The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China Thursday (March 16) apparently discussed the importance and significance of the territorial integrity of the war-torn nation.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that during his call with China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang earlier in the day, they discussed the "significance of the principle of territorial integrity".&nbsp;

Beijing again mentioned the idea of the so-called peace plan it floated last month as the foreign minister urged Kyiv and Moscow to restart peace talks "as soon as possible".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-send-ukraine-four-mig-29-fighter-jets-becomes-first-nato-nation-to-do-so-572727">Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so</a>&nbsp;

During the telephone conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his Ukrainian counterpart that China "hopes that all parties will keep calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible and return to the track of political settlement". It was the first official talks between them since the Chinese foreign minister took office in December.&nbsp;

Qin said, "China is concerned that the crisis could escalate and get out of control. China hopes that Ukraine and Russia retain hope for dialogue and negotiation."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;War in Ukraine divides Republicans&nbsp;

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China has been criticised by Western countries for failing to condemn Moscow's invasion of its European neighbour, and last month strongly denied US claims that it was mulling arms shipments to support Russia's war.&nbsp;

Beijing recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China Thursday (March 16) apparently discussed the importance and significance of the territorial integrity of the war-torn nation.

The foreign ministers of Ukraine and China Thursday (March 16) apparently discussed the importance and significance of the territorial integrity of the war-torn nation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that during his call with China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang earlier in the day, they discussed the "significance of the principle of territorial integrity". Beijing again mentioned the idea of the so-called peace plan it floated last month as the foreign minister urged Kyiv and Moscow to restart peace talks "as soon as possible". ALSO READ | Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so During the telephone conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang told his Ukrainian counterpart that China "hopes that all parties will keep calm, exercise restraint, resume peace talks as soon as possible and return to the track of political settlement". It was the first official talks between them since the Chinese foreign minister took office in December. Qin said, "China is concerned that the crisis could escalate and get out of control. China hopes that Ukraine and Russia retain hope for dialogue and negotiation." WATCH | War in Ukraine divides Republicans × China has been criticised by Western countries for failing to condemn Moscow's invasion of its European neighbour, and last month strongly denied US claims that it was mulling arms shipments to support Russia's war. Beijing recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. (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.

China urges Ukraine and Russia to restart peace talks 'as soon as possible'

The European Command of the United States military on Thursday (March 16), released the footage of the critical encounter which happened between an American surveillance drone and Russian fighter jet&nbsp;over the Black Sea earlier this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called&nbsp;it a "reckless" incident.&nbsp;US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9."&nbsp;

In the video released by the Pentagon, the Russian military jet can be seen coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-faceoffs-here-are-the-worst-confrontations-between-two-top-global-powers-in-recent-times-572548">Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs</a>&nbsp;

The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in a sequential order.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia has denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea.&nbsp;

A ministry statement said that the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone."

WATCH the video here:&nbsp;

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General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday: "There is a pattern of behaviour recently where there is a little bit more aggressive actions being conducted by the Russians."&nbsp;

General Milley further added that it was unclear whether the Russian pilots had intended to strike the drone. But the incident was seen as the first direct encounter between the world's leading nuclear powers since the Ukraine war began last year in February.&nbsp;

After the release of the footage, the White House said that it refuted Moscow's version of events.&nbsp;

White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters: "It absolutely just decimates the Russian lie about what they said happened or what they said didn't happen. It's pretty darn obvious when you look at that video that (the) fighter jet hit our drone."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The European Command of the United States military on Thursday (March 16), released the footage of the critical encounter which happened between an American surveillance drone and Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea earlier this week.

The European Command of the United States military on Thursday (March 16), released the footage of the critical encounter which happened between an American surveillance drone and Russian fighter jet over the Black Sea earlier this week. The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident. US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9." In the video released by the Pentagon, the Russian military jet can be seen coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept. ALSO READ | Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in a sequential order. Meanwhile, Russia has denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea. A ministry statement said that the Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone." WATCH the video here: × General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday: "There is a pattern of behaviour recently where there is a little bit more aggressive actions being conducted by the Russians." General Milley further added that it was unclear whether the Russian pilots had intended to strike the drone. But the incident was seen as the first direct encounter between the world's leading nuclear powers since the Ukraine war began last year in February. After the release of the footage, the White House said that it refuted Moscow's version of events. White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters: "It absolutely just decimates the Russian lie about what they said happened or what they said didn't happen. It's pretty darn obvious when you look at that video that (the) fighter jet hit our drone." (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.

WATCH | Pentagon releases video of moment when Russian fighter jet hit US drone over Black Sea

Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war. With this announcement, Poland becomes the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country to do so after Ukraine's persistent requests of supplying warplanes.&nbsp;

Duda said that Poland has around a dozen of MIGs that it got in the 90s when the aircraft were handed down from the German Democratic Republic. He mentioned that the jets are functional and play a part in the defence of the nation's airspace. He agreed that the fighter jets are at the end of their operational life but insisted that they are "still functional."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-russia-faceoffs-here-are-the-worst-confrontations-between-two-top-global-powers-in-recent-times-572548">Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs</a>&nbsp;

Duda told a news conference: "Firstly, literally within the next few days, we will hand over, as far as I remember, four aircraft to Ukraine in full working order. The rest are being prepared, serviced."&nbsp;

“In the coming days we will hand over four planes to the Ukraine, the remaining machines are being serviced and prepared for handover. We will replace them with deliveries of South Korean FA-50s and American F-35s,” the Polish president said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon releases 40-second declassified video of Russian jet crashing into US&nbsp;drone&nbsp;

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Duda said that Poland had roughly 10-20 MiG 29 jets. The ones transferred to war-torn Ukraine will be replaced at home with South Korean FA-50 planes bought by Poland, followed by American F-35s. Poland has also sent 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak had also said that the nation wanted to transfer MiG-29 planes to Ukraine "within the framework of a larger coalition of countries". On being quizzed about the nations in this coalition, Blaszczak mentioned Slovakia.&nbsp;

However, he noted that "of course, we are open to others," and added that "we absolutely want to conduct our activity within the framework of a coalition."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war.

Polish President Andrzej Duda on Thursday (March 16) said that Warsaw is set to provide Ukraine with four MiG-29 fighter jets in the coming days amid the ongoing war. With this announcement, Poland becomes the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) country to do so after Ukraine's persistent requests of supplying warplanes. Duda said that Poland has around a dozen of MIGs that it got in the 90s when the aircraft were handed down from the German Democratic Republic. He mentioned that the jets are functional and play a part in the defence of the nation's airspace. He agreed that the fighter jets are at the end of their operational life but insisted that they are "still functional." ALSO READ | Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs Duda told a news conference: "Firstly, literally within the next few days, we will hand over, as far as I remember, four aircraft to Ukraine in full working order. The rest are being prepared, serviced." “In the coming days we will hand over four planes to the Ukraine, the remaining machines are being serviced and prepared for handover. We will replace them with deliveries of South Korean FA-50s and American F-35s,” the Polish president said. WATCH | Pentagon releases 40-second declassified video of Russian jet crashing into US drone × Duda said that Poland had roughly 10-20 MiG 29 jets. The ones transferred to war-torn Ukraine will be replaced at home with South Korean FA-50 planes bought by Poland, followed by American F-35s. Poland has also sent 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak had also said that the nation wanted to transfer MiG-29 planes to Ukraine "within the framework of a larger coalition of countries". On being quizzed about the nations in this coalition, Blaszczak mentioned Slovakia. However, he noted that "of course, we are open to others," and added that "we absolutely want to conduct our activity within the framework of a coalition." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine. This comes after the US has previously accused Russia of an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” intercept of its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone which eventually crashed in the Black Sea on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Russian military has said that they scrambled the air defence unit jets after detecting the US drone but has denied causing the crash and said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had lost control, a claim the US disputed. While repeating its version of the events, the Russian ministry announced the awards on Friday.&nbsp;

“As a result of sharp manoeuvring around 9:30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle went into uncontrolled flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,” said the Russian military in a statement, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

The defence minister Shoigu presented the awards to the two Su-27 pilots for “preventing” the US drone from “violating” international airspace restrictions placed by Moscow amid what it describes as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported The Moscow Times.&nbsp;

The statement added, “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation (and) communicated to all users of international airspace.”&nbsp;

The US military, which also released a 42-second video on Thursday of the incident said that the drone was on a routine mission when it was intercepted over the Black Sea in international airspace. It also alleged that the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone during the encounter that lasted 30-40 minutes before one of MQ-9 Reaper drone’s&nbsp;propellers got damaged and it crashed into the sea.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine. This comes after the US has previously accused Russia of an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” intercept of its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone which eventually crashed in the Black Sea on Tuesday. The Russian military has said that they scrambled the air defence unit jets after detecting the US drone but has denied causing the crash and said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had lost control, a claim the US disputed. While repeating its version of the events, the Russian ministry announced the awards on Friday. “As a result of sharp manoeuvring around 9:30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle went into uncontrolled flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,” said the Russian military in a statement, as per Reuters. The defence minister Shoigu presented the awards to the two Su-27 pilots for “preventing” the US drone from “violating” international airspace restrictions placed by Moscow amid what it describes as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported The Moscow Times. The statement added, “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation (and) communicated to all users of international airspace.” The US military, which also released a 42-second video on Thursday of the incident said that the drone was on a routine mission when it was intercepted over the Black Sea in international airspace. It also alleged that the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone during the encounter that lasted 30-40 minutes before one of MQ-9 Reaper drone’s propellers got damaged and it crashed into the sea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian defence minister honours pilots involved in downing of US drone over Black Sea

In a recent video released by Russian state media, students in Crimea are seen training with rifles and practicing hand-to-hand fighting. The session&nbsp;appears to be a component of a military training programme in which students from various grade levels are enrolled.

Students are seen handling rifles in the footage, which was first made public by RIA Novosti Crimea. The students disassemble, clean, and reload the firearms, which resemble Kalashnikov rifles, as reported by Business Insider.&nbsp;

The video then switches to a hand-to-hand fighting drill. Nine students demonstrate fundamental martial arts stances throughout the course while holding weapons that resemble Kalashnikov rifles.

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.

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Video source: KPRC 2 Click2Houston

This is one of the first institutions to offer these fundamental military training sessions, according to a translation from RIA Novosti Crimea.

"Now, more than 60 people are engaged in martial arts, drill training, including kindergarten students and school children," according to Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Crimea.

"Children show great interest in activities," Konstantinov added. The translation also says: "An electronic shooting range was equipped in the institution for conducting shooting classes."

According to senior reporter Will Vernon of the BBC News Moscow Bureau, the military education programme at the Crimean school is a prototype that will be introduced in secondary schools across the nation later this year.

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, there has been an increase in the military's participation in Russian schools, and this course is the most recent example of this. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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In a recent video released by Russian state media, students in Crimea are seen training with rifles and practicing hand-to-hand fighting. The session appears to be a component of a military training programme in which students from various grade levels are enrolled.

In a recent video released by Russian state media, students in Crimea are seen training with rifles and practicing hand-to-hand fighting. The session appears to be a component of a military training programme in which students from various grade levels are enrolled. Students are seen handling rifles in the footage, which was first made public by RIA Novosti Crimea. The students disassemble, clean, and reload the firearms, which resemble Kalashnikov rifles, as reported by Business Insider. The video then switches to a hand-to-hand fighting drill. Nine students demonstrate fundamental martial arts stances throughout the course while holding weapons that resemble Kalashnikov rifles. 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. × Video source: KPRC 2 Click2Houston This is one of the first institutions to offer these fundamental military training sessions, according to a translation from RIA Novosti Crimea. "Now, more than 60 people are engaged in martial arts, drill training, including kindergarten students and school children," according to Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Crimea. "Children show great interest in activities," Konstantinov added. The translation also says: "An electronic shooting range was equipped in the institution for conducting shooting classes." According to senior reporter Will Vernon of the BBC News Moscow Bureau, the military education programme at the Crimean school is a prototype that will be introduced in secondary schools across the nation later this year. Since Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine more than a year ago, there has been an increase in the military's participation in Russian schools, and this course is the most recent example of this. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: Crimea students train with firearms, engage in hand-to-hand fighting

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Friday (March 17) that his government has approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Heger said, "Slovak government just approved sending 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine! Promises must be kept and when Zelensky asked for more weapons, including fighter jets, I said we'll do our best. Glad others are doing the same. Military aid is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and the entire Europe against Russia."

