"Extraordinary" details were provided in advance to the United States President Joe Biden related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, The Washington Post has reported.

"Extraordinary" details were provided in advance to the United States President Joe Biden related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, The Washington Post has reported. On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the invasion of Ukraine, what it calls a "special military operation" to "demilitarise" and "de-Nazify" its neighbouring country. The invasion turned into a full-fledged war, causing an outsized impact on the global supply chain and leading to a massive humanitarian crisis. Thousands of people are dead and millions flew away from the conflict zones. ALSO READ | Ukraine nuclear plant standoff: No 'military need' to use nuclear arms in Ukraine, says Russia In the latest report, it is mentioned that the Kremlin's intentions were made known to Biden in reference to the "satellite images, intercepted communications and human sources". The report by The Washington Post contains previously unreported details from over three dozen US, European and NATO officials. The Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said that the country's top intelligence, military and diplomatic leaders provided highly classified intelligence involving the positioning of Russian troops, weaponry and strategy. ALSO READ | Nearly six months into the Ukraine war, UN efforts to isolate Russia diminish The names of top authorities include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Mark A Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Washington Post reported that Milley apparently called Russia's military plot the country's version of "shock and awe." He basically predicted that Russia would attack Ukraine from "multiple directions simultaneously." WATCH | Battle around Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant worries world × Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war Nearly six months into the crisis, the war has reached a dangerous point as concerns of 'nuclear war' have been raised. In the latest development, the Ukrainian technicians at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant hit by shelling work under the barrels of Russian guns and face huge pressure. As reported by news agency Reuters, one of the technicians said that they are staying on to make sure there is no Chornobyl-style disaster. 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 knew Russia's Ukraine war plans but struggled to convince allies: Report

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. Ukraine destroyed the headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group known as the Wagner Group (or Wagner PMC), in the Luhansk region of Ukraine as media reports on Monday (August 15) mentioned. As quoted by BBC, the attack in Popasna was reported by Serhiy Hayday, who is a Ukrainian governor of the Luhansk region. Several other pro-Kremlin war reporters also reported it. ALSO READ | Iran responds to Salman Rushdie's stabbing: Denies involvement but blames writer for the attack Governor Hayday on Telegram wrote that Ukrainian forces "hit an enemy HQ whose whereabouts were established thanks to a Russian journalist". "This time the successful strike destroyed the Wagner PMC HQ in Popasna yesterday," he said. He added that "the number of dead is being clarified," the post added. The report also mentioned that on August 8, Sergei Sreda, who is a Russian war correspondent, wrote about a visit to the "headquarters". He published a post on Telegram, writing: "Arrived at Popasnaya, stopped at the headquarters of the 'PMC Wagner'. I was welcomed as family. Told me some funny stories." ALSO READ | Germany imposes a winter gas tax despite concerns about its effects × Meanwhile, the Ukrainian forces reported heavy Russian shelling and many attempts to advance on several towns in the eastern region of Donetsk. Ukraine also noted that the forces had repelled many of the attacks. The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces also reported Russian shelling of over a dozen towns on the southern front - particularly the Kherson region. In a news briefing, Natalia Humeniuk, who is a spokesperson for Ukraine's southern military command, said on Monday that the situation was complicated but under control. "The enemy doesn't dare advance by land, but fires at the territories in the rear with artillery and rockets," she said. 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 destroys headquarters of Russia's Wagner paramilitary group: Report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the government officials on Thursday (August 11) to stop divulging details about the military tactics that are being used against Russia during the ongoing war.

Terming such remarks "frankly irresponsible" in an evening address, Zelensky said, "War is definitely not the time for vanity and loud statements. The fewer details you divulge about our defence plans, the better it will be for the implementation of those defence plans."

The Ukrainian president further said, "If you want to generate loud headlines, that's one thing — it's frankly irresponsible. If you want victory for Ukraine, that is another thing, and you should be aware of your responsibility for every word you say about our state's plans for defence or counter attacks."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-backs-indias-call-for-urgent-un-security-council-reforms-506169">France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms</a>&nbsp;

Zelensky's comments came after the blasts that wrecked a Russian air base in Crimea. Some newspapers such as the New York Times and Washington Post cited unidentified officials as saying Ukrainian forces were responsible.&nbsp;

Though, there wasn't any official confirmation as the Ukrainian government declined to say whether it had been behind the explosions.&nbsp;

Probe initiated

Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said that the security services had started an investigation into one of the cases where officials had talked to newspapers.&nbsp;

"A leak like this disrupts the plans of the Ukrainian armed forces since the enemy adjusts its actions and uses this information against us," she wrote on Facebook.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-searched-for-classified-nuclear-documents-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-home-report-506107">FBI searched for classified nuclear documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home: Report</a>&nbsp;

Satellite images

Before-and-after satellite images showed three craters where buildings at the Russian air base had been struck and there was apparently massive damage made to the Russian Saki airbase in Crimea.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Russia said the explosions&nbsp;were detonations of stored ammunition, not the result of any attack. There were&nbsp;at least 12 explosions, according to witnesses.&nbsp;

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Image: This combination of handout satellite images courtesy of Maxar Technologies created on August 11, 2022, shows Saki airbase on May 16, 2022, (top) and August 10, 2022, (bottom) following the reported attack in Novofedorivka, Crimea, Ukraine. Credit: AFP

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the government officials on Thursday (August 11) to stop divulging details about the military tactics that are being used against Russia during the ongoing war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the government officials on Thursday (August 11) to stop divulging details about the military tactics that are being used against Russia during the ongoing war. Terming such remarks "frankly irresponsible" in an evening address, Zelensky said, "War is definitely not the time for vanity and loud statements. The fewer details you divulge about our defence plans, the better it will be for the implementation of those defence plans." The Ukrainian president further said, "If you want to generate loud headlines, that's one thing — it's frankly irresponsible. If you want victory for Ukraine, that is another thing, and you should be aware of your responsibility for every word you say about our state's plans for defence or counter attacks." ALSO READ | France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms Zelensky's comments came after the blasts that wrecked a Russian air base in Crimea. Some newspapers such as the New York Times and Washington Post cited unidentified officials as saying Ukrainian forces were responsible. Though, there wasn't any official confirmation as the Ukrainian government declined to say whether it had been behind the explosions. Probe initiated Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said that the security services had started an investigation into one of the cases where officials had talked to newspapers. "A leak like this disrupts the plans of the Ukrainian armed forces since the enemy adjusts its actions and uses this information against us," she wrote on Facebook. ALSO READ | FBI searched for classified nuclear documents at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home: Report Satellite images Before-and-after satellite images showed three craters where buildings at the Russian air base had been struck and there was apparently massive damage made to the Russian Saki airbase in Crimea. On the other hand, Russia said the explosions were detonations of stored ammunition, not the result of any attack. There were at least 12 explosions, according to witnesses. Image: This combination of handout satellite images courtesy of Maxar Technologies created on August 11, 2022, shows Saki airbase on May 16, 2022, (top) and August 10, 2022, (bottom) following the reported attack in Novofedorivka, Crimea, Ukraine. Credit: AFP 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.

'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics

A blanket ban on visas for all Russian travellers could be European Union's next sanction on Moscow as the Ukraine war rages on. The Czech Republic said on Friday (August 12) that the idea will be proposed to the bloc at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August.&nbsp;

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a statement obtained by the news agency AFP, "The flat halting of Russian visas by all EU member states could be another very effective sanction."&nbsp;

Lipavsky added, "In a time of Russian aggression, which the Kremlin keeps on escalating, there cannot be talks about common tourism for Russian citizens."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frankly-irresponsible-zelensky-asks-officials-to-stop-sharing-ukraines-military-tactics-506237">'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics</a>&nbsp;

The foreign minister further said that the move would send "a very clear and straightforward signal to the Russian society" and it will show that "the Western world does not tolerate the Russian regime's aggression and hateful rhetoric aimed at free, democratic countries that pose no threat to Russia."&nbsp;

This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the West to ban all Russian travellers during an interview with the Washington Post this week. Zelensky said that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy".&nbsp;

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WATCH |&nbsp;Russian Defence Ministry releases footage of SU-35 jet in action over Ukrainian skies&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, announced the invasion of Ukraine what he calls a "special military operation".&nbsp;

Moscow said that it aims to "demilitarise" and "de-nazify" its neighbouring country and protect Russian speakers in the country.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the invasion, multiple sanctions were imposed on Russia by the United States and several other Western countries.&nbsp;

A day after the invasion, i.e. February 25, The Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency, stopped issuing visas for ordinary Russians.

But Russian tourists are still flowing into Europe through Finland. And once they enter the visa-free Schengen zone, they can travel across most of Europe.&nbsp;

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A blanket ban on visas for all Russian travellers could be European Union's next sanction on Moscow as the Ukraine war rages on. The Czech Republic said on Friday (August 12) that the idea will be proposed to the bloc at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August.

