In a major development on the Russia-Ukraine war, U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated steps to set up direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.


Russia- Ukraine War: Trump Sets Up Putin-Zelensky Direct Talks

<p>Whether Keith Kellogg, United States President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, will end the&nbsp;ongoing war is a major question many observers are asking. A hint of what he could do if he assumes charge is emerging from his recent writings.</p>

<p>In a research paper he had written and presented to Trump when he was the presidential candidate, Kellogg had suggested that the US aid to Ukraine be withdrawn to force it to the peace negotiation table and increased if it joins the talks, but not Russia. A similar 'carrots and sticks' policy was suggested for Russia too.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Who Is Keith Kellogg? Donald Trump's Pick For Ukraine And Russia Envoy</strong></p>

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<p>Trump earlier this week named Kellogg, who served as national security adviser to former vice president Mike Pence during the incoming US president's first term, as&nbsp;US special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.</p>

<p>The document co-authored by Kellogg and presented to Trump in April said the US should give Ukraine more weapons if Russia doesn’t join negotiations.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-picks-gen-keith-kellogg-for-ukraine-envoy-to-end-war-how-will-he-do-it-779767">Also read: Will Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy Gen Keith Kellogg end war?</a></strong></p>

<p>Kellogg, a retired US lieutenant general, wrote the document titled 'America First, Russia, &amp; Ukraine' for The America First Policy Institute.</p>

<p>The paper blamed the incumbent President&nbsp;Joe Biden Administration’s incompetent policies for the Ukraine war, which it described as an "avoidable crisis" that has entangled America in an endless war due to rejection of the 'America First' approach to national security.</p>

<p>The Democratic government's "risk-averse pattern" in arming Ukraine and failure of diplomacy with Russia has prolonged the war, noted the research paper Kellogg wrote with former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz.</p>

<p>Both Kellogg and Fleitz were chiefs of staff in Trump’s national security council from 2017 to 2021.</p>

<p>The authors said ending the war would require "strong, America First leadership" to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities.</p>

<p>Among its suggestions, the paper said the US 'would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defences to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a ceasefire or peace agreement.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia," it said.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-conflict-will-end-sooner-once-trump-becomes-us-president-776658">Also read: Ukraine war: Zelensky says conflict will 'end sooner' once Trump becomes US president</a></strong><br />
<br />
To convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to join peace talks, it suggested that the US president and NATO&nbsp;leaders should put off NATO&nbsp;membership 'for an extended period' in exchange for a comprehensive and verifiable peace deal with security guarantees.</p>

<p>It said the US and allies would pledge to fully lift sanctions against Russia and normalise relations only after it signs a peace agreement acceptable to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We also call for placing levies on Russian energy sales to pay for Ukrainian reconstruction," it added.</p>

<p>There is genuine fear among policymakers and observers that Trump, once he assumes charge at the White House after a gap of four years, would end military aid to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Before that happens,&nbsp;the Biden administration is pushing as much military and financial aid to Ukraine to help its fight against Russia.</p>

<p>Recently, the US allowed Ukraine to use American-made ATACMS missiles inside Russian territory.</p>

<p>Russia responded by firing the intermediate-range missile, Oreshnik, on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.</p>

<p>American media outlets are also reporting that the US might give some form of nuclear weapons to Ukraine, a move Russia described as 'absolutely irresponsible'.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Whether Keith Kellogg, United States President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, will end the ongoing war is a major question many observers are asking.

