Blistering heatwaves continue to grip Asia. Amid scorching heat in India and the rest of Asia, energy demands are spiking. To meet this rising demand, the authorities have been forced to return to coal. Coal-fired power plants are now reportedly back in operation.

Is the Russia-Ukraine war making the heatwaves in Asia even deadlier?

<p>At least five were injured after Ukrainian forces shelled the Belgorod region on Russia's border with Ukraine on Monday (May 22), the region's governor said, further adding that several houses were damaged and power lines were disrupted. So far, there are no reports of any fatalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official said that the Russian troops and intelligence agents were seeking to "eliminate" a Ukrainian "sabotage" group that crossed the Russian border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram: "A VSU [armed forces of Ukraine] sabotage group entered the territory of Grayvoron district." He referred to a district that lies on Ukraine's border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gladkov added, "The Russian Armed Forces together with border officials, the National Guard and the FSB are taking all the necessary measures to neutralize the enemy.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The governor said that two people were rushed to hospital and three more people were treated in hospital for shrapnel wounds in the town of Graivoron. He added that a local woman also received an arm injury.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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>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>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia claims it has taken control over Bakhmut&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Putin has been informed</strong></h2>

<p>The Kremlin said that Putin has been informed of a cross-border incursion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the "defence ministry, the FSB (security service) and the border service reported to the Russian president about an attempt of a Ukrainian sabotage group to break into the Belgorod region".&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Peskov said the incursion was designed to "divert attention" from Bakhmut and "minimise" Ukraine's loss of the eastern city, which Moscow claimed to capture.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine denies claims</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine denied being involved in the incursion as the presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak said that they are watching the events in the Belgorod region of Russia with interest and is studying the situation, but has nothing to do with it".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just this, Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for several reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory. Podolyak suggested that Russian "guerrilla groups" could be responsible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "The only driving political force in a totalitarian country of tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement. As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has said the incursion was designed by Ukraine to "divert attention from Bakhmut", after Moscow claimed to have captured the city over the weekend, but Kyiv denied this.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<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 five were injured after Ukrainian forces shelled the Belgorod region on Russia's border with Ukraine on Monday (May 22), the region's governor said, further adding that several houses were damaged and power lines were disrupted.

At least five were injured after Ukrainian forces shelled the Belgorod region on Russia's border with Ukraine on Monday (May 22), the region's governor said, further adding that several houses were damaged and power lines were disrupted. So far, there are no reports of any fatalities. The official said that the Russian troops and intelligence agents were seeking to "eliminate" a Ukrainian "sabotage" group that crossed the Russian border. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram: "A VSU [armed forces of Ukraine] sabotage group entered the territory of Grayvoron district." He referred to a district that lies on Ukraine's border. Gladkov added, "The Russian Armed Forces together with border officials, the National Guard and the FSB are taking all the necessary measures to neutralize the enemy.” The governor said that two people were rushed to hospital and three more people were treated in hospital for shrapnel wounds in the town of Graivoron. He added that a local woman also received an arm injury. 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. 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. WATCH | Russia claims it has taken control over Bakhmut × Putin has been informed The Kremlin said that Putin has been informed of a cross-border incursion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the "defence ministry, the FSB (security service) and the border service reported to the Russian president about an attempt of a Ukrainian sabotage group to break into the Belgorod region". Peskov said the incursion was designed to "divert attention" from Bakhmut and "minimise" Ukraine's loss of the eastern city, which Moscow claimed to capture. Ukraine denies claims Ukraine denied being involved in the incursion as the presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak said that they are watching the events in the Belgorod region of Russia with interest and is studying the situation, but has nothing to do with it". Not just this, Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for several reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory. Podolyak suggested that Russian "guerrilla groups" could be responsible. He said, "The only driving political force in a totalitarian country of tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement. As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens." Russia has said the incursion was designed by Ukraine to "divert attention from Bakhmut", after Moscow claimed to have captured the city over the weekend, but Kyiv denied this. (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.

Belgorod governor claims Ukraine shelled Russia's border region

<p>At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Japan to drum up support for his cause at the G7 summit, Russia has warned the West that providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets would be a ‘colossal risk’.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko was responding to questions about the implications of Ukraine receiving the advanced, multi-role fighter aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves," said&nbsp;Grushko.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.”</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian prez pushes for fighter jets</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky has been pushing the Western allies to supply the F-16 jets for months now. The Ukrainian leader&nbsp;discussed the proposition yet again with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G7 summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Following their discussion at Chequers earlier this week, the prime minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance needed to win the war and secure a just peace. The prime minister updated President Zelensky on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets," read a statement released by 10, Downing Street.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky received the booster shot of confidence for his pursuit after US President Joe Biden on Friday said the White House would be willing to back a joint international effort to train&nbsp;Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 and other modern fighter jets.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-come-down-heavy-on-g7-after-grouping-targets-them-594616"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia, China come down heavy on G7 after grouping targets them</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv wants the F-16 desperately</strong></h2>

<p>Kyiv is in desperate need of more arms and advanced jets, especially after Moscow's Wagner private military unit&nbsp;claimed it had finally managed to take full control of the ruined&nbsp;eastern city of Bahamut after months of vicious fighting, though Kyiv has issued a denial.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-zelenskiy-at-centre-of-last-day-of-g7-summit-594607"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine's Zelenskiy at centre of last day of G7 summit</strong></a></p>

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<p>Colonel Yuri Ignat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman asserted the significance of the F-16 saying ground troops will benefit from its use.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">"We need F-16s to become an integral part of our air defence. These fighters can engage aerial targets from both high and low altitudes," said Ignat,&nbsp;adding that the jets can carry advanced weapons.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">"By utilising F-16s, our ground troops will be able to swiftly liberate occupied Ukrainian territories by targeting enemy command posts, military groups and logistics supply chains."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Japan to drum up support for his cause at the G7 summit, Russia has warned the West that providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets would be a ‘colossal risk’.

At a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Japan to drum up support for his cause at the G7 summit, Russia has warned the West that providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets would be a ‘colossal risk’. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko was responding to questions about the implications of Ukraine receiving the advanced, multi-role fighter aircraft. “We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves," said Grushko. “In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.” Ukrainian prez pushes for fighter jets Zelensky has been pushing the Western allies to supply the F-16 jets for months now. The Ukrainian leader discussed the proposition yet again with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of the G7 summit. “Following their discussion at Chequers earlier this week, the prime minister reiterated that the UK would continue to provide Ukraine with the military assistance needed to win the war and secure a just peace. The prime minister updated President Zelensky on the very positive progress at the G7 so far, including new sanctions against Russia and the provision of fighter jets," read a statement released by 10, Downing Street. Zelensky received the booster shot of confidence for his pursuit after US President Joe Biden on Friday said the White House would be willing to back a joint international effort to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 and other modern fighter jets. ALSO READ | Russia, China come down heavy on G7 after grouping targets them Kyiv wants the F-16 desperately Kyiv is in desperate need of more arms and advanced jets, especially after Moscow's Wagner private military unit claimed it had finally managed to take full control of the ruined eastern city of Bahamut after months of vicious fighting, though Kyiv has issued a denial. WATCH | Ukraine's Zelenskiy at centre of last day of G7 summit × Colonel Yuri Ignat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman asserted the significance of the F-16 saying ground troops will benefit from its use. "We need F-16s to become an integral part of our air defence. These fighters can engage aerial targets from both high and low altitudes," said Ignat, adding that the jets can carry advanced weapons. "By utilising F-16s, our ground troops will be able to swiftly liberate occupied Ukrainian territories by targeting enemy command posts, military groups and logistics supply chains." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia says West's supply of F-16 jets to Ukraine would carry ‘colossal risks’

<p><meta charset="utf-8" />Bakhmut, which had&nbsp;come to represent the gruelling protracted war in Ukraine more than any other city, was reported to have been captured by Russia in various reports till Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson issues a denial and a clarification. On Saturday, (May 20th)&nbsp;Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that his mercenary fighters along with Russian troops had completed the capture of Bakhmut. He said,&nbsp;"Today, at 12 noon, Bakhmut was completely taken."</p>

<p>"We completely took the whole city, from house to house," added&nbsp;Prigozhin.</p>

<p>The claim, however, was&nbsp;promptly rejected by Ukraine, whose&nbsp;military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi told Reuters news agency: "This is not true. Our units are fighting in Bakhmut."</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know about Bakhmut's importance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war:</p>

<p>The city has been relentlessly attacked by Russia for around eight months now, leaving it as a burnt-out ghost town.</p>

<p>The Wagner group,&nbsp;a private militia owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman with ties to Russia's President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin,&nbsp;has been dispatching a barrage of soldiers and mercenaries from Moscow in an effort to attack Ukrainian strongholds, suffering significant losses in the process. Ukraine has also lost more than 1,100 soldiers fighting along the Bakhmut section of the front line, said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">“In less than a week, starting from the 6th March, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russia’s irreversible loss, right there, near Bakhmut,” Zelensky said in a video address to the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The city occasionally looked as though it were about to succumb as Russian forces inched closer. Yet, Ukrainian combatants have maintained their position on ground.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-714bd3dd-7fff-a0b1-2ce4-9d6c000cc0c5">Russia wants Bakhmut eagerly. But why?</b></h2>

<p><meta charset="utf-8" />The city of Bakhmut is located in the eastern part of Donetsk, more than 400 miles southeast of Kyiv, and 10 miles from the Luhansk region's border. With a pre-war population of about 71,000, the industrial city was popular because of its salt and gypsum mines.</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-74bb42d5-7fff-a907-56a3-fd9d7a667ff2"><img height="339" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/cLGGcXGC0J-mHuDT7gPUdHG17jdSm5uQCDF99lNxSTa2Fv2ktR2iaB0Whi6bcStbYa8sDfrsOBvtNYHmuzreZSNnHO13pHliqqf8JFSzSjmbHlzOudnETpngvAEqVtf0uOaCvTJpHDomYl8Iib0_Rl8" width="602" /></b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-1b448c9b-7fff-d13e-3fc2-acf4fb94de59"><img height="339" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/QvZPoPg40Oa4w39b6r8P5sTIxLOm_ezjS1tIibbDx1BGL7OEmiRSAuTnlhwx89XVrsSIBPohqrovWUYH1BzFENIGiuSU5Uqry-OKzEmAoNujzf7PZHtuSEa-B0rq5eku--s1fQD2uLBaxRg9TLfOgC4" width="602" /></b></p>

<p><meta charset="utf-8" />The battle for Bakhmut can be seen as a targeted attack by Russia, owing to the recent logistical challenges observed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Inadequate preparation, poor logistics, and unrealistic planning are some of the reasons for the failure of Russia's rapid invasion of Ukraine, according to the Swedish Defence University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the capture of Bakhmut, Russia is in a way trying to cut down all supply routes headed towards Lysychansk, which is where it plans to place a block, said Padmashree Anandhan, research associate, National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru,&nbsp;who spoke to WION. “This would weaken Ukraine’s position on the ground,” she added.</p>

<p>Bakhmut was “not a particularly symbolically or strategically important city” originally, said Karolina Hird, Russia analyst at ISW, who spoke to the Washington Post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Bakhmut has become a tussle for pride,” said Anandhan. It can be seen as a political goal to tell Europe that Russia does have the ability to push back Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday described Bakhmut as “an important defence node for Ukrainian forces” in the east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Taking it under control will make it possible to conduct further offensives deep into the Ukrainian armed forces’ defences,” he said in a statement.<meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>For Ukrainians, Bakhmut is not just a supply route but an open point to any future fight in Donetsk, keeping in view the geographical location of the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">The defeat of Bakhmut might compel Ukraine to consider how long the conflict might last and how it can employ new weaponry to advance in Donetsk, said Anandhan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, Bakhmut is an industrial region, rich in mining reserves. Losing hold of the city can have economic ramifications for Ukraine. Hence, Ukraine might not really want to give up on Bakhmut that easily, added Anandhan.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b id="docs-internal-guid-ce862a6e-7fff-fa09-95c0-359715d474e7">What does Ukraine look like on a map, one year into the war?</b></h2>

<p><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p dir="ltr"><meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-c1855ef2-7fff-6977-f306-32ba904d088f"><img height="339" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_yQXyK-DiECeuycsMuL_UtXcKyJesMYzcsTp24SASpBwPZOGg12L9ZpjxBGm6r5Vj4OaZ9RoOw9quLha5Xkv8TVIM51LCJFtHZchPJc52N0Xdhav-gzxbp9GtXLHANRDB4MsZS6at6gMWMjl7BW_Otw" width="602" /></b></p>

<p dir="ltr"><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Russian ground forces entered the country fast and took over a sizable portion of Ukraine within a few weeks. They had reached the outskirts of Kyiv and were in complete control of Sumy and the majority of the country's northeast, as per the ISW.</p>

<p>Russian soldiers were engulfing the port city of Mariupol while shelling Kharkiv and seizing land as far as Kherson in the east and south.</p>

<p>However, they encountered fierce Ukrainian resistance nearly everywhere and encountered significant logistical challenges due to an acute shortage of food, water, and ammunition, as reported by the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut</strong></p>

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<p>The NLAW anti-tank system, which was quickly deployed by Ukrainian forces and proved&nbsp;to be quite effective against the Russian assault, was one of the weapons delivered by the West.</p>

<p>With the influx of more western ammunition, the situation changed for Ukraine. Russia had entirely withdrawn from the north after failing to capture Kyiv, reported the BBC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Russia was forced to retreat from Kharkiv, Ukraine achieved its first significant victory and launched a counterattack near Kherson.</p>

<p>Ukraine has the authority of Kherson and has mostly stopped the Russian push in the east for the time being after the invasion one year ago.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Bakhmut, which had come to represent the gruelling protracted war in Ukraine more than any other city, was reported to have been captured by Russia in various reports till Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson issues a denial and a clarification.

Bakhmut, which had come to represent the gruelling protracted war in Ukraine more than any other city, was reported to have been captured by Russia in various reports till Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesperson issues a denial and a clarification. On Saturday, (May 20th) Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that his mercenary fighters along with Russian troops had completed the capture of Bakhmut. He said, "Today, at 12 noon, Bakhmut was completely taken." "We completely took the whole city, from house to house," added Prigozhin. The claim, however, was promptly rejected by Ukraine, whose military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi told Reuters news agency: "This is not true. Our units are fighting in Bakhmut." Here's all you need to know about Bakhmut's importance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war: The city has been relentlessly attacked by Russia for around eight months now, leaving it as a burnt-out ghost town. The Wagner group, a private militia owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a businessman with ties to Russia's President Vladimir Putin, has been dispatching a barrage of soldiers and mercenaries from Moscow in an effort to attack Ukrainian strongholds, suffering significant losses in the process. Ukraine has also lost more than 1,100 soldiers fighting along the Bakhmut section of the front line, said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. “In less than a week, starting from the 6th March, we managed to kill more than 1,100 enemy soldiers in the Bakhmut sector alone, Russia’s irreversible loss, right there, near Bakhmut,” Zelensky said in a video address to the nation. The city occasionally looked as though it were about to succumb as Russian forces inched closer. Yet, Ukrainian combatants have maintained their position on ground. Russia wants Bakhmut eagerly. But why? The city of Bakhmut is located in the eastern part of Donetsk, more than 400 miles southeast of Kyiv, and 10 miles from the Luhansk region's border. With a pre-war population of about 71,000, the industrial city was popular because of its salt and gypsum mines. The battle for Bakhmut can be seen as a targeted attack by Russia, owing to the recent logistical challenges observed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Inadequate preparation, poor logistics, and unrealistic planning are some of the reasons for the failure of Russia's rapid invasion of Ukraine, according to the Swedish Defence University. With the capture of Bakhmut, Russia is in a way trying to cut down all supply routes headed towards Lysychansk, which is where it plans to place a block, said Padmashree Anandhan, research associate, National Institute for Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, who spoke to WION. “This would weaken Ukraine’s position on the ground,” she added. Bakhmut was “not a particularly symbolically or strategically important city” originally, said Karolina Hird, Russia analyst at ISW, who spoke to the Washington Post. “Bakhmut has become a tussle for pride,” said Anandhan. It can be seen as a political goal to tell Europe that Russia does have the ability to push back Ukraine. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Tuesday described Bakhmut as “an important defence node for Ukrainian forces” in the east. “Taking it under control will make it possible to conduct further offensives deep into the Ukrainian armed forces’ defences,” he said in a statement. For Ukrainians, Bakhmut is not just a supply route but an open point to any future fight in Donetsk, keeping in view the geographical location of the city. The defeat of Bakhmut might compel Ukraine to consider how long the conflict might last and how it can employ new weaponry to advance in Donetsk, said Anandhan. Additionally, Bakhmut is an industrial region, rich in mining reserves. Losing hold of the city can have economic ramifications for Ukraine. Hence, Ukraine might not really want to give up on Bakhmut that easily, added Anandhan. What does Ukraine look like on a map, one year into the war? Russian ground forces entered the country fast and took over a sizable portion of Ukraine within a few weeks. They had reached the outskirts of Kyiv and were in complete control of Sumy and the majority of the country's northeast, as per the ISW. Russian soldiers were engulfing the port city of Mariupol while shelling Kharkiv and seizing land as far as Kherson in the east and south. However, they encountered fierce Ukrainian resistance nearly everywhere and encountered significant logistical challenges due to an acute shortage of food, water, and ammunition, as reported by the BBC. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut The NLAW anti-tank system, which was quickly deployed by Ukrainian forces and proved to be quite effective against the Russian assault, was one of the weapons delivered by the West. With the influx of more western ammunition, the situation changed for Ukraine. Russia had entirely withdrawn from the north after failing to capture Kyiv, reported the BBC. As Russia was forced to retreat from Kharkiv, Ukraine achieved its first significant victory and launched a counterattack near Kherson. Ukraine has the authority of Kherson and has mostly stopped the Russian push in the east for the time being after the invasion one year ago. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data lab | In maps: Strategic significance of Bakhmut in Russia-Ukraine war

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s press secretary&nbsp;Sergii Nykyforov has clarified the&nbsp;recent statement made by the leader on the fall of Bakhmut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Reporter’s question: Russians said they have taken Bakhmut. President’s reply: I think no,”&nbsp;Sergii Nykyforov wrote on Facebook, as he claimed that the leader was responding to a different part of the reporter’s question.</p>