A blanket ban on visas for all Russian travellers could be European Union's next sanction on Moscow as the Ukraine war rages on. The Czech Republic said on Friday (August 12) that the idea will be proposed to the bloc at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Prague at the end of August. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said in a statement obtained by the news agency AFP, "The flat halting of Russian visas by all EU member states could be another very effective sanction." Lipavsky added, "In a time of Russian aggression, which the Kremlin keeps on escalating, there cannot be talks about common tourism for Russian citizens." ALSO READ | 'Frankly irresponsible': Zelensky asks officials to stop sharing Ukraine's military tactics The foreign minister further said that the move would send "a very clear and straightforward signal to the Russian society" and it will show that "the Western world does not tolerate the Russian regime's aggression and hateful rhetoric aimed at free, democratic countries that pose no threat to Russia." This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the West to ban all Russian travellers during an interview with the Washington Post this week. Zelensky said that Russians should "live in their own world until they change their philosophy". ALSO READ | France backs India’s call for ‘urgent’ UN Security Council reforms WATCH | Russian Defence Ministry releases footage of SU-35 jet in action over Ukrainian skies × Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, announced the invasion of Ukraine what he calls a "special military operation". Moscow said that it aims to "demilitarise" and "de-nazify" its neighbouring country and protect Russian speakers in the country. In the aftermath of the invasion, multiple sanctions were imposed on Russia by the United States and several other Western countries. A day after the invasion, i.e. February 25, The Czech Republic, which holds the rotating EU presidency, stopped issuing visas for ordinary Russians. But Russian tourists are still flowing into Europe through Finland. And once they enter the visa-free Schengen zone, they can travel across most of Europe. 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.

European Union's next step could include blanket ban on visas for all Russians

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket.

"I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters.

"Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview.

"SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at."

Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase.

"We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration.

"We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said.

SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker.

Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6.

Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch.

On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions.

'WAKE-UP CALL'

Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year.

Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback.

"But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for."

Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working.

"This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence."

However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS).

Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024".

But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans.

"The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has begun preliminary technical discussions with Elon Musk's SpaceX that could lead to the temporary use of its launchers after the Ukraine conflict blocked Western access to Russia's Soyuz rockets. The private American competitor to Europe's Arianespace has emerged as a key contender to plug a temporary gap alongside Japan and India, but final decisions depend on the still unresolved timetable for Europe's delayed Ariane 6 rocket. "I would say there are two and a half options that we're discussing. One is SpaceX that is clear. Another one is possibly Japan," ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher told Reuters. "Japan is waiting for the inaugural flight of its next generation rocket. Another option could be India," he added in an interview. "SpaceX I would say is the more operational of those and certainly one of the back-up launches we are looking at." Aschbacher said talks remained at an exploratory phase. "We of course need to make sure that they are suitable. It's not like jumping on a bus," he said. For example, the interface between satellite and launcher must be suitable and the payload must not be compromised by unfamiliar types of launch vibration. "We are looking into this technical compatibility but we have not asked for a commercial offer yet. We just want to make sure that it would be an option in order to make a decision on asking for a firm commercial offer," Aschbacher said. SpaceX did not reply to a request for comment. SpaceX's Falcon 9 has already swept up other customers severing ties with Moscow's increasingly isolated space sector amid the Ukraine conflict, but a high-profile European mission could be seen as a significant win for the U.S. rocket maker. Aschbacher stressed any back-up solution would be temporary, however, adding he was not worried about the future of Ariane 6. Satellite internet firm OneWeb, a competitor to SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet venture, booked at least one Falcon 9 launch in March. It has also booked an Indian launch. On Monday, Northrop Grumman booked three Falcon 9 missions to ferry NASA cargo to the International Space Station while it designs a new version of its Antares rocket, whose Russian-made engines were withdrawn by Moscow in response to sanctions. 'WAKE-UP CALL' Europe has until now depended on the Italian Vega for small payloads, Russia's Soyuz for medium ones and the Ariane 5 for heavy missions. Its next-generation Vega C staged a debut last month and the new Ariane 6, designed in two versions to replace both the Ariane 5 and Soyuz, has been delayed until next year. Aschbacher said a more precise Ariane 6 schedule would be clearer by October after current hot-firing testing. ESA would then finalise a back-up plan to be presented to ministers of the agency's 22 nations in November, he said, adding the most recent Ariane 6 delay was not the result of any significant new setback. "But yes, the likelihood of the need for back-up launches is high," he said. "The order of magnitude is certainly a good handful of launches that we would need interim solutions for." Aschbacher said the Ukraine conflict had demonstrated Europe's decade-long cooperation strategy with Russia in gas supplies and other areas including space was no longer working. "This was a wake up call, that we have been too dependent on Russia. And this wake-up call, we have to hope that decision makers realise it as much as I do, that we have to really strengthen our European capability and independence." However, he played down the prospect of Russia carrying out a pledge to withdraw from the International Space Station (ISS). Russia’s newly appointed space chief Yuri Borisov said in a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin last month that Russia would withdraw from the ISS "after 2024". But Borisov later clarified that Russia’s plans had not changed and Western officials said Russia’s space agency had not communicated any new pullout plans. "The reality is that operationally, the work on the space station is proceeding, I would say almost nominally," Aschbacher told Reuters. "We do depend on each other, like it or not, but we have little choice."

Europe eyes Elon Musk's SpaceX to bridge launch gap left by Russia tensions

According to reports,&nbsp;Iran has begun training Russian officials to use its advanced drones amid the Ukraine war.

Iran is reportedly set to send hundreds of drones to Russia as Kremlin seeks to gain the upper hand in the Ukraine campaign which has dragged on for months without a clear sign of Russian victory.

Reports quoting declassified intelligence reports in the US media claimed that Russia and Iran were engaged in secret talks to use drones.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;Ukraine's Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a>

However, the development has been denied by both Russia and Iran.

Ukraine has been using Turkish-made Bayraktar drones to devastating effect for the past five months ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his “special military operation” against Ukraine on February 24.

Watch:&nbsp;How drones are being used in the Russia-Ukraine war

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Russian officials had reportedly visited Iran to assess the drones with reports indicating Putin's regime was eyeing the Shahed-129 and Shahed-191. National security adviser Jake Sullivan had earlier cautioned against growing closeness between Iran and Russia last month.

Jake Sullivan informed that Russian officials had visited Iran twice and they were seen at the Kashan airfield. Sullivan added that Russian officials had "received a showcase of Iranian-attack capable UAVs". The US had also released pictures of Russian officials.

The latest move by Russia comes as reports said Turkey's &nbsp;Baykar which makes the deadly Bayraktar drones may build a drone factory in Ukraine. The US has provided several long-range missiles to Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia including the Himar precision-guided missiles and has promised the Zelensky government several types of small drones.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, Iran has begun training Russian officials to use its advanced drones amid the Ukraine war. Iran is reportedly set to send hundreds of drones to Russia as Kremlin seeks to gain the upper hand in the Ukraine campaign which has dragged on for months without a clear sign of Russian victory.

According to reports, Iran has begun training Russian officials to use its advanced drones amid the Ukraine war. Iran is reportedly set to send hundreds of drones to Russia as Kremlin seeks to gain the upper hand in the Ukraine campaign which has dragged on for months without a clear sign of Russian victory. Reports quoting declassified intelligence reports in the US media claimed that Russia and Iran were engaged in secret talks to use drones. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 However, the development has been denied by both Russia and Iran. Ukraine has been using Turkish-made Bayraktar drones to devastating effect for the past five months ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his “special military operation” against Ukraine on February 24. Watch: How drones are being used in the Russia-Ukraine war Russian officials had reportedly visited Iran to assess the drones with reports indicating Putin's regime was eyeing the Shahed-129 and Shahed-191. National security adviser Jake Sullivan had earlier cautioned against growing closeness between Iran and Russia last month. Jake Sullivan informed that Russian officials had visited Iran twice and they were seen at the Kashan airfield. Sullivan added that Russian officials had "received a showcase of Iranian-attack capable UAVs". The US had also released pictures of Russian officials. The latest move by Russia comes as reports said Turkey's Baykar which makes the deadly Bayraktar drones may build a drone factory in Ukraine. The US has provided several long-range missiles to Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia including the Himar precision-guided missiles and has promised the Zelensky government several types of small drones. (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.

Iran training Russian officials to use its combat drones: Report

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war led to an apparent increase in premature births in Ukraine, the global health agency Unitaid said Tuesday (August 9). If babies are born at least three weeks before a full 40-week pregnancy, they are premature.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war led to an apparent increase in premature births in Ukraine, the global health agency Unitaid said Tuesday (August 9). If babies are born at least three weeks before a full 40-week pregnancy, they are premature. A spokesperson for the UN-backed global health initiative told the World Health Organization (WHO) that the Ukraine war is increasing the risks of premature births and causing babies to need more oxygen. Why is it happening? Herve Verhoosel, who is the Unitaid spokesman, told reporters in Geneva that Russia's invasion of Ukraine "increases levels of stress in pregnant women, which leads to an increase in the number of premature births reported". On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the invasion of Ukraine what it calls a "special military operation". Moscow said that it aims to "demilitarise" and "de-nazify" its neighbouring country and protect Russian speakers in the country. ALSO READ | Iraq begins work on reconstructing the Mosul airport The war has led to massive humanitarian crises. Thousands of people lost their lives and millions were displaced as they migrated in search of safer places. So far, the invasion has seen hundreds of hospitals damaged or destroyed. The supply lines are also disrupted. The entire scenario has placed newborn babies at risk of death or disability from a lack of access to equipment and oxygen. Verhoosel said that "Babies born prematurely are more likely to develop respiratory, neurological or digestive complications - conditions that often require oxygen for treatment." What's the current scenario? The Unitaid is working with some of the Ukrainian hospitals and the health agency found that the premature baby rate had gone up from 12 per cent to 40 per cent since Russia invaded. Verhoosel noted that the increase in premature births "is real" as he said that a larger number of uncomplicated births are now taking place at home. ALSO READ | France: Beluga whale stranded in Seine river dies during rescue attempt How to tackle it? Well, ending the war is the best option, but Unitaid revealed what is it doing to help mother and their newborns. Unitaid said that Bubble CPAP is a non-invasive way of ventilating newborns who are struggling to breathe. Unitaid said that it provided 220 Bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices and 125 oxygen blender systems to supply infants with breathing support and oxygen therapy. Oxygen blenders prevent eye, lung, and brain damage associated with giving babies pure oxygen. As stated by Unitaid, this portable device allows for the precise delivery of oxygen concentration, flow and pressure. The device can greatly improve the chances for newborns and infants. WATCH | Episode 1 | Inside Xi's China The Great Gameplan | WION special Series × The Bubble CPAP system costs less than $500 per unit to produce. The best part is, that this system can work round the clock for three years without recharging. Verhoosel added, "The conflict in Ukraine has seen many hospitals damaged or destroyed, and supply chains have been severed. This puts thousands of newborns at high risk of disability or death from a lack in access to oxygen, necessary equipment, and essential treatments." So far, the World Health Organization has verified 434 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine since the Russian invasion, including 366 that impacted on health facilities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine

Russia destroyed an ammunition depot which was storing US-made Himars missiles near the central Ukrainian city of Uman.