Addressing a press conference, Heger also said that his government would deliver a Kub air defence system to Ukraine, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-send-ukraine-four-mig-29-fighter-jets-becomes-first-nato-nation-to-do-so-572727">Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so</a>

Slovakia is the second North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country to send warplanes to Ukraine. A day back, Poland said that it would send an initial batch of four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Slovak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Slovak</a> gov. just approved sending 13 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiG29s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiG29s</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>! Promises must be kept&amp;when <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> asked for more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weapons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#weapons</a> incl. fighter jets, I said we’ll do our best. Glad others’re doing the same. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Military?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Military</a> aid’s🔑to ensure🇺🇦can defend itself&amp;the entire <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Europe</a> against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a>
— Eduard Heger (@eduardheger) <a href="https://twitter.com/eduardheger/status/1636656042057539584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to reporters, Polish President Andrzej Duda said, "In the coming days we will first transfer, if I remember correctly, four fully operational planes to Ukraine." Duda added that Poland currently has a dozen or so MiG planes that it inherited from the German Democratic Republic, which they are on the verge of sending to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-the-war-in-ukraine-rages-on-will-2023-be-the-year-of-defence-companies-556570">Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies?</a>

"These MiGs are still in service in Poland's air force. They're in their last years of operation but are still for the most part in full working order," the president said. He also pointed out that these MiGs are jets that Ukrainian pilots can operate today without any additional training, AFP further reported.&nbsp;

Reacting to Poland's decision, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson told the news agency that Kyiv was "grateful to our partners." 
 
"MiGs will not solve the tasks, we need F-16s. But MiGs will help to strengthen our capabilities indeed," air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-set-to-visit-russia-from-march-20-22-kremlin-confirms-572906">Xi set to visit Russia from March 20-22, Kremlin confirms</a>

Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies to send warplanes — although seeking primarily modern US-made F-16s — but so far no Western countries had committed to giving jets to Kyiv.

On Thursday, the US said it was informed about Poland's decision to send warplanes to the war-torn country. However, the White House said that Warsaw's move does not change Washington's decision against sending its warplanes to Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It doesn't change our calculus with regards to F16s," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Thursday.&nbsp;

<h2>Polish, Slovak jets sent to Ukraine will be destroyed: Kremlin</h2>

The Kremlin on Friday reacted to Poland and Slovak's decision to send warplanes to Ukraine. The Kremlin said that such fighter jets would be destroyed, and reiterated that Western arms deliveries to Kyiv would not change Moscow's military aims.

"The supply of this military equipment -- as we have repeatedly said -- will not change the outcome of the special military operation... Of course, all this equipment will be destroyed," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a press conference.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Friday (March 17) that his government has approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Heger said, "Slovak government just approved sending 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine!

Slovakia's Prime Minister Eduard Heger said on Friday (March 17) that his government has approved sending 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Heger said, "Slovak government just approved sending 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine! Promises must be kept and when Zelensky asked for more weapons, including fighter jets, I said we'll do our best. Glad others are doing the same. Military aid is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and the entire Europe against Russia." Addressing a press conference, Heger also said that his government would deliver a Kub air defence system to Ukraine, the news agency AFP reported. ALSO READ | Poland to send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets, becomes first NATO nation to do so Slovakia is the second North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country to send warplanes to Ukraine. A day back, Poland said that it would send an initial batch of four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. #Slovak gov. just approved sending 13 #MiG29s to #Ukraine! Promises must be kept&when @ZelenskyyUa asked for more #weapons incl. fighter jets, I said we’ll do our best. Glad others’re doing the same. #Military aid’s🔑to ensure🇺🇦can defend itself&the entire #Europe against #Russia — Eduard Heger (@eduardheger) March 17, 2023 × Speaking to reporters, Polish President Andrzej Duda said, "In the coming days we will first transfer, if I remember correctly, four fully operational planes to Ukraine." Duda added that Poland currently has a dozen or so MiG planes that it inherited from the German Democratic Republic, which they are on the verge of sending to Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained: As the war in Ukraine rages on, will 2023 be the year of defence companies? "These MiGs are still in service in Poland's air force. They're in their last years of operation but are still for the most part in full working order," the president said. He also pointed out that these MiGs are jets that Ukrainian pilots can operate today without any additional training, AFP further reported. Reacting to Poland's decision, a Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson told the news agency that Kyiv was "grateful to our partners." "MiGs will not solve the tasks, we need F-16s. But MiGs will help to strengthen our capabilities indeed," air force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said. ALSO READ | Xi set to visit Russia from March 20-22, Kremlin confirms Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, Ukraine has repeatedly asked its Western allies to send warplanes — although seeking primarily modern US-made F-16s — but so far no Western countries had committed to giving jets to Kyiv. On Thursday, the US said it was informed about Poland's decision to send warplanes to the war-torn country. However, the White House said that Warsaw's move does not change Washington's decision against sending its warplanes to Ukraine. "It doesn't change our calculus with regards to F16s," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Thursday. Polish, Slovak jets sent to Ukraine will be destroyed: Kremlin The Kremlin on Friday reacted to Poland and Slovak's decision to send warplanes to Ukraine. The Kremlin said that such fighter jets would be destroyed, and reiterated that Western arms deliveries to Kyiv would not change Moscow's military aims. "The supply of this military equipment -- as we have repeatedly said -- will not change the outcome of the special military operation... Of course, all this equipment will be destroyed," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a press conference. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Poland, Slovakia to send 13 MiG-29 fighter jets to war-torn Ukraine; Kremlin reacts

Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year. The report noted that the data showed that the fertility rate in the country saw a decline.&nbsp;

According to data released by the national statistics office on Thursday, South Korea's crude marriage rate, which is the number of marriages per 1,000 people, slid to 3.7 from 3.8 in 2021. About 191,700 marriages took place in 2022, down 0.4% from a year earlier.&nbsp;

Experts have noted that there is reluctance among South Koreans about marriage, which is alarming as it may lead to a further decline in&nbsp;fertility rate.&nbsp;

Marriage is closely associated with fertility in Korea and it is quite rare to see births outside marriage.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine&nbsp;

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Last month, a Reuters report mentioned a boost in relationship reality TV shows, and their impact on the country's interest in romance.&nbsp;

Reuters stated that there are a large number of shows matchmaking young singles. However, it also mentioned the growth in acceptance of non-traditional relationships that don't revolve around marriage and starting a family.&nbsp;

"Living Together without Marriage", for example, focuses on couples who have chosen not to tie the knot, and "His Man" is one of two shows featuring LGBTQ people. Other shows throw the spotlight on divorced people searching for love again.

The recent report suggests that from high costs of housing to the difficulties of raising a child, there are several reasons behind Koreans' reluctance to marry.&nbsp;

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Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year.

Several reports have highlighted that marriage rates in South Korea have been declining. A recent Bloomberg report mentioned that marriages in the nation fell to a new record low last year. The report noted that the data showed that the fertility rate in the country saw a decline. According to data released by the national statistics office on Thursday, South Korea's crude marriage rate, which is the number of marriages per 1,000 people, slid to 3.7 from 3.8 in 2021. About 191,700 marriages took place in 2022, down 0.4% from a year earlier. Experts have noted that there is reluctance among South Koreans about marriage, which is alarming as it may lead to a further decline in fertility rate. Marriage is closely associated with fertility in Korea and it is quite rare to see births outside marriage. WATCH | Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine × Last month, a Reuters report mentioned a boost in relationship reality TV shows, and their impact on the country's interest in romance. Reuters stated that there are a large number of shows matchmaking young singles. However, it also mentioned the growth in acceptance of non-traditional relationships that don't revolve around marriage and starting a family. "Living Together without Marriage", for example, focuses on couples who have chosen not to tie the knot, and "His Man" is one of two shows featuring LGBTQ people. Other shows throw the spotlight on divorced people searching for love again. The recent report suggests that from high costs of housing to the difficulties of raising a child, there are several reasons behind Koreans' reluctance to marry. 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.

South Korean marriages fell to a new record low last year

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (March 16) mocked the United Kingdom with turnip-related snide remarks as he suggested to the West that they should go to Russia for vegetables amid a massive food security crisis.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, Western countries and others imposed limited sanctions on Moscow. The West expected to cripple Russia's economy but the country's state media claims that the economy is flourishing.&nbsp;

"Foreign analysts predicted us a depression and a decline in the consumer sector, they promised empty store shelves, a massive shortage of goods, and the failure of the service sector," Putin said while addressing the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pentagon-releases-video-of-moment-russian-fighter-jet-hit-us-drone-over-black-sea-572630">Pentagon releases video of moment when Russian fighter jet hit US drone over Black Sea&nbsp;</a>

The remark appeared to be in reference to comments by British minister Therese Coffey, who last month urged to prefer seasonal, home-grown turnips as Britons are facing issues getting imported tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in supermarkets.&nbsp;

Putin said, "Turnip is a good product, but they would also probably have to go for turnips to Russia, because our level of the harvest, after all, significantly exceeds those figures of our neighbours in Europe."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine&nbsp;

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Putin also urged Russia's billionaires to invest in new technology, production facilities and enterprises to help it overcome what he said were Western attempts to destroy its economy.&nbsp;

He claimed that "there are even more opportunities for business development and expansion, and Russian business should&nbsp;not&nbsp;miss&nbsp;this."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (March 16) mocked the United Kingdom with turnip-related snide remarks as he suggested to the West that they should go to Russia for vegetables amid a massive food security crisis.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (March 16) mocked the United Kingdom with turnip-related snide remarks as he suggested to the West that they should go to Russia for vegetables amid a massive food security crisis. In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, Western countries and others imposed limited sanctions on Moscow. The West expected to cripple Russia's economy but the country's state media claims that the economy is flourishing. "Foreign analysts predicted us a depression and a decline in the consumer sector, they promised empty store shelves, a massive shortage of goods, and the failure of the service sector," Putin said while addressing the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. ALSO READ | Pentagon releases video of moment when Russian fighter jet hit US drone over Black Sea The remark appeared to be in reference to comments by British minister Therese Coffey, who last month urged to prefer seasonal, home-grown turnips as Britons are facing issues getting imported tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers in supermarkets. Putin said, "Turnip is a good product, but they would also probably have to go for turnips to Russia, because our level of the harvest, after all, significantly exceeds those figures of our neighbours in Europe." WATCH | Gravitas: Here's America's 'Plan B' for Ukraine × Putin also urged Russia's billionaires to invest in new technology, production facilities and enterprises to help it overcome what he said were Western attempts to destroy its economy. He claimed that "there are even more opportunities for business development and expansion, and Russian business should not miss 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.

Vladimir Putin mocks West with turnip reference amid food crisis

The Ukrainian government has invited&nbsp;Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to visit the war-torn country after he called Russia's offensive a "territorial dispute." Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (March 14), Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson&nbsp;Oleg Nikolenko criticised&nbsp;DeSantis' remarks and invited the Republican leader.&nbsp;

"We are sure that as a former military officer deployed to a combat zone, Governor DeSantis knows the difference between a ‘dispute’ and war. We invite him to visit Ukraine to get a deeper understanding of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the threats it poses to US interests,"&nbsp;Nikolenko tweeted.&nbsp;

On Monday, Ron&nbsp;DeSantis said that protecting Ukraine was not vital for the United States. DeSantis, a likely presidential candidate for 2024, said that Washington had many vital national interests" but that "becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them."

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We are sure that as a former military officer deployed to a combat zone, Governor <a href="https://twitter.com/RonDeSantisFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RonDeSantisFL</a> knows the difference between a ‘dispute’ and war. We invite him to visit Ukraine to get a deeper understanding of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the threats it poses to US interests <a href="https://t.co/BLLam9G8lV">https://t.co/BLLam9G8lV</a>
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"The Biden administration's virtual 'blank check' funding of this conflict for 'as long as it takes,' without any defined objectives or accountability, distracts from our country's most pressing challenges," the Florida governor added.&nbsp;

This position taken by DeSantis contrasts with his more hawkish record on Ukraine while he was in Congress when he supported military aid for Ukraine after Moscow's annexing of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the news agency AFP reported on Tuesday.&nbsp;

He had also backed a resolution pressuring then-US president Barack Obama to provide weapons to help Kyiv "defend their sovereign territory from the unprovoked and continuing aggression of the Russian Federation."

Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $110 billion in economic and military aid.&nbsp;

Ryan Williams, a Republican strategist argued that prioritising funding for domestic issues over foreign adventures resonated&nbsp;with war-weary party supporters. But on the other hand, have long said defending Ukraine is in the best interests of Washington. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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The Ukrainian government has invited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to visit the war-torn country after he called Russia's offensive a "territorial dispute." Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (March 14), Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko criticised DeSantis' remarks and invited the Republican leader.

The Ukrainian government has invited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to visit the war-torn country after he called Russia's offensive a "territorial dispute." Taking to Twitter on Tuesday (March 14), Ukraine's foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko criticised DeSantis' remarks and invited the Republican leader. "We are sure that as a former military officer deployed to a combat zone, Governor DeSantis knows the difference between a ‘dispute’ and war. We invite him to visit Ukraine to get a deeper understanding of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the threats it poses to US interests," Nikolenko tweeted. On Monday, Ron DeSantis said that protecting Ukraine was not vital for the United States. DeSantis, a likely presidential candidate for 2024, said that Washington had many vital national interests" but that "becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them." We are sure that as a former military officer deployed to a combat zone, Governor @RonDeSantisFL knows the difference between a ‘dispute’ and war. We invite him to visit Ukraine to get a deeper understanding of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the threats it poses to US interests https://t.co/BLLam9G8lV — Oleg Nikolenko (@OlegNikolenko_) March 14, 2023 × "The Biden administration's virtual 'blank check' funding of this conflict for 'as long as it takes,' without any defined objectives or accountability, distracts from our country's most pressing challenges," the Florida governor added. This position taken by DeSantis contrasts with his more hawkish record on Ukraine while he was in Congress when he supported military aid for Ukraine after Moscow's annexing of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. He had also backed a resolution pressuring then-US president Barack Obama to provide weapons to help Kyiv "defend their sovereign territory from the unprovoked and continuing aggression of the Russian Federation." Since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year, the United States has provided Ukraine with more than $110 billion in economic and military aid. Ryan Williams, a Republican strategist argued that prioritising funding for domestic issues over foreign adventures resonated with war-weary party supporters. But on the other hand, have long said defending Ukraine is in the best interests of Washington. (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 invites Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to visit after he called Russian invasion ‘territorial dispute’

Chechnya's battle-hardened leader, assumed to be "terminally ill" after an alleged poisoning, shocked the world by surfacing in Moscow. Ramzan Kadyrov recently had an unexpected meeting with his overseer Russian President Vladimir Putin and vows to fight till the end in Ukraine.

Chechnya's battle-hardened leader, assumed to be "terminally ill" after an alleged poisoning, shocked the world by surfacing in Moscow. Ramzan Kadyrov recently had an unexpected meeting with his overseer Russian President Vladimir Putin and vows to fight till the end in Ukraine. Ramzan Kadyrov: a pro-war zealot? He is a 46-years-old and is the leader of the Chechen Republic in the North Caucasus of Russia and he is one of Putin's closest allies. He has fought in conflicts all his life. He joined the Islamic separatists in the 1990s for Chechen independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Soon he became the chief of security in Chechnya in 2003. He was then promoted to prime minister, but once he reached the required minimum age of 30 in 2007, Putin nominated Kadyrov as Chechen president. Known to rule Chechnya with an iron fist, many call him a pro-war zealot. He is reportedly a father of 14 with three current wives. Watch this video: × Chechen Militia's war-print Kadyrov is often referred to as Putin's "foot soldier" owing to his allegiance to the Kremlin. Kadyrov has a militia in Chechnya which is ready to fight at Putin’s command. They're extremely feared and have been accused of torture, kidnappings and assassinations by various human rights, but the Chechen president has routinely denied the claims. Kadyrov has deployed his militia in Ukraine since the beginning of the war and has now vowed to Putin that he will fight until victory in Ukraine. Kadyrov, allegedly even sent his own teenage sons to Putin’s war. Soon after Russia’s invasion, he published a video of his sons, aged 14, 15 and 16, firing missiles in a shooting range. Kadyrov has even advocated the use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. For him, winning this war for Putin is everything. His emergence in Moscow surely hints at an even uglier turn in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin's 'poisoned' Chechen ally surfaces in Moscow vowing to finish Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state.

He made these remarks in a long address to workers at an aviation factory in Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia, some 4,400 km east of the capital city of Moscow.

Russian president said that the Ukraine war is more than just a geopolitical task. "So, for us, this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said in his address.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-raise-retirement-age-to-tackle-ageing-population-571960">China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population</a>

Putin in its speech, which was high in its rhetoric against the West, said that the western nations are&nbsp;actually firing salvos from Ukraine's shoulders.&nbsp;He called for giving the West a strategic blow. Putin also spoke on the economic implications of the war after the heavy Russian sanctions.

Putin said he had apprehensions at the start when western nations imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Moscow. Russia, however, is still standing and proving stronger than was anticipated, he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-third-death-from-h3n2-in-indian-state-of-gujarat-571891">India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat</a>

"We have increased our economic sovereignty many times over. After all, what did our enemy count on? That we would collapse in 2-3 weeks or in a month," he said. 
 
He said that the West had been vying to bring Russia to its knees by triggering unemployment and forcing workers to protest and take on the streets and that Russia would "sway from within and collapse".

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indonesias-new-capital-at-the-cost-of-environment-571886">Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment?</a>

"This did not happen," Putin said. "It turned out, for many of us, and even more so for Western countries, that the fundamental foundations of Russia's stability are much stronger than anyone thought." 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's verbal attack on the West rose to a crescendo for yet another time on Tuesday when he defended the war in Ukraine, saying it is the question of Russia's very existence as a state. He made these remarks in a long address to workers at an aviation factory in Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia, some 4,400 km east of the capital city of Moscow. Russian president said that the Ukraine war is more than just a geopolitical task. "So, for us, this is not a geopolitical task, but a task of the survival of Russian statehood, creating conditions for the future development of the country and our children," Putin said in his address. Also Read | China to raise retirement age to tackle ageing population Putin in its speech, which was high in its rhetoric against the West, said that the western nations are actually firing salvos from Ukraine's shoulders. He called for giving the West a strategic blow. Putin also spoke on the economic implications of the war after the heavy Russian sanctions. Putin said he had apprehensions at the start when western nations imposed hard-hitting sanctions on Moscow. Russia, however, is still standing and proving stronger than was anticipated, he added. Also Read | India reports third death from H3N2 in Indian state of Gujarat "We have increased our economic sovereignty many times over. After all, what did our enemy count on? That we would collapse in 2-3 weeks or in a month," he said. He said that the West had been vying to bring Russia to its knees by triggering unemployment and forcing workers to protest and take on the streets and that Russia would "sway from within and collapse". Watch | Indonesia's new capital at the cost of environment? "This did not happen," Putin said. "It turned out, for many of us, and even more so for Western countries, that the fundamental foundations of Russia's stability are much stronger than anyone thought." (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.

Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood

A group of Ukrainian soldiers in Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank. The key training comes in the aftermath of the West's agreement to help Kyiv fight against Russian forces by supplying the battle tanks.&nbsp;

The Spanish ministry sources said that the 55 Ukrainian trainees, who had arrived mid-February in Spain and are scheduled to fly to Poland on Wednesday. The ministry said that&nbsp;they start to make their way back to Ukraine and the frontline.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-extend-black-sea-grain-deal-but-for-60-days-deputy-fm-571654">Russia ready to extend Black Sea grain deal, but for 60 days: Deputy FM</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Spanish trainer Captain Contreras, who identified himself only by his rank and surname, told reporters that "it has been intense" who were allowed access to the drills for the first time. Contreras also said the Ukrainians would be returning home "with a very acceptable knowledge" of the Leopards.&nbsp;

He said, "Although the tanks were different, there were many systems that coincide and that has made things much easier. With that, together with the motivation that the person brought and their desire to learn, we see them very well prepared to resume combat."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Has Russia's spring offensive already begun?&nbsp;

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Initially, the West saw a difference of opinion over providing Ukraine with the german-made Leopard 2 tanks. However, a few nations said they will send battle tanks.&nbsp;

Last month, Spain said it plans to send six German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine after they undergo repairs, a number that could increase to 10.&nbsp;

Other NATO countries, including Germany, Poland and Portugal, have said they would deliver a total of 48 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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;

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A group of Ukrainian soldiers in Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank. The key training comes in the aftermath of the West's agreement to help Kyiv fight against Russian forces by supplying the battle tanks.

A group of Ukrainian soldiers in Monday wrapped up a four-week training in Spain on how to operate the Leopard 2A4 battle tank. The key training comes in the aftermath of the West's agreement to help Kyiv fight against Russian forces by supplying the battle tanks. The Spanish ministry sources said that the 55 Ukrainian trainees, who had arrived mid-February in Spain and are scheduled to fly to Poland on Wednesday. The ministry said that they start to make their way back to Ukraine and the frontline. ALSO READ | Russia ready to extend Black Sea grain deal, but for 60 days: Deputy FM As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Spanish trainer Captain Contreras, who identified himself only by his rank and surname, told reporters that "it has been intense" who were allowed access to the drills for the first time. Contreras also said the Ukrainians would be returning home "with a very acceptable knowledge" of the Leopards. He said, "Although the tanks were different, there were many systems that coincide and that has made things much easier. With that, together with the motivation that the person brought and their desire to learn, we see them very well prepared to resume combat." WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun? × Initially, the West saw a difference of opinion over providing Ukraine with the german-made Leopard 2 tanks. However, a few nations said they will send battle tanks. Last month, Spain said it plans to send six German-made Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine after they undergo repairs, a number that could increase to 10. Other NATO countries, including Germany, Poland and Portugal, have said they would deliver a total of 48 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukrainian soldiers wrap up Leopard tank training in Spain

Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to visit Russia as soon as next week, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (March 13) quoting people familiar with the matter. The development comes as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate over the eastern city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;The visit would come sooner than previously expected as The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Xi's visit to Moscow could take place in April or early May.&nbsp;

The WSJ reported on Monday that&nbsp;Xi has apparently planned&nbsp;to hold an online meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. If it happens, it will be the first since the start of the Ukraine war last year in February. The virtual meeting is likely after he visits Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the report added.&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp;READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bakhmut-situation-remains-tough-as-brutal-battle-continues-on-monday-571474">Bakhmut situation remains 'tough' as brutal battle continues on Monday</a>&nbsp;

The crucial visit will be followed by China's recently floated peace plans to end the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

China last month said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called "peace plan" in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper. Beijing aims at gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.&nbsp;

Neither China's foreign ministry nor the Kremlin confirmed the news. As reported by the news agency, the sources briefed on the matter declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Xi Jinping addresses China's NPC closing session&nbsp;

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-calls-for-fortification-of-armed-forces-into-a-great-wall-of-steel-571333">Xi Jinping calls for fortification of armed forces into 'Great Wall of Steel'</a>&nbsp;

Putin last month hosted China's top diplomat Wang Yi on a visit to Moscow. Wang had signalled that Xi would travel to Russia.&nbsp;

The reports regarding Xi's prospected visit came days after he secured a third term as China's leader.&nbsp;

Xi was unanimously confirmed in a precedent-breaking third term as president during the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress.&nbsp;

The Russian president, who has already publicly invited Xi to Moscow without specifying a date, would be likely to portray it as a show of support for Russia's war on Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to visit Russia as soon as next week, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (March 13) quoting people familiar with the matter.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is planning to visit Russia as soon as next week, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (March 13) quoting people familiar with the matter. The development comes as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate over the eastern city of Bakhmut. The visit would come sooner than previously expected as The Wall Street Journal reported last month that Xi's visit to Moscow could take place in April or early May. The WSJ reported on Monday that Xi has apparently planned to hold an online meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. If it happens, it will be the first since the start of the Ukraine war last year in February. The virtual meeting is likely after he visits Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the report added. ALSO READ | Bakhmut situation remains 'tough' as brutal battle continues on Monday The crucial visit will be followed by China's recently floated peace plans to end the Ukraine war. China last month said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called "peace plan" in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper. Beijing aims at gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. Neither China's foreign ministry nor the Kremlin confirmed the news. As reported by the news agency, the sources briefed on the matter declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the issue. WATCH | Xi Jinping addresses China's NPC closing session × ALSO READ | Xi Jinping calls for fortification of armed forces into 'Great Wall of Steel' Putin last month hosted China's top diplomat Wang Yi on a visit to Moscow. Wang had signalled that Xi would travel to Russia. The reports regarding Xi's prospected visit came days after he secured a third term as China's leader. Xi was unanimously confirmed in a precedent-breaking third term as president during the annual session of China's parliament, the National People's Congress. The Russian president, who has already publicly invited Xi to Moscow without specifying a date, would be likely to portray it as a show of support for Russia's war on Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Chinese President Xi Jinping plans Russia visit as soon as next week

A Russian strike in Ukraine's Kherson city on Saturday (March 11) killed three people and injured two others. According to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson's regional military administration, the casualties occurred when a car was hit by a shell and caught fire, the news agency AFP reported.