<p>In Ukrainian language, he added, "In this way, the president denied the capture of Bakhmut."</p>

<p>Zelensky earlier on&nbsp;Sunday appeared to have confirmed the news of the warring nation having lost the city of Bakhmut when he was asked if the region is still in Ukraine's hands since Russia claims it has taken it over.<br />
<br />
“I think no,” said Zelensky, while answering about the current status of Bakhmut&nbsp;as he sat&nbsp;alongside US President Joe Biden during a meeting which was being held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You have to understand that there is nothing left in this place. They destroyed everything.. just ruins and a lot of dead Russians, but they came to us," he said,</p>

<p>Zelensky stated that&nbsp;Ukraine’s&nbsp;soldiers did "strong work" and "we appreciate their great job".</p>

<p>"For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts. There is nothing in this place. It is a tragedy,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-west-supplying-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-would-carry-colossal-risks-594646">Russia says West supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine would carry 'colossal risks'</a></p>

<p><br />
On Saturday, Russia had claimed that it&nbsp;has fully captured the war-torn eastern Ukrainian city. The fall of the city will mark the end of the bloodiest and longest battle in the already 15-month-old war.<br />
<br />
The Wagner Group of mercenaries led the assault on the largely levelled Ukrainian city. Earlier, Wagner Group's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said that the Ukrainians have been finally pushed out of the last built-up area inside the city.<br />
<br />
The Russian ministry issued a statement on Telegram almost eight hours after Prigozhin's claims. However, Kyiv denied the claim made by Prigozhin and stated that the fight for Bakhmut is still going on.<br />
<br />
Referring to the city through its Soviet-era name, the Russian ministry stated, “In the Artyomovsk tactical direction, the assault teams of the Wagner private military company with the support of artillery and aviation of the southern battlegroup have completed the liberation of the city of Artyomovsk.”<br />
<br />
The state news agencies of Russia had cited Kremlin’s press service as stating President Vladimir Putin “congratulates the Wagner assault detachments, as well as all servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces units, who provided them with the necessary support and flank protection, on the completion of the operation to liberate Artyomovsk.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Group: Russia did not supply with adequate ammunition | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Biden unveils new&nbsp;arms, ammunition package for Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Sunday unveiled a new weapons package for Kyiv as he held talks with Zelensky in Hiroshima, which is likely to become part of a large-scale counteroffensive which will be soon launched to push Russians back from the occupied territories.<br />
<br />
Biden stated that the package would include "ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles". The announcement comes days after the country permitted allies to transfer advanced F-16 jets to Ukraine.</p>

<p>“The United States continues to help Ukraine respond, recover and rebuild. We're also supporting peace,” Biden stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s press secretary Sergii Nykyforov has clarified the recent statement made by the leader on the fall of Bakhmut. “Reporter’s question: Russians said they have taken Bakhmut.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s press secretary Sergii Nykyforov has clarified the recent statement made by the leader on the fall of Bakhmut. “Reporter’s question: Russians said they have taken Bakhmut. President’s reply: I think no,” Sergii Nykyforov wrote on Facebook, as he claimed that the leader was responding to a different part of the reporter’s question. In Ukrainian language, he added, "In this way, the president denied the capture of Bakhmut." Zelensky earlier on Sunday appeared to have confirmed the news of the warring nation having lost the city of Bakhmut when he was asked if the region is still in Ukraine's hands since Russia claims it has taken it over. “I think no,” said Zelensky, while answering about the current status of Bakhmut as he sat alongside US President Joe Biden during a meeting which was being held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan. “You have to understand that there is nothing left in this place. They destroyed everything.. just ruins and a lot of dead Russians, but they came to us," he said, Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s soldiers did "strong work" and "we appreciate their great job". "For today, Bakhmut is only in our hearts. There is nothing in this place. It is a tragedy,” he added. ALSO READ | Russia says West supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine would carry 'colossal risks' On Saturday, Russia had claimed that it has fully captured the war-torn eastern Ukrainian city. The fall of the city will mark the end of the bloodiest and longest battle in the already 15-month-old war. The Wagner Group of mercenaries led the assault on the largely levelled Ukrainian city. Earlier, Wagner Group's leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said that the Ukrainians have been finally pushed out of the last built-up area inside the city. The Russian ministry issued a statement on Telegram almost eight hours after Prigozhin's claims. However, Kyiv denied the claim made by Prigozhin and stated that the fight for Bakhmut is still going on. Referring to the city through its Soviet-era name, the Russian ministry stated, “In the Artyomovsk tactical direction, the assault teams of the Wagner private military company with the support of artillery and aviation of the southern battlegroup have completed the liberation of the city of Artyomovsk.” The state news agencies of Russia had cited Kremlin’s press service as stating President Vladimir Putin “congratulates the Wagner assault detachments, as well as all servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces units, who provided them with the necessary support and flank protection, on the completion of the operation to liberate Artyomovsk.” WATCH | Wagner Group: Russia did not supply with adequate ammunition | Russia-Ukraine War Biden unveils new arms, ammunition package for Kyiv United States President Joe Biden on Sunday unveiled a new weapons package for Kyiv as he held talks with Zelensky in Hiroshima, which is likely to become part of a large-scale counteroffensive which will be soon launched to push Russians back from the occupied territories. Biden stated that the package would include "ammunition, artillery, armoured vehicles". The announcement comes days after the country permitted allies to transfer advanced F-16 jets to Ukraine. “The United States continues to help Ukraine respond, recover and rebuild. We're also supporting peace,” Biden stated. (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

Zelensky’s spokesperson clarifies Ukrainian leader’s ‘no’, says he denied fall of Bakhmut

<p>Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv.</p>

<p>Appearing in front of a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners, Prigozhin made the claim in a video posted on Telegram.</p>

<p>"Today, at 12 noon, Bakhmut was completely taken," Prigozhin said. "We completely took the whole city, from house to house."</p>

<p>Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi told Reuters: "This is not true. Our units are fighting in Bakhmut."</p>

<p>Currently at the end of its 15th month, the battle for control over Bakhmut has been the longest and bloodiest battle of the ongoing war in Ukraine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-in-maps-strategic-significance-of-bakhmut-in-russia-ukraine-war-571884">Here</a>, WION's Sneha Swaminathan explains Bakhmut's strategic significance in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine,&nbsp;in WION Datalabs.</p>

<p>The Wagner group's chief said that his forces would withdraw from Bakhmut from May 25 for recoupment and rest&nbsp;and hand over the control to regular Russian army.</p>

<h2><strong>Kiss Biden on top of his head: Wagner chief to Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner chief's video announcing Russian capture of Bakhmut coincided with the meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden in Japan's Hiroshima on the sidelines of Group of Seven (G-7) summit.</p>

<p>Prigozhin taunted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;on his meeting with Biden.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-will-soon-cease-to-exist-founder-tells-war-blogger-587166">Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing Zelenskyy, Prigozhin said: "Today when you see Biden, kiss him on the top of his head, say hi to him from me."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prigozhin also repeated his grievances towards regular Russian army and defence ministry in Moscow. He said that his forces suffered far heavier losses because of the inadequate support and ammunition supplies from the army.</p>

<p>Because of Russian bureaucracy and the "whims" of Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, "five times more guys died than they should have", he said in Saturday's video.</p>

<h2><strong>Capture of Bakhmut Russia's key immediate war aim: British intelligence</strong></h2>

<p>British defence intelligence said on Saturday it was "highly likely" that Russia had deployed up to several battalions to reinforce the Bakhmut sector, following Ukrainian tactical gains on the flanks of the town. It said this represented a "notable commitment by the Russian command".</p>

<p>"Russia's leadership likely continue to see capturing Bakhmut as the key immediate war aim which would allow them to claim some degree of success in the conflict," it said on Twitter.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Wagner Chief Prigozhin offered to share positions of Russian troops: Report</strong></p>

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<p>Prigozhin has himself acknowledged that Bakhmut, a city of 70,000 people before the war, had no strategic significance, but it took on huge symbolic importance for both sides because of the sheer intensity of the fighting and the scale of losses.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv. Appearing in front of a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners, Prigozhin made the claim in a video posted on Telegram.

Russia's Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said that Russian fighters had completed the capture of Bakhmut, a claim which was promptly rejected by Kyiv. Appearing in front of a line of fighters holding Russian flags and Wagner banners, Prigozhin made the claim in a video posted on Telegram. "Today, at 12 noon, Bakhmut was completely taken," Prigozhin said. "We completely took the whole city, from house to house." Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi told Reuters: "This is not true. Our units are fighting in Bakhmut." Currently at the end of its 15th month, the battle for control over Bakhmut has been the longest and bloodiest battle of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Here, WION's Sneha Swaminathan explains Bakhmut's strategic significance in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, in WION Datalabs. The Wagner group's chief said that his forces would withdraw from Bakhmut from May 25 for recoupment and rest and hand over the control to regular Russian army. Kiss Biden on top of his head: Wagner chief to Zelensky Wagner chief's video announcing Russian capture of Bakhmut coincided with the meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden in Japan's Hiroshima on the sidelines of Group of Seven (G-7) summit. Prigozhin taunted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his meeting with Biden. ALSO READ | Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger Addressing Zelenskyy, Prigozhin said: "Today when you see Biden, kiss him on the top of his head, say hi to him from me." Meanwhile, Prigozhin also repeated his grievances towards regular Russian army and defence ministry in Moscow. He said that his forces suffered far heavier losses because of the inadequate support and ammunition supplies from the army. Because of Russian bureaucracy and the "whims" of Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, "five times more guys died than they should have", he said in Saturday's video. Capture of Bakhmut Russia's key immediate war aim: British intelligence British defence intelligence said on Saturday it was "highly likely" that Russia had deployed up to several battalions to reinforce the Bakhmut sector, following Ukrainian tactical gains on the flanks of the town. It said this represented a "notable commitment by the Russian command". "Russia's leadership likely continue to see capturing Bakhmut as the key immediate war aim which would allow them to claim some degree of success in the conflict," it said on Twitter. ALSO WATCH | Wagner Chief Prigozhin offered to share positions of Russian troops: Report × Prigozhin has himself acknowledged that Bakhmut, a city of 70,000 people before the war, had no strategic significance, but it took on huge symbolic importance for both sides because of the sheer intensity of the fighting and the scale of losses. (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.

'Kiss Biden on top of his head', Wagner chief announces Russian capture of Bakhmut; Kyiv denies

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and&nbsp;National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.</p>

<p>"India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zelensky in Hiroshima.</p>

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he invited India to join Ukraine's peace formula during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky also invited Modi to visit Ukraine.</p>

<p>"I briefed the interlocutor in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula initiative and invited India to join its implementation. I spoke about Ukraine's needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals. I thank India for supporting our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organizations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>Shortly after the bilateral meet, India's PM Modi also took to Twitter and stated that he conveyed India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward". "We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine," Modi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/1srbIIJUB3">pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1659885164561051648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier during the bilateral meeting, Modi told Zelensky that he understands the pain of war currently faced by the Ukrainian people through the experiences of Indian students rescued from Ukraine at the onset of war last year.</p>

<p>"Since the last year and half, we are constantly in touch, but this is the first time we are meeting since Glasgow," Modi said while referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at UN Climate Change Conference in UK in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a political or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year, when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky.</p>

<p>While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out country's principled opposition to conflicts anywhere in the world, and even to Russian President Vladimir Putin by stating '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/todays-era-must-not-be-of-war-g20-draft-communique-uses-indian-pm-modis-remarks-to-putin-534278">Today's era is not the era of war</a>',&nbsp;New Delhi has refrained from directly criticising Russian actions at multilateral forums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is among the nations with whom&nbsp;Russia shares "special and privileged strategic partnership". The two countries share deep ties since India's freedom from the British in 1947.</p>

<p>As of April 2023, roughly 70&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the arsenal of the Indian armed forces is&nbsp;of Russian origin.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> held talks with President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. <a href="https://t.co/tEk3hWku7a">pic.twitter.com/tEk3hWku7a</a></p>
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1659857486147637249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shortly after the bilateral talks between the two leaders, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters that Zelensky appreciated India's support to Kyiv during the Covid crisis.</p>

<p>"The President recalled how he himself had taken Covishield vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India," Shringla said.</p>

<p>"President Zelensky expressed appreciation for India's support not only for vaccines but also for affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. He also suggested that India and Ukraine should collaborate in joint manufacture and production of a wide range medicines and other health equipment," Shringla added.</p>

<p>As many as 354,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, according to a trove of purported US intelligence documents posted online in April 2023.</p>

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan on Saturday, May 20. With India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval present by his side, this is the first time when PM Modi met Zelensky since Russia launched its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022. "India, and I, personally would do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine," India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Zelensky in Hiroshima. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said he invited India to join Ukraine's peace formula during his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Zelensky also invited Modi to visit Ukraine. "I briefed the interlocutor in detail on the Ukrainian Peace Formula initiative and invited India to join its implementation. I spoke about Ukraine's needs in humanitarian demining and mobile hospitals. I thank India for supporting our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, in particular, at the platforms of international organizations, and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter. Shortly after the bilateral meet, India's PM Modi also took to Twitter and stated that he conveyed India's support for "dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward". "We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine," Modi said. Met President @ZelenskyyUa in Hiroshima. Conveyed our clear support for dialogue and diplomacy to find a way forward. We will continue extending humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/1srbIIJUB3 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2023 × Earlier during the bilateral meeting, Modi told Zelensky that he understands the pain of war currently faced by the Ukrainian people through the experiences of Indian students rescued from Ukraine at the onset of war last year. "Since the last year and half, we are constantly in touch, but this is the first time we are meeting since Glasgow," Modi said while referring to the last bilateral meeting between the two leaders at UN Climate Change Conference in UK in 2021. "The war in Ukraine is a major issue for the world at large. It is affecting the world in multiple ways. But for me, this is not a political or economy-related issue. It is a humanitarian issue for me," Modi said. "You understand the pain of war better than us. But last year, when our children came back from Ukraine and the way they described the situation there, I was able to better understand the pain you and people of Ukraine are currently going through," Modi told Zelensky. While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out country's principled opposition to conflicts anywhere in the world, and even to Russian President Vladimir Putin by stating 'Today's era is not the era of war', New Delhi has refrained from directly criticising Russian actions at multilateral forums. India is among the nations with whom Russia shares "special and privileged strategic partnership". The two countries share deep ties since India's freedom from the British in 1947. As of April 2023, roughly 70 per cent of the arsenal of the Indian armed forces is of Russian origin. PM @narendramodi held talks with President @ZelenskyyUa during the G-7 Summit in Hiroshima. pic.twitter.com/tEk3hWku7a — PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 20, 2023 × Shortly after the bilateral talks between the two leaders, India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told reporters that Zelensky appreciated India's support to Kyiv during the Covid crisis. "The President recalled how he himself had taken Covishield vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India," Shringla said. "President Zelensky expressed appreciation for India's support not only for vaccines but also for affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. He also suggested that India and Ukraine should collaborate in joint manufacture and production of a wide range medicines and other health equipment," Shringla added. As many as 354,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or injured in the Ukraine war, according to a trove of purported US intelligence documents posted online in April 2023. 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.

I will do whatever it takes to stop the war in Ukraine: PM Modi tells Zelensky at G7 Summit

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;reached the Japanese city of Hiroshima on a French aircraft on Saturday to attend the G7 summit that is scheduled to run through Sunday. The Ukrainian president was escorted by a large convoy of vehicles as he arrived in Hiroshima.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Group of Seven (G7) consists of the world's major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G7 position on Russia</strong></h2>

<p>G7 leaders on Friday pledged to impose more sanctions on Russia in a show of strength for&nbsp;Ukraine. The leaders vowed "to stand together against Russia's illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-71-earthquake-rocks-east-of-new-caledonia-in-pacific-ocean-594298">Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued</a></p>

<p>The G7 countries have taken a collective stance on Russia over its Ukraine invasion. In 2014, Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine led to its suspension from the then-G8, which became the G7. The G7 countries condemned Russia's actions as a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-depicted-as-hitler-on-posters-in-france-avignon-police-initiate-probe-594370">Macron depicted as Hitler on posters in France's Avignon, police initiate probe</a></p>

<p>Since then, the G7 has maintained a firm stance on Russia. The group has consistently expressed concerns over Russia's actions in areas such as Ukraine, its destabilising activities in other countries, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and human rights issues.</p>

<p>G7 nations in a joint statement said the countries are "imposing further sanctions and measures to increase the costs to Russia and those who are supporting its war effort" to "starve Russia's war machine."</p>

<p>"We are also building on the success of our efforts to ensure that Russia is no longer able to weaponize the availability of energy against us and against the world," the statement added.</p>

<p>UK PM Rishi Sunak tweeted that ensuring Ukraine wins is the most important thing the leaders can do for global peace and security. "We are banning all imports of Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium and nickel. Sanctions are having a clear impact in degrading Putin’s war effort. The G7 stands united with Ukraine," he tweeted.&nbsp;<br />
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Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky reached the Japanese city of Hiroshima on a French aircraft on Saturday to attend the G7 summit that is scheduled to run through Sunday.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky reached the Japanese city of Hiroshima on a French aircraft on Saturday to attend the G7 summit that is scheduled to run through Sunday. The Ukrainian president was escorted by a large convoy of vehicles as he arrived in Hiroshima. The Group of Seven (G7) consists of the world's major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. G7 position on Russia G7 leaders on Friday pledged to impose more sanctions on Russia in a show of strength for Ukraine. The leaders vowed "to stand together against Russia's illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine." Also Read | Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued The G7 countries have taken a collective stance on Russia over its Ukraine invasion. In 2014, Russia's annexation of Crimea and its involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine led to its suspension from the then-G8, which became the G7. The G7 countries condemned Russia's actions as a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Also Read | Macron depicted as Hitler on posters in France's Avignon, police initiate probe Since then, the G7 has maintained a firm stance on Russia. The group has consistently expressed concerns over Russia's actions in areas such as Ukraine, its destabilising activities in other countries, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and human rights issues. G7 nations in a joint statement said the countries are "imposing further sanctions and measures to increase the costs to Russia and those who are supporting its war effort" to "starve Russia's war machine." "We are also building on the success of our efforts to ensure that Russia is no longer able to weaponize the availability of energy against us and against the world," the statement added. UK PM Rishi Sunak tweeted that ensuring Ukraine wins is the most important thing the leaders can do for global peace and security. "We are banning all imports of Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium and nickel. Sanctions are having a clear impact in degrading Putin’s war effort. The G7 stands united with Ukraine," he tweeted. 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’s Zelensky lands in Hiroshima on French aircraft to attend G7 summit

<p>Russian mercenary group received tens of thousands of protective helmets from China late last year, the Financial Times reported. The report mentioned the period of time when the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was apparently raising a massive prisoner army to attack Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that entities used by the warlord to equip his operations in Africa have continued to freely export and import items across international markets despite Western sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sanctions were aimed at curbing the private army that the US has designated as a "transnational crime organisation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that as seen in the customs filings and interviews, a Wagner-connected Russian company named Broker Expert purchased 20,000 polymer-based helmets from a small Chinese company called Hangzhou Shinerain Import And Export Co in November and December of last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese organisation claimed they were intended for "gaming purposes". The helmets were reportedly split over four shipments with a combined value of more than £2m.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Wagner chief told the media outlet in a voice message that he had "never heard of the name of the company" engaged in the helmet purchase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sarcastically, he also offered to send the FT "a large bag of my dirty laundry that I will collect over the course of a week or two so you can make a study of my underpants, socks, used toilet paper, and whatever else you want".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that Broker Expert sent power generators, welding electrodes, and fireproof insulating materials to a Prigozhin-controlled logging company in the Central African Republic in August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January, the US charged Wagner fighters in CAR with crimes including as "mass summary executions, rape, arbitrary detention, torture, and civilian displacement."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by FT, Marcel Plichta, who is a research fellow at the Centre for Global Law and Governance at the University of St Andrews, said: "That Prigozhin is still able to field armed contractors in Ukraine and at least three African countries, buy equipment from China, and smuggle resources show how resilient of a network he’s built."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is sometimes referred to as "Putin's chef" because he owns restaurants and catering enterprises that serve the Kremlin. He also admitted that he is the founder of the Wagner group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a recent development, he said that his army is leading the assault on the devastated eastern city of Bakhmut said in a Telegram message released on Friday (May 19). He claimed that "heavy, bloody battles" were continuing and also claimed his men were close to completing the capture of the city itself.&nbsp;</p>

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Russian mercenary group received tens of thousands of protective helmets from China late last year, the Financial Times reported. The report mentioned the period of time when the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was apparently raising a massive prisoner army to attack Ukraine.