Russia destroys US-made Himars missiles & M77 Howitzers

Ukraine may be a war zone but that is not stopping Hollywood celebrities from visiting the country. On Sunday, this year's Oscar winner Jessica Chastain was in the country's capital her to meet president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

77 years of atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: There's a new risk of nuclear confrontation

This week, when the Swedish clothing giant reopened its doors in Moscow shopping malls to clear off stock before leaving Russia permanently, long lines of Russian customers emerged outside the stores.

H&amp;M stopped operating in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 along with a number of other western brands, including Ikea, Nike, and Inditex, owner of Zara. However, last week, it reopened to clear off any remaining inventory.

As reported by the Guardian, exiting Russia, its sixth-largest market, will cost the business 2 billion Swedish kronor (nearly £170 million), and 6,000 employees will be impacted.

Footage shared on Telegram by the news outlet Baza shows long lines outside H&amp;M stores in the Metropolis shopping centre and the Aviapark mall in Moscow.

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A long line of Russians snaked through a Moscow shopping center, waiting to get into H&amp;M as the fashion retailer flung open its doors for a final time to sell inventory before making a full exit from the Russian market <a href="https://t.co/nHQlu5cLai">https://t.co/nHQlu5cLai</a> <a href="https://t.co/byUrkEt0zz">pic.twitter.com/byUrkEt0zz</a>
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Irina, a client, told Reuters, "Well, it is closing, that's why we are waiting here." "I'm going to purchase whatever is available."

Ekaterina, an another shopper, said: "Unfortunately, the reason why all of this is happening is terrible. Everything else, such as how we'll survive [without H&amp;M], is worthless.

H&amp;M made the decision to temporarily reopen its stores, while the Swedish furnishing retailer Ikea decided to start an online-only sale on July 5. It rents 170 locations in Russia and has operated them directly. After Spain's Inditex, it is the second-largest fashion retailer in the world.

H&amp;M acknowledged that there had been lines outside of its stores in malls and announced that the majority of its Russian locations would reopen in August or September. They will stay open "for a limited period of time until the majority of the remaining goods has been sold," according to the plan.

After western sanctions were imposed on Moscow, H&amp;M, which began operations in Russia in 2009 and owns clothing brands such as Monki, Weekday, and Cos, halted operations there in early March. It made the decision to leave the country permanently in the middle of July as the conflict raged on and moved to eastern Ukraine, following companies like Nike.

Helena Helmersson, the CEO of H&amp;M, stated last month, "After careful analysis, we see it as impossible, given the current scenario, to continue our operations in Russia." Regarding the effect this will have on the 6,000 employees of the company in Russia, the statement "We are extremely saddened" was made.

While H&amp;M's main rival, Inditex, has yet to decide whether to permanently withdraw from the Russian market, the US-based fashion store TJX and Poland's largest fashion retailer LPP have decided to sell their companies there. It will keep an eye on the issue, its chief executive, Carlos Garca Maceiras, told shareholders last month.

(With inputs from agencies)

This week, when the Swedish clothing giant reopened its doors in Moscow shopping malls to clear off stock before leaving Russia permanently, long lines of Russian customers emerged outside the stores.

This week, when the Swedish clothing giant reopened its doors in Moscow shopping malls to clear off stock before leaving Russia permanently, long lines of Russian customers emerged outside the stores. H&M stopped operating in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 along with a number of other western brands, including Ikea, Nike, and Inditex, owner of Zara. However, last week, it reopened to clear off any remaining inventory. As reported by the Guardian, exiting Russia, its sixth-largest market, will cost the business 2 billion Swedish kronor (nearly £170 million), and 6,000 employees will be impacted. Footage shared on Telegram by the news outlet Baza shows long lines outside H&M stores in the Metropolis shopping centre and the Aviapark mall in Moscow. A long line of Russians snaked through a Moscow shopping center, waiting to get into H&M as the fashion retailer flung open its doors for a final time to sell inventory before making a full exit from the Russian market https://t.co/nHQlu5cLai pic.twitter.com/byUrkEt0zz — Reuters (@Reuters) August 3, 2022 × Irina, a client, told Reuters, "Well, it is closing, that's why we are waiting here." "I'm going to purchase whatever is available." Ekaterina, an another shopper, said: "Unfortunately, the reason why all of this is happening is terrible. Everything else, such as how we'll survive [without H&M], is worthless. H&M made the decision to temporarily reopen its stores, while the Swedish furnishing retailer Ikea decided to start an online-only sale on July 5. It rents 170 locations in Russia and has operated them directly. After Spain's Inditex, it is the second-largest fashion retailer in the world. H&M acknowledged that there had been lines outside of its stores in malls and announced that the majority of its Russian locations would reopen in August or September. They will stay open "for a limited period of time until the majority of the remaining goods has been sold," according to the plan. After western sanctions were imposed on Moscow, H&M, which began operations in Russia in 2009 and owns clothing brands such as Monki, Weekday, and Cos, halted operations there in early March. It made the decision to leave the country permanently in the middle of July as the conflict raged on and moved to eastern Ukraine, following companies like Nike. Helena Helmersson, the CEO of H&M, stated last month, "After careful analysis, we see it as impossible, given the current scenario, to continue our operations in Russia." Regarding the effect this will have on the 6,000 employees of the company in Russia, the statement "We are extremely saddened" was made. While H&M's main rival, Inditex, has yet to decide whether to permanently withdraw from the Russian market, the US-based fashion store TJX and Poland's largest fashion retailer LPP have decided to sell their companies there. It will keep an eye on the issue, its chief executive, Carlos Garca Maceiras, told shareholders last month. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Mad rush in Moscow as shoppers take last chance to shop at H&M

Amid the&nbsp;Ukraine war, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Russia wants a "negotiated solution".

Schroeder who is believed to be close the Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the unprecedented grain deal could be "expanded" into a "ceasefire".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-ukrainian-grain-shipment-completes-checks-in-turkey-503282">Also Read:&nbsp;First Ukrainian grain shipment completes checks in Turkey</a>

The former German Chancellor added that "crucial problems such as Crimea could be found over time". Russia had annexed the Crimean region from Ukraine in 2014.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Warnings of a nuclear emergency

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Schroeder expressed hope that the Crimean issue can be resolved "maybe not over 99 years, like Hong Kong, but in the next generation". The former Chancellor said he had Putin last week.

Schroeder was German chancellor from 1998 to 2005 as Putin rose to power in Russia. President Putin had declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russian forces entered the neighbouring country. However, Putin's forces later retreated from the Kyiv region amid fierce resistance by Ukraine forces.

However, reports claim Russian forces have made gains in the eastern region as Ukraine President Zelensky ordered civilians to leave the Donetsk region.

Ukraine and Russia had concluded a grain deal amid the war as Zelensky pointed out that at least 25 million tonnes of foodgrain worth nearly $10 billion was ready to be shipped out of Black Sea ports.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Amid the Ukraine war, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Russia wants a "negotiated solution". Schroeder who is believed to be close the Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the unprecedented grain deal could be "expanded" into a "ceasefire".

Amid the Ukraine war, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said Russia wants a "negotiated solution". Schroeder who is believed to be close the Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the unprecedented grain deal could be "expanded" into a "ceasefire". Also Read: First Ukrainian grain shipment completes checks in Turkey The former German Chancellor added that "crucial problems such as Crimea could be found over time". Russia had annexed the Crimean region from Ukraine in 2014. Watch | Ukraine war: Warnings of a nuclear emergency Schroeder expressed hope that the Crimean issue can be resolved "maybe not over 99 years, like Hong Kong, but in the next generation". The former Chancellor said he had Putin last week. Schroeder was German chancellor from 1998 to 2005 as Putin rose to power in Russia. President Putin had declared a "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24 as Russian forces entered the neighbouring country. However, Putin's forces later retreated from the Kyiv region amid fierce resistance by Ukraine forces. However, reports claim Russian forces have made gains in the eastern region as Ukraine President Zelensky ordered civilians to leave the Donetsk region. Ukraine and Russia had concluded a grain deal amid the war as Zelensky pointed out that at least 25 million tonnes of foodgrain worth nearly $10 billion was ready to be shipped out of Black Sea ports. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kremlin wants a negotiated solution, claims former German Chancellor Schroeder on Ukraine war

A Russian and Ukrainian team on Wednesday completed a high-stakes inspection of the first shipment of grain from Ukraine since the Kremlin's invasion five months ago helped spark a global food crisis.

