Russian military jet coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in sequential order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia has denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A ministry statement had said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the incident, General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, had said: "There is a pattern of behaviour recently where there is a little bit more aggressive actions being conducted by the Russians."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<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>


Russia claimed on Tuesday (May 23) that it had scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea.

Russia claimed on Tuesday (May 23) that it had scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea. The Russian defence ministry said, "After removing the foreign military aircraft from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter went back to its air base." The defence ministry claimed that the two aircraft were B-1 strategic bombers belonging to the US Air Force. According to the statement, the army prevented the violation of the border. The ministry added, "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace." Similar incidents have happened in the past as well and in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, they become detrimental. Just over a week ago, Russia said that two aircraft were intercepted attempting to "violate" its airspace. One of the aircraft was German and the other one was French. Before that, in mid-April, Russia sent a fighter jet to escort a German naval aircraft over the Baltic Sea. WATCH | Ukraine War: Are intel agencies fighting a parallel battle? × When a Russian jet hit a US drone A major incident happen when an American drone crashed after colliding with a Russian jet over the Black Sea in March. The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident. A video was released by the Pentagon, which showed the Russian military jet coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept. The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in sequential order. Meanwhile, Russia has denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea. A ministry statement had said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone." After the incident, General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, had said: "There is a pattern of behaviour recently where there is a little bit more aggressive actions being conducted by the Russians." (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 scrambles Su-27 to intercept two US military jets over Baltic Sea to prevent airspace violation

<p>Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, has experienced a significant decline in its net profit. On Tuesday, the company said that its profits have fallen by 41 per cent in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. This is primarily due to a tax hike.&nbsp;The company's financial report for 2022 reveals a profit of 1.2 trillion rubles ($15 billion), a substantial decrease from the 2.1 trillion rubles recorded in the previous year.</p>

<p>As per a statement by the company, due to the drop in profit, the board has recommended the withholding of dividend payouts.</p>

<h2><strong>What is behind the profit drop?</strong></h2>

<p>The company in a statement carried by Russian news agencies, revealed that the increase in tax payments during the second half of the year had a direct impact on profit margins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Profit margins were impacted by an increase in tax payments in the second half of the year," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-us-and-eu-lawmakers-push-to-remove-sultan-al-jaber-as-cop28-head-595699">More than 100 US and EU lawmakers push to remove Sultan Al Jaber as COP28 head</a></strong></p>

<p>Gazprom's operations have been severely affected by Western sanctions, which have targeted the state-owned enterprise led by Alexei Miller, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result, European imports of pipeline natural gas from Russia plunged by 55 per cent in 2022, according to the Gas Exporting Country Forum's report released this month.</p>

<h2>How did Gazprom deal with the sanctions?</h2>

<p>To counterbalance the limitations imposed by the European market, except for liquefied natural gas purchases, Gazprom as per the news agency AFP has strategically sought to pivot towards Asia. In this, China, in particular, has emerged as a crucial economic partner for Russia, especially since the West implemented unprecedented sanctions following Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Gazprom announced in March that it had achieved a record in daily gas volumes supplied to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. Furthermore, the total deliveries through the pipeline reached an all-time high of 15.5 billion cubic metres in the previous year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-extends-wsj-journalist-evan-gershkovichs-detention-us-calls-for-immediate-release-595697">Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release</a></strong></p>

<p>However, redirecting gas exports to new markets necessitates the construction of expensive infrastructure, a process that takes considerable time. As per the report, Gazprom anticipates commencing the construction of the 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline in 2024. Gazprom which happens to own the largest gas reserves in the world, employs approximately half a million employees and thus remains a significant driving force behind Russia's economic growth.</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>


Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, has experienced a significant decline in its net profit. On Tuesday, the company said that its profits have fallen by 41 per cent in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict.