Russian mercenary group received tens of thousands of protective helmets from China late last year, the Financial Times reported. The report mentioned the period of time when the Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was apparently raising a massive prisoner army to attack Ukraine. The report mentioned that entities used by the warlord to equip his operations in Africa have continued to freely export and import items across international markets despite Western sanctions. The sanctions were aimed at curbing the private army that the US has designated as a "transnational crime organisation". The report mentioned that as seen in the customs filings and interviews, a Wagner-connected Russian company named Broker Expert purchased 20,000 polymer-based helmets from a small Chinese company called Hangzhou Shinerain Import And Export Co in November and December of last year. The Chinese organisation claimed they were intended for "gaming purposes". The helmets were reportedly split over four shipments with a combined value of more than £2m. The Wagner chief told the media outlet in a voice message that he had "never heard of the name of the company" engaged in the helmet purchase. Sarcastically, he also offered to send the FT "a large bag of my dirty laundry that I will collect over the course of a week or two so you can make a study of my underpants, socks, used toilet paper, and whatever else you want". The report mentioned that Broker Expert sent power generators, welding electrodes, and fireproof insulating materials to a Prigozhin-controlled logging company in the Central African Republic in August. In January, the US charged Wagner fighters in CAR with crimes including as "mass summary executions, rape, arbitrary detention, torture, and civilian displacement." As quoted by FT, Marcel Plichta, who is a research fellow at the Centre for Global Law and Governance at the University of St Andrews, said: "That Prigozhin is still able to field armed contractors in Ukraine and at least three African countries, buy equipment from China, and smuggle resources show how resilient of a network he’s built." Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is sometimes referred to as "Putin's chef" because he owns restaurants and catering enterprises that serve the Kremlin. He also admitted that he is the founder of the Wagner group. In a recent development, he said that his army is leading the assault on the devastated eastern city of Bakhmut said in a Telegram message released on Friday (May 19). He claimed that "heavy, bloody battles" were continuing and also claimed his men were close to completing the capture of the city itself. 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.

China sent helmets to the Wagner mercenary group despite sanctions: Report

<p>Walking back on his earlier statements, US President Joe Biden on Friday informed his G7 allies that Washington DC will support a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation aircraft, including F-16s. The training is expected to commence in the coming weeks; however, it will take place in European countries. US military personnel will also take part in the training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden had earlier said that he didn’t think Ukraine needed F-16 fighter jets. The decision to form a joint training programme was made very quickly by Joe Biden after consultations with America’s European partners. Whether or not to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine was a major issue on the G7 meeting agenda. This comes after UK PM Rishi Sunak called on European nations having F-16s in their stockpile to send them to Ukraine to help defend the nation against a Russian offensive.</p>

<h2><strong>Training will take months to complete</strong></h2>

<p>A US official was quoted by CNN as saying that the training will take months to complete. “As the training takes place over the coming months, our coalition of countries participating in this effort will decide when to actually provide jets, how many we will provide, and who will provide them,” the official said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;G7 leaders reach Hiroshima in Japan ahead of the official G7 Summit</strong></p>

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<p>The official added that “to date, the United States and our allies and partners have focused on providing Ukraine with the vast majority of the systems, weapons, and training it requires to conduct offensive operations this spring and summer. Discussions about improving the Ukrainian Air Force reflect our long-term commitment to Ukraine’s self-defense.”</p>

<h2><strong>US to allow nations to send F-16s to Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Biden administration has also signalled to European allies that the US would soon allow them to send their F-16s to Ukraine. Some nations have agreed to help Ukraine; however, they will have to first take approval from the US as its sensitive technology is involved.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/what-is-g7-why-is-it-different-this-year-593935"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;What is G7? Why is it different this year?</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, UK PM had advocated for creating an international forum to help Ukraine procure advanced weaponry and to impart training to Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>F-16s: Ukraine’s longstanding demand</strong></h2>

<p>Following the decision by the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday hailed the 'historic' decision. Ukraine has argued that it needs F-16s to deter Russian missile and drone attacks. “We need F-16s, and I am grateful to our allies for their decision to work in this direction, including training our pilots,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. It must be noted that countries like Netherlands and Belgium have F-16s in their air force but Britain doesn’t.&nbsp;</p>

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Walking back on his earlier statements, US President Joe Biden on Friday informed his G7 allies that Washington DC will support a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation aircraft, including F-16s.

Walking back on his earlier statements, US President Joe Biden on Friday informed his G7 allies that Washington DC will support a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation aircraft, including F-16s. The training is expected to commence in the coming weeks; however, it will take place in European countries. US military personnel will also take part in the training. Biden had earlier said that he didn’t think Ukraine needed F-16 fighter jets. The decision to form a joint training programme was made very quickly by Joe Biden after consultations with America’s European partners. Whether or not to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine was a major issue on the G7 meeting agenda. This comes after UK PM Rishi Sunak called on European nations having F-16s in their stockpile to send them to Ukraine to help defend the nation against a Russian offensive. Training will take months to complete A US official was quoted by CNN as saying that the training will take months to complete. “As the training takes place over the coming months, our coalition of countries participating in this effort will decide when to actually provide jets, how many we will provide, and who will provide them,” the official said. Watch: G7 leaders reach Hiroshima in Japan ahead of the official G7 Summit × The official added that “to date, the United States and our allies and partners have focused on providing Ukraine with the vast majority of the systems, weapons, and training it requires to conduct offensive operations this spring and summer. Discussions about improving the Ukrainian Air Force reflect our long-term commitment to Ukraine’s self-defense.” US to allow nations to send F-16s to Ukraine Biden administration has also signalled to European allies that the US would soon allow them to send their F-16s to Ukraine. Some nations have agreed to help Ukraine; however, they will have to first take approval from the US as its sensitive technology is involved. Also Read | What is G7? Why is it different this year? Earlier, UK PM had advocated for creating an international forum to help Ukraine procure advanced weaponry and to impart training to Ukrainian troops. F-16s: Ukraine’s longstanding demand Following the decision by the US, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday hailed the 'historic' decision. Ukraine has argued that it needs F-16s to deter Russian missile and drone attacks. “We need F-16s, and I am grateful to our allies for their decision to work in this direction, including training our pilots,” said Andriy Yermak, head of the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. It must be noted that countries like Netherlands and Belgium have F-16s in their air force but Britain doesn’t. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Zelensky hails Biden's plan to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s

<p>The Group of Seven (G7) countries on Friday vowed to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, as it announced a plethora of sanctions to punish Vladimir Putin for launching an invasion against Ukraine.</p>

<p>The announcement came during the historic meeting in Hiroshima city of Japan, where the leaders of G7 countries vowed to restrict Russia’s access to G7 economies. The decision was made ahead of Ukraine President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the city.</p>

<section data-tracking-name="sharing-icons-inline">
<p>The Group of Seven (G7) consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, the European Union (EU) is a "non-enumerated member."</p>
</section>

<p>During the talks, the bloc pledged “to stand together against Russia's illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine."</p>

<p>“We will broaden our actions to ensure that exports of all items critical to Russia’s aggression... are restricted across all our jurisdictions,” they said in a joint statement.</p>

<p>“We will starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine,” the bloc added.</p>

<p>The grouping said they would step up efforts to prevent circumvention of their existing sanctions regime, “including targeting entities transporting material to the front”.</p>

<h2><strong>G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023: UK imposes sanctions on Russian diamonds ahead of G7 Summit</strong></h2>

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<h2>‘Russia's invasion illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked’</h2>

<p>The G7 leaders termed Russia's invasion "illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked" and called on President Vladimir Putin to "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine".</p>

<p>"We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russia’s manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the impact of Russia’s war on the rest of the world," they said while pledging more financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Kyiv "for as long as it takes."</p>

<p>"We express our full sympathy and condolences to the Ukrainian people for their loss and suffering.&nbsp;We salute the Ukrainian people for their brave resistance. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on the rest of the world."</p>

<h2><strong>Fresh sanctions by US, UK</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, the US at the G7 summit announced new set of sanctions on Friday in a bid to tighten screws on Moscow.</p>

<p>"All G7 members are preparing to implement new sanctions and export controls," a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Hiroshima, according to AFP.</p>

<p>He, however, did not disclose what were the G7 members planning but said that taken together with a substantial US package, they will "make it” even harder for Russia to sustain its war machine".</p>

<p>The US measures will aim to "extensively restrict Russia's access to goods that matter for its battlefield capabilities", the official said.</p>

<p>Britain has banned Russian diamonds in a new wave of sanctions to pressure Russia that will also prohibit imports of Russian-origin copper, aluminium and nickel.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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The Group of Seven (G7) countries on Friday vowed to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, as it announced a plethora of sanctions to punish Vladimir Putin for launching an invasion against Ukraine.

The Group of Seven (G7) countries on Friday vowed to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, as it announced a plethora of sanctions to punish Vladimir Putin for launching an invasion against Ukraine. The announcement came during the historic meeting in Hiroshima city of Japan, where the leaders of G7 countries vowed to restrict Russia’s access to G7 economies. The decision was made ahead of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the city. The Group of Seven (G7) consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, the European Union (EU) is a "non-enumerated member." During the talks, the bloc pledged “to stand together against Russia's illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine." “We will broaden our actions to ensure that exports of all items critical to Russia’s aggression... are restricted across all our jurisdictions,” they said in a joint statement. “We will starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine,” the bloc added. The grouping said they would step up efforts to prevent circumvention of their existing sanctions regime, “including targeting entities transporting material to the front”. G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023: UK imposes sanctions on Russian diamonds ahead of G7 Summit ‘Russia's invasion illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked’ The G7 leaders termed Russia's invasion "illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked" and called on President Vladimir Putin to "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine". "We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russia’s manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the impact of Russia’s war on the rest of the world," they said while pledging more financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Kyiv "for as long as it takes." "We express our full sympathy and condolences to the Ukrainian people for their loss and suffering. We salute the Ukrainian people for their brave resistance. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on the rest of the world." Fresh sanctions by US, UK According to local media reports, the US at the G7 summit announced new set of sanctions on Friday in a bid to tighten screws on Moscow. "All G7 members are preparing to implement new sanctions and export controls," a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Hiroshima, according to AFP. He, however, did not disclose what were the G7 members planning but said that taken together with a substantial US package, they will "make it” even harder for Russia to sustain its war machine". The US measures will aim to "extensively restrict Russia's access to goods that matter for its battlefield capabilities", the official said. Britain has banned Russian diamonds in a new wave of sanctions to pressure Russia that will also prohibit imports of Russian-origin copper, aluminium and nickel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

G7 leaders vow new set of tech, services sanctions to ‘starve Russian war machine’

<p>The United States, among other Western nations, sent million-dollar worth of military aid to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia in the ongoing war which began after Moscow launched a "special military" operation on February 24 last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the Pentagon overestimated the value of the ammunition, missiles and other equipment it sent to Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday citing a Senate aide and a defence official.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The source-based report stated that the Pentagon and State Department officials told congressional staff members on Thursday that the error-free and revised accounting frees up $3 billion worth of weapons — it means more weapons could be given from existing stocks to Ukraine for its defence against Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency, one of the senior defence officials said that "we've discovered inconsistencies in how we value the equipment that we've given" to Ukraine, the sources said that the officials and the Senate aide spoke on the condition of anonymity. The report mentioned that Congress is being notified of the accounting adjustment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence official said that the amount of overestimated weaponry might exceed $3 billion as the Pentagon conducts a detailed probe. The top defence officials said as quoted that in its accounting, the Pentagon used replacement cost to value the aid of the weapon, instead of the weaponry's value when it was purchased and depreciated. &nbsp;</p>

<p>US Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: "The Department of Defense's change in evaluating the costs of arms sent to Ukraine is a major mistake."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Its effect would be to underestimate future needs for our European allies. Our priority should be a Ukrainian victory over Putin. Unilaterally altering military aid calculations is an attempt at deception and undermines this goal," Wicker added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | Wagner Chief: Forces inside Bakhmut are still advancing&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>US aid to Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>The US has sent precision weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this month, the US announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country's air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At that time, the US Defense Department said in a statement that the package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine "by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine's armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US has sent in 37 Presidential Drawdown Authority packages including High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, Javelin anti-tank weapons and a Patriot surface-to-air missile system, and more.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the senior defence officials said that "the services - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines - were using, the current replacement cost of the item". &nbsp;</p>

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The United States, among other Western nations, sent million-dollar worth of military aid to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia in the ongoing war which began after Moscow launched a "special military" operation on February 24 last year.

The United States, among other Western nations, sent million-dollar worth of military aid to Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia in the ongoing war which began after Moscow launched a "special military" operation on February 24 last year. But the Pentagon overestimated the value of the ammunition, missiles and other equipment it sent to Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported on Thursday citing a Senate aide and a defence official. The source-based report stated that the Pentagon and State Department officials told congressional staff members on Thursday that the error-free and revised accounting frees up $3 billion worth of weapons — it means more weapons could be given from existing stocks to Ukraine for its defence against Russian forces. As quoted by the news agency, one of the senior defence officials said that "we've discovered inconsistencies in how we value the equipment that we've given" to Ukraine, the sources said that the officials and the Senate aide spoke on the condition of anonymity. The report mentioned that Congress is being notified of the accounting adjustment. The defence official said that the amount of overestimated weaponry might exceed $3 billion as the Pentagon conducts a detailed probe. The top defence officials said as quoted that in its accounting, the Pentagon used replacement cost to value the aid of the weapon, instead of the weaponry's value when it was purchased and depreciated. US Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: "The Department of Defense's change in evaluating the costs of arms sent to Ukraine is a major mistake." "Its effect would be to underestimate future needs for our European allies. Our priority should be a Ukrainian victory over Putin. Unilaterally altering military aid calculations is an attempt at deception and undermines this goal," Wicker added. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war | Wagner Chief: Forces inside Bakhmut are still advancing × US aid to Ukraine The US has sent precision weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this month, the US announced a new $1.2 billion security assistance package for Ukraine to boost the country's air defences and provide it with additional artillery ammunition. At that time, the US Defense Department said in a statement that the package underscores the continued US commitment to Ukraine "by committing critical near-term capabilities, such as air defense systems and munitions, while also building the capacity of Ukraine's armed forces to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression over the long term." The US has sent in 37 Presidential Drawdown Authority packages including High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers, Javelin anti-tank weapons and a Patriot surface-to-air missile system, and more. One of the senior defence officials said that "the services - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines - were using, the current replacement cost of the item". 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.

Pentagon made an accounting error. It overvalued Ukraine's weapons aid by $3 billion

<p>Russian prosecutors on Thursday, May 18, have asked the Oktyabr (October) district court to fine Kremlin critic, Yevgeny Roizman for his comments about the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian prosecutor has urged the judge to "find Yevgeny Roizman guilty and impose a fine of 260,000 rubles (nearly $3,250)" for discrediting the Russian military.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A trial by fire?</strong></h2>

<p>The 60-year-old critic Yevgeny Roizman, pleaded not guilty at the trial that began on April 26 this year. He was arrested in August last year for his statements on the Russia-Ukraine war that started in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trial, which was conducted on the basis of a video posted on YouTube in July 2022, where Roizman was allegedly accused of discrediting the Russian army could have ended in him being jailed for up to five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since his arrest, he has been barred from using the internet, telephones and mails. His communications have been limited to family members and his lawyers. Additionally, he has also been barred from attending any public event.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/battle-of-bakhmut-ukraine-says-it-made-new-advances-heavy-fighting-continues-593461">Battle of Bakhmut: Ukraine says it made new advances, heavy fighting continues</a></strong></p>

<p>Roizman was sentenced to 14 days in jail in mid-March this year while he awaited trial on a separate charge regarding the alleged distribution of extremist symbols.</p>

<h2><strong>The sentencing of Roizman</strong></h2>

<p>Since the war began, Roizman has been very vocal about the conflict. He has even been fined thrice on the account of ‘misdemeanour’ for ‘discrediting’ the Russian army.&nbsp;<br />
The lenient sentence asked by the prosecutor was justified on the grounds that the offence holds “low gravity” and the "mitigating circumstances" that includes the fact that Roizman has young children and is involved in charitable activities.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Missiles hit buildings in Russian-controlled Luhansk city</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s attempt to silence critics?</strong></h2>

<p>Since the Russia-Ukraine war started, Russia has been trying its best to suppress any uproar or voice of dissent that questions the legitimacy of the war or President Putin’s leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after the war began, President Putin signed a law which criminalises any criticism regarding the armed forces or the conduct of the Ukraine war; which the Russians consider to be a “special military operation.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>Several critics of the war have been jailed over a period of time for questioning the current scenario and Putin’s leadership. In April opposition politician and critic Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced by a court in Moscow for 25 years in prison on treason and other charges for criticising the war.&nbsp;</p>

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Russian prosecutors on Thursday, May 18, have asked the Oktyabr (October) district court to fine Kremlin critic, Yevgeny Roizman for his comments about the Ukraine conflict.