Whether Keith Kellogg, United States President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, will end the ongoing war is a major question many observers are asking. A hint of what he could do if he assumes charge is emerging from his recent writings. In a research paper he had written and presented to Trump when he was the presidential candidate, Kellogg had suggested that the US aid to Ukraine be withdrawn to force it to the peace negotiation table and increased if it joins the talks, but not Russia. A similar 'carrots and sticks' policy was suggested for Russia too. Watch: Who Is Keith Kellogg? Donald Trump's Pick For Ukraine And Russia Envoy × Trump earlier this week named Kellogg, who served as national security adviser to former vice president Mike Pence during the incoming US president's first term, as US special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. The document co-authored by Kellogg and presented to Trump in April said the US should give Ukraine more weapons if Russia doesn’t join negotiations. Also read: Will Trump's pick for Ukraine envoy Gen Keith Kellogg end war? Kellogg, a retired US lieutenant general, wrote the document titled 'America First, Russia, & Ukraine' for The America First Policy Institute. The paper blamed the incumbent President Joe Biden Administration’s incompetent policies for the Ukraine war, which it described as an "avoidable crisis" that has entangled America in an endless war due to rejection of the 'America First' approach to national security. The Democratic government's "risk-averse pattern" in arming Ukraine and failure of diplomacy with Russia has prolonged the war, noted the research paper Kellogg wrote with former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz. Both Kellogg and Fleitz were chiefs of staff in Trump’s national security council from 2017 to 2021. The authors said ending the war would require "strong, America First leadership" to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities. Among its suggestions, the paper said the US 'would continue to arm Ukraine and strengthen its defences to ensure Russia will make no further advances and will not attack again after a ceasefire or peace agreement.' "Future American military aid, however, will require Ukraine to participate in peace talks with Russia," it said. Also read: Ukraine war: Zelensky says conflict will 'end sooner' once Trump becomes US president To convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to join peace talks, it suggested that the US president and NATO leaders should put off NATO membership 'for an extended period' in exchange for a comprehensive and verifiable peace deal with security guarantees. It said the US and allies would pledge to fully lift sanctions against Russia and normalise relations only after it signs a peace agreement acceptable to Ukraine. "We also call for placing levies on Russian energy sales to pay for Ukrainian reconstruction," it added. There is genuine fear among policymakers and observers that Trump, once he assumes charge at the White House after a gap of four years, would end military aid to Ukraine. Before that happens, the Biden administration is pushing as much military and financial aid to Ukraine to help its fight against Russia. Recently, the US allowed Ukraine to use American-made ATACMS missiles inside Russian territory. Russia responded by firing the intermediate-range missile, Oreshnik, on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. American media outlets are also reporting that the US might give some form of nuclear weapons to Ukraine, a move Russia described as 'absolutely irresponsible'. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's envoy for Ukraine-Russia has hinted at plan to end war. It's carrots and sticks for both

<p>President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered Satan II missiles to be ready for possible nuclear combat, raising the stakes in Russia's war with Ukraine.</p>

<p>According to multiple reports citing Russian state media, Putin ordered that Satan II be ready for battle 'as soon as possible.'</p>

<p>The move comes after Ukraine used US-made ATACMS missiles on November 25 and UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against Russia a couple of days later.</p>

<p>In response, Russia struck Ukraine with an experimental missile.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Russia- Ukraine War: Nuclear tensions reach boiling point</strong></p>

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<p>ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile System. These are supersonic tactical ballistic missiles.</p>

<p>The Storm Shadow is a Franco-British long-range air-launched cruise missile that can escape detection.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Satan II?</strong></h2>

<p>Satan is a huge intercontinental ballistic missile, originally called the RS-28 Sarmat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It can deliver nuclear warheads thousands of kilometres away and can potentially hit targets in the US or Europe.<br />
<br />
It is named after the Sarmatians, a nomadic clan from history who fought Atila the Hun.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-conflict-will-end-sooner-once-trump-becomes-us-president-776658">Ukraine war: Zelensky says conflict will 'end sooner' once Trump becomes US president</a></strong><br />
<br />
Satan II is a rather derogatory name given to the ICBM, mostly by the Western media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The three-stage missile is launched from silos and is liquid-fueled.</p>

<p>But one of these missiles exploded during testing in September, which was seen as a big setback for Putin.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-provide-nukes-to-ukraine-russia-responds-with-a-nuclear-warning-779448">Biden to provide nukes to Ukraine? Russia responds with a nuclear warning</a></strong><br />
<br />
Putin's reported order to accelerate the deployment of Satan came amid threats of retaliation by Russia over Ukraine's use of ATACMS inside its territory.</p>

<p>The Western media had reported that US President Joe Biden could give nuclear weapons to Ukraine before leaving office in January 2025.</p>

<p>Russian foreign ministry warned on Wednesday (Nov 27) that tic could be an insane idea that can prove to be a catastrophe.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered Satan II missiles to be ready for possible nuclear combat, raising the stakes in Russia's war with Ukraine. According to multiple reports citing Russian state media, Putin ordered that Satan II be ready for battle 'as soon as possible.