A Russian strike in Ukraine's Kherson city on Saturday (March 11) killed three people and injured two others. According to Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of Kherson's regional military administration, the casualties occurred when a car was hit by a shell and caught fire, the news agency AFP reported. Taking to Telegram, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office posted a photograph of firefighters standing next to the charred car. "Russian terrorists are shelling Kherson again," Andriy Yermak said. Kherson is among the four regions along with Donetsk, Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia — that Russia claims to have annexed but still does not fully control. Despite Moscow retreating from Kherson late last year, it continues to pound the city. ALSO READ | Russia pummels Ukraine with hypersonic missiles in latest barrage Saturday's strike comes two days after Russia fired a huge wave of missiles across Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least nine civilians and knocking out power. According to Kyiv, this attack included six Kinzhal hypersonic cruise missiles, which are one of Moscow's most valuable weapons. Battle for Bakhmut rages on On Saturday, three Mi-8 helicopter gunships of the Ukrainian military unleashed strikes on Russian targets near Bakhmut. Speaking to AFP, one of the pilots said that the targets were an enemy fortification line made up of troops on the ground, armoured vehicles, and a munitions depot. The fortification lies near Severodonetsk, which the Russian army seized last year, to the northeast of Bakhmut. Earlier on Saturday, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine decided to fight in Bakhmut as the battle was pinning down Russia's best units and degrading them. Meanwhile, the Russian mercenary group Wagner said that its forces were close to the centre of the frontline hotspot in the Ukrainian city. In a video posted on Telegram, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is seen standing on a roof of a high-rise building in what is said to be Bakhmut. "This is the building of the town administration, this is the centre of the town. It is one kilometre and two hundred metres away," Prigozhin 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.

Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on

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. 
 
Both Russia and Ukraine claimed heavy casualties of enemy troops running into hundreds in a day during the battle for the Bakhmut city in the eastern part of the country.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi claimed that 221 pro-Moscow troops were neutralised and more than 300 wounded in Bakhmut.

On the other hand, Russia's defence ministry alleged that about 210 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the broader Donetsk part of the frontline, reports Reuters news agency.

"Over the course of the fighting, 221 enemies were killed and 314 sustained injuries of various degrees," Cherevatyi told the national parliament's television channel.

Both sides admitted to suffering and inflicting significant losses in Bakhmut, while the exact number of casualties is difficult to verify independently.

Over the past few months, Russia has been deploying a heavy amount of troops to Bakhmut in the hope&nbsp;of capturing the city as it desperately seeks a win after a series of setbacks. The Russian troops are being assisted by the mercenary Wagner Group, which has claimed to have taken control of the majority parts of the city.

<h2>Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut</h2>

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Ukraine asserted that it was stalling Russian advances in Bakhmut and was giving a "decent rebuff", with the commander in charge of defending Bakhmut saying its protection was key for a Ukrainian counter-strike.

"It is necessary to gain time to accumulate reserves and start a counter-offensive, which is not far off," the military cited Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi as saying on Saturday, according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-likely-to-attend-g20-summit-in-india-report-570868">Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend G20 summit in India: Report</a>

Russia believes that capturing Bakhmut would deal a heavy blow to the Ukrainian defences and be a step towards seizing all of the Donbas industrial region, a major target. Kyiv says the battle is&nbsp;grinding&nbsp;down Russia's best units.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-strike-in-kherson-kills-three-battle-for-bakhmut-rages-on-570951">Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on</a>

British intelligence said that "this area has become a killing zone, likely making it highly challenging for Wagner forces attempting to continue their frontal assault westward."

But the situation remained dangerous for Ukrainian forces.

"The Ukrainian force and their supply lines to the west remain vulnerable to the continued Russian attempts to outflank the defenders from the north and south," it said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Both Russia and Ukraine claimed heavy casualties of enemy troops running into hundreds in a day during the battle for the Bakhmut city in the eastern part of the country. Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi claimed that 221 pro-Moscow troops were neutralised and more than 300 wounded in Bakhmut. On the other hand, Russia's defence ministry alleged that about 210 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the broader Donetsk part of the frontline, reports Reuters news agency. "Over the course of the fighting, 221 enemies were killed and 314 sustained injuries of various degrees," Cherevatyi told the national parliament's television channel. Both sides admitted to suffering and inflicting significant losses in Bakhmut, while the exact number of casualties is difficult to verify independently. Over the past few months, Russia has been deploying a heavy amount of troops to Bakhmut in the hope of capturing the city as it desperately seeks a win after a series of setbacks. The Russian troops are being assisted by the mercenary Wagner Group, which has claimed to have taken control of the majority parts of the city. Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut Ukraine asserted that it was stalling Russian advances in Bakhmut and was giving a "decent rebuff", with the commander in charge of defending Bakhmut saying its protection was key for a Ukrainian counter-strike. "It is necessary to gain time to accumulate reserves and start a counter-offensive, which is not far off," the military cited Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi as saying on Saturday, according to Reuters. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend G20 summit in India: Report Russia believes that capturing Bakhmut would deal a heavy blow to the Ukrainian defences and be a step towards seizing all of the Donbas industrial region, a major target. Kyiv says the battle is grinding down Russia's best units. Also read | Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on British intelligence said that "this area has become a killing zone, likely making it highly challenging for Wagner forces attempting to continue their frontal assault westward." But the situation remained dangerous for Ukrainian forces. "The Ukrainian force and their supply lines to the west remain vulnerable to the continued Russian attempts to outflank the defenders from the north and south," it said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine, Russia claim hundreds of rival casualties in battle of Bakhmut

Surprising everyone in the two warring nations and elsewhere around, the chief of the Russian mercenary group Wagner revealed his political ambitions and declared his intentions to run for Ukraine's President in 2024. In a video going viral on social media, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced his "political ambitions" for next year and said that he has "decided to run for president in 2024."

In the video, Prigozhin, who is dressed in combat gear, can be seen addressing the camera from an unknown location. Gunfire can be heard in the background, as he says, "I'm making a political coming out. Looking at everything around me, I've got political ambitions. I decided to run for president in 2024. For President of Ukraine."

Watch |&nbsp;Wagner Chief: Our men running short of ammunition | Battle of Bakhmut

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He goes on to add if he defeated incumbent Volodymyr Zelensky and his predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, "everything will be fine."

"If I win the presidential elections of Ukraine, then everything will be fine, guys, the shells will not be needed."&nbsp;

Watch the video here:

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⚡️In 2024 I will run for the presidency of Ukraine — head of Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin <a href="https://t.co/C0Ni5FMKVx">pic.twitter.com/C0Ni5FMKVx</a>
— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarMonitors/status/1634530100640206848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ordinary-bureaucracy-or-a-betrayal-wagner-chief-says-without-fresh-ammunition-bakhmut-could-collapse-569053">'Ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal?': Wagner chief says without promised ammunition, Bakhmut could collapse</a>

As per reports, this could be a dig at Moscow's failure to supply the mercenary group with ammunition. The Wagner chief has in recent days repeatedly brought up the ammunition issue.

The Wagner chief has for some time been at odds with the Russian military chiefs, including Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu and head of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. He has questioned their competence and has voiced his suspicions of the ministry's "jealousy" for the success of his mercenary troops.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-strike-in-kherson-kills-three-battle-for-bakhmut-rages-on-570951">Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on</a> 
 
Recently, Prigozhin accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of cutting him off completely and said that he has been unable to get through to anyone at the Kremlin. 
 
Prigozhin said on his Telegram channel, “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].”

Just last week, he had warned that unless his troops are fortified with ammunition, Moscow's position in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is in peril. Reportedly, Moscow has failed to keep its promise to deliver ammunition to Wagner. In February, Prigozhin as per Reuters even termed the withholding of munition supplies as "treason".

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Surprising everyone in the two warring nations and elsewhere around, the chief of the Russian mercenary group Wagner revealed his political ambitions and declared his intentions to run for Ukraine's President in 2024.

Surprising everyone in the two warring nations and elsewhere around, the chief of the Russian mercenary group Wagner revealed his political ambitions and declared his intentions to run for Ukraine's President in 2024. In a video going viral on social media, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced his "political ambitions" for next year and said that he has "decided to run for president in 2024." In the video, Prigozhin, who is dressed in combat gear, can be seen addressing the camera from an unknown location. Gunfire can be heard in the background, as he says, "I'm making a political coming out. Looking at everything around me, I've got political ambitions. I decided to run for president in 2024. For President of Ukraine." Watch | Wagner Chief: Our men running short of ammunition | Battle of Bakhmut He goes on to add if he defeated incumbent Volodymyr Zelensky and his predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, "everything will be fine." "If I win the presidential elections of Ukraine, then everything will be fine, guys, the shells will not be needed." Watch the video here: ⚡️In 2024 I will run for the presidency of Ukraine — head of Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin pic.twitter.com/C0Ni5FMKVx — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) March 11, 2023 × Also read | 'Ordinary bureaucracy or a betrayal?': Wagner chief says without promised ammunition, Bakhmut could collapse As per reports, this could be a dig at Moscow's failure to supply the mercenary group with ammunition. The Wagner chief has in recent days repeatedly brought up the ammunition issue. The Wagner chief has for some time been at odds with the Russian military chiefs, including Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu and head of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. He has questioned their competence and has voiced his suspicions of the ministry's "jealousy" for the success of his mercenary troops. Also read | Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on Recently, Prigozhin accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of cutting him off completely and said that he has been unable to get through to anyone at the Kremlin. Prigozhin said on his Telegram channel, “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].” Just last week, he had warned that unless his troops are fortified with ammunition, Moscow's position in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut is in peril. Reportedly, Moscow has failed to keep its promise to deliver ammunition to Wagner. In February, Prigozhin as per Reuters even termed the withholding of munition supplies as "treason". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russian mercenary group Wagner’s chief reveals ‘political ambitions’, to run for Ukraine’s president in 2024

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of G20 meet were "constructive" but that the US said nothing new. Both leaders met during the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in India last week. Russia and US are at two opposite ends of political manoeuvres especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;

Lavrov was speaking during an interview on Russian state TV. He said that he spoke with Blinken for 10 minutes and both of them discussed nuclear arms issues and the conflict in Ukraine. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the Russian invasion.

"We spoke constructively, without emotions, we shook hands," Lavrov said.

"Everything I heard was a position that has already been expressed and underlined in public many times before. I gave my honest, detailed assessment about the New START treaty, and why we saw it necessary to suspend it," he said.

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended Russian participation in the new START nuclear arms treaty. He accused the US of trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia in the Ukraine conflict. 
 
Russia said on Friday it was still in contact with Washington over the treaty, but held out little prospect of returning to it.

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained gains in the first months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. Russian&nbsp;forces are currently trying very hard to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of G20 meet were "constructive" but that the US said nothing new.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of G20 meet were "constructive" but that the US said nothing new. Both leaders met during the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in India last week. Russia and US are at two opposite ends of political manoeuvres especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Lavrov was speaking during an interview on Russian state TV. He said that he spoke with Blinken for 10 minutes and both of them discussed nuclear arms issues and the conflict in Ukraine. This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the Russian invasion. "We spoke constructively, without emotions, we shook hands," Lavrov said. "Everything I heard was a position that has already been expressed and underlined in public many times before. I gave my honest, detailed assessment about the New START treaty, and why we saw it necessary to suspend it," he said. Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended Russian participation in the new START nuclear arms treaty. He accused the US of trying to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Russia said on Friday it was still in contact with Washington over the treaty, but held out little prospect of returning to it. Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained gains in the first months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. Russian forces are currently trying very hard to capture the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Talks with Blinken at G20 ‘constructive’ but US said nothing new: Lavrov

The United States is purportedly refraining from sharing the American intelligence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine, New York Times reported.