Russian prosecutors on Thursday, May 18, have asked the Oktyabr (October) district court to fine Kremlin critic, Yevgeny Roizman for his comments about the Ukraine conflict. The Russian prosecutor has urged the judge to "find Yevgeny Roizman guilty and impose a fine of 260,000 rubles (nearly $3,250)" for discrediting the Russian military. A trial by fire? The 60-year-old critic Yevgeny Roizman, pleaded not guilty at the trial that began on April 26 this year. He was arrested in August last year for his statements on the Russia-Ukraine war that started in February 2022. The trial, which was conducted on the basis of a video posted on YouTube in July 2022, where Roizman was allegedly accused of discrediting the Russian army could have ended in him being jailed for up to five years. Since his arrest, he has been barred from using the internet, telephones and mails. His communications have been limited to family members and his lawyers. Additionally, he has also been barred from attending any public event. ALSO READ | Battle of Bakhmut: Ukraine says it made new advances, heavy fighting continues Roizman was sentenced to 14 days in jail in mid-March this year while he awaited trial on a separate charge regarding the alleged distribution of extremist symbols. The sentencing of Roizman Since the war began, Roizman has been very vocal about the conflict. He has even been fined thrice on the account of ‘misdemeanour’ for ‘discrediting’ the Russian army. The lenient sentence asked by the prosecutor was justified on the grounds that the offence holds “low gravity” and the "mitigating circumstances" that includes the fact that Roizman has young children and is involved in charitable activities. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Missiles hit buildings in Russian-controlled Luhansk city × Russia’s attempt to silence critics? Since the Russia-Ukraine war started, Russia has been trying its best to suppress any uproar or voice of dissent that questions the legitimacy of the war or President Putin’s leadership. Shortly after the war began, President Putin signed a law which criminalises any criticism regarding the armed forces or the conduct of the Ukraine war; which the Russians consider to be a “special military operation.” Several critics of the war have been jailed over a period of time for questioning the current scenario and Putin’s leadership. In April opposition politician and critic Vladimir Kara-Murza was sentenced by a court in Moscow for 25 years in prison on treason and other charges for criticising the war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Fine imposed on critic Yevgeny Roizman for his comments on the Russia-Ukraine war

<p>The United Kingdom on Friday (May 19) unveiled new sanctions against Russia's minerals sector. In the latest round, Britain has targeted imports of aluminium, diamonds, copper, and nickel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the margins of a G7 summit in Japan, said, "As today's sanctions announcements demonstrate, the G7 remains unified in the face of the threat from Russia and steadfast in our support for Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the summit in Hiroshima, Japan, the UK said that the sanctions are aimed at banning Russian diamonds and will target more entities involved in Russian President Vladimir Putin's "military-industrial complex".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have mentioned that Russia's diamond trade is estimated to be worth $4-5 billion each year, providing much-needed tax money to the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ensuring Ukraine wins is the most important thing we can do for global peace and security.<br />
<br />
We are banning all imports of Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium and nickel.<br />
<br />
Sanctions are having a clear impact in degrading Putin’s war effort.<br />
<br />
The G7 stands united with 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/rrHblLoF5K">pic.twitter.com/rrHblLoF5K</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1659350475018207233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/G7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@G7</a> focus is and always has been on promoting peace &amp; global economic security.<br />
<br />
This year will be no different, I want to seize this opportunity to:<br />
<br />
📈Boost economic growth<br />
🇺🇦Show Putin that the G7 stands by Ukraine<br />
🤝Bolster peace and security in the Indo-Pacific <a href="https://t.co/zUZxQAo9pn">pic.twitter.com/zUZxQAo9pn</a></p>
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1659157920167100416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Besides those involved in the energy, metals and shipping industries, Britain is also targeting an additional 86 people and companies, including those who support the Kremlin's efforts to actively undermine the impact of existing sanctions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK government said that the announcement was made as Britain continues to engage with G7 allies to combat all types of sanctions evasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian missiles rain down on Kyiv, Odesa&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>G7 summit on Friday in Hiroshima&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Leaders of Japan, the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Canada and Italy have started to gather ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Friday in Hiroshima. The G7 countries are poised to use the summit to announce tightened sanctions on Russia and debate strategy on a more than year-long conflict that shows no sign of easing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK-based media outlets reported that at the summit, Sunak will probably try to pressurise leaders who have maintained a more neutral stance over the ongoing Russia-Ukrain war — for example, the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted, Sunak said, "One thing we have to keep doing is talking to countries like India and also Brazil. That is going to be in that second part of the summit which is a good thing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One of my three things is talking to countries around the world and making sure they realise what is going on, the war crimes Russia is committing inside Ukraine and why everyone should support bringing about a peaceful resolution to the conflict," Sunak said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A European Union official on Thursday said one potential target for discussion was Russia's multi-billion-dollar diamond industry.</p>

<p>As quoted by AFP, the official said: "We believe we need to limit exports from Russian trade in this sector." The member Belgium is among the largest wholesale buyers of Russian diamonds, along with India and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

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The United Kingdom on Friday (May 19) unveiled new sanctions against Russia's minerals sector. In the latest round, Britain has targeted imports of aluminium, diamonds, copper, and nickel.

The United Kingdom on Friday (May 19) unveiled new sanctions against Russia's minerals sector. In the latest round, Britain has targeted imports of aluminium, diamonds, copper, and nickel. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the margins of a G7 summit in Japan, said, "As today's sanctions announcements demonstrate, the G7 remains unified in the face of the threat from Russia and steadfast in our support for Ukraine." Ahead of the summit in Hiroshima, Japan, the UK said that the sanctions are aimed at banning Russian diamonds and will target more entities involved in Russian President Vladimir Putin's "military-industrial complex". Reports have mentioned that Russia's diamond trade is estimated to be worth $4-5 billion each year, providing much-needed tax money to the Kremlin. Ensuring Ukraine wins is the most important thing we can do for global peace and security. We are banning all imports of Russian diamonds, copper, aluminium and nickel. Sanctions are having a clear impact in degrading Putin’s war effort. The G7 stands united with 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/rrHblLoF5K — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 19, 2023 × The @G7 focus is and always has been on promoting peace & global economic security. This year will be no different, I want to seize this opportunity to: 📈Boost economic growth 🇺🇦Show Putin that the G7 stands by Ukraine 🤝Bolster peace and security in the Indo-Pacific pic.twitter.com/zUZxQAo9pn — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 18, 2023 × Besides those involved in the energy, metals and shipping industries, Britain is also targeting an additional 86 people and companies, including those who support the Kremlin's efforts to actively undermine the impact of existing sanctions. The UK government said that the announcement was made as Britain continues to engage with G7 allies to combat all types of sanctions evasion. WATCH | Russian missiles rain down on Kyiv, Odesa × G7 summit on Friday in Hiroshima Leaders of Japan, the United States, Germany, Britain, France, Canada and Italy have started to gather ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Friday in Hiroshima. The G7 countries are poised to use the summit to announce tightened sanctions on Russia and debate strategy on a more than year-long conflict that shows no sign of easing. UK-based media outlets reported that at the summit, Sunak will probably try to pressurise leaders who have maintained a more neutral stance over the ongoing Russia-Ukrain war — for example, the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. As quoted, Sunak said, "One thing we have to keep doing is talking to countries like India and also Brazil. That is going to be in that second part of the summit which is a good thing." "One of my three things is talking to countries around the world and making sure they realise what is going on, the war crimes Russia is committing inside Ukraine and why everyone should support bringing about a peaceful resolution to the conflict," Sunak said. A European Union official on Thursday said one potential target for discussion was Russia's multi-billion-dollar diamond industry. As quoted by AFP, the official said: "We believe we need to limit exports from Russian trade in this sector." The member Belgium is among the largest wholesale buyers of Russian diamonds, along with India and the United Arab Emirates. 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.

UK unveils new Russian sanctions, including ban on diamonds, copper

<p>Ukraine's military claimed that it had made new advances on Wednesday (May 17) in heavy fighting near the eastern city of Bakhmut. The war-torn nation also claimed that Russia was continuing to send in new units including paratroopers, and admitted that Moscow's forces were pushing deeper inside the town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency Reuters reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned sustained Russian shelling in several regions. In a video address, Zelensky said that these attacks showed the need to place further international pressure on Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi said, indicated that Russian forces have been pushed back in some areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are successfully conducting a defensive operation, counterattacking and during this day our units have penetrated up to 500 metres in some parts," he told Ukrainian television.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cherevatyi also noted that there was no sign that would suggest that Russian forces were short of ammunition, as claimed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cherevatyi said, "The enemy is seeking to take over the city at will, striking with all systems and calibres. They are moving new units there (to Bakhmut), primarily paratroopers, in an attempt to achieve some kind of intermediate success."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, the 🇷🇺 shelling of our Kherson region claimed the life of another child. A boy. His name was Vsevolod. He would have turned six years old in July.<br />
It was another artillery attack by 🇷🇺 terrorists. People were just on the street near an ordinary store.<br />
<br />
Regular 🇷🇺 shelling… <a href="https://t.co/gsHZPNDpSd">pic.twitter.com/gsHZPNDpSd</a></p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1658930383272935424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a recent development, Prigozhin said that his fighters have advanced in Bakhmut amid fierce fighting surrounded by the remaining buildings still controlled by Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin posted on the Telegram channel of his Concord Group: "Wagner PMC has advanced 260 meters [0.16 miles] more in Bakhmut. The enemy now occupies 1.85 km of territory [1.15 miles]."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Admitting the fierce fighting, he said, "The enemy offers fierce resistance. They fight for every house, every entranceway, every square meter of territory, despite the fact that the enemy only occupies a tiny percentage of territory."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar claimed on Tuesday that the forces have liberated substantial areas to the north and south of the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region in the past few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malyar said in a statement on social media: "In the last few days, our troops liberated around 20 square kilometres (7.7 square miles) in the north and south of the outskirts of Bakhmut."</p>

<p>"At the same time, the enemy is advancing in some measure inside Bakhmut itself and is completely destroying the town with artillery," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Grain deal</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukraine Black Sea&nbsp;grain&nbsp;deal has been extended for two more months. The UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the decision as "good news for the world". The announcement was made just a day before Russia could have quit the pact.&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>

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Ukraine's military claimed that it had made new advances on Wednesday (May 17) in heavy fighting near the eastern city of Bakhmut. The war-torn nation also claimed that Russia was continuing to send in new units including paratroopers, and admitted that Moscow's forces were pushing deeper inside the town.

Ukraine's military claimed that it had made new advances on Wednesday (May 17) in heavy fighting near the eastern city of Bakhmut. The war-torn nation also claimed that Russia was continuing to send in new units including paratroopers, and admitted that Moscow's forces were pushing deeper inside the town. News agency Reuters reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned sustained Russian shelling in several regions. In a video address, Zelensky said that these attacks showed the need to place further international pressure on Russia. What military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi said, indicated that Russian forces have been pushed back in some areas. "We are successfully conducting a defensive operation, counterattacking and during this day our units have penetrated up to 500 metres in some parts," he told Ukrainian television. Cherevatyi also noted that there was no sign that would suggest that Russian forces were short of ammunition, as claimed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group. Cherevatyi said, "The enemy is seeking to take over the city at will, striking with all systems and calibres. They are moving new units there (to Bakhmut), primarily paratroopers, in an attempt to achieve some kind of intermediate success." Today, the 🇷🇺 shelling of our Kherson region claimed the life of another child. A boy. His name was Vsevolod. He would have turned six years old in July. It was another artillery attack by 🇷🇺 terrorists. People were just on the street near an ordinary store. Regular 🇷🇺 shelling… pic.twitter.com/gsHZPNDpSd — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 17, 2023 × In a recent development, Prigozhin said that his fighters have advanced in Bakhmut amid fierce fighting surrounded by the remaining buildings still controlled by Ukrainian troops. Prigozhin posted on the Telegram channel of his Concord Group: "Wagner PMC has advanced 260 meters [0.16 miles] more in Bakhmut. The enemy now occupies 1.85 km of territory [1.15 miles]." Admitting the fierce fighting, he said, "The enemy offers fierce resistance. They fight for every house, every entranceway, every square meter of territory, despite the fact that the enemy only occupies a tiny percentage of territory." Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar claimed on Tuesday that the forces have liberated substantial areas to the north and south of the embattled eastern city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region in the past few days. Malyar said in a statement on social media: "In the last few days, our troops liberated around 20 square kilometres (7.7 square miles) in the north and south of the outskirts of Bakhmut." "At the same time, the enemy is advancing in some measure inside Bakhmut itself and is completely destroying the town with artillery," the statement added. Grain deal The Ukraine Black Sea grain deal has been extended for two more months. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the decision as "good news for the world". The announcement was made just a day before Russia could have quit the pact. 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.

Battle of Bakhmut: Ukraine says it made new advances, heavy fighting continues

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday (May 17), announced a two-month extension of the United Nations-backed deal allowing the war-torn to ship grains across the Black Sea to global markets. This comes as the last ship left a Ukrainian port under the deal which was due to expire on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to prolong the Black Sea grain deal for two more months,” said the Turkish president, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In a televised speech, Erdogan also thanked Russian and Ukrainian leaders as well as the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their help.&nbsp;Russia agreed not to block ships from leaving two Ukrainian harbours, Erdogan said while expressing&nbsp;hope that the deal would be "beneficial for all the parties".</p>

<p>The decision also comes as officials from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN which make up a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) gathered in Istanbul, last week, to discuss the extension of the Black Sea pact.<br />
<br />
"These agreements matter for global food security -&nbsp;Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world," said&nbsp;Guterres as he welcomed&nbsp;the move, and stressed&nbsp;the need&nbsp;for a more comprehensive, longer-term agreement.</p>

<p>The JCC officials near Turkey typically inspect and authorise ships before it travels to a Ukrainian Black Sea port via a maritime humanitarian corridor to collect their cargo and return to Turkish waters for a final inspection, as per Reuters. However, no vessels had been authorised by the JCC since May 4.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Ukraine is&nbsp;'grateful' to UN, Turkey</strong><br />
<br />
After the extension was confirmed,&nbsp;Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov took to Twitter and thanked&nbsp;United Nations and Turkey for their efforts. "The Black Sea Grain Initiative has been unblocked, (and) continues to be valid" until July 18, said&nbsp; Kubrakov, adding that&nbsp;Kyiv was "grateful to our partners" for their efforts in "strengthening food security."</p>

<p><strong>Russia's overall assessment remains unchanged</strong></p>

<p>The extension of the deal was later confirmed by&nbsp;Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova who said that it would help&nbsp;countries in need, adding that Moscow's&nbsp;overall assessment of the situation regarding the deal had not changed. This comes as Russia had threatened to pull out of the deal unless&nbsp;a list of conditions were met.<br />
<br />
"Our fundamental assessments of the Istanbul agreements concluded on July 22, 2022, have not changed, and the distortions in their implementation must be corrected as quickly as possible," said&nbsp;Zakharova&nbsp;in a video briefing to the press.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Notably, the UN back in July had agreed to help Moscow with its own agricultural shipments for three years. “There are still a lot of open questions regarding our part of the deal. Now a decision will have to be taken,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Moscow said restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments. However, the United States has since rejected these complaints and said that Russia is “exporting grain and fertiliser at the same levels, if not higher, than before the full scale invasion.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Black Sea grain export deal</strong></p>