Gazprom, the Russian energy behemoth, has experienced a significant decline in its net profit. On Tuesday, the company said that its profits have fallen by 41 per cent in the aftermath of the Ukraine conflict. This is primarily due to a tax hike. The company's financial report for 2022 reveals a profit of 1.2 trillion rubles ($15 billion), a substantial decrease from the 2.1 trillion rubles recorded in the previous year. As per a statement by the company, due to the drop in profit, the board has recommended the withholding of dividend payouts. What is behind the profit drop? The company in a statement carried by Russian news agencies, revealed that the increase in tax payments during the second half of the year had a direct impact on profit margins. "Profit margins were impacted by an increase in tax payments in the second half of the year," it said. Also read | More than 100 US and EU lawmakers push to remove Sultan Al Jaber as COP28 head Gazprom's operations have been severely affected by Western sanctions, which have targeted the state-owned enterprise led by Alexei Miller, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin. As a result, European imports of pipeline natural gas from Russia plunged by 55 per cent in 2022, according to the Gas Exporting Country Forum's report released this month. How did Gazprom deal with the sanctions? To counterbalance the limitations imposed by the European market, except for liquefied natural gas purchases, Gazprom as per the news agency AFP has strategically sought to pivot towards Asia. In this, China, in particular, has emerged as a crucial economic partner for Russia, especially since the West implemented unprecedented sanctions following Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine. Gazprom announced in March that it had achieved a record in daily gas volumes supplied to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. Furthermore, the total deliveries through the pipeline reached an all-time high of 15.5 billion cubic metres in the previous year. Also read | Russia extends WSJ journalist Evan Gershkovich’s detention, US calls for immediate release However, redirecting gas exports to new markets necessitates the construction of expensive infrastructure, a process that takes considerable time. As per the report, Gazprom anticipates commencing the construction of the 'Power of Siberia 2' pipeline in 2024. Gazprom which happens to own the largest gas reserves in the world, employs approximately half a million employees and thus remains a significant driving force behind Russia's economic growth. (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 affects Russian energy giant Gazprom's profits; net profit down by 41.4% in 2022

NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg defended the groups call to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets. This comes after the European Union's Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said that training for Ukrainian pilots had already begun in Poland and some other countries as well. The NATO Chief further called Russia-Ukraine conflict a wall of aggression and said that Ukraine has the right to defend itself.

EU begins training of Ukrainian on F-16 fighter jets in Poland

<p>The United States claimed that it had no involvement in a recent incursion into Russia which Moscow claimed ended with armed insurgents' defeat, who had crossed the border from Ukraine.</p>

<p>On Monday, parts of Belgorod's border region were under attack which was a major cross-border raid&nbsp;since Ukraine was invaded by Russia last year.</p>

<p>Later, Russia released pictures of damaged or abandoned Western military vehicles, which included US-made Humvees.</p>

<p>However, the US claimed it did not "encourage or enable strikes inside of Russia".</p>

<p>The reports "circulating on social media and elsewhere" which claimed that the invaders had used US-supplied weapons were acknowledged by a state department spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Matthew Miller said, "I will say that we’re sceptical at this time of the veracity of these reports. As a more general principle, as we’ve said and I believe I said yesterday, we do not encourage or enable strikes inside of Russia, and we’ve made that clear. But as we’ve also said, it is up to Ukraine to decide how to conduct this war."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/airforce-artillery-used-to-push-back-border-attackers-70-ukrainian-nationalists-russian-defence-ministry-595645">Air Force, artillery used to push back border attackers, 70 ‘Ukrainian nationalists’ killed, says Russia</a></p>

<h2><strong>A counter-terrorism operation, claims Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The authorities evacuated villages in Belgorod, which were near the border after it came under shellfire. Russia said that 70 attackers had lost their lives and further insisted that they were Ukrainian.</p>

<p>However, Kyiv denied involvement and two Russian paramilitary groups, who oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed their involvement in the incursion.</p>