The report cited current and former officials that the U.S. Department of Defense has held back from sharing evidence on acts, which it said were "war crimes", for the reason that it may act as a precedent that could impact US soldiers involved in wars on foreign lands in the future.

<h2>Joe Biden to take final call: Report</h2>

The report said that the US National Security Council, in its February 3 meeting, sought to find solution to the conflict. But the defence secretary Lloyd Austin was reportedly adamant to not inform the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the Russian actions in Ukraine based on the US intelligence reports from the region. The situation remains at a deadlock with the US President Joe Biden yet to make&nbsp;a decision on it.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-ukraine-war-belarus-fully-supports-beijings-peace-plan-567256">Russia-Ukraine war: Belarus 'fully' supports Beijing's peace plan</a>

GOP senator Lindsey Graham, who was a part of the congressional resolution that called for US support to International Criminal Court&nbsp;over war in Ukraine, held the Pentagon responsible for blocking vital intel. “DoD [Department of Defence] opposed the legislative change – it passed overwhelmingly – and they are now trying to undermine the letter and spirit of the law. It seems to me that DoD is the problem child here, and the sooner we can get the information into the hands of the ICC, the better off the world will be," Graham said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia rejects International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over probe into war crimes in Ukraine

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The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, was partly formulated by the United States. This, finally became a 1998 treaty&nbsp;that established the International Criminal Court.

The US officials, at present&nbsp;remain divided, on utilising the statute amid ongoing war in Ukraine. They argue that in the future, the US adversaries can prosecute American troops utilising the same. One of the safeguards mentioned&nbsp;in the statute point out that the ICC will only exercise its power if a suspect's home country fail to carry out prosecution. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States is purportedly refraining from sharing the American intelligence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine, New York Times reported.

The United States is purportedly refraining from sharing the American intelligence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on "war crimes" allegedly committed by Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine, New York Times reported. The report cited current and former officials that the U.S. Department of Defense has held back from sharing evidence on acts, which it said were "war crimes", for the reason that it may act as a precedent that could impact US soldiers involved in wars on foreign lands in the future. Joe Biden to take final call: Report The report said that the US National Security Council, in its February 3 meeting, sought to find solution to the conflict. But the defence secretary Lloyd Austin was reportedly adamant to not inform the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the Russian actions in Ukraine based on the US intelligence reports from the region. The situation remains at a deadlock with the US President Joe Biden yet to make a decision on it. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Belarus 'fully' supports Beijing's peace plan GOP senator Lindsey Graham, who was a part of the congressional resolution that called for US support to International Criminal Court over war in Ukraine, held the Pentagon responsible for blocking vital intel. “DoD [Department of Defence] opposed the legislative change – it passed overwhelmingly – and they are now trying to undermine the letter and spirit of the law. It seems to me that DoD is the problem child here, and the sooner we can get the information into the hands of the ICC, the better off the world will be," Graham said. ALSO WATCH | Russia rejects International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over probe into war crimes in Ukraine × The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, was partly formulated by the United States. This, finally became a 1998 treaty that established the International Criminal Court. The US officials, at present remain divided, on utilising the statute amid ongoing war in Ukraine. They argue that in the future, the US adversaries can prosecute American troops utilising the same. One of the safeguards mentioned in the statute point out that the ICC will only exercise its power if a suspect's home country fail to carry out prosecution. (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.

Pentagon refrains from sharing evidence of alleged Russian war crimes with international court. Here's why

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. 
 
As Russia claims it is inching closer to seizing control of the Bakhmut city in the east, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out withdrawing the troops from the besieged city, saying that such a move will allow Russian forces to capture key cities in eastern Ukraine.

“This is tactical for us,” Zelensky told CNN in an interview on Tuesday.

“We understand that after Bakhmut they could go further. They could go to Kramatorsk, they could go to Sloviansk, it would be an open road for the Russians after Bakhmut to other towns in Ukraine, in the Donetsk direction,” he was quoted as saying. “That’s why our guys are standing there.”

He stressed that Ukraine’s military will prolong its defence of the city despite Russia gaining an upper hand.

The eastern city has been witnessing&nbsp;months of intense fighting, as Russian mercenary Wagner Group and Russian troops have been trying&nbsp;to seize it. Ukraine has been valiantly maintaining its defence,&nbsp;and stalling advancement of the Russian troops.

<h2>Ukraine vows to keep defending Bakhmut amid constant attacks by Russian forces</h2>

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Ukraine's president and military commanders have agreed to strengthen their defence of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian leader said that there is a reason why they are stationing their troops there. “We understand what Russia wants to achieve there. Russia needs at least some victory – a small victory – even by ruining everything in Bakhmut, just killing every civilian there.”

Zelensky said that if Russia is able to capture Bakhmut, then it would give a major boost to their confidence after facing series of setbacks. He said that it would help “mobilize their society in order to create this idea they’re such a powerful army.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-denies-involvement-in-nord-stream-pipelines-blast-569843">Ukraine denies involvement in Nord Stream pipelines blast</a>

Experts opine that Bakhmut holds little to no strategic significance for Russia. But they believe that fall of the eastern city would open doors to other cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk — two densely populated, industrial urban hubs to the northwest.

Responding to reports that some commanders and lower level officers have questioned the merit of holding Bakhmut amid a rising number of casualties, Zelensky said he has “never heard anything like that” from his commanders.

“We have to think about our people first and no one should be surrounded, encircled – this is very important,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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. As Russia claims it is inching closer to seizing control of the Bakhmut city in the east, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out withdrawing the troops from the besieged city, saying that such a move will allow Russian forces to capture key cities in eastern Ukraine. “This is tactical for us,” Zelensky told CNN in an interview on Tuesday. “We understand that after Bakhmut they could go further. They could go to Kramatorsk, they could go to Sloviansk, it would be an open road for the Russians after Bakhmut to other towns in Ukraine, in the Donetsk direction,” he was quoted as saying. “That’s why our guys are standing there.” He stressed that Ukraine’s military will prolong its defence of the city despite Russia gaining an upper hand. The eastern city has been witnessing months of intense fighting, as Russian mercenary Wagner Group and Russian troops have been trying to seize it. Ukraine has been valiantly maintaining its defence, and stalling advancement of the Russian troops. Ukraine vows to keep defending Bakhmut amid constant attacks by Russian forces Ukraine's president and military commanders have agreed to strengthen their defence of Bakhmut. The Ukrainian leader said that there is a reason why they are stationing their troops there. “We understand what Russia wants to achieve there. Russia needs at least some victory – a small victory – even by ruining everything in Bakhmut, just killing every civilian there.” Zelensky said that if Russia is able to capture Bakhmut, then it would give a major boost to their confidence after facing series of setbacks. He said that it would help “mobilize their society in order to create this idea they’re such a powerful army.” Also read | Ukraine denies involvement in Nord Stream pipelines blast Experts opine that Bakhmut holds little to no strategic significance for Russia. But they believe that fall of the eastern city would open doors to other cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk — two densely populated, industrial urban hubs to the northwest. Responding to reports that some commanders and lower level officers have questioned the merit of holding Bakhmut amid a rising number of casualties, Zelensky said he has “never heard anything like that” from his commanders. “We have to think about our people first and no one should be surrounded, encircled – this is very important,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Won’t withdraw from Bakhmut,’ says Ukraine’s Zelensky with Russia on cusp of seizing control city

The Reform party of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas won the parliamentary election on Sunday (March 5), with Tallinn's (the capital and most populous city of Estonia) administration remaining one of Europe's most ardently pro-Kyiv, as reported by Reuters.

With 98 per cent&nbsp;of the votes tallied, the results put Kallas' liberal party in second place with 16.1 per cent of the vote behind the far-right EKRE party's 31.5 per cent, reflecting voter concerns over rising living costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Baltic nation's pro-European direction would be cemented if Kallas, 45, is successful in putting together a coalition.

After the election, Kallas claimed that her party was in a good position to create a coalition administration that would continue to put pressure on Russia.

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"We ... have to invest in our security, our aggressive neighbour has not vanished and will not vanish, so we have to work with that", she told reporters at a central Tallin hotel where party supporters gathered for the evening.

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A man casts his vote during a general election in Parnu,&nbsp;Estonia&nbsp;March 5, 2023. Photo credits: Reuters

2019 saw the Reform party win an election, but the three smaller parties that eventually formed a government prevented it from taking office. It split in 2021, paving the way for Kallas to take leadership and form a coalition.

The opposition party, EKRE had pledged to reduce energy costs by resisting the switch to green energy and to avoid taking in new Ukrainian conflict refugees throughout the campaign.

The party also criticised Kallas' strategy of transferring large amounts of weaponry to Ukraine, claiming it ignored that nation's own defence requirements.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Reform party of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas won the parliamentary election on Sunday (March 5), with Tallinn's (the capital and most populous city of Estonia) administration remaining one of Europe's most ardently pro-Kyiv, as reported by Reuters.

The Reform party of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas won the parliamentary election on Sunday (March 5), with Tallinn's (the capital and most populous city of Estonia) administration remaining one of Europe's most ardently pro-Kyiv, as reported by Reuters. With 98 per cent of the votes tallied, the results put Kallas' liberal party in second place with 16.1 per cent of the vote behind the far-right EKRE party's 31.5 per cent, reflecting voter concerns over rising living costs following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Baltic nation's pro-European direction would be cemented if Kallas, 45, is successful in putting together a coalition. After the election, Kallas claimed that her party was in a good position to create a coalition administration that would continue to put pressure on Russia. #UPDATE Prime Minister Kaja Kallas's centre-right Reform Party won Estonia's general election by a wide margin on Sunday, according to near-complete results, beating out a far-right rival that had campaigned against further arms deliveries to Ukrainehttps://t.co/OxbHZNb1Bo pic.twitter.com/f0UbioUNSw — AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 6, 2023 × ALSO READ | Hungarian MPs plan to visit Sweden on March 7 to discuss NATO bid: Stockholm "We ... have to invest in our security, our aggressive neighbour has not vanished and will not vanish, so we have to work with that", she told reporters at a central Tallin hotel where party supporters gathered for the evening. A man casts his vote during a general election in Parnu, Estonia March 5, 2023. Photo credits: Reuters 2019 saw the Reform party win an election, but the three smaller parties that eventually formed a government prevented it from taking office. It split in 2021, paving the way for Kallas to take leadership and form a coalition. The opposition party, EKRE had pledged to reduce energy costs by resisting the switch to green energy and to avoid taking in new Ukrainian conflict refugees throughout the campaign. The party also criticised Kallas' strategy of transferring large amounts of weaponry to Ukraine, claiming it ignored that nation's own defence requirements. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Estonia elections: PM Kallas secures big win for Reform party, to continue backing Ukraine

Ukraine has started withdrawing its troops from the embattled Bakhmut, as Russia inches closed to one of its major victories this year, Sky News reported.

Russia's Wagner private army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in a video posted on social media said that only one road out of Bakhmut remains under Ukrainian control and called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to abandon the city.

“Units of the private military company Wagner have practically surrounded Bakhmut,” Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said, appearing in combat uniform in a video posted on Telegram.

“Only one route [out] is left,” he said. “The pincers are closing.”

A top Ukrainian presidential adviser told CNN on Tuesday that Kyiv was considering leaving the eastern city, which has been blasted to ruins by Russian artillery.

“So far they’ve held the city, but if need be, they will strategically pull back because we’re not going to sacrifice all of our people just for nothing,” Alexander Rodnyansky was quoted as saying.