<p>Among thousands of sanctions imposed by the West against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, exports of food and fertiliser have not reportedly been a part of any of such restrictions. According to the data from the UN, the DSM Capella, the last vessel now operating under the deal, had left the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk carrying 30,000 tonnes of corn and was on its way to Turkey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN-Turkey brokered deal allowing the safe passage of ships through the Black Sea began as an initial 120 days in July last year to help tackle a global food crisis which has been exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as the latter is one of the world’s leading grain exporters. In November, last year, the pact was extended after Moscow agreed to a 120-day extension and earlier this year agreed to a 60-day extension, which was to end on May 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday (May 17), announced a two-month extension of the United Nations-backed deal allowing the war-torn to ship grains across the Black Sea to global markets.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday (May 17), announced a two-month extension of the United Nations-backed deal allowing the war-torn to ship grains across the Black Sea to global markets. This comes as the last ship left a Ukrainian port under the deal which was due to expire on Thursday. “With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to prolong the Black Sea grain deal for two more months,” said the Turkish president, as quoted by news agency AFP. In a televised speech, Erdogan also thanked Russian and Ukrainian leaders as well as the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their help. Russia agreed not to block ships from leaving two Ukrainian harbours, Erdogan said while expressing hope that the deal would be "beneficial for all the parties". The decision also comes as officials from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN which make up a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) gathered in Istanbul, last week, to discuss the extension of the Black Sea pact. "These agreements matter for global food security - Ukrainian and Russian products feed the world," said Guterres as he welcomed the move, and stressed the need for a more comprehensive, longer-term agreement. The JCC officials near Turkey typically inspect and authorise ships before it travels to a Ukrainian Black Sea port via a maritime humanitarian corridor to collect their cargo and return to Turkish waters for a final inspection, as per Reuters. However, no vessels had been authorised by the JCC since May 4. Ukraine is 'grateful' to UN, Turkey After the extension was confirmed, Ukraine's Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov took to Twitter and thanked United Nations and Turkey for their efforts. "The Black Sea Grain Initiative has been unblocked, (and) continues to be valid" until July 18, said Kubrakov, adding that Kyiv was "grateful to our partners" for their efforts in "strengthening food security." Russia's overall assessment remains unchanged The extension of the deal was later confirmed by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova who said that it would help countries in need, adding that Moscow's overall assessment of the situation regarding the deal had not changed. This comes as Russia had threatened to pull out of the deal unless a list of conditions were met. "Our fundamental assessments of the Istanbul agreements concluded on July 22, 2022, have not changed, and the distortions in their implementation must be corrected as quickly as possible," said Zakharova in a video briefing to the press. Notably, the UN back in July had agreed to help Moscow with its own agricultural shipments for three years. “There are still a lot of open questions regarding our part of the deal. Now a decision will have to be taken,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday. This comes as Moscow said restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments. However, the United States has since rejected these complaints and said that Russia is “exporting grain and fertiliser at the same levels, if not higher, than before the full scale invasion.” Black Sea grain export deal Among thousands of sanctions imposed by the West against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, exports of food and fertiliser have not reportedly been a part of any of such restrictions. According to the data from the UN, the DSM Capella, the last vessel now operating under the deal, had left the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk carrying 30,000 tonnes of corn and was on its way to Turkey. The UN-Turkey brokered deal allowing the safe passage of ships through the Black Sea began as an initial 120 days in July last year to help tackle a global food crisis which has been exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as the latter is one of the world’s leading grain exporters. In November, last year, the pact was extended after Moscow agreed to a 120-day extension and earlier this year agreed to a 60-day extension, which was to end on May 18. (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 grain deal extended for two more months, Russia slams ‘distortions’ in implementation

<p>The defence ministers of the UK and Germany said on Wednesday (May 17) that any decision to send fighter jets to Ukraine rests with the White House. This stand has been despite a jet "coalition" announced by Britain and the Netherlands this week.</p>

<p>"This is up to the White House to decide whether it wants to release that technology," British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said after talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Berlin.</p>

<p>"It depends on the White House... to decide whether the F16 fighter planes can be delivered," said Pistorius.</p>

<p>On the first day of a Council of Europe summit in Iceland this week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte had agreed on the fighter jet club.</p>

<p>They said they would build an "international coalition to provide Ukraine with combat air capabilities, supporting with everything from training to procuring F16 jets".</p>

<h2><strong>UK does not have F16s</strong></h2>

<p>British Defence Minister Wallace pointed out that the UK did not have F16 jets and also underlined that there were no plans to send aircraft from its Typhoon fleet.</p>

<p>"But we can help the pipeline... we can enable other people who wish to," he said.</p>

<p>Pistorius said that Germany cannot "play an active role" in such an alliance "because we don't have the training capacity, the skills, or the aircraft".</p>

<p>Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor also said in Iceland that he did not see any direct 'requirements' for Germany over fighter jets.</p>

<h2><strong>Zelensky again presses for fighter jets</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pressing for fighter jets to help Ukraine repel Russia's invasion and repeated the request on a recent tour of the European capitals.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine: Russian Kinzhal missiles cannot destroy patriot system&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Zelensky said in London that he was "very positive" about creating a "jets coalition" in the war against Russia.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. After initial territorial gains, Russian troops were forced to retreat from large swathes of Ukrainian land in the face of counterattack from Ukraine. Russia then opted to attack targets in Ukraine using missiles. The missile attacks have and continue to batter Ukraine. The energy grid of the country has been extensively damaged due to the missile attacks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-eases-citizenship-process-for-foreigners-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine-593240">Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Along with efforts of its military, the Ukrainian pushback against the Russian war machine has largely been attributed to Western help. Western countries, the European Union and the UK have poured in huge humanitarian and military help. Millions and millions of dollars have been provided to Ukraine. The military help includes ammunitions, missile launchers, tanks, rocket systems and more.</p>

<p>Zelensky has been pushing for fighther jets for air superiority on the battlefield. But this is something Western countries have been dragging their foot about.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The defence ministers of the UK and Germany said on Wednesday (May 17) that any decision to send fighter jets to Ukraine rests with the White House. This stand has been despite a jet "coalition" announced by Britain and the Netherlands this week.

The defence ministers of the UK and Germany said on Wednesday (May 17) that any decision to send fighter jets to Ukraine rests with the White House. This stand has been despite a jet "coalition" announced by Britain and the Netherlands this week. "This is up to the White House to decide whether it wants to release that technology," British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said after talks with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Berlin. "It depends on the White House... to decide whether the F16 fighter planes can be delivered," said Pistorius. On the first day of a Council of Europe summit in Iceland this week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte had agreed on the fighter jet club. They said they would build an "international coalition to provide Ukraine with combat air capabilities, supporting with everything from training to procuring F16 jets". UK does not have F16s British Defence Minister Wallace pointed out that the UK did not have F16 jets and also underlined that there were no plans to send aircraft from its Typhoon fleet. "But we can help the pipeline... we can enable other people who wish to," he said. Pistorius said that Germany cannot "play an active role" in such an alliance "because we don't have the training capacity, the skills, or the aircraft". Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor also said in Iceland that he did not see any direct 'requirements' for Germany over fighter jets. Zelensky again presses for fighter jets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been pressing for fighter jets to help Ukraine repel Russia's invasion and repeated the request on a recent tour of the European capitals. Watch | Ukraine: Russian Kinzhal missiles cannot destroy patriot system × Zelensky said in London that he was "very positive" about creating a "jets coalition" in the war against Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. After initial territorial gains, Russian troops were forced to retreat from large swathes of Ukrainian land in the face of counterattack from Ukraine. Russia then opted to attack targets in Ukraine using missiles. The missile attacks have and continue to batter Ukraine. The energy grid of the country has been extensively damaged due to the missile attacks. Also Read | Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine Along with efforts of its military, the Ukrainian pushback against the Russian war machine has largely been attributed to Western help. Western countries, the European Union and the UK have poured in huge humanitarian and military help. Millions and millions of dollars have been provided to Ukraine. The military help includes ammunitions, missile launchers, tanks, rocket systems and more. Zelensky has been pushing for fighther jets for air superiority on the battlefield. But this is something Western countries have been dragging their foot about. (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 ×

Delivering F16 fighter jets to Ukraine ‘up to the White House’: UK defence minister

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<p>The Ukrainian military has said that a four-rotor commercial drone that sells over the counter for $300 can be modified to carry explosives that will destroy Russian tanks. Speaking to the news agency Reuters on Tuesday (May 16), a Ukrainian soldier, who uses the call sign Kakrurt, said, "Our team has done it many times. We have destroyed enemy tanks, heavy military equipment, personnel. It's a very effective gadget."</p>

<p>Kakurt, who was earlier working as an IT programmer, fights for Ukraine's 35th Marine Brigade, which modifies commercially-available drones and uses them to attack Russian forces. Reuters reported that the brigade shared visuals of these drones flying into what they said were Russian trenches before detonating.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-eases-citizenship-process-for-foreigners-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine-593240">Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>The brigade showed off small commercial drones with four rotors that buzzed around as they were flown by soldiers using handsets.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine invested hugely in drone technology</strong></h2>

<p>Kakrurt also told Reuters on Tuesday that Ukraine has invested hugely in drone technology, adding, "It's better to make effective use of technical resources instead of people. That's why the Ukrainian Armed Forces are developing very, very quickly in this direction."</p>

<p>Earlier, the Ukrainian government said it was expanding its drone programme for both reconnaissance and attacking enemy targets to narrow the gap between its military capabilities and those of Russia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine</strong></p>

<p>Another soldier, with the call sign Reshik, predicted that Kyiv would make broad use of drones that fly to their target before detonating when it starts its counter-offensive in the coming weeks.</p>

<p>"Kamikaze drones will play a huge role in the counteroffensive in attacking trenches where the enemy seeks shelter and in killing the enemy," Reshik said.</p>

<p>"Our Mavic (type of drone) is in the air, we see a tank driving, we fit the armour-piercing explosive to this part and let it fly. When we see infantry we fit the drone with shrapnel explosives and we fly it. If it is a building, we also fit it with shrapnel explosive and we fly inside the building," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shot down six Russian hypersonic missiles: Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine claimed on Tuesday that it shot down six<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Russian Kinzhal missiles in a single night. In a statement, the defence ministry said, "A high-precision strike by the hypersonic Kinzhal missile hit a US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile system in the city of Kyiv."</p>

<p>The Kinzhal missiles have been touted by Russia as a next-generation hypersonic missile. When asked about Ukraine's claim, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu dismissed it. But his ministry said that a Kinzhal missile destroyed U.S.-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
<br />
<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><br />
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The Ukrainian military has said that a four-rotor commercial drone that sells over the counter for $300 can be modified to carry explosives that will destroy Russian tanks.

The Ukrainian military has said that a four-rotor commercial drone that sells over the counter for $300 can be modified to carry explosives that will destroy Russian tanks. Speaking to the news agency Reuters on Tuesday (May 16), a Ukrainian soldier, who uses the call sign Kakrurt, said, "Our team has done it many times. We have destroyed enemy tanks, heavy military equipment, personnel. It's a very effective gadget." Kakurt, who was earlier working as an IT programmer, fights for Ukraine's 35th Marine Brigade, which modifies commercially-available drones and uses them to attack Russian forces. Reuters reported that the brigade shared visuals of these drones flying into what they said were Russian trenches before detonating. ALSO READ | Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine The brigade showed off small commercial drones with four rotors that buzzed around as they were flown by soldiers using handsets. Ukraine invested hugely in drone technology Kakrurt also told Reuters on Tuesday that Ukraine has invested hugely in drone technology, adding, "It's better to make effective use of technical resources instead of people. That's why the Ukrainian Armed Forces are developing very, very quickly in this direction." Earlier, the Ukrainian government said it was expanding its drone programme for both reconnaissance and attacking enemy targets to narrow the gap between its military capabilities and those of Russia. ALSO READ | Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine Another soldier, with the call sign Reshik, predicted that Kyiv would make broad use of drones that fly to their target before detonating when it starts its counter-offensive in the coming weeks. "Kamikaze drones will play a huge role in the counteroffensive in attacking trenches where the enemy seeks shelter and in killing the enemy," Reshik said. "Our Mavic (type of drone) is in the air, we see a tank driving, we fit the armour-piercing explosive to this part and let it fly. When we see infantry we fit the drone with shrapnel explosives and we fly it. If it is a building, we also fit it with shrapnel explosive and we fly inside the building," he added. Shot down six Russian hypersonic missiles: Ukraine Ukraine claimed on Tuesday that it shot down six Russian Kinzhal missiles in a single night. In a statement, the defence ministry said, "A high-precision strike by the hypersonic Kinzhal missile hit a US-made Patriot anti-aircraft missile system in the city of Kyiv." The Kinzhal missiles have been touted by Russia as a next-generation hypersonic missile. When asked about Ukraine's claim, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu dismissed it. But his ministry said that a Kinzhal missile destroyed U.S.-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system. (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. 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

Ukraine war: Kyiv modifies commercial drones to attack Russian forces

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the air defence system that apparently shot down Russia's&nbsp;Kinzhal missiles in one night.&nbsp;Zelensky said that the US Patriot missile system was 'unreal' and also thanked everyone who worked towards the air defence systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv had claimed that it had shot down six of the missiles, a key weapon for Russia which has intensified its long-range strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said, "We must also remember how much effort such weapons cost for Ukraine. The amount of time, energy, arguments, meetings, and information work that allowed us to build such an air defence system."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the first time Ukraine claimed to have hit a barrage of several Kinzhal missiles, and if confirmed, it would demonstrate the effectiveness of Kyiv's newly deployed Western air defences. The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, said all had been successfully intercepted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Can Africa end the Russia-Ukraine war?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Moscow denied that Kyiv's air defences downed Kinzhal missiles. In fact, the Zvezda military news outlet reported that Russia's defence ministry claimed to have destroyed a US-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system with a Kinzhal missile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told the Ria Novosti state news agency, said: "Russia has not launched as many Kinzhals as (Ukraine) says it has shot down."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said, "Another incredible success for the Ukrainian air force."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky told the Council of Europe via videoconference that "100 per cent" of Russian missiles fired against Ukrainian territory overnight Monday to Tuesday had been intercepted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about Kinzhal missiles?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the United States, the Kinzhal swiftly accelerates to Mach 4 (4,900 km/h) after launch and may reach speeds of up to Mach 10 - or 10 times the speed of sound. Weapons that travel at least five times the speed of sound are known as hypersonic weapons.</p>

<p>The Kinzhal missile, whose name means "dagger," has a range of 2,000 kilometres and may carry conventional or nuclear bombs. Russia employed the weapon in conflict for the first time last year in Ukraine, but has only admitted to shooting the missiles on a few occasions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Air raid sirens wailed across practically all of Ukraine early Tuesday, and could be heard over Kyiv and the surrounding region for more than three hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said, "A year ago, we were not able to shoot down most of the terrorists' missiles, especially ballistic ones, And I am asking one thing now. If we are able to do this, is there anything we can't do?"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the air defence system that apparently shot down Russia's Kinzhal missiles in one night. Zelensky said that the US Patriot missile system was 'unreal' and also thanked everyone who worked towards the air defence systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the air defence system that apparently shot down Russia's Kinzhal missiles in one night. Zelensky said that the US Patriot missile system was 'unreal' and also thanked everyone who worked towards the air defence systems. Kyiv had claimed that it had shot down six of the missiles, a key weapon for Russia which has intensified its long-range strikes. Zelensky said, "We must also remember how much effort such weapons cost for Ukraine. The amount of time, energy, arguments, meetings, and information work that allowed us to build such an air defence system." It was the first time Ukraine claimed to have hit a barrage of several Kinzhal missiles, and if confirmed, it would demonstrate the effectiveness of Kyiv's newly deployed Western air defences. The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, said all had been successfully intercepted. WATCH | Can Africa end the Russia-Ukraine war? × Meanwhile, Moscow denied that Kyiv's air defences downed Kinzhal missiles. In fact, the Zvezda military news outlet reported that Russia's defence ministry claimed to have destroyed a US-built Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system with a Kinzhal missile. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told the Ria Novosti state news agency, said: "Russia has not launched as many Kinzhals as (Ukraine) says it has shot down." Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said, "Another incredible success for the Ukrainian air force." Zelensky told the Council of Europe via videoconference that "100 per cent" of Russian missiles fired against Ukrainian territory overnight Monday to Tuesday had been intercepted. What do we know about Kinzhal missiles? According to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the United States, the Kinzhal swiftly accelerates to Mach 4 (4,900 km/h) after launch and may reach speeds of up to Mach 10 - or 10 times the speed of sound. Weapons that travel at least five times the speed of sound are known as hypersonic weapons. The Kinzhal missile, whose name means "dagger," has a range of 2,000 kilometres and may carry conventional or nuclear bombs. Russia employed the weapon in conflict for the first time last year in Ukraine, but has only admitted to shooting the missiles on a few occasions. Air raid sirens wailed across practically all of Ukraine early Tuesday, and could be heard over Kyiv and the surrounding region for more than three hours. Zelensky said, "A year ago, we were not able to shoot down most of the terrorists' missiles, especially ballistic ones, And I am asking one thing now. If we are able to do this, is there anything we can't do?" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow denies that Kyiv's air defences downed Kinzhal hypersonic missiles

<p>The Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down at least six Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles in an overnight missile barrage of nearly 20 missiles and drones, a weapon which Moscow has previously touted as all but unstoppable. Meanwhile, Russia said it hit “all assigned targets” in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, on Tuesday, said that their military has reclaimed about 20 square kilometres of territory from the Russian forces in the past few days around Bakhmut. This comes amid speculations that Kyiv has begun its long-promised spring counter-offensive to take back the Russian-controlled regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Overnight barrage of missiles</strong></p>

<p>Air raid sirens were sounded across Ukraine, early Tuesday, for over three hours. After which Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov took to Twitter and wrote, “Another unbelievable success for the Ukrainian Air Forces! Last night, our sky defenders shot down SIX russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and 12 other missiles.”</p>

<p>It was also said that some 18 missiles were launched at Ukraine overnight where flashes and raining debris were seen in Kyiv, as per Reuters. Out of the 18 projectiles, six were Kinzhals hypersonic missiles, while others were ballistic missiles which travel at up to 10 times the speed of sound, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Ukrainian officials, all of the 18 missiles and nine drones launched by Russia overnight were destroyed. This also comes weeks after Kyiv had said it downed its first Kinzhal missile after receiving its first US Patriot air defence system in April. However, this time around Ukrainian officials did not specify which weapons were used to counter the attack on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian city officials in Kyiv also reported that three people were injured by the falling debris. “It was exceptional in its density - the maximum number of attack missiles in the shortest period of time,” said the head of Kyiv’s city military administration, Serhiy Popko, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, also confirmed that all missiles had been successfully intercepted, adding that six Kinzhals were launched from aircraft, nine Kalibr cruise missiles from ships in the Black Sea and three Iskanders fired from land.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Russia hits targets in Ukraine</strong></p>

<p>After the missile barrage, the Russian defence ministry released a statement and said that they used long-range precision-strike missiles to target storage facilities hosting “ammunition, weapons and military equipment supplied by Western countries.” It added that “all assigned targets have been hit”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by the Zvezda military news outlet, the Russian defence minister also said that it destroyed the US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system with a Kinzhal missile.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Ukraine makes gains around Bakhmut</strong></p>

<p>Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar while announcing the reclamation of 20 square kilometres of territory also reiterated that Ukrainian advances around Bakhmut are not part of a broader counteroffensive planned by Kyiv and these developments should not be “taken out of context”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For example, within a few days, our troops liberated about 20 square kilometers from the enemy in the north and south of the suburbs of Bakhmut,” Maliar wrote on Telegram. She added that at the same time, Russia is “advancing somewhat in Bakhmut itself, completely destroying the city with artillery”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes after Moscow acknowledged that some of its forces had fallen back from the north of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut following a new Ukrainian offensive. However, Maliar also said that Russia is sending new paratroopers while “heavy battles continue with different results”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Attacks in Ukraine’s Kherson</strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian official and head of regional administration in Kherson, Oleksandr Prokudin, as per Reuters, said Russia launched at least 80 artillery attacks on the region including artillery attacks on the city of Kherson. At least six people, including a child, were injured when a residential area was hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><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><br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down at least six Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles in an overnight missile barrage of nearly 20 missiles and drones, a weapon which Moscow has previously touted as all but unstoppable.

The Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down at least six Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles in an overnight missile barrage of nearly 20 missiles and drones, a weapon which Moscow has previously touted as all but unstoppable. Meanwhile, Russia said it hit “all assigned targets” in Ukraine. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar, on Tuesday, said that their military has reclaimed about 20 square kilometres of territory from the Russian forces in the past few days around Bakhmut. This comes amid speculations that Kyiv has begun its long-promised spring counter-offensive to take back the Russian-controlled regions. Overnight barrage of missiles Air raid sirens were sounded across Ukraine, early Tuesday, for over three hours. After which Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov took to Twitter and wrote, “Another unbelievable success for the Ukrainian Air Forces! Last night, our sky defenders shot down SIX russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and 12 other missiles.” It was also said that some 18 missiles were launched at Ukraine overnight where flashes and raining debris were seen in Kyiv, as per Reuters. Out of the 18 projectiles, six were Kinzhals hypersonic missiles, while others were ballistic missiles which travel at up to 10 times the speed of sound, as per media reports. According to Ukrainian officials, all of the 18 missiles and nine drones launched by Russia overnight were destroyed. This also comes weeks after Kyiv had said it downed its first Kinzhal missile after receiving its first US Patriot air defence system in April. However, this time around Ukrainian officials did not specify which weapons were used to counter the attack on Tuesday. Ukrainian city officials in Kyiv also reported that three people were injured by the falling debris. “It was exceptional in its density - the maximum number of attack missiles in the shortest period of time,” said the head of Kyiv’s city military administration, Serhiy Popko, as quoted by Reuters. The Commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, also confirmed that all missiles had been successfully intercepted, adding that six Kinzhals were launched from aircraft, nine Kalibr cruise missiles from ships in the Black Sea and three Iskanders fired from land. Russia hits targets in Ukraine After the missile barrage, the Russian defence ministry released a statement and said that they used long-range precision-strike missiles to target storage facilities hosting “ammunition, weapons and military equipment supplied by Western countries.” It added that “all assigned targets have been hit”. According to a report by the Zvezda military news outlet, the Russian defence minister also said that it destroyed the US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile defence system with a Kinzhal missile. Ukraine makes gains around Bakhmut Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar while announcing the reclamation of 20 square kilometres of territory also reiterated that Ukrainian advances around Bakhmut are not part of a broader counteroffensive planned by Kyiv and these developments should not be “taken out of context”. “For example, within a few days, our troops liberated about 20 square kilometers from the enemy in the north and south of the suburbs of Bakhmut,” Maliar wrote on Telegram. She added that at the same time, Russia is “advancing somewhat in Bakhmut itself, completely destroying the city with artillery”. This also comes after Moscow acknowledged that some of its forces had fallen back from the north of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut following a new Ukrainian offensive. However, Maliar also said that Russia is sending new paratroopers while “heavy battles continue with different results”. Attacks in Ukraine’s Kherson Ukrainian official and head of regional administration in Kherson, Oleksandr Prokudin, as per Reuters, said Russia launched at least 80 artillery attacks on the region including artillery attacks on the city of Kherson. At least six people, including a child, were injured when a residential area was hit. 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 claims gains in Bakhmut, shooting down Russian missiles and drones amid overnight barrage

<p>The United States said on Monday (May 15) that Russia and Iran are "expanding their unprecedented defence partnership". The Ukraine war prompted the West to impose sanctions on Moscow, and after that, Russia ramped up ties with Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever since the war started, claims and counterclaims have been made over the use of Iranian drones in Ukraine, but both, Russia and Iran, have denied the claims as the Kremlin once said that it had no knowledge of its army using such weapons. Meanwhile, Tehran had said that it was ready for talks with Kyiv to clarify the claims.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that "we are using the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities and we are prepared to do more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>US intelligence stated that Russia, one of the world's top military powers, has been obliged to rely on Iran for supplies as it suffers battlefield losses in its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirby highlighted that Moscow needs to acquire more sophisticated unmanned military drones as a key part of the growing cooperation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He told reporters, "Interactions between Iran and Russia in matters regarding the selling of advanced weapons, especially more advanced UAVs, are now continuing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirby added that "this is a full-scale defence partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to the region in the Middle East, and to the international community". He mentioned that further sanctions would soon be announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We are using the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities and we are prepared to do more. In the coming days, we will be announcing additional designations against those involved."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Wagner Chief Prigozhin offered to share positions of Russian troops: Report&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>During the course of the Ukraine war, the US and Western countries have alleged that Iranian military staff had been deployed in Crimea to assist Russian forces using Iranian-made drones to attack Ukraine. The West slapped sanctions on Tehran in response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had even said that Moscow's use of drones built in Iran in operations against his nation was a sign of the Kremlin's "military and political bankruptcy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Kirby made the same allegations, as he said that Iran had delivered more than 400 drones to Russia since August, mainly of the Shahed type.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that Iran is seeking to buy attack helicopters, radars and Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia, noting that "in total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment." He added the United States had not detected "any movement" on ballistic missiles between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Zelensky on a visit to Britain Monday won a promise of "hundreds" more missiles and drones - and said his coveted goal of enlisting Western fighter jets was drawing nearer.&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>

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The United States said on Monday (May 15) that Russia and Iran are "expanding their unprecedented defence partnership". The Ukraine war prompted the West to impose sanctions on Moscow, and after that, Russia ramped up ties with Iran.

The United States said on Monday (May 15) that Russia and Iran are "expanding their unprecedented defence partnership". The Ukraine war prompted the West to impose sanctions on Moscow, and after that, Russia ramped up ties with Iran. Ever since the war started, claims and counterclaims have been made over the use of Iranian drones in Ukraine, but both, Russia and Iran, have denied the claims as the Kremlin once said that it had no knowledge of its army using such weapons. Meanwhile, Tehran had said that it was ready for talks with Kyiv to clarify the claims. But US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that "we are using the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities and we are prepared to do more." US intelligence stated that Russia, one of the world's top military powers, has been obliged to rely on Iran for supplies as it suffers battlefield losses in its invasion of Ukraine. Kirby highlighted that Moscow needs to acquire more sophisticated unmanned military drones as a key part of the growing cooperation. He told reporters, "Interactions between Iran and Russia in matters regarding the selling of advanced weapons, especially more advanced UAVs, are now continuing." Kirby added that "this is a full-scale defence partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to the region in the Middle East, and to the international community". He mentioned that further sanctions would soon be announced. He said, "We are using the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities and we are prepared to do more. In the coming days, we will be announcing additional designations against those involved." WATCH | Wagner Chief Prigozhin offered to share positions of Russian troops: Report × During the course of the Ukraine war, the US and Western countries have alleged that Iranian military staff had been deployed in Crimea to assist Russian forces using Iranian-made drones to attack Ukraine. The West slapped sanctions on Tehran in response. In fact, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had even said that Moscow's use of drones built in Iran in operations against his nation was a sign of the Kremlin's "military and political bankruptcy". Now, Kirby made the same allegations, as he said that Iran had delivered more than 400 drones to Russia since August, mainly of the Shahed type. He said that Iran is seeking to buy attack helicopters, radars and Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia, noting that "in total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment." He added the United States had not detected "any movement" on ballistic missiles between the two countries. Meanwhile, Zelensky on a visit to Britain Monday won a promise of "hundreds" more missiles and drones - and said his coveted goal of enlisting Western fighter jets was drawing nearer. 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.

US: Iran and Russia expanding their 'unprecedented defence' partnership

<p>Germany's defence ministry on Saturday announced that they are preparing the country's biggest yet military aid package for Ukraine, which is worth 2.7 billion euros ($2.95 billion) ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Berlin.</p>

<p>"We all hope for a rapid end to this terrible war by Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately this is not in sight," said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement.</p>

<p>"This is why Germany will supply all the help that it can, for as long as necessary," he added.</p>

<p>Welcoming the weapons package from Germany, which includes 30 additional Leopard-1 tanks, Marder armoured vehicles, air-defence systems and surveillance drones, Kyiv said that Moscow may now not see a victory in the war.</p>

<p>President Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the new arms package of Germany indicates that Russia was "bound to lose and sit on the bench of historical shame."</p>

<p>Increasingly powerful weapons have been delivered by the Western allies to Ukraine though they have still not given advanced fighter jets which Zelensky has requested.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-delivers-long-range-storm-shadow-cruise-missiles-to-ukraine-591384">UK delivers long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles to Ukraine</a></p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv says 'moving forward' along Bakhmut front line</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's senior military commander on Saturday said that Kyiv's forces are advancing along part of the Bakhmut front line against Russian forces.</p>

<p>"Our soldiers are moving forward in some areas of the front, and the enemy is losing equipment and manpower," said the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces Oleksandr Syrskyi on social media.</p>

<p>Kyiv on Friday stated it had re-captured swathes of the area near Bakhmut, although Moscow insisted that the attack was repelled along a broad stretch of the front line.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia acknowledges retreat north of Bakhmut, Wagner boss calls it a 'rout'</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Kyiv using UK missiles to hit 'civilian targets', alleges Moscow</strong></h2>

<p>Moscow on Saturday said that British long-range missiles are being used by Kyiv to hit civilian sites in the eastern city of Lugansk where six children have been injured.</p>

<p>On Friday evening, the defence ministry said that two civilian enterprises have been hit by Ukraine's armed forces, adding: "Storm Shadow air-to-air missiles supplied to the Kyiv regime by Great Britain were used for the strike, despite London's declarations that these weapons would not be used against civilian targets.”</p>

<p>This week, the UK government announced that it would send Storm Shadow missiles, which made it the first nation to provide longer-range weapons to Kyiv, in what Russia said is "an extremely hostile step".</p>

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<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Germany's defence ministry on Saturday announced that they are preparing the country's biggest yet military aid package for Ukraine, which is worth 2.7 billion euros ($2.

Germany's defence ministry on Saturday announced that they are preparing the country's biggest yet military aid package for Ukraine, which is worth 2.7 billion euros ($2.95 billion) ahead of President Volodymyr Zelensky's trip to Berlin. "We all hope for a rapid end to this terrible war by Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately this is not in sight," said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement. "This is why Germany will supply all the help that it can, for as long as necessary," he added. Welcoming the weapons package from Germany, which includes 30 additional Leopard-1 tanks, Marder armoured vehicles, air-defence systems and surveillance drones, Kyiv said that Moscow may now not see a victory in the war. President Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said the new arms package of Germany indicates that Russia was "bound to lose and sit on the bench of historical shame." Increasingly powerful weapons have been delivered by the Western allies to Ukraine though they have still not given advanced fighter jets which Zelensky has requested. ALSO READ | UK delivers long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles to Ukraine Kyiv says 'moving forward' along Bakhmut front line Ukraine's senior military commander on Saturday said that Kyiv's forces are advancing along part of the Bakhmut front line against Russian forces. "Our soldiers are moving forward in some areas of the front, and the enemy is losing equipment and manpower," said the commander of the Ukrainian ground forces Oleksandr Syrskyi on social media. Kyiv on Friday stated it had re-captured swathes of the area near Bakhmut, although Moscow insisted that the attack was repelled along a broad stretch of the front line. WATCH | Russia acknowledges retreat north of Bakhmut, Wagner boss calls it a 'rout' Kyiv using UK missiles to hit 'civilian targets', alleges Moscow Moscow on Saturday said that British long-range missiles are being used by Kyiv to hit civilian sites in the eastern city of Lugansk where six children have been injured. On Friday evening, the defence ministry said that two civilian enterprises have been hit by Ukraine's armed forces, adding: "Storm Shadow air-to-air missiles supplied to the Kyiv regime by Great Britain were used for the strike, despite London's declarations that these weapons would not be used against civilian targets.” This week, the UK government announced that it would send Storm Shadow missiles, which made it the first nation to provide longer-range weapons to Kyiv, in what Russia said is "an extremely hostile step". (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

'Moscow bound to lose', says Kyiv after Germany announces biggest arms package

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Germany a "true friend and reliable ally" in his country's war against Russia on Sunday, as Berlin supplied&nbsp;an extensive new military&nbsp;package for Kyiv during his visit to the EU powerhouse.&nbsp;Zelensky's visit to Germany comes after talks in Rome with Italian leaders and the Pope, and it coincides with Kyiv's plans for a much-anticipated counter-offensive.</p>

<p>"In the most challenging time in the modern history of Ukraine, Germany proved to be our true friend and reliable ally, which stands decisively side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in the struggle to defend freedom and democratic values," Zelensky&nbsp;wrote in the guestbook at the German president's official residence.</p>

<p>"Together we will win and bring peace back to Europe," he added.</p>

<p>Ukrainian forces have been training troops and stockpiling Western-supplied ammunition and gear, which many believe will be critical in regaining territory taken by Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Germany was formerly accused of being hesitant to give military equipment to Ukraine, but it has since become a significant donor of tanks, rockets, and anti-missile systems.</p>

<p>On the occasion of Zelensky's visit, Berlin presented its largest weaponry package for Ukraine to date, totaling 2.7 billion euros in tanks, missile defence systems, and combat vehicles.</p>

<p>According to Zelensky, he "discussed the current situation and intensive cooperation between Germany and Ukraine" with Steinmeier.</p>

<p>He was afterwards received with military honours by Chancellor Olaf Scholz before entering negotiations behind closed doors.</p>

<p>He is also set to visit the western German city of Aachen, which will confer the Charlemagne honour on him and the Ukrainian people this year.</p>

<p>Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki are expected to attend the event in Aachen.</p>

<p>A meeting with European leaders might help pave the stage for an EU summit in Reykjavik next Tuesday, followed by the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan.</p>

<p>Zelensky's visit caps a year of turbulent relations with Germany, which is now one of Ukraine's largest arms suppliers, but only after much pressure from Kiev.</p>

<p>Berlin said on Saturday that it will deliver Ukraine more fire units and launchers for the Iris-T anti-missile system, 30 extra Leopard 1 tanks, more than 100 armoured combat vehicles, and more than 200 surveillance drones in a strong show of support for Kyiv.</p>

<p>"We all hope for a rapid end to this terrible war by Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately this is not in sight," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement.</p>

<p>"This is why Germany will supply all the help that it can, for as long as necessary," he said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the war, Kyiv accused Germany of being overly conciliatory to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Berlin's reliance on Russian energy became problematic.</p>

<p>Kyiv had similarly refused Steinmeier's visit in the weeks following the invasion, delaying Scholz's first journey to the war-torn nation.</p>

<p>Steinmeier and Scholz have both visited Ukraine subsequently.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Germany a "true friend and reliable ally" in his country's war against Russia on Sunday, as Berlin supplied an extensive new military package for Kyiv during his visit to the EU powerhouse.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Germany a "true friend and reliable ally" in his country's war against Russia on Sunday, as Berlin supplied an extensive new military package for Kyiv during his visit to the EU powerhouse. Zelensky's visit to Germany comes after talks in Rome with Italian leaders and the Pope, and it coincides with Kyiv's plans for a much-anticipated counter-offensive. "In the most challenging time in the modern history of Ukraine, Germany proved to be our true friend and reliable ally, which stands decisively side-by-side with the Ukrainian people in the struggle to defend freedom and democratic values," Zelensky wrote in the guestbook at the German president's official residence. "Together we will win and bring peace back to Europe," he added. Ukrainian forces have been training troops and stockpiling Western-supplied ammunition and gear, which many believe will be critical in regaining territory taken by Russia. Germany was formerly accused of being hesitant to give military equipment to Ukraine, but it has since become a significant donor of tanks, rockets, and anti-missile systems. On the occasion of Zelensky's visit, Berlin presented its largest weaponry package for Ukraine to date, totaling 2.7 billion euros in tanks, missile defence systems, and combat vehicles. According to Zelensky, he "discussed the current situation and intensive cooperation between Germany and Ukraine" with Steinmeier. He was afterwards received with military honours by Chancellor Olaf Scholz before entering negotiations behind closed doors. He is also set to visit the western German city of Aachen, which will confer the Charlemagne honour on him and the Ukrainian people this year. Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki are expected to attend the event in Aachen. A meeting with European leaders might help pave the stage for an EU summit in Reykjavik next Tuesday, followed by the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan. Zelensky's visit caps a year of turbulent relations with Germany, which is now one of Ukraine's largest arms suppliers, but only after much pressure from Kiev. Berlin said on Saturday that it will deliver Ukraine more fire units and launchers for the Iris-T anti-missile system, 30 extra Leopard 1 tanks, more than 100 armoured combat vehicles, and more than 200 surveillance drones in a strong show of support for Kyiv. "We all hope for a rapid end to this terrible war by Russia against the Ukrainian people, but unfortunately this is not in sight," Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said in a statement. "This is why Germany will supply all the help that it can, for as long as necessary," he said. Earlier in the war, Kyiv accused Germany of being overly conciliatory to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Berlin's reliance on Russian energy became problematic. Kyiv had similarly refused Steinmeier's visit in the weeks following the invasion, delaying Scholz's first journey to the war-torn nation. Steinmeier and Scholz have both visited Ukraine subsequently. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky hails Germany a 'true friend and reliable ally' in Ukraine's war against Russia

<p>A 60-year-old Russian woman was given a two-year suspended sentence by a court on Thursday (May 11) for leaving a note at the grave of Russian President Vladimir Putin's parents saying that they had raised "a freak and a murderer", reported multiple news outlets.</p>

<p>The prosecutors had sought three-year suspended sentence for Irina Tsybaneva.</p>

<p>She was charged with desecrating the grave in St Petersburg. The note referred Putin's mother and father as "the parents of a maniac".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Death to Putin, you raised a freak and a murderer," the note said, urging the deceased parents to "take him with you".</p>

<p>According to SOTA news website, Tsybaneva will not appeal the verdict. Tsybaneva said that she wrote the note after she watched news about the war in Ukraine and "understood that everything is very scary, everything is very sad, and there are many dead", according to another news outlet, Mediazona.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China to send special Envoy to Ukraine, Russia; to intensify Ukraine 'peace effort'</strong></p>

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<p>Russia had invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Russian government has been hawkish about any opinion in the country against the war. The crackdown on dissent has been unseen since the Soviet era.</p>

<p>In a different case, a Russian government agency added Artur Smolyaninov to a list of "extremists and terrorists". A former consultant who advised the Ukrainian president's office was added to this list again.</p>

<p>In another case, a Russian military court sentenced a history teacher&nbsp;Nikita Tushkanov&nbsp;from Komi to five and a half&nbsp;years in prison. The sentence was handed for comments he made about explosion of the Kerch bridge which took place last year. Kerch bridge links Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula to mainland Russia.</p>

<p>Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent critics of Vladimir Putin, is already in jail. He recently reported on Twitter that he had again been kept in solitary confinement punishment cell. He was released from one just days ago.</p>

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A 60-year-old Russian woman was given a two-year suspended sentence by a court on Thursday (May 11) for leaving a note at the grave of Russian President Vladimir Putin's parents saying that they had raised "a freak and a murderer", reported multiple news outlets.