President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered Satan II missiles to be ready for possible nuclear combat, raising the stakes in Russia's war with Ukraine. According to multiple reports citing Russian state media, Putin ordered that Satan II be ready for battle 'as soon as possible.' The move comes after Ukraine used US-made ATACMS missiles on November 25 and UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles against Russia a couple of days later. In response, Russia struck Ukraine with an experimental missile. Watch: Russia- Ukraine War: Nuclear tensions reach boiling point × ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile System. These are supersonic tactical ballistic missiles. The Storm Shadow is a Franco-British long-range air-launched cruise missile that can escape detection. What is Satan II? Satan is a huge intercontinental ballistic missile, originally called the RS-28 Sarmat. It can deliver nuclear warheads thousands of kilometres away and can potentially hit targets in the US or Europe. It is named after the Sarmatians, a nomadic clan from history who fought Atila the Hun. Also read: Ukraine war: Zelensky says conflict will 'end sooner' once Trump becomes US president Satan II is a rather derogatory name given to the ICBM, mostly by the Western media. The three-stage missile is launched from silos and is liquid-fueled. But one of these missiles exploded during testing in September, which was seen as a big setback for Putin. Also read: Biden to provide nukes to Ukraine? Russia responds with a nuclear warning Putin's reported order to accelerate the deployment of Satan came amid threats of retaliation by Russia over Ukraine's use of ATACMS inside its territory. The Western media had reported that US President Joe Biden could give nuclear weapons to Ukraine before leaving office in January 2025. Russian foreign ministry warned on Wednesday (Nov 27) that tic could be an insane idea that can prove to be a catastrophe. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin orders Satan II to be ready to deploy for nuclear war. What is it?

<p>The US, which hasn't sent a single boot to the ground while propping up Ukraine with military aid, now wants Ukrainians as young as 18 to fight the war against Russia.</p>

<p>The Joe Biden administration is urging Ukraine to lower the minimum age for conscription for Ukrainians to 18, according to US media reports.</p>

<p>This is taking place even as the US is planning to send more arms to Ukraine, worth $725 million.</p>

<p>President Volodymir Zelenskyy is meanwhile going to raise taxes for Urkainians in order to improve funding for the war.</p>

<p>Citing a senior US official, the Associated Press news agency reported on Wednesday (Nov 27)&nbsp;that the request to lower the draft age is being made so that Ukraine can increase the size of its military.</p>

<p>The current conscription age for Ukraine is 25.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Gravitas | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Military Might Continues to Grow</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The age-lowering request is part of last-minute efforts for Ukraine before Biden leaves office in January 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new $725 million weapons package is another part of that effort, and will likely include land mines, drones, Stinger anti-air missiles, and Himars ammunition among other things, according to the AP report.</p>

<p>For context, the new military aid worth $725mn is far bigger than what Biden has so far spent using the PDA, or Presidential Drawdown Authority, for helping allies. A report in The Guardian noted that recent PDAs were between $125mn to $250mn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the US Congress had authorised up to $5 billion in PDA that Biden can use before Donald Trump takes over as president on 20 January, it noted.</p>

<p>Since the Russian operation started in 2022, the US has sent an estimated $56 bn in security aid to Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump had vowed to end the war. This is being seen as a sign that the Republicans&nbsp;would stop giving military aid to Ukraine.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Ukraine being asked to send 18-year-olds to war?</strong></h2>

<p>The AP report cited the official as saying that the ground situation 'pure math' shows Ukraine simply needs more troops on the ground, noting that Kyiv is not mobilising or training enough troops in place of soldiers it had lost.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia is growing its troop strength, in addition to taking help from North Korea, which reportedly sent some 10,000 troops to help Moscow in the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>The White House assessment is that Ukraine has the required weapons, but not enough soldiers, unless it dramatically increases troop levels.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-considers-lowering-military-mobilisation-age-to-25-almost-two-years-into-war-with-russia-673603">Also read: Ukraine considers lowering military mobilisation age to 25, almost two years into war with Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said the US administration believes 'manpower is the most vital need' of Ukraine now.</p>