<h2>Gravitas: Russia looks at its first major victory</h2>

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Bakhmut is located in Donetsk province—one of four provinces illegally annexed by Russia last fall. Kremlin controls half of the Donetsk province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-support-kyiv-as-long-as-it-takes-joe-biden-and-olaf-scholz-vow-to-fight-russia-568356">'Will support Kyiv as long as it takes': US President Joe Biden &amp; German Chancellor Scholz vow Ukraine support</a>

In order to seize control of the remaining half of that province, Russian forces must pass through Bakhmut, which will then pave the way for bigger Ukrainian cities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-likely-to-run-out-of-money-next-year-claims-oligarch-oleg-deripaska-567969">&nbsp;Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska</a>

This is the second Ukrainian city that has fallen to its foe Russia. In January, Moscow was able to take control of the salt mining town of Soledar through sheer force.

(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.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Ukraine has started withdrawing its troops from the embattled Bakhmut, as Russia inches closed to one of its major victories this year, Sky News reported. Russia's Wagner private army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in a video posted on social media said that only one road out of Bakhmut remains under Ukrainian control and called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to abandon the city.

Ukraine has started withdrawing its troops from the embattled Bakhmut, as Russia inches closed to one of its major victories this year, Sky News reported. Russia's Wagner private army chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in a video posted on social media said that only one road out of Bakhmut remains under Ukrainian control and called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to abandon the city. “Units of the private military company Wagner have practically surrounded Bakhmut,” Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin said, appearing in combat uniform in a video posted on Telegram. “Only one route [out] is left,” he said. “The pincers are closing.” A top Ukrainian presidential adviser told CNN on Tuesday that Kyiv was considering leaving the eastern city, which has been blasted to ruins by Russian artillery. “So far they’ve held the city, but if need be, they will strategically pull back because we’re not going to sacrifice all of our people just for nothing,” Alexander Rodnyansky was quoted as saying. Gravitas: Russia looks at its first major victory Bakhmut is located in Donetsk province—one of four provinces illegally annexed by Russia last fall. Kremlin controls half of the Donetsk province. Also read | 'Will support Kyiv as long as it takes': US President Joe Biden & German Chancellor Scholz vow Ukraine support In order to seize control of the remaining half of that province, Russian forces must pass through Bakhmut, which will then pave the way for bigger Ukrainian cities. Also read | Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska This is the second Ukrainian city that has fallen to its foe Russia. In January, Moscow was able to take control of the salt mining town of Soledar through sheer force. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine begins withdrawal from Bakhmut as Russia gains upper hand: Report

British military intelligence said on Saturday (March 4) that Ukrainian forces were under severe increasing pressure defending Bakhkmut against Russian attacks. Intense fighting is taking place in and around the city. Russian army, aided by private military troops from Wagner group have made advances in Bakhmut's northern suburbs. Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite military troops, said British Defence Ministry in its daily intelligence bulletin.

Watch | Ukraine to get tactical bridges to move tanks and armoured vehicles; Will China send arms to Russia?

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Two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed within the last 36 hours, it said, adding that Ukrainian-held resupply routes out of the city are increasingly limited.

One of those bridges connected Bakhmut to the city's last main supply route from the Ukrainian-held town of Chasiv Yar, about 13 km (eight miles) to the west, it said.

Ukraine's military command said Russia was still trying to surround Bakhmut but added that over the past day Ukrainian forces had beaten back Russian attacks in the city.

"The enemy does not cease attempts to surround Bakhmut," it said in its morning briefing note on Saturday, adding that over the past day Ukrainian forces had beaten back Russian attacks in Bakhmut.

Russian artillery pounded the last routes out of Bakhmut on Friday, aiming to complete the encirclement of the besieged city and bring Moscow closer to its first major victory in the war in six months.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-begins-withdrawal-from-eastern-bakhmut-town-as-russia-gains-upper-hand-568405">Ukraine begins withdrawal from Bakhmut as Russia gains upper hand: Report</a>

The Ukrainian briefing note also said that Russian attacks had been foiled in the villages of Ivanivske and Bohdanivka, both of which lie less than eight km (five miles) west of Bakhmut's city centre.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

British military intelligence said on Saturday (March 4) that Ukrainian forces were under severe increasing pressure defending Bakhkmut against Russian attacks. Intense fighting is taking place in and around the city.

British military intelligence said on Saturday (March 4) that Ukrainian forces were under severe increasing pressure defending Bakhkmut against Russian attacks. Intense fighting is taking place in and around the city. Russian army, aided by private military troops from Wagner group have made advances in Bakhmut's northern suburbs. Ukraine is reinforcing the area with elite military troops, said British Defence Ministry in its daily intelligence bulletin. Watch | Ukraine to get tactical bridges to move tanks and armoured vehicles; Will China send arms to Russia? × Two key bridges in Bakhmut have been destroyed within the last 36 hours, it said, adding that Ukrainian-held resupply routes out of the city are increasingly limited. One of those bridges connected Bakhmut to the city's last main supply route from the Ukrainian-held town of Chasiv Yar, about 13 km (eight miles) to the west, it said. Ukraine's military command said Russia was still trying to surround Bakhmut but added that over the past day Ukrainian forces had beaten back Russian attacks in the city. "The enemy does not cease attempts to surround Bakhmut," it said in its morning briefing note on Saturday, adding that over the past day Ukrainian forces had beaten back Russian attacks in Bakhmut. Russian artillery pounded the last routes out of Bakhmut on Friday, aiming to complete the encirclement of the besieged city and bring Moscow closer to its first major victory in the war in six months. Also Read | Ukraine begins withdrawal from Bakhmut as Russia gains upper hand: Report The Ukrainian briefing note also said that Russian attacks had been foiled in the villages of Ivanivske and Bohdanivka, both of which lie less than eight km (five miles) west of Bakhmut's city centre. (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 ×

Ukraine forces under severe pressure defending Bakhmut, says UK

A steel plant in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih city is making metal bunkers for its front-line troops. The bunkers are built to withstand projectiles with calibres of up to 152 millimetres.

A steel plant in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih city is making metal bunkers for its front-line troops. The bunkers are built to withstand projectiles with calibres of up to 152 millimetres. They can accommodate up to six soldiers and need to be buried about five feet underground, a report by the news agency AP said. The project (to build the bunkers) has been launched by the Ukrainian mining and metals company Metinvest. Petro Zhuk, who manages the 40-person team building the bunkers, said that although the structures take 165 man-hours to produce, including prefabrication, his team can build one a day. Zhuk hoped that Ukrainian troops would find a measure of comfort in the bunkers. ALSO READ | US: Two Kansas men arrested for illegally exporting technology to Russia amid Ukraine war “While they are inside, they cannot worry about an attack that could happen while they are asleep. They can be warm and comfortable,” he added. Metinvest also owns the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works, a plant in Mariupol. When the city was under siege, civilians and soldiers sheltered at the plant and it became a symbol of resistance against Russian attacks. Speaking to local media, the company's chief executive officer (CEO) Yurii Ryzhenkov said that drawings for the bunkers were found in the company's archives when it was a Soviet enterprise. Back then, every plant had to produce something for the army, Ryzhenkov added. 'This is for victory of Ukraine' With Metinvest making bunkers for Ukrainian troops, the workers in the steel plant in Kryvyi Rih are happy that they are contributing to the resistance to Russia's offensive. Vitalii Yevzhenko, 54, a plant worker involved in assembling the bunkers, said he thinks what he and his colleagues are doing is very important. “This is for the victory of Ukraine. The sooner the war ends, the better it will be,” Yevzhenko 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.

Ukraine war: Steel plant builds six-person bunkers for front line troops

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (March 2) in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, sources told WION. It was their first such encounter since the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;

Blinken reportedly told the Russian foreign minister that the US will support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". He also&nbsp;urged&nbsp;Russia to rejoin the New START nuclear arms control treaty that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently withdrew from.&nbsp;

Reports have mentioned that Washington pressed Moscow on Ukraine's situation in the brief meeting which lasted less than 10 minutes and urged Russia to engage with Ukraine based on demands put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

The meeting happened a day after Blinken said that he had no plans to meet his Russian or Chinese counterparts. It was also of huge significance as it happened amid several Western nations urged for peace initiatives. As quoted by news agencies, a senior US official said that Blinken wanted to "disabuse the Russians of any notion that our support might be wavering" on Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-russia-does-not-feel-isolated-west-isolating-itself-now-says-lavrov-567674">G20: Russia does not feel isolated, West isolating itself now, says Lavrov</a>&nbsp;

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Breaking: Sergey Lavrov &amp; Blinken meet in Delhi. First break here⤵️ <a href="https://t.co/765lpzLuUS">https://t.co/765lpzLuUS</a>
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Blinken wanted to "send that message directly", the official said, further adding that we "always remain hopeful that the Russians will reverse their decision and be prepared to engage in a diplomatic process that can lead to a just and durable peace."&nbsp;

"But I wouldn't say that coming out of this encounter there was any expectation that things would change in the near term," the official added.&nbsp;

The meet will be seen as a significant diplomatic victory for Delhi since no such meeting took place at last year's G20 FMs meet.&nbsp;

India has been calling for dialogue and&nbsp;diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;told him that this is "not an era of war", a phrase that has since then been reiterated by several western world leaders.&nbsp;

"PM Modi was not just speaking about some isolated individual situation because the West is trying to divide the geopolitical picture. Mr Modi gave an assessment of the situation across the globe," Lavrov said while referring to PM Modi's opening remarks at G20 foreign ministers' meet.&nbsp;

Lavrov also lauded India's "responsible stand" on key global issues. He said, "Russia's relationship with India is described as a 'privileged strategic partnership'. This reflects the special character of the relationship. We appreciate the responsible stand India is taking on key global agendas."&nbsp;

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The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (March 2) in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, sources told WION.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday (March 2) in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, sources told WION. It was their first such encounter since the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Blinken reportedly told the Russian foreign minister that the US will support Ukraine "for as long as it takes". He also urged Russia to rejoin the New START nuclear arms control treaty that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently withdrew from. Reports have mentioned that Washington pressed Moscow on Ukraine's situation in the brief meeting which lasted less than 10 minutes and urged Russia to engage with Ukraine based on demands put forward by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting happened a day after Blinken said that he had no plans to meet his Russian or Chinese counterparts. It was also of huge significance as it happened amid several Western nations urged for peace initiatives. As quoted by news agencies, a senior US official said that Blinken wanted to "disabuse the Russians of any notion that our support might be wavering" on Ukraine. ALSO READ | G20: Russia does not feel isolated, West isolating itself now, says Lavrov Breaking: Sergey Lavrov & Blinken meet in Delhi. First break here⤵️ https://t.co/765lpzLuUS — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 2, 2023 × Blinken wanted to "send that message directly", the official said, further adding that we "always remain hopeful that the Russians will reverse their decision and be prepared to engage in a diplomatic process that can lead to a just and durable peace." "But I wouldn't say that coming out of this encounter there was any expectation that things would change in the near term," the official added. The meet will be seen as a significant diplomatic victory for Delhi since no such meeting took place at last year's G20 FMs meet. India has been calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and told him that this is "not an era of war", a phrase that has since then been reiterated by several western world leaders. "PM Modi was not just speaking about some isolated individual situation because the West is trying to divide the geopolitical picture. Mr Modi gave an assessment of the situation across the globe," Lavrov said while referring to PM Modi's opening remarks at G20 foreign ministers' meet. Lavrov also lauded India's "responsible stand" on key global issues. He said, "Russia's relationship with India is described as a 'privileged strategic partnership'. This reflects the special character of the relationship. We appreciate the responsible stand India is taking on key global agendas." 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.

Blinken and Lavrov hold 'brief' meeting, first in-person since start of Ukraine war

Authorities on Friday (March 3) arrested two Kansas men for illegally exporting technology to Russia. According to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice, the men were arrested on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent American export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia.&nbsp;

The men have been identified as Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 59, of Lawrence, and Douglas Robertson, 55, of Olathe. The Department of Justice said that the two men operated the KanRus Trading Company, which supplied Western avionics equipment to Russian companies and provided repair services for equipment used in Russian-manufactured aircraft.&nbsp;

"Since 2020, the defendants conspired to evade US export laws by concealing and misstating the true end users, value and end destinations of their exports and by transshipping items through third-party countries," the statement said.&nbsp;

It added that on February 28 last year (four days after the Ukraine war), "the defendants attempted to export avionics to Russia. US authorities detained the shipment, and the US Department of Commerce informed the defendants that a licence was required to export the equipment to Russia."