A 60-year-old Russian woman was given a two-year suspended sentence by a court on Thursday (May 11) for leaving a note at the grave of Russian President Vladimir Putin's parents saying that they had raised "a freak and a murderer", reported multiple news outlets. The prosecutors had sought three-year suspended sentence for Irina Tsybaneva. She was charged with desecrating the grave in St Petersburg. The note referred Putin's mother and father as "the parents of a maniac". "Death to Putin, you raised a freak and a murderer," the note said, urging the deceased parents to "take him with you". According to SOTA news website, Tsybaneva will not appeal the verdict. Tsybaneva said that she wrote the note after she watched news about the war in Ukraine and "understood that everything is very scary, everything is very sad, and there are many dead", according to another news outlet, Mediazona. Watch | China to send special Envoy to Ukraine, Russia; to intensify Ukraine 'peace effort' × Russia had invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Russian government has been hawkish about any opinion in the country against the war. The crackdown on dissent has been unseen since the Soviet era. In a different case, a Russian government agency added Artur Smolyaninov to a list of "extremists and terrorists". A former consultant who advised the Ukrainian president's office was added to this list again. In another case, a Russian military court sentenced a history teacher Nikita Tushkanov from Komi to five and a half years in prison. The sentence was handed for comments he made about explosion of the Kerch bridge which took place last year. Kerch bridge links Ukraine's Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula to mainland Russia. Alexei Navalny, one of the most prominent critics of Vladimir Putin, is already in jail. He recently reported on Twitter that he had again been kept in solitary confinement punishment cell. He was released from one just days ago. 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 ×

You raised a freak and murderer: Russian woman sentenced for note left at grave of Putin's parents

<p>A special envoy is being sent by China to Russia and Ukraine next week with an aim to finalise a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, stated its foreign ministry on Friday.</p>

<p>China’s special representative for Eurasian affairs and former ambassador to Moscow, Li Hui, will also visit France, Germany and Poland, said the foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China stated that the government remains neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has declared that it shares a ”no limits” relationship with Moscow. China also blames&nbsp;NATO and the United States for provoking the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A peace plan has been put forward by Beijing for Ukraine that has been largely dismissed by the supporters of the country who state that a resolution can only be reached when Russia ceases its attacks and its troops pull&nbsp;back from the Ukrainian territory.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-counteroffensive-yet-to-start-despite-kyivs-gains-at-frontline-591399">Zelensky says counteroffensive yet to start despite Kyiv's gains at frontline</a></p>

<p>Last month, Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone, establishing the stage for the diplomatic push.</p>

<p>“The visit of the Chinese representative to relevant countries expresses China’s commitment to promoting peace and negotiations,” Wang stated at a daily briefing on Friday.</p>

<p>China wishes to prevent an “escalation of the situation,” Wang added. The visit of Li will start next week but the officials have not released details of his&nbsp;schedule.</p>

<p>Previously, Beijing has avoided its involvement in conflicts with other countries but it appears the South Asian country is trying to project itself as a global diplomatic force after it worked as a mediator in talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March and arranged talks between the two nations which culminated in the restoration of diplomatic relations after a seven-year break.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China shares friendly ties with Moscow and the nation is also the biggest buyer of Russian gas and oil after the United States and its allies ended most purchases.</p>

<p>China, which considers Russia as a diplomatic partner in opposing the domination of the United States over global affairs, has not criticised Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and has exploited its status as the permanent UN Security Council member to deflect diplomatic attacks made on Russia.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Britain to supply Ukraine with long range cruise missiles</strong></p>

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<p>Wang further confirmed that Wang Yi, the top diplomat of the ruling Communist Party, held talks with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Wednesday and Thursday in Vienna, Austria. Wang stated that the two nations had “candid, in-depth, substantive, and constructive discussions” on improving and stabilising bilateral relations.</p>

<p>The relations between China and the United States have hit a historical low, and nosedived further in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US when it was spotted flying across the United States and Canada. Because of the incident, &nbsp;US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing was postponed and has till now not been rescheduled.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>


A special envoy is being sent by China to Russia and Ukraine next week with an aim to finalise a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, stated its foreign ministry on Friday.

A special envoy is being sent by China to Russia and Ukraine next week with an aim to finalise a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, stated its foreign ministry on Friday. China’s special representative for Eurasian affairs and former ambassador to Moscow, Li Hui, will also visit France, Germany and Poland, said the foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin. China stated that the government remains neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war but has declared that it shares a ”no limits” relationship with Moscow. China also blames NATO and the United States for provoking the conflict. A peace plan has been put forward by Beijing for Ukraine that has been largely dismissed by the supporters of the country who state that a resolution can only be reached when Russia ceases its attacks and its troops pull back from the Ukrainian territory. ALSO READ | Zelensky says counteroffensive yet to start despite Kyiv's gains at frontline Last month, Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone, establishing the stage for the diplomatic push. “The visit of the Chinese representative to relevant countries expresses China’s commitment to promoting peace and negotiations,” Wang stated at a daily briefing on Friday. China wishes to prevent an “escalation of the situation,” Wang added. The visit of Li will start next week but the officials have not released details of his schedule. Previously, Beijing has avoided its involvement in conflicts with other countries but it appears the South Asian country is trying to project itself as a global diplomatic force after it worked as a mediator in talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in March and arranged talks between the two nations which culminated in the restoration of diplomatic relations after a seven-year break. China shares friendly ties with Moscow and the nation is also the biggest buyer of Russian gas and oil after the United States and its allies ended most purchases. China, which considers Russia as a diplomatic partner in opposing the domination of the United States over global affairs, has not criticised Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and has exploited its status as the permanent UN Security Council member to deflect diplomatic attacks made on Russia. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Britain to supply Ukraine with long range cruise missiles Wang further confirmed that Wang Yi, the top diplomat of the ruling Communist Party, held talks with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Wednesday and Thursday in Vienna, Austria. Wang stated that the two nations had “candid, in-depth, substantive, and constructive discussions” on improving and stabilising bilateral relations. The relations between China and the United States have hit a historical low, and nosedived further in February after a suspected Chinese spy balloon was shot down by the US when it was spotted flying across the United States and Canada. Because of the incident, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing was postponed and has till now not been rescheduled. (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

China to send special envoy to Russia, Ukraine, other nations to broker peace talks

<p>The chief of Russia's Wagner private army declared on Thursday that Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive had already begun and made advances on the outskirts of Bakhmut, while Kyiv insisted its major push was yet to begin.</p>

<p>Ukrainian actions were "unfortunately, partially successful," Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of Russia's primary military campaign in Bakhmut, stated on social media, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Kyiv claims to have forced Russian soldiers back in small-scale local attacks over the last two days near Bakhmut, but a counteroffensive involving tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of extra Western tanks is yet to start.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We still need a bit more time,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with European broadcasters released earlier on Thursday.</p>

<p>Ukrainian forces had previously received adequate equipment from Western partners for their combat, but they were waiting for the full complement to come to minimise losses, according to Zelensky.</p>

<p>“With [what we have] we can go forward and be successful.&nbsp;But we’d lose a lot of people. I think that’s unacceptable,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-delivers-long-range-storm-shadow-cruise-missiles-to-ukraine-591384">UK delivers long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles to Ukraine</a></p>

<p>Prigozhin, a once-secretive figure who has since issued daily remarks criticising the Russian leadership for failing to sufficiently supply his forces, said Zelensky was "deceptive" and that the Ukrainian offensive had already begun.</p>

<p>While Prigozhin's troops have been battling in the city's centre, he has stated that Ukraine is gaining ground on its flanks in places guarded by regular Russian troops, some of whom have left.</p>

<p>Ukraine's conflict has reached a tipping point, with Kyiv preparing to launch a major counter-offensive after six months of putting its forces on the defensive, while Russia launched an enormous winter offensive but failed to seize substantial territory.</p>

<p>Russia has resumed air assaults on Ukraine after a nearly two-month hiatus in preparation for the Ukrainian counteroffensive. According to Moscow, Ukraine utilised drones to attack seized territories and Russian territory along the border.</p>

<p>According to the most recent report, a drone struck a petroleum storage tank in Russia's Bryansk area, which borders Ukraine. No one was injured. Such incidents are not discussed in Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia Ukraine War: Remains of CH-55 missile found in Polish forest near Ukraine border</strong></p>

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<p>Russia is&nbsp;determined&nbsp;to safeguard the sixth of Ukraine's territory that it claims to have annexed in perpetuity. It has built extensive defences along the front in the six months since the last big Ukrainian advance. An armoured attack would be significantly more difficult than anything Ukraine's military has attempted thus far.</p>

<p>NATO's senior military official said in Brussels that the fight would increasingly be fought between large numbers of poorly trained Russian forces using outdated equipment and a smaller Ukrainian force equipped with better Western weaponry and training.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The chief of Russia's Wagner private army declared on Thursday that Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive had already begun and made advances on the outskirts of Bakhmut, while Kyiv insisted its major push was yet to begin.

The chief of Russia's Wagner private army declared on Thursday that Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive had already begun and made advances on the outskirts of Bakhmut, while Kyiv insisted its major push was yet to begin. Ukrainian actions were "unfortunately, partially successful," Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of Russia's primary military campaign in Bakhmut, stated on social media, as reported by Reuters. Kyiv claims to have forced Russian soldiers back in small-scale local attacks over the last two days near Bakhmut, but a counteroffensive involving tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of extra Western tanks is yet to start. “We still need a bit more time,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with European broadcasters released earlier on Thursday. Ukrainian forces had previously received adequate equipment from Western partners for their combat, but they were waiting for the full complement to come to minimise losses, according to Zelensky. “With [what we have] we can go forward and be successful. But we’d lose a lot of people. I think that’s unacceptable,” he said. ALSO READ | UK delivers long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles to Ukraine Prigozhin, a once-secretive figure who has since issued daily remarks criticising the Russian leadership for failing to sufficiently supply his forces, said Zelensky was "deceptive" and that the Ukrainian offensive had already begun. While Prigozhin's troops have been battling in the city's centre, he has stated that Ukraine is gaining ground on its flanks in places guarded by regular Russian troops, some of whom have left. Ukraine's conflict has reached a tipping point, with Kyiv preparing to launch a major counter-offensive after six months of putting its forces on the defensive, while Russia launched an enormous winter offensive but failed to seize substantial territory. Russia has resumed air assaults on Ukraine after a nearly two-month hiatus in preparation for the Ukrainian counteroffensive. According to Moscow, Ukraine utilised drones to attack seized territories and Russian territory along the border. According to the most recent report, a drone struck a petroleum storage tank in Russia's Bryansk area, which borders Ukraine. No one was injured. Such incidents are not discussed in Kyiv. ALSO WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Remains of CH-55 missile found in Polish forest near Ukraine border Russia is determined to safeguard the sixth of Ukraine's territory that it claims to have annexed in perpetuity. It has built extensive defences along the front in the six months since the last big Ukrainian advance. An armoured attack would be significantly more difficult than anything Ukraine's military has attempted thus far. NATO's senior military official said in Brussels that the fight would increasingly be fought between large numbers of poorly trained Russian forces using outdated equipment and a smaller Ukrainian force equipped with better Western weaponry and training. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky says counteroffensive yet to start despite Kyiv's gains at frontline

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described&nbsp;Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen's trip underlined the European Union's support for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and portrayed his own country as under attack by the West as war rages on in Ukraine for the 15th month.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and von der Leyen had discussed defence matters, sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's integration with the European Union.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"Our efforts for a united Europe, for security and peace, need to be as strong as Russia's desire to destroy our security, our freedom, our Europe," he told a joint news conference.</p>

<p>He also highlighted Russia's military failures in Ukraine by saying Russian forces had not managed to achieve the goal of capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut before the May 9 holiday, when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen's trip fell on the day the EU celebrates as Europe Day, which Ukraine adopted as its own on Monday, underlining its ambition to join Western institutions after applying to join the EU last year following Russia's invasion.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv after a night of reported Russian air strikes, welcomed Zelensky's decision on adopting Europe Day.</p>

<p>"Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Ukraine is on the front line of the defence of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech. Courageously, Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today."</p>

<p>Zelenskiy said he expected an 11th package of EU sanctions to be imposed on Russia soon and that it should include powerful sanctions on Russia's atomic sector.</p>

<p>He said he expected an EU summit in June to yield a positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process.</p>

<p>"Our values, security, our wellbeing, security on the continent — all of this can be 100% realised for Europe only together with Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Ukraine as "the beating heart of today's European values" in a visit to Kyiv on Tuesday as Russia marked its World War II Victory Day. Von der Leyen's trip underlined the European Union's support for Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin presided over a military parade on Moscow's Red Square and portrayed his own country as under attack by the West as war rages on in Ukraine for the 15th month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he and von der Leyen had discussed defence matters, sanctions on Russia and Ukraine's integration with the European Union. ALSO WATCH | How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION × "Our efforts for a united Europe, for security and peace, need to be as strong as Russia's desire to destroy our security, our freedom, our Europe," he told a joint news conference. He also highlighted Russia's military failures in Ukraine by saying Russian forces had not managed to achieve the goal of capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut before the May 9 holiday, when Russia celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. Von der Leyen's trip fell on the day the EU celebrates as Europe Day, which Ukraine adopted as its own on Monday, underlining its ambition to join Western institutions after applying to join the EU last year following Russia's invasion. Von der Leyen, who arrived in Kyiv after a night of reported Russian air strikes, welcomed Zelensky's decision on adopting Europe Day. "Good to be back in Kyiv. Where the values we hold dear are defended everyday," von der Leyen, who heads the EU executive, wrote on Twitter. "Ukraine is on the front line of the defence of everything we Europeans cherish: our liberty, our democracy, our freedom of thought and speech. Courageously, Ukraine is fighting for the ideals of Europe that we celebrate today." Zelenskiy said he expected an 11th package of EU sanctions to be imposed on Russia soon and that it should include powerful sanctions on Russia's atomic sector. He said he expected an EU summit in June to yield a positive appraisal of Ukraine's integration process. "Our values, security, our wellbeing, security on the continent — all of this can be 100% realised for Europe only together with Ukraine," he said. (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.

EU hails Ukraine as ‘beating heart of today’s European values’

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<p>News agency AFP's Ukraine video coordinator Arman Soldin was killed on Tuesday (May 9) by rocket fire near Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine. According to a report by AFP, the attack happened at around 4:30 pm (1330 GMT) on the outskirts of the town close to Bakhmut. The team of AFP journalists came under fire from Grad rockets while they were with a group of Ukrainian soldiers.</p>

<p>Arman Soldin, 32, was killed when a rocket struck close to where he was lying. The rest of the team was not injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Soldin was a French national who started working for AFP as an intern in its Rome bureau in 2015 and was later hired in London. He was part of the news agency's first team to be sent to Ukraine after the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24, 2022, arriving the next day.</p>

<p>He had been living in Ukraine since September, leading the team's video coverage and travelling regularly to the frontlines in the east and south.</p>

<h2><strong>Tributes pour in for Soldin</strong></h2>

<p>AFP chairman Fabrice Fries said that the news agency was devastated by the loss of Arman Soldin. Fries highlighted that Soldin's death "is a terrible reminder of the risks and dangers faced by journalists every day covering the conflict in Ukraine."</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Soldin's bravery and said, "With bravery, from the first hours of the conflict, he was at the front to establish the facts, to inform us."</p>

<p>Ukraine's defence ministry also condoled the journalist's death and said, "He dedicated his life to informing the world about the truth. His legacy, as well as his cause, will live on."</p>

<p>The White House also paid tribute to Soldin, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying the world was "indebted" to the journalists who lost their lives covering the conflict.</p>

<p>"Arman's brilliant work encapsulated everything that has made us so proud of AFP's journalism in Ukraine," the agency's Global News Director Phil Chetwynd said.</p>

<p>Remembering the 32-year-old, colleagues said Soldin knew in particular how to recount the lives of ordinary people caught up in war-torn Ukraine, desperately trying to survive amid the chaos.</p>

<p>According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), with Soldin's death, 11 journalists or fixers and drivers for media teams now have been killed covering the war.&nbsp;<br />
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News agency AFP's Ukraine video coordinator Arman Soldin was killed on Tuesday (May 9) by rocket fire near Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine. According to a report by AFP, the attack happened at around 4:30 pm (1330 GMT) on the outskirts of the town close to Bakhmut.