<p>“We’re also ready to ramp up our training capacity if they take appropriate steps to fill out their ranks,” Savett said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>The Ukraine troop situation: What's the reality?</strong></h2>

<p>As per Kyiv's estimates, Ukraine which has more than 1 million soldiers, needs 160,000 more, but the US thinks that's not enough.</p>

<p>The lack of troop presence might make it difficult for Ukraine to fight in the Kursk region, bordering Russia, in the US estimate.<br />
<br />
The Ukraine parliament passed a law to lower the age from 27 to 25 in April. Since then, thousands have gone into hiding to avoid the draft, according to reports.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-ukrainians-go-into-hiding-as-ukraine-expands-military-draft-report-734378"><strong>Also read: Thousands of Ukrainians go into hiding as Kyiv expands military draft: Report</strong></a><br />
<br />
Zelenskyy has often pushed back against lowering the age of conscription.</p>

<p>Domestic backlash and potential harm to Ukraine's economy could be part of the reasons.</p>

<p>There have often been reports of deserters and people going absent without leave.</p>

<p>So far, Ukraine has maintained that there's just not enough equipment to match the mobilisation.</p>

<p>The AP report cited a Ukrainian official who accused the West of trying to shift focus to draft age, away from their delays or late decisions in giving equipment.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US, which hasn't sent a single boot to the ground while propping up Ukraine with military aid, now wants Ukrainians as young as 18 to fight the war against Russia.

The US, which hasn't sent a single boot to the ground while propping up Ukraine with military aid, now wants Ukrainians as young as 18 to fight the war against Russia. The Joe Biden administration is urging Ukraine to lower the minimum age for conscription for Ukrainians to 18, according to US media reports. This is taking place even as the US is planning to send more arms to Ukraine, worth $725 million. President Volodymir Zelenskyy is meanwhile going to raise taxes for Urkainians in order to improve funding for the war. Citing a senior US official, the Associated Press news agency reported on Wednesday (Nov 27) that the request to lower the draft age is being made so that Ukraine can increase the size of its military. The current conscription age for Ukraine is 25. Watch: Gravitas | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Military Might Continues to Grow × The age-lowering request is part of last-minute efforts for Ukraine before Biden leaves office in January 2025. The new $725 million weapons package is another part of that effort, and will likely include land mines, drones, Stinger anti-air missiles, and Himars ammunition among other things, according to the AP report. For context, the new military aid worth $725mn is far bigger than what Biden has so far spent using the PDA, or Presidential Drawdown Authority, for helping allies. A report in The Guardian noted that recent PDAs were between $125mn to $250mn. So far, the US Congress had authorised up to $5 billion in PDA that Biden can use before Donald Trump takes over as president on 20 January, it noted. Since the Russian operation started in 2022, the US has sent an estimated $56 bn in security aid to Russia. Trump had vowed to end the war. This is being seen as a sign that the Republicans would stop giving military aid to Ukraine. Why is Ukraine being asked to send 18-year-olds to war? The AP report cited the official as saying that the ground situation 'pure math' shows Ukraine simply needs more troops on the ground, noting that Kyiv is not mobilising or training enough troops in place of soldiers it had lost. Meanwhile, Russia is growing its troop strength, in addition to taking help from North Korea, which reportedly sent some 10,000 troops to help Moscow in the Ukraine war. The White House assessment is that Ukraine has the required weapons, but not enough soldiers, unless it dramatically increases troop levels. Also read: Ukraine considers lowering military mobilisation age to 25, almost two years into war with Russia Earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said the US administration believes 'manpower is the most vital need' of Ukraine now. “We’re also ready to ramp up our training capacity if they take appropriate steps to fill out their ranks,” Savett said in a statement. The Ukraine troop situation: What's the reality? As per Kyiv's estimates, Ukraine which has more than 1 million soldiers, needs 160,000 more, but the US thinks that's not enough. The lack of troop presence might make it difficult for Ukraine to fight in the Kursk region, bordering Russia, in the US estimate. The Ukraine parliament passed a law to lower the age from 27 to 25 in April. Since then, thousands have gone into hiding to avoid the draft, according to reports. Also read: Thousands of Ukrainians go into hiding as Kyiv expands military draft: Report Zelenskyy has often pushed back against lowering the age of conscription. Domestic backlash and potential harm to Ukraine's economy could be part of the reasons. There have often been reports of deserters and people going absent without leave. So far, Ukraine has maintained that there's just not enough equipment to match the mobilisation. The AP report cited a Ukrainian official who accused the West of trying to shift focus to draft age, away from their delays or late decisions in giving equipment. (With inputs from agencies)

US now wants Ukrainians as young as 18 to fight war with Russia because...