The checks aboard the Sierra Leone-flagged Razoni in Istanbul were being watched closely for signs of how well the first agreement signed by Moscow and Kyiv since Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour can hold.

A deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations last month lifted a Russian naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea cities and set terms for millions of tonnes of wheat and other grain to start flowing from Ukraine's filled silos and ports.

Ukraine exports roughly half of the sunflower oil used on the world market and is one of the world's main supplies of grain.

An almost complete halt to its exports helped push up global food prices and make imports prohibitively expensive in some of the poorest countries in the world.

The Razoni is due to deliver more than 26,000 tonnes of maize to Lebanon -- a crisis-wracked country that&nbsp;imports more than 80 percent of its wheat from Ukraine and Russia.

The ship sailed through a specially designated corridor in the mine-infested waters of the Black Sea before reaching the northern edge of the Bosphorus Strait on Tuesday.

A team of 20 inspectors from the two warring parties and the UN and Turkey strapped on orange helmets and boarded the ship early Wednesday for a check that officials said lasted less than 90 minutes.

Arms depot&nbsp;

The 186-metre (610-foot) long vessel is now due to sail down the Bosphorus Strait in the heart of Istanbul before moving on to the Marmara and Aegean seas.

The UN secretary general's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said he hoped for "more outbound movement" from Ukraine on Wednesday.

Kyiv says at least 16 more grain ships are waiting to depart.

But it also accuses Russia of stealing Ukrainian grain in territories seized by Kremlin forces and then shipping it to allied countries such as Syria.

But Turkish hopes that the grain deal could help build trust and lead to ceasefire talks have so far proved futile.

Russia has continued to pound southern Ukrainian cities near the Black Sea with missiles and pressed on with its grinding ground assault across the east.

Officials in Mykolaiv said no one was killed Wednesday in shelling on one of the southern city's supermarkets that came just days after the region's grain mogul and his wife died in a targeted strike on their house.

Moscow said on Wednesday that it had destroyed another foreign arms deport in western Ukraine -- a region the furthest removed from the fighting.

Donetsk evacuations&nbsp;

Kyiv has launched mandatory evacuations from the eastern Donetsk region -- now bearing the brunt of Russia's offensive -- because the government does not expect to be able to provide it with heat in the cold winter months.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the estimated 200,000 remaining residents of the Donetsk region to leave.

Kyiv's forces have been pressing a counter-offensive to drive out the Russians from the southern Kherson region near the Kremlin-annexed Crimea peninsula.

The Ukrainian presidency said it had "liberated" seven more villages in the region while 53 remained under Russian control.

Ukraine has been bolstered by more supplies of Western weapons -- particularly long-range rockets -- ahead of the planned push to retake Kherson city.

The United States announced a new tranche of weapons worth $550 million for Ukraine's forces.

These include longer-range ammunition for increasingly important HIMARS rocket launchers and artillery pieces.

Ukraine is using the HIMARS and similar Western weapons to smash Russian arms depots and break down its lines of ground communication across the east.

'Justice'&nbsp;

The Russians have been unable to seize any major village or city since gaining full control of the Donbas war zone's smaller Lugansk region in early July.

Zelensky told US President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;in a message that "the word 'HIMARS' has become almost synonymous with the word 'justice' for our country".

Russia has responded by stepping up its propaganda battle against the West and Kyiv.

Its supreme court this week labelled Ukraine's Azov regiment a "terrorist" organisation -- a decision that could pave the way for captured fighters to face lengthy jail terms.

Azov fighters were among 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered in May after weeks of fierce resistance at the Azovstal steel plant in devastated Mariupol.

The regiment -- which was incorporated into Ukraine's national guard in 2014 -- is demonised by Moscow for alleged far-right links.&nbsp;

Its members were among 50 Ukrainian servicemen killed last week in an attack on a jail holding prisoners of war in Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;

Ukraine accuses Moscow of deliberately executing the detainees.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

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A Russian and Ukrainian team on Wednesday completed a high-stakes inspection of the first shipment of grain from Ukraine since the Kremlin's invasion five months ago helped spark a global food crisis.

A Russian and Ukrainian team on Wednesday completed a high-stakes inspection of the first shipment of grain from Ukraine since the Kremlin's invasion five months ago helped spark a global food crisis. The checks aboard the Sierra Leone-flagged Razoni in Istanbul were being watched closely for signs of how well the first agreement signed by Moscow and Kyiv since Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour can hold. A deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations last month lifted a Russian naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea cities and set terms for millions of tonnes of wheat and other grain to start flowing from Ukraine's filled silos and ports. Ukraine exports roughly half of the sunflower oil used on the world market and is one of the world's main supplies of grain. An almost complete halt to its exports helped push up global food prices and make imports prohibitively expensive in some of the poorest countries in the world. The Razoni is due to deliver more than 26,000 tonnes of maize to Lebanon -- a crisis-wracked country that imports more than 80 percent of its wheat from Ukraine and Russia. The ship sailed through a specially designated corridor in the mine-infested waters of the Black Sea before reaching the northern edge of the Bosphorus Strait on Tuesday. A team of 20 inspectors from the two warring parties and the UN and Turkey strapped on orange helmets and boarded the ship early Wednesday for a check that officials said lasted less than 90 minutes. Arms depot The 186-metre (610-foot) long vessel is now due to sail down the Bosphorus Strait in the heart of Istanbul before moving on to the Marmara and Aegean seas. The UN secretary general's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said he hoped for "more outbound movement" from Ukraine on Wednesday. Kyiv says at least 16 more grain ships are waiting to depart. But it also accuses Russia of stealing Ukrainian grain in territories seized by Kremlin forces and then shipping it to allied countries such as Syria. But Turkish hopes that the grain deal could help build trust and lead to ceasefire talks have so far proved futile. Russia has continued to pound southern Ukrainian cities near the Black Sea with missiles and pressed on with its grinding ground assault across the east. Officials in Mykolaiv said no one was killed Wednesday in shelling on one of the southern city's supermarkets that came just days after the region's grain mogul and his wife died in a targeted strike on their house. Moscow said on Wednesday that it had destroyed another foreign arms deport in western Ukraine -- a region the furthest removed from the fighting. Donetsk evacuations Kyiv has launched mandatory evacuations from the eastern Donetsk region -- now bearing the brunt of Russia's offensive -- because the government does not expect to be able to provide it with heat in the cold winter months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the estimated 200,000 remaining residents of the Donetsk region to leave. Kyiv's forces have been pressing a counter-offensive to drive out the Russians from the southern Kherson region near the Kremlin-annexed Crimea peninsula. The Ukrainian presidency said it had "liberated" seven more villages in the region while 53 remained under Russian control. Ukraine has been bolstered by more supplies of Western weapons -- particularly long-range rockets -- ahead of the planned push to retake Kherson city. The United States announced a new tranche of weapons worth $550 million for Ukraine's forces. These include longer-range ammunition for increasingly important HIMARS rocket launchers and artillery pieces. Ukraine is using the HIMARS and similar Western weapons to smash Russian arms depots and break down its lines of ground communication across the east. 'Justice' The Russians have been unable to seize any major village or city since gaining full control of the Donbas war zone's smaller Lugansk region in early July. Zelensky told US President Joe Biden in a message that "the word 'HIMARS' has become almost synonymous with the word 'justice' for our country". Russia has responded by stepping up its propaganda battle against the West and Kyiv. Its supreme court this week labelled Ukraine's Azov regiment a "terrorist" organisation -- a decision that could pave the way for captured fighters to face lengthy jail terms. Azov fighters were among 2,500 Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered in May after weeks of fierce resistance at the Azovstal steel plant in devastated Mariupol. The regiment -- which was incorporated into Ukraine's national guard in 2014 -- is demonised by Moscow for alleged far-right links. Its members were among 50 Ukrainian servicemen killed last week in an attack on a jail holding prisoners of war in Russian-occupied territory. Ukraine accuses Moscow of deliberately executing the detainees. 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.

First Ukrainian grain shipment completes checks in Turkey

Months after launching a special military operation in Ukraine, while addressing the press at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “There is no in-between, no intermediate state: either a country is sovereign, or it is a colony, no matter what the colonies are called. And a colony has no historical prospects. If a country is not able to make sovereign decisions — it is a colony.”

He was justifying his decision to launch the offensive in Ukraine which he termed as ‘defensive’ in character. Nevertheless, the message, and not the act in itself, is important for us in the discussion that we are going to take up in this piece.

Since its independence in 1947, India is a sovereign state and it has executed its sovereignty time and again to strengthen it all the more. Pursuing a foreign policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, signing Panchsheel with China in 1954. accomplishing&nbsp;Operation Smiling Buddha&nbsp;(in 1974) and its successor (Operation Shakti&nbsp;in 1998) to become a&nbsp;de facto&nbsp;nuclear-state, are some of the most impressive instances when India showcased its sovereign power. Ostensibly, India has not shied away from imposing its will when it comes to securing its core national interests.