The Justice Department also said that in April 2022, Douglas Robertson expressed to a Russia-based customer that things were complicated in the US and this was not the right time for more paperwork. From May-July, Robertson and Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky illegally transshipped avionics through Armenia and Cyprus to Russia without obtaining the required licenses.

The Kansas men have been charged with conspiracy, exporting controlled goods without a licence, falsifying and failing to file electronic export information, and smuggling goods contrary to American law.

If convicted, they would be "20 years in prison for each count of exporting controlled goods without a licence; up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling; and up to five years in prison for each count of conspiracy and falsifying export information," Friday's statement added.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Authorities on Friday (March 3) arrested two Kansas men for illegally exporting technology to Russia. According to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice, the men were arrested on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent American export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia.

Authorities on Friday (March 3) arrested two Kansas men for illegally exporting technology to Russia. According to a statement issued by the US Department of Justice, the men were arrested on charges related to a years-long scheme to circumvent American export laws that included the illegal export of aviation-related technology to Russia after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the imposition of stricter restrictions on exports to Russia. The men have been identified as Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky, 59, of Lawrence, and Douglas Robertson, 55, of Olathe. The Department of Justice said that the two men operated the KanRus Trading Company, which supplied Western avionics equipment to Russian companies and provided repair services for equipment used in Russian-manufactured aircraft. "Since 2020, the defendants conspired to evade US export laws by concealing and misstating the true end users, value and end destinations of their exports and by transshipping items through third-party countries," the statement said. It added that on February 28 last year (four days after the Ukraine war), "the defendants attempted to export avionics to Russia. US authorities detained the shipment, and the US Department of Commerce informed the defendants that a licence was required to export the equipment to Russia." The Justice Department also said that in April 2022, Douglas Robertson expressed to a Russia-based customer that things were complicated in the US and this was not the right time for more paperwork. From May-July, Robertson and Cyril Gregory Buyanovsky illegally transshipped avionics through Armenia and Cyprus to Russia without obtaining the required licenses. The Kansas men have been charged with conspiracy, exporting controlled goods without a licence, falsifying and failing to file electronic export information, and smuggling goods contrary to American law. If convicted, they would be "20 years in prison for each count of exporting controlled goods without a licence; up to 10 years in prison for each count of smuggling; and up to five years in prison for each count of conspiracy and falsifying export information," Friday's statement added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Two Kansas men arrested for illegally exporting technology to Russia amid Ukraine war

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;

Russia's Wagner mercenary group claimed on Friday that the Russians have surrounded the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Other reports claimed that the fight for the key battleground city is raging 'round-the-clock'.&nbsp;

Reports in the Ukrainian media cited authorities saying that they discovered hastily buried bodies in 'makeshift graves' when the Russian forces briefly gained control of villages and towns near Kyiv. The Kremlin has not clarified on the accusations till the time of filing of this report.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian forces were reported to be clinging on to Bakhmut despite what is being seen as a position of Russian advantage during the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Bakhmut assault nearing its end? Ukraine says situation critical | Round the clock fighting

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The Russian forces have reportedly been attacking Bakhmut in Donetsk province for months, sometimes in waves, and the site has become one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

"Fighting is going on in Bakhmut round the clock...The situation is critical," Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the National Guard of Ukraine, was quoted as saying by Ukrainian NV Radio.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-forces-tries-to-encircle-and-storm-bakhmut-567539">Russian Forces try to encircle and storm Bakhmut</a>

On Friday, the General Staff of the Ukraine Military said that the country's forces repelled over 85 attacks in the five principal sectors of the Bakhmut front line.&nbsp;

The General Staff further accused that Russia continues to target civilians, something Moscow denies, with air and missile strikes in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts.

For Russia, taking Bakhmut would be a step towards seizing the rest of the surrounding industrial region known as the Donbas.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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. Russia's Wagner mercenary group claimed on Friday that the Russians have surrounded the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. Other reports claimed that the fight for the key battleground city is raging 'round-the-clock'. Reports in the Ukrainian media cited authorities saying that they discovered hastily buried bodies in 'makeshift graves' when the Russian forces briefly gained control of villages and towns near Kyiv. The Kremlin has not clarified on the accusations till the time of filing of this report. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian forces were reported to be clinging on to Bakhmut despite what is being seen as a position of Russian advantage during the ongoing conflict. ALSO WATCH | Bakhmut assault nearing its end? Ukraine says situation critical | Round the clock fighting × The Russian forces have reportedly been attacking Bakhmut in Donetsk province for months, sometimes in waves, and the site has become one of the bloodiest battles of the war. "Fighting is going on in Bakhmut round the clock...The situation is critical," Volodymyr Nazarenko, a deputy commander in the National Guard of Ukraine, was quoted as saying by Ukrainian NV Radio. ALSO READ | Russian Forces try to encircle and storm Bakhmut On Friday, the General Staff of the Ukraine Military said that the country's forces repelled over 85 attacks in the five principal sectors of the Bakhmut front line. The General Staff further accused that Russia continues to target civilians, something Moscow denies, with air and missile strikes in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts. For Russia, taking Bakhmut would be a step towards seizing the rest of the surrounding industrial region known as the Donbas. (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 for Bakhmut rages on ‘round the clock’ as Russia intensifies offensive

The Little Mermaid statue, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Copenhagen, Denmark, was vandalised with colours of the Russian flag painted across its base.

On Thursday night, the colours of the Russian flag - white, blue and red - were daubed on the rock on which the heroine's statue from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale rests.

Copenhagen police stated that they visited the scene and “a case of vandalism” was recorded and now they were making attempts to find “traces” in the area.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-likely-to-run-out-of-money-next-year-claims-oligarch-oleg-deripaska-567969">Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska</a>

The police have started investigating the act of vandalism which is being seen as an expression of support for Russia's war against Ukraine.

The vandalised statue was photographed by a few puzzled tourists on Thursday morning.

The Little Mermaid statue, which has taken inspiration from a character of the same name in the Danish author Hans Christian &nbsp;Andersen’s 1837 fairytale, weighs 175kg (385lb) and has been sculpted by Edvard Eriksen.

According to Andersen's tale, the mermaid, who is the daughter of a mythical sea king, falls in love with a prince and wishes to become human.

WATCH | Russia: Don't ignore new territorial realities

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The statue, which is kept in Langelinie's relatively secluded harbour in Copenhagen, has been vandalised several times. In 1964, the mermaid’s head was stolen, and her arm was removed in 1984. In 1998, her head was again removed by vandals, but it was returned later, before getting blown off her perch in 2003. &nbsp;

The statue has been painted several times, most recently in 2020, when a mysterious inscription of a “racist fish” was added to it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Little Mermaid statue, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Copenhagen, Denmark, was vandalised with colours of the Russian flag painted across its base.

The Little Mermaid statue, which is one of the most notable landmarks in Copenhagen, Denmark, was vandalised with colours of the Russian flag painted across its base. On Thursday night, the colours of the Russian flag - white, blue and red - were daubed on the rock on which the heroine's statue from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale rests. Copenhagen police stated that they visited the scene and “a case of vandalism” was recorded and now they were making attempts to find “traces” in the area. ALSO READ | Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska The police have started investigating the act of vandalism which is being seen as an expression of support for Russia's war against Ukraine. The vandalised statue was photographed by a few puzzled tourists on Thursday morning. The Little Mermaid statue, which has taken inspiration from a character of the same name in the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairytale, weighs 175kg (385lb) and has been sculpted by Edvard Eriksen. According to Andersen's tale, the mermaid, who is the daughter of a mythical sea king, falls in love with a prince and wishes to become human. WATCH | Russia: Don't ignore new territorial realities The statue, which is kept in Langelinie's relatively secluded harbour in Copenhagen, has been vandalised several times. In 1964, the mermaid’s head was stolen, and her arm was removed in 1984. In 1998, her head was again removed by vandals, but it was returned later, before getting blown off her perch in 2003. The statue has been painted several times, most recently in 2020, when a mysterious inscription of a “racist fish” was added to it. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Little Mermaid vandalised with Russian flag's colours in Denmark

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of throwing waves of men into battle in Bakhmut with no regard for their lives. The Ukrainian president said the fighting was "most difficult".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of throwing waves of men into battle in Bakhmut with no regard for their lives. The Ukrainian president said the fighting was "most difficult". Thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict, while millions of Ukrainians have become refugees in the war which started last year in February. Oleg Nikolenko, who is the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, weighed in on several issues as he spoke to WION. Here is the interview: WION: How do you sum up the response by the international community to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia? Oleg Nikolenko: Ukraine is extremely grateful to the international community for providing military, financial, and humanitarian aid. But of course, as the war continues, this support is not enough. We do not want to be seen as a greater nation but as long as the fighting continues, Ukraine needs more support to repel Russian forces and liberate Ukrainian territories. WION: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his intention to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping Xi. When is the meeting happening? Will the president travel to China or will it be at a neutral venue? Oleg Nikolenko: Indeed president Zelensky expressed readiness to meet President Xi. But I am not in a position to talk more about it at this place. We have seen the Chinese position and we are analysing it. But we can say that what Zelensky has said is that it's a positive development. China has spoken out on the need to end the war and we look forward to Chinese action in this regard. WION: Chinese foreign minister said they have been in communication with the Ukrainian side in the past as well. Do you see a change in Chinese side now with this peace proposal? Oleg Nikolenko: I can say that while China prepared this, they didn't consult Ukraine and we learned about it a few days before through the media. We took note of it and as I said we are analysing, the most important thing is to see how words will be followed. WION: Is there a meeting ground between China and Ukraine vis-a-vis the Russian invasion on the matter of Russia? Oleg Nikolenko: President Zelesnky expressed his desire to meet President Xi. Ukraine has expressed its readiness even before FM Kuleba had several contacts with his counterparts. The last meeting took place in Munich of course Ukraine is seeking contact with the Chinese side. It is a positive development, China has spoken out and we want to see more actions. Watch this report: × WION: US side has warned of a possible supply of arms by China to Russia. What does Ukraine believe and can china supply lethal arms? Oleg Nikolenko: We have seen those media reports and we are extremely concerned about them. Our position with any military support to Russia which is launching an aggressive war against Ukraine will undermine the peaceful proposal. WION: Under the current circumstance, G20 FM meetings and other engagements will be on. Do you think India as a G20 chair can be a key player in bringing a solution? Oleg Nikolenko: I think the non-alignment position is not a key element in it. We are dealing with a war of aggression where a strong neighbour attacks a weaker neighbour. So I think India has a big role to play in this. I think G20 ministerial meeting is a good opportunity to call Russia to stop the war. We have seen a statement from the PM of India to end the war. We can only amplify that Russia must be called to end the war and peace can be restored. WION: G20 FM is beginning in India. Key players like Blinken, Lavrov and others will be there, do you want to send any message to the group from this platform? Oleg Nikolenko: We believe G20 can play a role to end the war but unfortunately as long as Russia is part of this group, it will be difficult to take concrete actions towards this goal. Yes, we have a lot of friends in this meeting and we expect serious discussion among them. We are looking for a concrete resolution following this meeting. I think the chances are very low. WION: What are your expectations from India's side, not just as G20 chairperson but on a bilateral position, because they enjoyed good terms with the US and Russia? Do you have any expectations from India? Oleg Nikolenko: We would welcome the proactive role of India in terms of calling Russia to end the war. I think the Russian war against Ukraine is not only Russia-Ukraine things. It's a violation of UN Charter and any country that believes in it, should stand with Ukraine. In this regard, we will welcome India's approach. WION: What are your expectations from Pakistan as there are reports that Pakistan is sending arms to Ukraine through third countries? Will you confirm the report? Oleg Nikolenko: Our practice is that we never confirm military cooperation unless the country wants to confirm by itself. I would like to direct this question to the Pakistan defence ministry. A few days ago, Zelensky spoke with Pakistan's leadership and they discussed ways to strengthen military cooperation. Ukraine is really interested to boost its cooperation with Pakistan but unfortunately, Pakistan abstained from the UN vote on February 23 where there was a resolution seeking lasting peace in Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'India is a strong regional partner': Spokesperson of Ukraine's foreign ministry speaks to WION

A team of Ukrainian and international lawyers has found evidence which suggests that the&nbsp; Russian torture centres found in Kherson, Ukraine, were not random, but were planned and directly financed by Russia. Notably, Kherson was under Russian control for eight months, from March last year till the beginning of November when Ukrainian forces took back control of the city after a fierce counteroffensive.