<p>Russia on Monday (Jan 15) said that it has convicted over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to severe prison terms, some of which were life sentences.</p>

<p>The development comes when the Kremlin is about to complete nearly two years of its offensive against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia is believed to have held thousands of Ukrainian troops captive during the siege of the port city of Mariupol in 2022. &nbsp;</p>

<p>International rights organisations and Kiev have criticised Moscow's POW trials calling the move illegal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"More than 200 Ukrainian military personnel have been sentenced to long prison sentences for committing murder of civilians and mistreating prisoners (of war)," Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, said in an interview to state news outlet RIA Novosti.</p>

<p>He further claimed that Moscow would continue its efforts to prosecute Ukrainian military personnel, including "high-level officials."</p>

<p>While some Ukrainian prisoners of war were transferred to Russia, many of them were detained in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 83 countries hold Ukraine peace talks without Russia</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the interview, Bastrykin did not clarify if the troops were sentenced in Russia or occupied Ukraine.</p>

<p>However, as per news agency AFP reports, state-run outlet RT quoted an Investigative Committee source as saying that 242 soldiers were handed sentences in occupied Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine, on January 3, released a statement saying that they had swapped hundreds of captive soldiers in their very first exchange in months. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsai-meets-us-delegation-after-key-election-calls-visit-show-of-close-and-staunch-partnership-680001">Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership'</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Pro-Ukrainian sabotage'</strong></h2>

<p>Bastrykin also shared details about Russia's battle against pro-Ukrainian sabotage.</p>

<p>He revealed that the authorities had not only uncovered railway sabotage in regions close to the Ukrainian border like Bryansk, but also in the Siberian regions of Tyumen, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and the northern Komi region.</p>

<p>"In the conditions of the special military operation, we can see Ukrainian special services are trying to wage their subversive activities, using terrorist methods, despite possible accidental victims," Bastrykin said.</p>

<p>He further warned that Russians were being "misled... promised rewards and pushed to commit illegal acts."</p>

<p>Recently, Russia and Belarus have been affected by a series of mysterious train derailments that reportedly were aimed at obstructing army supply routes to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Bastrykin said that the number of cases of extremism rose by 62 per cent in the year 2023 as compared to 2022, indicating that Moscow was intensifying its clampdown on opponents while troops were fighting in Ukraine.</p>

<p>He stated that Moscow had filed 273 cases for spreading fakes&nbsp;on the Russian army and 81 cases over "discrediting" Moscow's forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine and Russia swap prisoners of war in first deal in months</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Earlier on Jan 3, Russia and Ukraine had exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the first such deal in nearly five months which was mediated by the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow said that it was a complex negotiation, and the UAE was involved in it. Without providing details, Ukraine's POW coordination centre also briefly acknowledged the UAE's role in the exchange.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia said Ukraine had handed over 248 military personnel, while Kyiv welcomed back 230 people - 224 soldiers and six civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia on Monday (Jan 15) said that it has convicted over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to severe prison terms, some of which were life sentences. The development comes when the Kremlin is about to complete nearly two years of its offensive against Ukraine.