News agency AFP's Ukraine video coordinator Arman Soldin was killed on Tuesday (May 9) by rocket fire near Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine. According to a report by AFP, the attack happened at around 4:30 pm (1330 GMT) on the outskirts of the town close to Bakhmut. The team of AFP journalists came under fire from Grad rockets while they were with a group of Ukrainian soldiers. Arman Soldin, 32, was killed when a rocket struck close to where he was lying. The rest of the team was not injured. Soldin was a French national who started working for AFP as an intern in its Rome bureau in 2015 and was later hired in London. He was part of the news agency's first team to be sent to Ukraine after the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24, 2022, arriving the next day. He had been living in Ukraine since September, leading the team's video coverage and travelling regularly to the frontlines in the east and south. Tributes pour in for Soldin AFP chairman Fabrice Fries said that the news agency was devastated by the loss of Arman Soldin. Fries highlighted that Soldin's death "is a terrible reminder of the risks and dangers faced by journalists every day covering the conflict in Ukraine." Taking to Twitter, French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Soldin's bravery and said, "With bravery, from the first hours of the conflict, he was at the front to establish the facts, to inform us." Ukraine's defence ministry also condoled the journalist's death and said, "He dedicated his life to informing the world about the truth. His legacy, as well as his cause, will live on." The White House also paid tribute to Soldin, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying the world was "indebted" to the journalists who lost their lives covering the conflict. "Arman's brilliant work encapsulated everything that has made us so proud of AFP's journalism in Ukraine," the agency's Global News Director Phil Chetwynd said. Remembering the 32-year-old, colleagues said Soldin knew in particular how to recount the lives of ordinary people caught up in war-torn Ukraine, desperately trying to survive amid the chaos. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), with Soldin's death, 11 journalists or fixers and drivers for media teams now have been killed covering the 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.

Ukraine war: AFP journalist Arman Soldin killed by rocket fire near Chasiv Yar

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<p>Operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) were suspended on Sunday (May 7) as Moscow claimed Kyiv had threatened action as part of its counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory. Since then, anxiety regarding the safety of the plant has reached an all-time high, perhaps breaching the peak of last year when it was captured in the infancy of the war and subjected to intense damage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Approximately 3,000 people, including around 1,000 minors, have been evacuated from villages close to the frontline. According to Yevgeny Balitsky, the Moscow-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of the region, Kyiv has been plotting to take control of the plant.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've seen the level (of water in the nearby Kakhovka Reservoir) rise to 17.08 (metres). We realise that this is manipulation. The nuclear reactors have been suspended," Balitsky was quoted as saying by TASS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian forces took over the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the biggest plant in Europe, soon after Moscow&nbsp;announced the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year. By March 3, the plant was firmly in the control of Russians, but there lay a problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-suspends-operations-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-evacuates-civilians-amid-threat-of-provocation-590420"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Russia suspends operations at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, evacuates civilians amid threat of 'provocation'</strong></a></p>

<p>Those who had commandeered the plant did not have the know-how to run the operations. Up until 2014, Ukrainian NPPs&nbsp;used Russian nuclear fuel but now they utilise American-designed fuel produced by Westinghouse. Moreover, the control command of the Ukrainian plants has been remodelled to ape those of modern, sophisticated Western NPPs - a marked departure from the Soviet-era style.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, Ukrainian technicians were allowed to remain, at times under extreme duress, after a few were killed to ascertain the hierarchy of order. Since then, the troops from Moscow have turned the facility into a garrison of sorts - using the nuclear storage rooms to hold ammunition, while putting the plant's safety in jeopardy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear plant's safety on the line</strong></h2>

<p>The plant has six reactors, which can together produce about 5,700 MW of electricity. It is the biggest source of energy for the former Soviet Union country and caters to about half of its power demand. However, maintaining a nuclear plant, that too safely, requires a series of operations to fall in place.</p>

<p>Nuclear plants have to depend on external electricity for a variety of needs, including the operation of water pumping systems to keep the reactors cool. If anything in the delicate system goes off, the situation can turn pear-shaped rather quickly. Even though the six reactors have been shut down, the plant is still at risk as nuclear fuel and radioactive materials, including liquids, remain in the compound.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite both sides understanding the perils of toying with nuclear energy, the plant has remained a forgotten collateral of the war. Shelling from both sides last year threatened to damage the plant's structural integrity. While Ukraine fires from the Russian side of the lines, Moscow hurls projectiles from Ukrainian-held communities across the Dnieper&nbsp;River.</p>

<p>Ukraine already has the blot of Chernobyl on it and another nuclear disaster, that too in the largest nuclear plant of the continent, could wreak damage on a scale hitherto unseen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iaea-team-to-inspect-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-ukraine-seeks-control-over-nuke-plant-511611"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Repercussions, if the plant goes bust</strong></h2>

<p>In March, the plant plunged into its sixth blackout in a year as engineers scrambled to start the diesel generators to keep the critical cooling equipment running. However,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>testing one's luck repeatedly in a nuclear environment is not the best bet for either party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the event of an unlikely explosion, the repercussions could be widespread. Firstly, the evacuation attempts will be a race against time to escape the invisible radioactive cloud. Even if somehow one manages to escape it, the effect of a radiation leak can be felt for years to come. Due to the plant’s geographic location, a radiation release could hit any part of the European continent</p>

<p>While the radiation will cause long-term harm to Europe, the short-term effects will be even more dastardly - economically and socially. There will be no export of electricity to the European Union (EU) and the region, which is already huffing and puffing due to Russian gas undersupply, might go into a freefall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though highly unlikely, experts are also concerned that nuclear terrorism might come into play if push comes to shove.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buildings in the nuclear plant have suffered damage and the situation threatens a catastrophic nuclear accident. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the shelling.</p>

<h2><strong>Take the fight away from the plant: Agencies</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency have been pushing for a protection zone to be set up to prevent further damage to the plant. According to an NYT report, the area where spent nuclear fuel is stored, sustained damage last year and it is unclear what is the current situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," said Rafael Grossi, IAEA chief, adding that he's concerned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-situation-around-zaporizhzhia-plant-becoming-increasingly-unpredictable-says-iaea-head-589898"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Situation around Zaporizhzhia plant becoming increasingly unpredictable, says IAEA head</strong></a></p>

<p>The evacuation of villagers from around the plant points towards the lull before the storm. Ukraine might be gearing up to seize the initiative and counter Russia, but the plant's safety might be the price to pay for it, which would be incredibly expensive.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>If the plant suffers any more damage, it could potentially open up nuclear faultlines. The effects could be cascading and the countries around could easily be plunged into a World War III-like crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) were suspended on Sunday (May 7) as Moscow claimed Kyiv had threatened action as part of its counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory.

Operations at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP) were suspended on Sunday (May 7) as Moscow claimed Kyiv had threatened action as part of its counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-held territory. Since then, anxiety regarding the safety of the plant has reached an all-time high, perhaps breaching the peak of last year when it was captured in the infancy of the war and subjected to intense damage. Approximately 3,000 people, including around 1,000 minors, have been evacuated from villages close to the frontline. According to Yevgeny Balitsky, the Moscow-installed governor of the Russia-controlled part of the region, Kyiv has been plotting to take control of the plant. "We've seen the level (of water in the nearby Kakhovka Reservoir) rise to 17.08 (metres). We realise that this is manipulation. The nuclear reactors have been suspended," Balitsky was quoted as saying by TASS. Russian forces took over the Zaporizhzhia NPP, the biggest plant in Europe, soon after Moscow announced the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 last year. By March 3, the plant was firmly in the control of Russians, but there lay a problem. ALSO READ | Russia suspends operations at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, evacuates civilians amid threat of 'provocation' Those who had commandeered the plant did not have the know-how to run the operations. Up until 2014, Ukrainian NPPs used Russian nuclear fuel but now they utilise American-designed fuel produced by Westinghouse. Moreover, the control command of the Ukrainian plants has been remodelled to ape those of modern, sophisticated Western NPPs - a marked departure from the Soviet-era style. Thus, Ukrainian technicians were allowed to remain, at times under extreme duress, after a few were killed to ascertain the hierarchy of order. Since then, the troops from Moscow have turned the facility into a garrison of sorts - using the nuclear storage rooms to hold ammunition, while putting the plant's safety in jeopardy. Nuclear plant's safety on the line The plant has six reactors, which can together produce about 5,700 MW of electricity. It is the biggest source of energy for the former Soviet Union country and caters to about half of its power demand. However, maintaining a nuclear plant, that too safely, requires a series of operations to fall in place. Nuclear plants have to depend on external electricity for a variety of needs, including the operation of water pumping systems to keep the reactors cool. If anything in the delicate system goes off, the situation can turn pear-shaped rather quickly. Even though the six reactors have been shut down, the plant is still at risk as nuclear fuel and radioactive materials, including liquids, remain in the compound. Despite both sides understanding the perils of toying with nuclear energy, the plant has remained a forgotten collateral of the war. Shelling from both sides last year threatened to damage the plant's structural integrity. While Ukraine fires from the Russian side of the lines, Moscow hurls projectiles from Ukrainian-held communities across the Dnieper River. Ukraine already has the blot of Chernobyl on it and another nuclear disaster, that too in the largest nuclear plant of the continent, could wreak damage on a scale hitherto unseen. WATCH | IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant × Repercussions, if the plant goes bust In March, the plant plunged into its sixth blackout in a year as engineers scrambled to start the diesel generators to keep the critical cooling equipment running. However, testing one's luck repeatedly in a nuclear environment is not the best bet for either party. In the event of an unlikely explosion, the repercussions could be widespread. Firstly, the evacuation attempts will be a race against time to escape the invisible radioactive cloud. Even if somehow one manages to escape it, the effect of a radiation leak can be felt for years to come. Due to the plant’s geographic location, a radiation release could hit any part of the European continent While the radiation will cause long-term harm to Europe, the short-term effects will be even more dastardly - economically and socially. There will be no export of electricity to the European Union (EU) and the region, which is already huffing and puffing due to Russian gas undersupply, might go into a freefall. Though highly unlikely, experts are also concerned that nuclear terrorism might come into play if push comes to shove. Buildings in the nuclear plant have suffered damage and the situation threatens a catastrophic nuclear accident. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the shelling. Take the fight away from the plant: Agencies The United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency have been pushing for a protection zone to be set up to prevent further damage to the plant. According to an NYT report, the area where spent nuclear fuel is stored, sustained damage last year and it is unclear what is the current situation. "The general situation in the area near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is becoming increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous," said Rafael Grossi, IAEA chief, adding that he's concerned. "I’m extremely concerned about the very real nuclear safety and security risks facing the plant." ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Situation around Zaporizhzhia plant becoming increasingly unpredictable, says IAEA head The evacuation of villagers from around the plant points towards the lull before the storm. Ukraine might be gearing up to seize the initiative and counter Russia, but the plant's safety might be the price to pay for it, which would be incredibly expensive. If the plant suffers any more damage, it could potentially open up nuclear faultlines. The effects could be cascading and the countries around could easily be plunged into a World War III-like crisis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: How Zaporizhzhia plant can become a nuclear flashpoint in Russia-Ukraine war

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Victory Day military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Tuesday (May 9) and called for "victory" in the ongoing war. Thousands of army personnel, donning ceremonial uniforms, gathered to march to the soundtrack of a military brass band.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the speech, Putin said that the future of the country "rests on" soldiers fighting in Ukraine. On February 24 last year, Russian forces were ordered to carry out a "special military operation in the neighbouring nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin addressed the troops fighting in Ukraine, some of whom were present at the parade, and said that "there is nothing more important now than your combat effort". He said, "The security of the country rests on you today, the future of our statehood and our people depend on you."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin was seen sitting next to World War II veterans on Red Square in the images and videos shown by state television.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the ongoing war, the Russian president said that the world is at a "turning point", and a "war" was unleashed on Russia. He added: "Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A war has been unleashed against our motherland." He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said that the "desecration of the feat and victims of victorious behaviour is a crime and revanchism of those who were preparing a new campaign against Russia". He added that the Ukrainian people have become a hostage of the criminal regime, a "bargaining chip in their cruel and mercenary plans".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "I am convinced that the experience of solidarity and partnership during the years of struggle against a common threat is a support right now when the world is moving towards multipolarity."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that the "West has forgotten who defeated the monstrous global evil and the Western elites talk about their exclusivity, playoff people and provoke bloody conflicts, sow Russophobia and aggressive nationalism".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Prigozhin accuses Russian army</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the head of Russia's private Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Moscow's top generals of trying to "deceive" Putin over Kremlin's Ukraine campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin said, "If all the tasks are being carried out in such a way as to deceive the commander-in-chief (Putin), then either he will rip your arse or the Russian people will, who will be angry that the war is lost."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Victory Day military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Tuesday (May 9) and called for "victory" in the ongoing war. Thousands of army personnel, donning ceremonial uniforms, gathered to march to the soundtrack of a military brass band.

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Victory Day military parade on Moscow's Red Square on Tuesday (May 9) and called for "victory" in the ongoing war. Thousands of army personnel, donning ceremonial uniforms, gathered to march to the soundtrack of a military brass band. During the speech, Putin said that the future of the country "rests on" soldiers fighting in Ukraine. On February 24 last year, Russian forces were ordered to carry out a "special military operation in the neighbouring nation. Putin addressed the troops fighting in Ukraine, some of whom were present at the parade, and said that "there is nothing more important now than your combat effort". He said, "The security of the country rests on you today, the future of our statehood and our people depend on you." Putin was seen sitting next to World War II veterans on Red Square in the images and videos shown by state television. Talking about the ongoing war, the Russian president said that the world is at a "turning point", and a "war" was unleashed on Russia. He added: "Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A war has been unleashed against our motherland." He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!" Putin said that the "desecration of the feat and victims of victorious behaviour is a crime and revanchism of those who were preparing a new campaign against Russia". He added that the Ukrainian people have become a hostage of the criminal regime, a "bargaining chip in their cruel and mercenary plans". He said, "I am convinced that the experience of solidarity and partnership during the years of struggle against a common threat is a support right now when the world is moving towards multipolarity." He said that the "West has forgotten who defeated the monstrous global evil and the Western elites talk about their exclusivity, playoff people and provoke bloody conflicts, sow Russophobia and aggressive nationalism". Prigozhin accuses Russian army Meanwhile, the head of Russia's private Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Moscow's top generals of trying to "deceive" Putin over Kremlin's Ukraine campaign. Prigozhin said, "If all the tasks are being carried out in such a way as to deceive the commander-in-chief (Putin), then either he will rip your arse or the Russian people will, who will be angry that the war is lost." (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.

Vladimir Putin calls for victory in Ukraine war during Victory Day military parade

<p>Russia's Wagner Group founder&nbsp;Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday claimed a Russian military unit had deserted one of the military positions near Bakhmut in east Ukraine, currently the epicentre of vicious fighting between the two sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today one of the units of the defence ministry fled from one of our flanks...exposing the front," said&nbsp;Prigozhin while repeating the threat that his mercenary group will leave the conflict zone if the Russian military did not step up and provide more ammunition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that Russian soldiers were 'fleeing' the army as the defence ministry was 'scheming all the time', instead of 'fighting'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a scathing video,&nbsp;Prigozhin questioned,&nbsp;"Why is the state not able to defend its country?", adding that Kyiv was consistently hitting Russian border regions 'successfully'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also accused Moscow's top generals of trying to deceive&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If all the tasks are being carried out in such a way as to deceive the commander-in-chief (Putin), then either he will rip your arse or the Russian people will, who will be angry that the war is lost," Prigozhin said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-group-will-soon-cease-to-exist-founder-tells-war-blogger-587166"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Prigozhin and Putin's relationship turns frosty</strong></h2>

<p>The relationship between&nbsp;Prigozhin and&nbsp;Putin has turned frosty in recent times.&nbsp;Prigozhin has accused Putin of cutting him off completely, claiming that he was left alone in making war-related decisions about his army. He claimed that his paramilitary army has suffered heavy losses when trying to capture the eastern city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To get me to stop asking for ammunition, all the hotlines to offices, to departments etc have been cut off from me. But the real humdinger is that they’ve also blocked agencies from making decisions [related to Wagner]," said Prigozhin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, reports claimed that Wagner Group was so hard-pressed for men that it was using Pornhub to recruit soldiers - urging them to stop pleasuring themselves and instead join the private militia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-wagner-group-decides-to-withdraw-from-bakhmut-due-to-shortage-of-ammunition-589490"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>War unleashed against Russia: Putin</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the statement by&nbsp;Prigozhin came on the same day as the country celebrates Victory Day - a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the&nbsp;Red Square Victory Day parade in Moscow, Putin said the world was at a 'turning point' and that a 'war' had been unleashed against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point.&nbsp;A war has been unleashed against our motherland," said Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!"</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday claimed a Russian military unit had deserted one of the military positions near Bakhmut in east Ukraine, currently the epicentre of vicious fighting between the two sides.

Russia's Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on Tuesday claimed a Russian military unit had deserted one of the military positions near Bakhmut in east Ukraine, currently the epicentre of vicious fighting between the two sides. "Today one of the units of the defence ministry fled from one of our flanks...exposing the front," said Prigozhin while repeating the threat that his mercenary group will leave the conflict zone if the Russian military did not step up and provide more ammunition. He added that Russian soldiers were 'fleeing' the army as the defence ministry was 'scheming all the time', instead of 'fighting'. In a scathing video, Prigozhin questioned, "Why is the state not able to defend its country?", adding that Kyiv was consistently hitting Russian border regions 'successfully'. He also accused Moscow's top generals of trying to deceive Russian President Vladimir Putin. "If all the tasks are being carried out in such a way as to deceive the commander-in-chief (Putin), then either he will rip your arse or the Russian people will, who will be angry that the war is lost," Prigozhin said. ALSO READ | Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger Prigozhin and Putin's relationship turns frosty The relationship between Prigozhin and Putin has turned frosty in recent times. Prigozhin has accused Putin of cutting him off completely, claiming that he was left alone in making war-related decisions about his army. He claimed that his paramilitary army has suffered heavy losses when trying to capture the eastern city of Bakhmut. “To get me to stop asking for ammunition, all the hotlines to offices, to departments etc have been cut off from me. But the real humdinger is that they’ve also blocked agencies from making decisions [related to Wagner]," said Prigozhin. Previously, reports claimed that Wagner Group was so hard-pressed for men that it was using Pornhub to recruit soldiers - urging them to stop pleasuring themselves and instead join the private militia. WATCH | Russia's Wagner Group decides to withdraw from Bakhmut due to shortage of ammunition × War unleashed against Russia: Putin Notably, the statement by Prigozhin came on the same day as the country celebrates Victory Day - a holiday that commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945. During the Red Square Victory Day parade in Moscow, Putin said the world was at a 'turning point' and that a 'war' had been unleashed against Russia. "Today civilisation is again at a decisive turning point. A war has been unleashed against our motherland," said Putin. He called for Russia to be victorious: "For Russia, for our armed forces, for victory! Hurrah!" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia-Ukraine war: Wagner Group boss says Russian unit fled combat in Bakhmut