<p>However, Monday's raid was declared by Russia as a counter-terrorism operation as it gave special powers to authorities to clamp down on people's movements and communications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials lifted the measures on Tuesday afternoon, and even then a paramilitary group claimed it still controlled a "small, but our own piece of the Motherland".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Belgorod's governor stated one civilian was killed in the violence, and several others suffered injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Eastern outpost witnesses fresh assault by Russia</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-ukraines-eastern-outpost-witnesses-fresh-assault-by-russia-595039/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Drone attack on Belgorod&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Tuesday evening said that Belgorod faced a fresh attack from a drone which was used to drop an explosive device that damaged a car.</p>

<p>He added that the army shot down the flying vehicle and no new casualties were reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about the hostilities in Belgorod, Russia's defence ministry said a "unit of the Ukrainian nationalist formation" had invaded its territory to carry out attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Ukrainian officials insisted that the attackers were Russians and belonged to groups known as the Liberty of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC).</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><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>


The United States claimed that it had no involvement in a recent incursion into Russia which Moscow claimed ended with armed insurgents' defeat, who had crossed the border from Ukraine.

The United States claimed that it had no involvement in a recent incursion into Russia which Moscow claimed ended with armed insurgents' defeat, who had crossed the border from Ukraine. On Monday, parts of Belgorod's border region were under attack which was a major cross-border raid since Ukraine was invaded by Russia last year. Later, Russia released pictures of damaged or abandoned Western military vehicles, which included US-made Humvees. However, the US claimed it did not "encourage or enable strikes inside of Russia". The reports "circulating on social media and elsewhere" which claimed that the invaders had used US-supplied weapons were acknowledged by a state department spokesperson. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Matthew Miller said, "I will say that we’re sceptical at this time of the veracity of these reports. As a more general principle, as we’ve said and I believe I said yesterday, we do not encourage or enable strikes inside of Russia, and we’ve made that clear. But as we’ve also said, it is up to Ukraine to decide how to conduct this war." ALSO READ | Air Force, artillery used to push back border attackers, 70 ‘Ukrainian nationalists’ killed, says Russia A counter-terrorism operation, claims Russia The authorities evacuated villages in Belgorod, which were near the border after it came under shellfire. Russia said that 70 attackers had lost their lives and further insisted that they were Ukrainian. However, Kyiv denied involvement and two Russian paramilitary groups, who oppose Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed their involvement in the incursion. However, Monday's raid was declared by Russia as a counter-terrorism operation as it gave special powers to authorities to clamp down on people's movements and communications. The officials lifted the measures on Tuesday afternoon, and even then a paramilitary group claimed it still controlled a "small, but our own piece of the Motherland". Belgorod's governor stated one civilian was killed in the violence, and several others suffered injuries. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Eastern outpost witnesses fresh assault by Russia Drone attack on Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Tuesday evening said that Belgorod faced a fresh attack from a drone which was used to drop an explosive device that damaged a car. He added that the army shot down the flying vehicle and no new casualties were reported. Speaking about the hostilities in Belgorod, Russia's defence ministry said a "unit of the Ukrainian nationalist formation" had invaded its territory to carry out attacks. However, Ukrainian officials insisted that the attackers were Russians and belonged to groups known as the Liberty of Russia Legion and the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). (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

Belgorod incursion: US insists it did not encourage or enable strikes inside of Russia

<p>Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23).</p>

<p>The declaration followed an allegation by the exiled Belarusian opposition saying that 2,150 Ukrainian children, including orphans aged six to 15, had been shipped to so-called recreation camps and sanatoriums in Belarus.</p>

<p>Based on the early assessment of the National Anti-Crisis Management, a group of political opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, the children were transferred to at least three locations in Belarus.</p>

<p>The office of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has opened criminal procedures into "the forced transportation/deportation of over 19,000 children" from the seized areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The fact and circumstances of taking Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the so-called 'recreational camps' in Belarus are currently under investigation in the mentioned criminal proceedings," it said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intercepts-us-military-jets-over-baltic-sea-595713">Russia intercepts two US military jets over Baltic Sea</a></p>