Russia on Monday (Jan 15) said that it has convicted over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to severe prison terms, some of which were life sentences. The development comes when the Kremlin is about to complete nearly two years of its offensive against Ukraine. Russia is believed to have held thousands of Ukrainian troops captive during the siege of the port city of Mariupol in 2022. International rights organisations and Kiev have criticised Moscow's POW trials calling the move illegal. "More than 200 Ukrainian military personnel have been sentenced to long prison sentences for committing murder of civilians and mistreating prisoners (of war)," Alexander Bastrykin, the head of Russia's Investigative Committee, said in an interview to state news outlet RIA Novosti. He further claimed that Moscow would continue its efforts to prosecute Ukrainian military personnel, including "high-level officials." While some Ukrainian prisoners of war were transferred to Russia, many of them were detained in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: 83 countries hold Ukraine peace talks without Russia × In the interview, Bastrykin did not clarify if the troops were sentenced in Russia or occupied Ukraine. However, as per news agency AFP reports, state-run outlet RT quoted an Investigative Committee source as saying that 242 soldiers were handed sentences in occupied Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine, on January 3, released a statement saying that they had swapped hundreds of captive soldiers in their very first exchange in months. Also read: Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership' 'Pro-Ukrainian sabotage' Bastrykin also shared details about Russia's battle against pro-Ukrainian sabotage. He revealed that the authorities had not only uncovered railway sabotage in regions close to the Ukrainian border like Bryansk, but also in the Siberian regions of Tyumen, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and the northern Komi region. "In the conditions of the special military operation, we can see Ukrainian special services are trying to wage their subversive activities, using terrorist methods, despite possible accidental victims," Bastrykin said. He further warned that Russians were being "misled... promised rewards and pushed to commit illegal acts." Recently, Russia and Belarus have been affected by a series of mysterious train derailments that reportedly were aimed at obstructing army supply routes to Ukraine. Bastrykin said that the number of cases of extremism rose by 62 per cent in the year 2023 as compared to 2022, indicating that Moscow was intensifying its clampdown on opponents while troops were fighting in Ukraine. He stated that Moscow had filed 273 cases for spreading fakes on the Russian army and 81 cases over "discrediting" Moscow's forces. Ukraine and Russia swap prisoners of war in first deal in months Earlier on Jan 3, Russia and Ukraine had exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the first such deal in nearly five months which was mediated by the United Arab Emirates. Moscow said that it was a complex negotiation, and the UAE was involved in it. Without providing details, Ukraine's POW coordination centre also briefly acknowledged the UAE's role in the exchange. Russia said Ukraine had handed over 248 military personnel, while Kyiv welcomed back 230 people - 224 soldiers and six civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sentences over 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war to lengthy sentences

<p>Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, gave the order to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Not only was this catastrophic for Ukraine but changed the course of history for Russia and the rest of the world.&nbsp;The war has claimed lives on both sides, destroyed cultural landmarks in Ukraine, wrecked its national economy, and has had ramifications for the entire world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION explains the cost of this war in the following charts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b id="docs-internal-guid-04476622-7fff-742c-2823-af4a639dea72">HUMAN COST OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: CIVILIAN CASUALTIES&nbsp;</b></h2>

<p>The most recent estimates of civilian casualties since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago are a bare clue of the vile human cost of this war.</p>

<p>Throughout the previous 12 months of violence in Ukraine, at least 8,006 civilians have died and 13,287 have been injured, according to the office of the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/02/turk-deplores-human-cost-russias-war-against-ukraine-verified-civilian#:~:text=GENEVA%20(21%20February%202023)%20%E2%80%93,the%20conflict%20in%20eastern%20Ukraine.">UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights.</a></p>

<p>“These numbers, which we are publishing today, lay bare the loss and suffering inflicted on people since Russia’s armed attack began on 24 February last year,” said Volker Türk, UN&nbsp;human rights chief, speaking&nbsp;in Geneva.</p>

<p>The monitoring mission's head, Matilda Bogner, warned that the statistics her team collected were far lower than the real numbers, “as we have not been able to fully verify many cases, due to limited information and lack of access to key areas of Ukraine that saw some of the most intense fightings.”</p>

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<p>Data source: <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/ohchr_homepage">OHCHR</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>*Hover over the visualisation to get the figures*</strong></em></p>

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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-47930087-7fff-1d35-6afb-fbed44ffd997">GLOBAL FOOD AND ENERGY CRISIS</b></h2>

<p>The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted supplies for both developing and developed countries since the two nations are the two main producers of commodities including petroleum, food, and fertiliser.</p>

<p>The world is currently experiencing its first-ever global energy crisis, a situation that has never before occurred and is being caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the <a href="https://www.iea.org/">International Energy Agency</a>'s most recent study,<a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022"> Global Energy Outlook 2022.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>The research also highlighted the rising cost of energy due to restrictions on oil and gas exports, which has resulted in unaffordable energy bills.</p>