However, there is also an exception to this rule. When it comes to an invisible exhibition of power, India has faltered and lost the narrative wars, especially when it comes to exercising state sovereignty at home. It has continued to look towards the west in a quest to secure validation from the erstwhile imperialists. Manpower and resources have been spent in the western civil society to secure a favourable view from them in terms of getting our democratic character endorsed. This obsessive compulsion to get validation has empowered the western governments to weaponise it and use it to browbeat us on critical occasions. It appears that Rudyard Kipling’s ‘white-man burden’ to civilise the orientalists remain intact due to our continued servility of the anglicists. We are yet to accept that democracy was not a gift of the imperialists but it stemmed from our ancient civilisational past. Until this realisation is accepted and promulgated by us, the subservience to the imperialists for an “award of validation”&nbsp;will continue to eclipse our major contemplations.

It has been often said that strong leadership in colonies is detested by the west because it opens up the possibility of reversing the trends of imperial propaganda which is key to perpetuate colonialism (or neo-colonialism) in the twenty-first century. Unfortunately, even strong leaderships, like the one that India’s political system threw up at the helm in 2014 have failed to break the bluffs of western imperial supremacy. Time and again, the leadership at the helm has buckled under pressure when it comes to the enforcement of sovereign laws domestically. Gunnar Myrdal, in his&nbsp;Asian Drama&nbsp;(1968), pointed towards the powerlessness of the South Asian states to implement their economic policies and programmes effectively. To extend it to the realm of security, here is the paradox — despite enormous expansion of state power in even the most basic realms of society, the Indian state falters in imposing its laws effectively and ends up becoming powerless. It is common sense to know that a law is&nbsp;as good as it can be implemented on the ground. Without implementation, a law is merely a black imprint on a piece of paper. The so-called strong leadership in India has failed to alter this course and bring us out of the ‘soft-state’ category, which is a blemish on a modern democratic Indian state.

This brings us to the question, why there is hesitancy in imposition of sovereign laws at the domestic front? The answer lies partly to the subliminal slavery that has subjugated the structure of governments in India since independence. This slavery has been perpetuated without any real act but it has been fed using an indeterminate threat. A power, that has never (or seldom) been witnessed, the mien of which has remained ephemeral. Yet, it has changed the entire course of government policies in India. It is a travesty of justice for the citizens of India that the sovereign that they solemnly resolved to constitute, remains influenced by some vague nineteenth-century shibboleths. The sovereign remains incarcerated to the false assumption that there will be a backlash if it enforces the laws strictly at home. No government in the world compromises upon domestic laws in order to please some harmless activists and their masters in government. This inferiority complex of Indian state rests on a myth or bluff which needs to be smashed immediately. Breaking this mould would require confidence on part of our political leadership.

It is important to point out that the destiny of India is going to be shaped in this decade (and the upcoming one) when a major part of the world will be forced to focus upon taming the dragon which has grown well beyond its size to ravage the hard earned global peace after the second world war. If India fails to leverage this opportunity to set its house in order, it will forfeit its chance to compete as a powerful force in the eventual conflicts that will befall upon it after the dragon ceases to exist. Prime Minister Modi has broken many bluffs — the nuclear bluff of Pakistan, remapping of Kashmir and, most importantly, frustrating the dragon by gallantly mobilising a matching force at the borders to deal with its evil designs. Not only as the leader of this country but also as a relay runner of this civilisation, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to remove all his inhibitions which may act as an obstacle in the path of India to become immensely powerful.&nbsp;It is good to have political power but it is as good how (and when) you exercise it. It will be as good as not having it, if you are not exercising it at the right time.

Therefore, India must wrest control over its internal security by effectively enforcing the laws and let the foreign-funded activists and their regimes speak in disdain about us. It will be preferable to be criticised than to lose the race that we have been participating&nbsp;hors concours.

In the end, we can understand the whole message by paraphrasing President Putin — “only if a country is able to make sovereign decisions, it is not a colony.”

Months after launching a special military operation in Ukraine, while addressing the press at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “There is no in-between, no intermediate state: either a country is sovereign, or it is a colony, no matter what the colonies are called.

Months after launching a special military operation in Ukraine, while addressing the press at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “There is no in-between, no intermediate state: either a country is sovereign, or it is a colony, no matter what the colonies are called. And a colony has no historical prospects. If a country is not able to make sovereign decisions — it is a colony.” He was justifying his decision to launch the offensive in Ukraine which he termed as ‘defensive’ in character. Nevertheless, the message, and not the act in itself, is important for us in the discussion that we are going to take up in this piece. Since its independence in 1947, India is a sovereign state and it has executed its sovereignty time and again to strengthen it all the more. Pursuing a foreign policy of non-alignment during the Cold War, signing Panchsheel with China in 1954. accomplishing Operation Smiling Buddha (in 1974) and its successor (Operation Shakti in 1998) to become a de facto nuclear-state, are some of the most impressive instances when India showcased its sovereign power. Ostensibly, India has not shied away from imposing its will when it comes to securing its core national interests. However, there is also an exception to this rule. When it comes to an invisible exhibition of power, India has faltered and lost the narrative wars, especially when it comes to exercising state sovereignty at home. It has continued to look towards the west in a quest to secure validation from the erstwhile imperialists. Manpower and resources have been spent in the western civil society to secure a favourable view from them in terms of getting our democratic character endorsed. This obsessive compulsion to get validation has empowered the western governments to weaponise it and use it to browbeat us on critical occasions. It appears that Rudyard Kipling’s ‘white-man burden’ to civilise the orientalists remain intact due to our continued servility of the anglicists. We are yet to accept that democracy was not a gift of the imperialists but it stemmed from our ancient civilisational past. Until this realisation is accepted and promulgated by us, the subservience to the imperialists for an “award of validation” will continue to eclipse our major contemplations. It has been often said that strong leadership in colonies is detested by the west because it opens up the possibility of reversing the trends of imperial propaganda which is key to perpetuate colonialism (or neo-colonialism) in the twenty-first century. Unfortunately, even strong leaderships, like the one that India’s political system threw up at the helm in 2014 have failed to break the bluffs of western imperial supremacy. Time and again, the leadership at the helm has buckled under pressure when it comes to the enforcement of sovereign laws domestically. Gunnar Myrdal, in his Asian Drama (1968), pointed towards the powerlessness of the South Asian states to implement their economic policies and programmes effectively. To extend it to the realm of security, here is the paradox — despite enormous expansion of state power in even the most basic realms of society, the Indian state falters in imposing its laws effectively and ends up becoming powerless. It is common sense to know that a law is as good as it can be implemented on the ground. Without implementation, a law is merely a black imprint on a piece of paper. The so-called strong leadership in India has failed to alter this course and bring us out of the ‘soft-state’ category, which is a blemish on a modern democratic Indian state. This brings us to the question, why there is hesitancy in imposition of sovereign laws at the domestic front? The answer lies partly to the subliminal slavery that has subjugated the structure of governments in India since independence. This slavery has been perpetuated without any real act but it has been fed using an indeterminate threat. A power, that has never (or seldom) been witnessed, the mien of which has remained ephemeral. Yet, it has changed the entire course of government policies in India. It is a travesty of justice for the citizens of India that the sovereign that they solemnly resolved to constitute, remains influenced by some vague nineteenth-century shibboleths. The sovereign remains incarcerated to the false assumption that there will be a backlash if it enforces the laws strictly at home. No government in the world compromises upon domestic laws in order to please some harmless activists and their masters in government. This inferiority complex of Indian state rests on a myth or bluff which needs to be smashed immediately. Breaking this mould would require confidence on part of our political leadership. It is important to point out that the destiny of India is going to be shaped in this decade (and the upcoming one) when a major part of the world will be forced to focus upon taming the dragon which has grown well beyond its size to ravage the hard earned global peace after the second world war. If India fails to leverage this opportunity to set its house in order, it will forfeit its chance to compete as a powerful force in the eventual conflicts that will befall upon it after the dragon ceases to exist. Prime Minister Modi has broken many bluffs — the nuclear bluff of Pakistan, remapping of Kashmir and, most importantly, frustrating the dragon by gallantly mobilising a matching force at the borders to deal with its evil designs. Not only as the leader of this country but also as a relay runner of this civilisation, it is the duty of the Prime Minister to remove all his inhibitions which may act as an obstacle in the path of India to become immensely powerful. It is good to have political power but it is as good how (and when) you exercise it. It will be as good as not having it, if you are not exercising it at the right time. Therefore, India must wrest control over its internal security by effectively enforcing the laws and let the foreign-funded activists and their regimes speak in disdain about us. It will be preferable to be criticised than to lose the race that we have been participating hors concours. In the end, we can understand the whole message by paraphrasing President Putin — “only if a country is able to make sovereign decisions, it is not a colony.”

Breaking the bluff: India needs to carve its future in the aftermath of Russia-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. Russian defence ministry on Wednesday (July 27) claimed that its military forces on July 24 had destroyed more than 100 US-made high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) rockets in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region. Previously, on July 22, Russia said that its forces had destroyed four HIMARS in Ukraine earlier this month. But both Washington and Kyiv had denied the claims. ALSO READ | EU court upholds ban on Russia Today, Moscow warns of retaliation As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Lieutenant General Igor Konashenkov, said: "Russian Armed Forces continue their special military operation in Ukraine. According to verified information, on July 24 as a result of a strike made by the Russian air force on a depot in Liubymivka in Dnipro region - more than 100 US-made HIMARS missiles were destroyed. "Up to 120 servicemen guarding the depot were neutralised, as well as foreign mercenaries and technical personnel. Moreover, 10 HIMARS and Vilkha missiles were intercepted over Antonivka and Brylivka in Kherson region and over the city of Kherson as well," he added. Reuters stated that the claim was made through an undated video, which was made available on July 27. But the news agency was unable to independently verify battlefield accounts from either side. ALSO READ | Biden, Xi to hold talks on July 28, call expected to cover Taiwan tension, Ukraine, says US HIMARS are advanced weapons that are more precise and offer a longer range than other artillery systems. It allows Kyiv to strike Russian targets and weapons depots further behind the front lines. Amid the ongoing break, the United States and other Western supplied advanced and high-precision weapons to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation counter Russian aggression. Moscow slams the West for supplying military aid and weapons to Ukraine, saying that the West is aggravating the crisis. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims its strike on July 24 destroyed 100 US-supplied HIMARS missiles

As the war in Ukraine rages on, around 16000 Russians reportedly are heading for Israel that's more than double the number of Russians who emigrated to the country last year. Amid the movement of people, Russia is now trying to expel an organization called the Jewish agency from its borders for data theft.