<h2><strong>What are the violations involved?</strong></h2>

<p>The International Criminal Court, the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, issued arrest warrants in March for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on two charges of war crimes in connection with the relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia.</p>

<p>In the words of Yulia Ioffe, an assistant professor at University College London and an expert in children's rights legislation, if the allegations are proven, Belarus would "highly likely" be violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child.</p>

<p>"The actions of Belarus may also amount to the crime against humanity of ‘deportation of forcible transfer of population’ under the Rome Statute of the ICC, provided there is sufficient evidence of forcible transfers being widespread or systematic," Ioffe said.</p>

<p>Belarus, in any case, cannot be deemed a neutral nation to which children might lawfully be evacuated because there is no proof that Ukraine has provided authorisation, she added.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;the report, Ukrainian children were brought to the Belarusian Golden Sands Sanatorium in the Gomel area, as well as the Ostroshitsky Gorodok Sanatorium and Dubrava camp in the Minsk region.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets?&nbsp;</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-why-does-ukraine-wants-f-16-jets-595724/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The transfers of minors to Belarus were illegal and violated the Geneva Conventions and the statute of the International Criminal Court, the report said.</p>

<p>Additionally,&nbsp;the first group of roughly 350 youngsters arrived from the seized Donetsk area on September 5 and 6, followed by the second and third groups in late September and mid-October. Additional transfers were performed in April and May of this year.</p>

<p>The children were transported&nbsp;by bus to Russia from Russian-held territories of Ukraine and then by train to Belarus, it said.</p>

<p>"Lukashenko personally ordered the transfers of orphans to Belarus and facilitated their arrival by financial and organisational support," it said, accusing him of war crimes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23).

Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23). The declaration followed an allegation by the exiled Belarusian opposition saying that 2,150 Ukrainian children, including orphans aged six to 15, had been shipped to so-called recreation camps and sanatoriums in Belarus. Based on the early assessment of the National Anti-Crisis Management, a group of political opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, the children were transferred to at least three locations in Belarus. The office of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has opened criminal procedures into "the forced transportation/deportation of over 19,000 children" from the seized areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk, as per a Reuters report. "The fact and circumstances of taking Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the so-called 'recreational camps' in Belarus are currently under investigation in the mentioned criminal proceedings," it said. ALSO READ | Russia intercepts two US military jets over Baltic Sea What are the violations involved? The International Criminal Court, the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, issued arrest warrants in March for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on two charges of war crimes in connection with the relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia. In the words of Yulia Ioffe, an assistant professor at University College London and an expert in children's rights legislation, if the allegations are proven, Belarus would "highly likely" be violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child. "The actions of Belarus may also amount to the crime against humanity of ‘deportation of forcible transfer of population’ under the Rome Statute of the ICC, provided there is sufficient evidence of forcible transfers being widespread or systematic," Ioffe said. Belarus, in any case, cannot be deemed a neutral nation to which children might lawfully be evacuated because there is no proof that Ukraine has provided authorisation, she added. As per the report, Ukrainian children were brought to the Belarusian Golden Sands Sanatorium in the Gomel area, as well as the Ostroshitsky Gorodok Sanatorium and Dubrava camp in the Minsk region. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets? The transfers of minors to Belarus were illegal and violated the Geneva Conventions and the statute of the International Criminal Court, the report said. Additionally, the first group of roughly 350 youngsters arrived from the seized Donetsk area on September 5 and 6, followed by the second and third groups in late September and mid-October. Additional transfers were performed in April and May of this year. The children were transported by bus to Russia from Russian-held territories of Ukraine and then by train to Belarus, it said. "Lukashenko personally ordered the transfers of orphans to Belarus and facilitated their arrival by financial and organisational support," it said, accusing him of war crimes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine probing reports of 2,150 children being shipped to Belarus, says prosecutor