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<p>Data source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bdew.de/media/documents/220727_BDEW-Strompreisanalyse_Juli_2022.pdf">BDEW</a></p>

<p><em><strong>*Hover over the visualisation to get the figures*</strong></em></p>

<p>Food prices had already reached their highest point in a decade prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a result of disrupted supply chains and severe weather conditions, such as the worst drought in over a century in central and southern Brazil.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ukraine typically exports the most sunflower oil and around 45 million metric tonnes of grain to the world market each year. It contributed nearly a fifth of all wheat shipments worldwide in 2019 together with Russia. The already stressed food system received yet another shock as Russian forces blockaded the nation's ports, making it even more difficult to bear.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/foodpricesindex/en/">The Food Price Index</a>, created by the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization, increased by more than 14 per cent from 2021 to reach its highest yearly level on records dating back to 2005. The number of people with severe food insecurity, or those whose access to food was so limited that it endangered their lives and livelihoods, increased from 135 million in 2019 to 345 million in 2022.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-bfd954ac-7fff-5812-31b5-137aa75872c1">FUELLING A REFUGEE CRISIS?</b></h2>

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<p>Around thirteen million people, or roughly a third of Ukraine's pre-war population, have reportedly been displaced since the invasion, according to the UN refugee agency. Almost five million of them are internally displaced, while over eight million of them are refugees who are residing in nearby nations. During the 2015 wave of migration from Africa and the Middle East, the continent received about one million migrants; during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, it received up to four million.</p>

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<p>Data source: <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/">UNHCR</a></p>

<h2><b id="docs-internal-guid-71bc5460-7fff-404f-fbc7-d742030a2c5e">THE NEW IRON CURTAIN: SHIFTING GLOBAL ALLIANCES&nbsp;</b></h2>

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<p>Russia is now an outcast in the West due to the war.&nbsp;International big brands like McDonald's and Ikea have completely withdrawn from&nbsp;the nation. To counter this international boycott, Putin has strengthened his military ties with North Korea and Iran, two international pariahs that provide Russia with the weaponised drones it uses to attack Ukrainian infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Data source: <a href="https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/over-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remain">Yale University</a></p>

<p><em><strong>*Hover over the visualisation to get the figures*</strong></em></p>

<h2><b id="docs-internal-guid-a27050f8-7fff-1259-2ec6-330959951d03">THE NEW REALM OF UNCERTAINTY</b></h2>