The prisoners at the centres included anyone who was connected to the Ukrainian state or Ukrainian civil society, including activists, journalists, civil servants and teachers. Several others who had been imprisoned there said they were randomly picked off the street and detained for allegedly having “pro-Ukrainian” material on their phones.

The team, headed by a UK barrister, is known as the Mobile Justice Team,&nbsp;said on Thursday that they investigated 20 torture chambers in Kherson and it is highly likely that they were part of a “calculated plan to terrorise, subjugate and eliminate Ukrainian resistance and destroy Ukrainian identity”.

Also Read |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-war-us-discussing-possible-sanctions-against-china-report-567567">Amid Ukraine war, US discussing possible sanctions against China: Report</a>

Ukrainian prosecutors had collected evidence from around 1,000 survivors to understand more about the torture centres. Plans used by Russian forces to establish, manage and finance the 20 torture centres in Kherson were part of the evidence analysed by the group.&nbsp;

“The mass torture chambers, financed by the Russian state, are not random but rather part of a carefully thought-out and financed blueprint with a clear objective to eliminate Ukrainian national and cultural identity,” said Wayne Jordash, the British barrister who is leading the team.

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“The mass torture chambers, financed by the Russian state, are not random but rather part of a carefully thought-out and financed blueprint with a clear objective to eliminate Ukrainian national and cultural identity,” said the British barrister Wayne Jordash.

The lawyers say that the torture centres were run by Russian security services, the FSB, as well as the Russian prison service and local collaborators. The torture centres, they said, were meant to subjugate, re-educate or kill Ukrainian civic leaders and ordinary dissenters.

Those taken to the torture centres were beaten and given electric shocks. The team says they were also forced to learn and recite pro-Russian slogans, poems and songs. At least 400 people went missing from the centres, and it is unclear if they died or&nbsp;were taken to Russia.

“Putin’s plan is to occupy Ukraine, subjugate the Ukrainian population to Russian rule and destroy Ukrainian identity. This plan is becoming clearer as the evidence of war crimes proliferates and as our investigations progress,” Jordash said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A team of Ukrainian and international lawyers has found evidence which suggests that the Russian torture centres found in Kherson, Ukraine, were not random, but were planned and directly financed by Russia.

A team of Ukrainian and international lawyers has found evidence which suggests that the Russian torture centres found in Kherson, Ukraine, were not random, but were planned and directly financed by Russia. Notably, Kherson was under Russian control for eight months, from March last year till the beginning of November when Ukrainian forces took back control of the city after a fierce counteroffensive. The prisoners at the centres included anyone who was connected to the Ukrainian state or Ukrainian civil society, including activists, journalists, civil servants and teachers. Several others who had been imprisoned there said they were randomly picked off the street and detained for allegedly having “pro-Ukrainian” material on their phones. The team, headed by a UK barrister, is known as the Mobile Justice Team, said on Thursday that they investigated 20 torture chambers in Kherson and it is highly likely that they were part of a “calculated plan to terrorise, subjugate and eliminate Ukrainian resistance and destroy Ukrainian identity”. Also Read | Amid Ukraine war, US discussing possible sanctions against China: Report Ukrainian prosecutors had collected evidence from around 1,000 survivors to understand more about the torture centres. Plans used by Russian forces to establish, manage and finance the 20 torture centres in Kherson were part of the evidence analysed by the group. “The mass torture chambers, financed by the Russian state, are not random but rather part of a carefully thought-out and financed blueprint with a clear objective to eliminate Ukrainian national and cultural identity,” said Wayne Jordash, the British barrister who is leading the team. × “The mass torture chambers, financed by the Russian state, are not random but rather part of a carefully thought-out and financed blueprint with a clear objective to eliminate Ukrainian national and cultural identity,” said the British barrister Wayne Jordash. The lawyers say that the torture centres were run by Russian security services, the FSB, as well as the Russian prison service and local collaborators. The torture centres, they said, were meant to subjugate, re-educate or kill Ukrainian civic leaders and ordinary dissenters. Those taken to the torture centres were beaten and given electric shocks. The team says they were also forced to learn and recite pro-Russian slogans, poems and songs. At least 400 people went missing from the centres, and it is unclear if they died or were taken to Russia. “Putin’s plan is to occupy Ukraine, subjugate the Ukrainian population to Russian rule and destroy Ukrainian identity. This plan is becoming clearer as the evidence of war crimes proliferates and as our investigations progress,” Jordash 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.

Torture centres in Kherson planned and financed by Russia, says lawyer group

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the members of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), suggesting that they are getting directly involved in the Ukraine conflict by supplying arms to the country. Putin said that the West planned to break up Russia.&nbsp;

In an interview with the Rossiya-1 channel aired on Sunday, the Russian president said that the West is sending tens of billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine, which is "participation". &nbsp;

Putin said, "This means that they are taking part, albeit indirectly, in the crimes being carried out by the Kyiv regime."&nbsp;

Putin also accused the West of attempting to "dismember" Russia, with an aim to turn the nation into a series of mini-states—weaker in strength.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-west-of-destabilising-g20-finance-chiefs-meet-in-india-565962">Russia accuses West of ‘destabilising’ G20 finance chiefs’ meet in India</a>&nbsp;

Putin said in the interview that the US and other NATO allies wanted to "inflict a strategic defeat on us [Russia]" and also to "make our people suffer". Putin added: "How can we ignore their nuclear capabilities in these conditions?"&nbsp;

Putin spoke on the sidelines of a patriotic concert in Moscow, which was on Thursday on the eve of the first anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale offensive in Ukraine.

He said, "What are we against? Against the fact that this new world that is taking shape is being built only in the interests of just one country, the United States."

Putin added, "Now that their attempts to re-configure the world in their own likeness after the fall of the Soviet Union have led to this situation, we are obliged to react."&nbsp;

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<h2>US reiterates China mulling arms for Russia&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the United States claimed that it is "confident" that China is mulling over sending lethal equipment to support the Russian forces in the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

The CIA director William Burns said that such a move by Beijing would be "a very risky and unwise bet," the intelligence chief said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the members of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), suggesting that they are getting directly involved in the Ukraine conflict by supplying arms to the country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the members of The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), suggesting that they are getting directly involved in the Ukraine conflict by supplying arms to the country. Putin said that the West planned to break up Russia. In an interview with the Rossiya-1 channel aired on Sunday, the Russian president said that the West is sending tens of billions of dollars in weapons to Ukraine, which is "participation". Putin said, "This means that they are taking part, albeit indirectly, in the crimes being carried out by the Kyiv regime." Putin also accused the West of attempting to "dismember" Russia, with an aim to turn the nation into a series of mini-states—weaker in strength. ALSO READ | Russia accuses West of ‘destabilising’ G20 finance chiefs’ meet in India Putin said in the interview that the US and other NATO allies wanted to "inflict a strategic defeat on us [Russia]" and also to "make our people suffer". Putin added: "How can we ignore their nuclear capabilities in these conditions?" Putin spoke on the sidelines of a patriotic concert in Moscow, which was on Thursday on the eve of the first anniversary of the start of Russia's full-scale offensive in Ukraine. He said, "What are we against? Against the fact that this new world that is taking shape is being built only in the interests of just one country, the United States." Putin added, "Now that their attempts to re-configure the world in their own likeness after the fall of the Soviet Union have led to this situation, we are obliged to react." × US reiterates China mulling arms for Russia Meanwhile, the United States claimed that it is "confident" that China is mulling over sending lethal equipment to support the Russian forces in the Ukraine war. The CIA director William Burns said that such a move by Beijing would be "a very risky and unwise bet," the intelligence chief said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin accuses West of participating in conflict by supplying arms

Russia weighed in on the 12-point peace plan presented by China, terming it a political solution in Ukraine but also mentioned that the given conditions for a peaceful resolution of the war were not in place "at the moment".&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia paid a "lot of attention to our Chinese friends' plan", he further added that "for now, we don't see any of the conditions that are needed to bring this whole story towards peace."&nbsp;

China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-will-be-killed-by-his-aides-zelensky-claims-in-ukraine-war-anniversary-documentary-566416">Putin will be killed by his aides, Zelensky claims in Ukraine war anniversary documentary</a>&nbsp;

The move was vastly welcomed by the Western nations despite growing speculations that Beijing is mulling over sending "lethal aid" to Moscow for the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had also said Moscow was open to achieving the goals of the "special military operation" through political and diplomatic means.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden had told media outlet ABC News in an interview that the idea that Beijing would be negotiating the outcome of the Ukraine war was not "rational".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US, NATO scramble to discuss China from supplying lethal aid&nbsp;

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-fires-senior-military-commander-without-citing-any-reason-566248">Zelensky fires senior military commander without citing any reason</a>&nbsp;

In the past few days, a glimmer of hope is seen with several mentions of diplomatic talks and proposals of peace plans. French President Emmanuel Macron also announced last week that he will visit China in early April, which will be his official visit—an&nbsp;attempt to seek Chinese help with ending the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;

However, Russia has hinted that any settlement of the conflict needed to recognise Russia's control over four Ukrainian regions as Moscow claims to have annexed the regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson but never fully controlled them.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country needed to work with China, arguing "it seems to me that there is respect for our territorial integrity, security issues" from the Chinese perspective.&nbsp;

Zelensky also said he was convinced that only a country whose territory is under attack can initiate "any peace initiatives."&nbsp;

<h2>Kremlin on situation in Moldovan region&nbsp;</h2>

Kremlin also said that it is concerned by the situation in Moldova's breakaway Transdniestria region, where it said Ukraine and other European countries were stirring up the situation.&nbsp;

Moscow last week told the West that it would view any actions that threatened Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria as an attack on Russia itself.&nbsp;

The warning came amid increased concerns in Moldova, a small ex-Soviet republic located between Romania and Ukraine, of a possible Russian threat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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;

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Russia weighed in on the 12-point peace plan presented by China, terming it a political solution in Ukraine but also mentioned that the given conditions for a peaceful resolution of the war were not in place "at the moment".

Russia weighed in on the 12-point peace plan presented by China, terming it a political solution in Ukraine but also mentioned that the given conditions for a peaceful resolution of the war were not in place "at the moment". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia paid a "lot of attention to our Chinese friends' plan", he further added that "for now, we don't see any of the conditions that are needed to bring this whole story towards peace." China recently said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and came up with the so-called peace plan in the form of a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. ALSO READ | Putin will be killed by his aides, Zelensky claims in Ukraine war anniversary documentary The move was vastly welcomed by the Western nations despite growing speculations that Beijing is mulling over sending "lethal aid" to Moscow for the Ukraine war. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had also said Moscow was open to achieving the goals of the "special military operation" through political and diplomatic means. Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden had told media outlet ABC News in an interview that the idea that Beijing would be negotiating the outcome of the Ukraine war was not "rational". WATCH | US, NATO scramble to discuss China from supplying lethal aid × ALSO READ | Zelensky fires senior military commander without citing any reason In the past few days, a glimmer of hope is seen with several mentions of diplomatic talks and proposals of peace plans. French President Emmanuel Macron also announced last week that he will visit China in early April, which will be his official visit—an attempt to seek Chinese help with ending the Russia-Ukraine war. However, Russia has hinted that any settlement of the conflict needed to recognise Russia's control over four Ukrainian regions as Moscow claims to have annexed the regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson but never fully controlled them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country needed to work with China, arguing "it seems to me that there is respect for our territorial integrity, security issues" from the Chinese perspective. Zelensky also said he was convinced that only a country whose territory is under attack can initiate "any peace initiatives." Kremlin on situation in Moldovan region Kremlin also said that it is concerned by the situation in Moldova's breakaway Transdniestria region, where it said Ukraine and other European countries were stirring up the situation. Moscow last week told the West that it would view any actions that threatened Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria as an attack on Russia itself. The warning came amid increased concerns in Moldova, a small ex-Soviet republic located between Romania and Ukraine, of a possible Russian threat. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia weighs in on China's peace plan, says no conditions for peace 'at the moment' in Ukraine