Moscow delays talks with Israel on data issue

Russian Finance Minister Sergei Lavrov is now on an ambitious tour of Africa. In Cairo, on Sunday, Lavrov offered reassurances over Russian grain supplies but his arrival came amid uncertainty over a UN brokered grain deal that was signed on Friday between Moscow and Kyiv after Russia launched an attack on the port city of Odessa.

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov offers reassurance over grain supplies

The war in Ukraine is continuing to rage on and amidst this the Ukrainian president Vladimir Zelensky is also baffling possible cases of treason in the country. He said that Ukraine is investigating nearly about 650 cases of suspected treason.

Ukraine-Russia war: Ukraine investigating 650 treason cases

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 on Friday (July 22) said that its forces had destroyed four US-supplied high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) in Ukraine earlier this month. Both Kyiv and Washington denied the claims. In its daily briefing, the Russian defence ministry said that "four launchers and one reloading vehicle for the US-made multiple launch rocket systems (HIMARS) were destroyed between July 5-20". While responding to Moscow's claims, Kyiv called it "fakes" which are apparently designed to undermine the West's support for Ukraine. ALSO READ | Ukraine and Russia sign food crisis deal to restart grain exports A US official, while speaking to news agency Reuters on the condition of anonymity, said the reports of any HIMARS being destroyed were not true. The United States and other Western supplied advanced and high-precision weapons to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation counter Russian aggression. Moscow slams the West for supplying military aid and weapons to Ukraine, saying that the West is aggravating the crisis. ALSO READ | Russia and Ukraine reach grain deal: Wheat prices drop to pre-war levels On the other hand, Kyiv has hailed it. Especially, the arrival of eight HIMARS which is seen by strategists as a possible game changer for the course of the war. HIMARS are advanced weapons that are more precise and offer a longer range than other artillery systems. It allows Kyiv to strike Russian targets and weapons depots further behind the front lines. US to send more HIMARS Recently, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the United States will provide four more precision rocket systems to Ukraine to help it battle Russia's invasion. Austin told journalists at the Pentagon that Washington will send "four more HIMARS advanced rocket systems for a total of 16. The Ukrainians have made excellent use of HIMARS, and you can see the impact on the battlefield." "Russia is keeping up its relentless shelling, and that's a cruel tactic that harkens back to the horrors of World War I. So Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says it destroyed four HIMARS launchers, Ukraine denies the claims

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the United States on Friday (July 22) signed another $270 million in military aid to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation counter Russia. The latest package includes four new Himars precision rocket systems as well.&nbsp;

White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Russia has "launched deadly strikes across the country, striking malls, apartment buildings, killing innocent Ukrainian civilians."&nbsp;

He added, "In the face of these atrocities, the president has made clear that we're going to continue to support the government of Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-and-russia-sign-food-crisis-deal-to-restart-grain-exports-499802">Ukraine and Russia sign food crisis deal to restart grain exports</a>&nbsp;

Details of the package state that 20 the number of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) will be sent to Ukraine. HIMARS are advanced weapons that are more precise and offer a longer range than other artillery systems.&nbsp;

It allows Kyiv to strike Russian targets and weapons depots further behind the front lines. Ukraine has even called the HIMARS a game-changer in countering Russia.&nbsp;

The Pentagon provided more details on the package. It said that Ukraine would receive up to 580 Phoenix Ghosts, which are small and highly portable drones that detonate on their targets.&nbsp;

The aid also includes 36,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and four Command Post Vehicles, armoured posts that can function as operations centres on the battlefield.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-reach-grain-deal-wheat-prices-drop-to-pre-war-levels-499833">Russia and Ukraine reach grain deal: Wheat prices drop to pre-war levels</a>&nbsp;

Did Russia destroy HIMARS launchers?&nbsp;

Russia on Friday (July 22) said that its forces had destroyed four US-supplied HIMARS in Ukraine earlier this month. Both Kyiv and Washington denied the claims.&nbsp;

During the briefing, a senior US defence official denied reports that Russia has successfully destroyed four Himars units. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the United States on Friday (July 22) signed another $270 million in military aid to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation counter Russia.

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the United States on Friday (July 22) signed another $270 million in military aid to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation counter Russia. The latest package includes four new Himars precision rocket systems as well. White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Russia has "launched deadly strikes across the country, striking malls, apartment buildings, killing innocent Ukrainian civilians." He added, "In the face of these atrocities, the president has made clear that we're going to continue to support the government of Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes." ALSO READ | Ukraine and Russia sign food crisis deal to restart grain exports Details of the package state that 20 the number of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) will be sent to Ukraine. HIMARS are advanced weapons that are more precise and offer a longer range than other artillery systems. It allows Kyiv to strike Russian targets and weapons depots further behind the front lines. Ukraine has even called the HIMARS a game-changer in countering Russia. The Pentagon provided more details on the package. It said that Ukraine would receive up to 580 Phoenix Ghosts, which are small and highly portable drones that detonate on their targets. The aid also includes 36,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and four Command Post Vehicles, armoured posts that can function as operations centres on the battlefield. ALSO READ | Russia and Ukraine reach grain deal: Wheat prices drop to pre-war levels Did Russia destroy HIMARS launchers? Russia on Friday (July 22) said that its forces had destroyed four US-supplied HIMARS in Ukraine earlier this month. Both Kyiv and Washington denied the claims. During the briefing, a senior US defence official denied reports that Russia has successfully destroyed four Himars units. The official spoke on condition of anonymity. 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: US announces $270 mn in military aid to Ukraine including rocket systems

After Ukraine and Russia sealed a landmark deal with Turkey and the United Nation over the export of grains, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday (July 22) that Ukraine has around $10bn worth of grain available for sale.

After Ukraine and Russia sealed a landmark deal with Turkey and the United Nation over the export of grains, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday (July 22) that Ukraine has around $10bn worth of grain available for sale. The deal was aimed at solving the global food crisis caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as the export via the Black Sea was blocked. ALSO READ | Russia says it destroyed four HIMARS launchers, Ukraine denies the claims As quoted by Reuters, Zelensky said. "This is another demonstration that Ukraine can withstand the war." In his late-night address, he said that Ukraine will also have a chance to sell the current harvest. The Ukrainian president further noted that approximately 20m tonnes of last year's harvest will be exported as the UN-backed deal has been finalised. 'UN responsible for the deal' In his daily video address, Zelensky said that the UN is responsible for guaranteeing a grain deal between Ukraine and Russia aimed at unblocking Ukrainian Black Sea grain exports and alleviating a global food crisis. He said, "Russia could engage in provocations, attempts to discredit the Ukrainian and international efforts. But we trust the United Nations. Now it's their responsibility to guarantee the deal." Zelensky further stated that the grain export accord shows Ukraine "capable of resisting this war". Lauding the landmark deal, he said, "Today, our state and the entire civilized world have reached an important agreement", he says, adding that it is a "demonstration that Ukraine is capable of resisting this war." ALSO READ | Ukraine and Russia sign food crisis deal to restart grain exports 'No trust in Russia' Ukrainian foreign minister welcomed the deal but he said he was cautious about it happening because he had "no trust in Russia." Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba sounded slightly concerned. He told The Associated Press, "I'm not opening a bottle of champagne because of this deal." "I will keep my fingers crossed that this will work, that ships will carry grain to world markets and prices will go down and people will have food to eat. But I'm very cautious because I have no trust in Russia," Kuleba added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine has around $10bn worth of grain available for sale, says Zelensky

Amid the ongoing war, Ukraine and Russia are set to sign a deal on Friday (July 22) aimed at reviving the blocked Black Sea grain exports. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a massive global food crisis.&nbsp;

The war is driving prices of fertilizer, fuel and food up and experts claim&nbsp;that millions of people worldwide are at risk of being driven to starvation. Urgent action is needed.&nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s office said on Thursday that Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will sign a deal to resume grain exports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-to-hold-referendums-in-captured-ukrainian-territories-to-join-russia-499553">Kremlin to hold referendums in captured Ukrainian territories to join Russia</a>

Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted: “The grain export agreement, critically important for global food security, will be signed in Istanbul (Friday) under the auspices of President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and UN Secretary-General M. Guterres together with Ukrainian and Russian delegations.”&nbsp;

Both Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;are key exporters of wheat and rice and&nbsp;up to 25 million tonnes of wheat and other grains have been blocked in Ukrainian ports.&nbsp;

There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/heatflation-how-hot-temperatures-increase-the-cost-of-food-499525">Heatflation: How hot temperatures increase the cost of food</a>

But in a late-night video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted that his country’s Black Sea ports could soon be unblocked.