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<p>The Russia-Ukraine war is a stark reminder to mankind that people have little control over the course of history. The 8 million Ukrainians who have been uprooted and forced to start their lives anew across Europe and beyond are a testament to it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even for people who haven’t been displaced, the sudden blowout of Europe’s peace and stability has brought about great uncertainty and anxiety.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, gave the order to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Not only was this catastrophic for Ukraine but changed the course of history for Russia and the rest of the world.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, gave the order to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Not only was this catastrophic for Ukraine but changed the course of history for Russia and the rest of the world. The war has claimed lives on both sides, destroyed cultural landmarks in Ukraine, wrecked its national economy, and has had ramifications for the entire world. WION explains the cost of this war in the following charts. HUMAN COST OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: CIVILIAN CASUALTIES The most recent estimates of civilian casualties since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago are a bare clue of the vile human cost of this war. Throughout the previous 12 months of violence in Ukraine, at least 8,006 civilians have died and 13,287 have been injured, according to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “These numbers, which we are publishing today, lay bare the loss and suffering inflicted on people since Russia’s armed attack began on 24 February last year,” said Volker Türk, UN human rights chief, speaking in Geneva. The monitoring mission's head, Matilda Bogner, warned that the statistics her team collected were far lower than the real numbers, “as we have not been able to fully verify many cases, due to limited information and lack of access to key areas of Ukraine that saw some of the most intense fightings.” × Data source: OHCHR *Hover over the visualisation to get the figures* GLOBAL FOOD AND ENERGY CRISIS The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted supplies for both developing and developed countries since the two nations are the two main producers of commodities including petroleum, food, and fertiliser. The world is currently experiencing its first-ever global energy crisis, a situation that has never before occurred and is being caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the International Energy Agency's most recent study, Global Energy Outlook 2022. The research also highlighted the rising cost of energy due to restrictions on oil and gas exports, which has resulted in unaffordable energy bills. × Data source: BDEW *Hover over the visualisation to get the figures* Food prices had already reached their highest point in a decade prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a result of disrupted supply chains and severe weather conditions, such as the worst drought in over a century in central and southern Brazil. Ukraine typically exports the most sunflower oil and around 45 million metric tonnes of grain to the world market each year. It contributed nearly a fifth of all wheat shipments worldwide in 2019 together with Russia. The already stressed food system received yet another shock as Russian forces blockaded the nation's ports, making it even more difficult to bear. × The Food Price Index, created by the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization, increased by more than 14 per cent from 2021 to reach its highest yearly level on records dating back to 2005. The number of people with severe food insecurity, or those whose access to food was so limited that it endangered their lives and livelihoods, increased from 135 million in 2019 to 345 million in 2022. FUELLING A REFUGEE CRISIS? Around thirteen million people, or roughly a third of Ukraine's pre-war population, have reportedly been displaced since the invasion, according to the UN refugee agency. Almost five million of them are internally displaced, while over eight million of them are refugees who are residing in nearby nations. During the 2015 wave of migration from Africa and the Middle East, the continent received about one million migrants; during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, it received up to four million. × Data source: UNHCR THE NEW IRON CURTAIN: SHIFTING GLOBAL ALLIANCES Russia is now an outcast in the West due to the war. International big brands like McDonald's and Ikea have completely withdrawn from the nation. To counter this international boycott, Putin has strengthened his military ties with North Korea and Iran, two international pariahs that provide Russia with the weaponised drones it uses to attack Ukrainian infrastructure. × Data source: Yale University *Hover over the visualisation to get the figures* THE NEW REALM OF UNCERTAINTY The Russia-Ukraine war is a stark reminder to mankind that people have little control over the course of history. The 8 million Ukrainians who have been uprooted and forced to start their lives anew across Europe and beyond are a testament to it. Even for people who haven’t been displaced, the sudden blowout of Europe’s peace and stability has brought about great uncertainty and anxiety. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab: Whose war is this? Measuring the cost of the Russia-Ukraine war, one year on

There are no clear winners. Both Moscow & Kyiv keep making claims & counterclaims of having the upper hand. But in the fog of war, nothing can be seen clearly. Watch this video to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Who is winning in the air?

The United States said that it has not "encouraged" Ukraine to strike into Russia after drone attacks on bases widely seen as carried out by Kyiv.

US has not encouraged or enabled Ukraine to strike inside Russia, says Blinken

Russia-Ukraine War: 'Not encouraging' Ukraine strikes into Russia, says US

Russia has once again reigned long-range missiles targeting Ukrainian cities. At least four people have been killed several homes destroyed in the country's Southeast.

Russia-Ukraine War: At least four killed in Russian strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the country is switching to emergency shutdowns to stabilise its power grid after fresh Russian missile attacks. Now the questions is, How far are the two sides from negotiations?

Russia-Ukraine War: How far are the two sides from negotiations?

As Russian missile strikes continue to damage energy infrastructure across Ukraine, with rising concerns that the winter season will be difficult for the people who are living in war-hit zones. The West has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants "to use winter as a weapon of war" in the ongoing war in Ukraine, which led to massive food and fuel crisis globally.

NATO accuses Putin of using cold as 'weapon of war'

In a surprise move,the United States which has not fallen short of its support for Ukraine even once has called out Kyiv for alleged war crimes. Washington has further said that laws of war apply to all parties equally.

Russia-Ukraine War: Laws of war apply to all parties equally, says Washington

Following an overnight trip from Kyiv, the first passenger train arrived in Kherson since Russian forces withdrew from the city on November 11th

Ukraine rolls first passenger train into newly freed Kherson

Ukrainian residents welcomed troops arriving in the center of Kherson on Friday after Russia abandoned the only regional capital it had captured. Watch the full video to know more

Russia-Ukraine War: Locals welcome Ukraine soldiers in Kherson

As temperatures drop below freezing in eastern Ukraine, people are preparing for harshest winter in decades. Watch full video to know more.

Ukrainians prepare for harsh wartime winter