Zelensky&nbsp;said: “And tomorrow we also expect news for our state from Turkey — regarding the unblocking of our ports.”&nbsp;

Yesterday,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Tehran.

Putin thanked Erdogan for mediating talks on the export of grain from Ukraine. He said that there was some progress.&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing war, Ukraine and Russia are set to sign a deal on Friday (July 22) aimed at reviving the blocked Black Sea grain exports. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a massive global food crisis.

Amid the ongoing war, Ukraine and Russia are set to sign a deal on Friday (July 22) aimed at reviving the blocked Black Sea grain exports. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a massive global food crisis. The war is driving prices of fertilizer, fuel and food up and experts claim that millions of people worldwide are at risk of being driven to starvation. Urgent action is needed. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s office said on Thursday that Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will sign a deal to resume grain exports. ALSO READ | Kremlin to hold referendums in captured Ukrainian territories to join Russia Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin tweeted: “The grain export agreement, critically important for global food security, will be signed in Istanbul (Friday) under the auspices of President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan and UN Secretary-General M. Guterres together with Ukrainian and Russian delegations.” Both Russia and Ukraine are key exporters of wheat and rice and up to 25 million tonnes of wheat and other grains have been blocked in Ukrainian ports. There was no immediate confirmation from Moscow. ALSO READ | Heatflation: How hot temperatures increase the cost of food But in a late-night video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted that his country’s Black Sea ports could soon be unblocked. Zelensky said: “And tomorrow we also expect news for our state from Turkey — regarding the unblocking of our ports.” Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Tehran. Putin thanked Erdogan for mediating talks on the export of grain from Ukraine. He said that there was some progress. 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 and Russia to sign grain deal resuming Black Sea exports

Belarus President Alexander&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;Thursday said Russia, Ukraine and the West must agree to halt the Ukraine conflict to avoid the "abyss of nuclear war" and insisted Kyiv should accept Moscow's demands.

"We must stop, reach an agreement, end this mess, operation and war in Ukraine,"&nbsp;Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally, told AFP in an exclusive interview in Minsk.

"Let's stop and then we will figure out how to go on living," he said during the one-hour interview at the Palace of Independence.&nbsp;

"There's no need to go further. Further lies the abyss of nuclear war. There's no need to go there," he said, speaking on the 148th day of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.

Lukashenko&nbsp;accused the West of seeking a conflict with Russia and of provoking the Ukraine war.

"You have fomented the war and are continuing it," he said.

"We have seen the reasons for this war," he added.&nbsp;

"If Russia had not got ahead of you, members of NATO, you would have organised and struck a blow against it," he said, echoing Putin.

"He just got slightly ahead of you."

Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russia's intervention in Ukraine, but&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;has so far avoided becoming a party to the conflict.

'Everything depends on Ukraine'

Analysts say that he is keenly aware of the fact that most Belarusians do not support sending troops into Ukraine.

The 67-year-old leader, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades, insisted that Kyiv authorities can end the war if they re-start talks with Moscow and accept its demands.

"Everything depends on Ukraine," he said.

"Right now, the peculiarity of the moment is that this war can be ended on more acceptable terms for Ukraine."&nbsp;

He urged Kyiv authorities to "sit down at the negotiating table and agree that they will never threaten Russia".

Talks between Russia and Ukraine largely ground to a halt in mid-April.

Lukashenko&nbsp;said that Ukraine must accept the loss of territory occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine.

"This is no longer being discussed," he said. "One could have discussed this in February or March."

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that peace talks with Ukraine "make no sense", and announced that Moscow's military aims in the pro-Western country were no longer focused "only" on the east.

Lukashenko&nbsp;has sought to promote himself as Putin's most faithful ally, welcoming Russian troops under the pretext of military exercises before Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive.&nbsp;

Lukashenko&nbsp;insisted that the war could have been avoided if Western countries had given Putin "the security guarantees" he wanted.

"On the eve of the Ukraine war why did not you provide such guarantees?" he said. "This means you wanted war.

"You, members of NATO and Americans, needed war."

Before intervening in Ukraine, Putin had demanded that NATO stop its eastward expansion and voiced grievances over Washington's military support for Ukraine.

'Not killing people'

Despite officially being a non-belligerent, the Belarus strongman has demanded that his country be included in any talks and a deal to end the conflict.

Lukashenko&nbsp;told AFP that he considered his country to be part of the conflict, however.&nbsp;

"I am part of the operation that Russia is conducting," he said. "I am supporting Russia."

He said he allowed 20,000 Russian troops from Siberia and the Far East to use Belarus as a staging ground to attack Ukraine at the start of the war.

"Because you were ready to strike Belarus and Russian infrastructure," the Belarus strongman claimed.

"Do you want to say that I had to sit and wait until rockets start falling on the heads of the Belarusian people? No!"

At the same time he insisted that not a single Belarusian soldier was fighting in Ukraine.

"I shut the western and the southwestern border near Brest," he said. "So that you, the NATO troops, primarily the Poles being pushed by the Americans, do not stab the Russians in the back. I couldn't allow it."

He insisted that the West was "even more of an aggressor than me."

"It is you who are fighting there, your mercenaries and your weapons," he added.

Belarus also took part in the conflict by treating Russia's wounded troops,&nbsp;Lukashenko&nbsp;added.

"Yes, we treated the wounded. The dead were taken to Belarus," he said.&nbsp;

"We were handing over and handing over now medicines to both Ukrainians and Russians. This is how we are taking part in this operation. And we are not killing people."

Lukashenko&nbsp;said he did not plan to recognise as independent Ukraine's separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk or Russia's annexation of Crimea.

"What is the point today?" he said.

Despite his heavy economic and military dependence on Russia, he insisted he was no "puppet".

Lukashenko&nbsp;said he was ready to receive a loan from France. "But you spat on us, tried to wipe your feet on us, me, and my country."

He also denounced Western economic penalties on his country and Moscow.

"The situation with your idiotic and savage sanctions just showed how dependent you are on Russian energy resources."

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Thursday said Russia, Ukraine and the West must agree to halt the Ukraine conflict to avoid the "abyss of nuclear war" and insisted Kyiv should accept Moscow's demands.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko Thursday said Russia, Ukraine and the West must agree to halt the Ukraine conflict to avoid the "abyss of nuclear war" and insisted Kyiv should accept Moscow's demands. "We must stop, reach an agreement, end this mess, operation and war in Ukraine," Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top ally, told AFP in an exclusive interview in Minsk. "Let's stop and then we will figure out how to go on living," he said during the one-hour interview at the Palace of Independence. "There's no need to go further. Further lies the abyss of nuclear war. There's no need to go there," he said, speaking on the 148th day of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. Lukashenko accused the West of seeking a conflict with Russia and of provoking the Ukraine war. "You have fomented the war and are continuing it," he said. "We have seen the reasons for this war," he added. "If Russia had not got ahead of you, members of NATO, you would have organised and struck a blow against it," he said, echoing Putin. "He just got slightly ahead of you." Belarus has served as a staging ground for Russia's intervention in Ukraine, but Lukashenko has so far avoided becoming a party to the conflict. 'Everything depends on Ukraine' Analysts say that he is keenly aware of the fact that most Belarusians do not support sending troops into Ukraine. The 67-year-old leader, who has ruled Belarus for nearly three decades, insisted that Kyiv authorities can end the war if they re-start talks with Moscow and accept its demands. "Everything depends on Ukraine," he said. "Right now, the peculiarity of the moment is that this war can be ended on more acceptable terms for Ukraine." He urged Kyiv authorities to "sit down at the negotiating table and agree that they will never threaten Russia". Talks between Russia and Ukraine largely ground to a halt in mid-April. Lukashenko said that Ukraine must accept the loss of territory occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine. "This is no longer being discussed," he said. "One could have discussed this in February or March." On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that peace talks with Ukraine "make no sense", and announced that Moscow's military aims in the pro-Western country were no longer focused "only" on the east. Lukashenko has sought to promote himself as Putin's most faithful ally, welcoming Russian troops under the pretext of military exercises before Moscow launched its Ukraine offensive. Lukashenko insisted that the war could have been avoided if Western countries had given Putin "the security guarantees" he wanted. "On the eve of the Ukraine war why did not you provide such guarantees?" he said. "This means you wanted war. "You, members of NATO and Americans, needed war." Before intervening in Ukraine, Putin had demanded that NATO stop its eastward expansion and voiced grievances over Washington's military support for Ukraine. 'Not killing people' Despite officially being a non-belligerent, the Belarus strongman has demanded that his country be included in any talks and a deal to end the conflict. Lukashenko told AFP that he considered his country to be part of the conflict, however. "I am part of the operation that Russia is conducting," he said. "I am supporting Russia." He said he allowed 20,000 Russian troops from Siberia and the Far East to use Belarus as a staging ground to attack Ukraine at the start of the war. "Because you were ready to strike Belarus and Russian infrastructure," the Belarus strongman claimed. "Do you want to say that I had to sit and wait until rockets start falling on the heads of the Belarusian people? No!" At the same time he insisted that not a single Belarusian soldier was fighting in Ukraine. "I shut the western and the southwestern border near Brest," he said. "So that you, the NATO troops, primarily the Poles being pushed by the Americans, do not stab the Russians in the back. I couldn't allow it." He insisted that the West was "even more of an aggressor than me." "It is you who are fighting there, your mercenaries and your weapons," he added. Belarus also took part in the conflict by treating Russia's wounded troops, Lukashenko added. "Yes, we treated the wounded. The dead were taken to Belarus," he said. "We were handing over and handing over now medicines to both Ukrainians and Russians. This is how we are taking part in this operation. And we are not killing people." Lukashenko said he did not plan to recognise as independent Ukraine's separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk or Russia's annexation of Crimea. "What is the point today?" he said. Despite his heavy economic and military dependence on Russia, he insisted he was no "puppet". Lukashenko said he was ready to receive a loan from France. "But you spat on us, tried to wipe your feet on us, me, and my country." He also denounced Western economic penalties on his country and Moscow. "The situation with your idiotic and savage sanctions just showed how dependent you are on Russian energy resources."

Ukraine war must end to prevent nuclear 'abyss', says Lukashenko

It's been almost five months since Russia invaded Ukraine and there are no signs of a halt let alone peace talks. The President of Belarus, one of Russia's closest allies believes that the war must halt to avoid the abyss of nuclear war. Lukashenko insists that the West and Kyiv must now accept Moscow's demands

Russia's closest ally Belarus says 'Let's stop this 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. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday (July 20) said that Russia’s objectives in Ukraine now extend beyond the eastern Donbas region into the country’s south. His comments came as the war in Ukraine is approaching its fifth month. Lavrov told state media that now, the “geography is different”. During an interview with RIA Novosti, which was published on Wednesday, Lavrov said, “Denazification, demilitarisation in a sense that there are no military threats to our safety from the territory of Ukraine. This task remains.” ALSO READ | Ukrainian forces 'badly damage' key bridge in Kherson region amid ongoing conflict “When the negotiators met in Istanbul, one sort of geography was discussed. Our willingness to accept the Ukrainian proposal was based on that geography, the geography of the end of March 2022,” he added. When the reporter asked off camera “Meaning DPR and LPR?”, the Russian foreign minister asserted that now the “geography is different”. He said: “It’s far from being just the DPR and LPR, it’s also Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions and a number of other territories. And the process is continuing.” ‘Peace talks don’t make sense right now’ Lavrov also said that it makes no sense to resume peace talks with Kyiv at the moment. He also mentioned the weapons and arms supplied by the West allies to Ukraine. Lavrov said, “As the West pours more and more long-range weapons, such as HIMARS, into Ukraine in an impotent rage or in a desire to exacerbate the situation as much as possible, these HIMARS, (Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii) Reznikov or someone else was boasting that they have already received 300 km ammo — well, that means the geographical tasks of the special operation will extend still further from the current line.” WATCH | Turkish President Erdogan keeps Vladimir Putin waiting ahead of talks in Iran Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory: US Lavrov’s comments came a day after US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that they have “ample evidence” to claim that Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory. As said by Kirby, the areas targeted for annexation include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and all of Donetsk and Luhansk. While speaking from the White House briefing room, Kirby had said, “Russia is laying the groundwork to annex Ukrainian territory that it controls in direct violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Russia is beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook, very similar to the one we saw in 2014.” 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.

'Geography is different now': Russia's objectives in Ukraine not limited to eastern Donbas region, says Lavrov

For months Russia said that its main objective was to capture the Ukrainian territory of Donbass but on Wednesday Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia's military focus in Ukraine was no longer 'only the east of the country'.

Sergey Lavrov: Russia's military focus extends beyond East Ukraine

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the United States is set to provide four more precision rocket systems to Ukraine to help counter the Russian aggression. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday (July 20) that his Ukrainian counterpart requested for Washington to send more M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars). The Ukrainian official had claimed that Kyiv's forces have used them to destroy some 30 Russian command stations and ammunition depots so far. During an interaction with journalists at the Pentagon, Austin said: "Washington will send four more Himars advanced rocket systems for a total of 16. The Ukrainians have made excellent use of Himars, and you can see the impact on the battlefield." "Russia is keeping up its relentless shelling, and that's a cruel tactic that harkens back to the horrors of World War I. So Ukraine needs the firepower and the ammunition to withstand this barrage and to strike back," he said. It is said that the US will also send additional GMLRS ammunition, which can precisely strike targets up to 80 kilometres away. So far, in its military aid to Ukraine, US President Joe Biden's administration has refused to send longer-range ammunition. Long-range missiles would facilitate Ukraine to strike targets inside Russian territory and potentially expand the war into a direct clash with the West. On being asked about longer-range ammunition on Wednesday, Austin said: "We think what they have and what they're working with is really giving them a lot of capability." On Tuesday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov urged for a major increase in the number of Himars. Reznikov claimed that at least 100 were needed for an effective counter-offensive against Moscow's troops. 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.

America to send four more precision rocket systems to Ukraine, says US defence secretary

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. Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday (July 19) in Tehran, during his second visit outside Russia since the start of the Ukraine war. Putin thanked Erdogan for mediating talks on the export of grain from Ukraine. He said that there was some progress. Putin told Erdogan during a meeting in Tehran in comments released by the Kremlin: "I want to thank you for your mediation efforts." Putin said: "With your mediation, we have moved forward. Not all issues have yet been resolved, but the fact that there is movement is already good." ALSO READ | Biden administration seeks extension to decide on immunity to Mohammed bin Salman The climate shocks and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had triggered a global food crisis and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has worsened the situation. The war triggered a rise in the prices of fertilizer, fuel and food. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has hampered shipments from one of the world's biggest exporters of wheat and other grain, leaving millions of people across the world at risk of being driven to starvation unless action is taken. Putin-Raisi talks During his visit, Putin held talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and thanked "our friends" in Tehran for their hospitality. Putin also met with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. In a bilateral meeting with Raisi, Putin said, "I am very pleased to be on the ‘hospitable’ Iranian soil...We can boast of record figures in terms of trade growth." "We are strengthening our cooperation on international security issues, and making a significant contribution to the settlement of the Syrian conflict," he added. ALSO READ | Putin visits Iran to meet Erdogan, Raisi on first trip outside former Soviet Union since Ukraine war Khamenei called for strengthening "long-term cooperation" with Russia in a meeting with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, a statement said. According to a statement on his official website, Khamenei said, "The long-term cooperation between Iran and Russia is deeply beneficial to both countries." "There are many understandings and contracts between the two countries, including in the oil and gas sector, which must be followed and implemented fully," Khamenei added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin thanks Erdogan for mediation efforts, says some progress in Ukraine grain talks

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. United States National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday (July 19) that the US has "ample evidence" to claim that Russia plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory. As said by Kirby, the areas targeted for annexation include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and all of Donetsk and Luhansk. While speaking from the White House briefing room, Kirby said, "Russia is laying the groundwork to annex Ukrainian territory that it controls in direct violation of Ukraine's sovereignty. Russia is beginning to roll out a version of what you could call an annexation playbook, very similar to the one we saw in 2014." In 2014, Russia invaded and subsequently annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Crimea was formally incorporated into Russia on 18 March 2014. ALSO READ | Putin thanks Erdogan for mediation efforts, says some progress in Ukraine grain talks Kirby said, "Already, Russia is installing illegitimate proxy officials in the areas of Ukraine that are under its control." During his interaction with reporters, Kirby said that Russia had plans to organize "sham referenda" in the areas it has seized. He claimed that this could happen as early as September. "Annexation by force will be a gross violation of the UN Charter and we will not allow it to go unchallenged or unpunished," Kirby said, adding that he was "exposing" the Russian plans "so the world knows that any purported annexation is premeditated, illegal and illegitimate." "We're going to respond swiftly and severely and in lockstep with our allies and partners. We are sanctioning the Russian-installed puppets and proxies," he said. ALSO READ | Biden administration seeks extension to decide on immunity to Mohammed bin Salman Russia-Ukraine war Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to launch the invasion of Ukraine, calling it a "special military operation". Putin said that the aim of the invasion was "to protect the people that are subjected to abuse, genocide from the Kyiv regime" and to "demilitarise and denazify 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.

Russia is planning to annex additional Ukrainian territory, claims US

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. Andriy Yermak, who is Ukraine's presidential chief of staff, said on Tuesday (July 19) that Ukraine must win the ongoing war with Russia before winter. Yermak said that this would give Russian military forces time to dig in and the counter-offensive will be more difficult for Ukraine. Yermak told Ukrainian weekly Novoye Vremya: "It is very important for us not to enter into the winter. After winter, when the Russians will have more time to get a footing, it will certainly be more difficult. It is very important for us not to give them this possibility." ALSO READ | Russia is planning to annex additional Ukrainian territory, US claims Hopeful Yermak also said that the Western allies should supply more arms. He said that he was counting on pledges of aid by US President Joe Biden in the form of weaponry and economic support. Yermak said: "Our objective is victory. These negotiations are taking place at military and foreign affairs ministry level... with UN mediation. I'm in touch with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, I do not communicate with the Russians." ALSO READ | Putin thanks Erdogan for mediation efforts, says some progress in Ukraine grain talks It is understood that the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act package signed by Biden in May is due to come fully into operation next month. Yermak further noted that the talks are not being held to end the Russia-Ukraine war as the ongoing talks with Russia revolved simply around how to export Ukrainian grain from blockaded ports. 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.

Here's why top Ukraine presidential aide says they need to win war against Russia before winter

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is going to enter its sixth month. In the latest the White House has now said that Russia is forming plans to annex more parts of Ukraine repeating a similar playbook it used in 2014 annexation of Crimea.

US warns of Russian annexation plans