<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a state-organised concert on Wednesday, hailed the country's ongoing war effort in Ukraine by referring to the historical territorial alignments of Kyiv. Putin was addressing a crowd of tens of thousands at a Moscow stadium as the country marked the Defender of the Fatherland Day holiday.</p>

<p>Putin has repeatedly invoked Ukraine's past territorial alignments under the Russian Empire as well as the Soviet Union, in what many interpreted as the Russian leader's justification to invade Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have just been hearing from the highest military command that at this very moment there is an ongoing fight on our historical lands, for our people. It is led by similarly brave fighters like the ones standing beside us here right now,"&nbsp;he said while pointing to the military personnel present at the venue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-speech-live-updates-streaming-all-eyes-on-russian-president-564206">As it happened | Vladimir Putin speech: Russia suspending participation in New START nuclear treaty</a></strong></p>

<p>"Today, defending our interests, our people, our culture, language and territory, our entire nation is the defender of our Fatherland," Putin said.</p>

<p>"I bow to all of you," he added.</p>

<p>Following a play of the Russian national anthem, the crowd in the stadium chanted "Russia!" as Putin shook the hands of the military personnel on the stage.</p>

<p>"When we are together, no one can be our equal. For the unity of the Russian nation!"&nbsp;Putin said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-putin-blames-west-and-ukraine-for-provoking-conflict-564437">Russia's Putin blames West and Ukraine for provoking conflict</a></strong></p>

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<p>Putin's Wednesday appearance comes up after the Russian leader's state-of-the-nation address a day before. On Tuesday, Putin vowed to continue the war and blamed NATO's expansion as the causal reason which he said forced Moscow into launching 'special military operations' in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian media reported that the crowd at Moscow’s Luznhniki Stadium waved Russian flags and gave muted applause between performances and speeches. However, most of the attendees were employees of state-run institutions. A report in The Moscow Times said that a state institution forced 70 per cent of its workers to go to Wednesday's concert.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a state-organised concert on Wednesday, hailed the country's ongoing war effort in Ukraine by referring to the historical territorial alignments of Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a state-organised concert on Wednesday, hailed the country's ongoing war effort in Ukraine by referring to the historical territorial alignments of Kyiv. Putin was addressing a crowd of tens of thousands at a Moscow stadium as the country marked the Defender of the Fatherland Day holiday. Putin has repeatedly invoked Ukraine's past territorial alignments under the Russian Empire as well as the Soviet Union, in what many interpreted as the Russian leader's justification to invade Ukraine. "I have just been hearing from the highest military command that at this very moment there is an ongoing fight on our historical lands, for our people. It is led by similarly brave fighters like the ones standing beside us here right now," he said while pointing to the military personnel present at the venue. ALSO READ | As it happened | Vladimir Putin speech: Russia suspending participation in New START nuclear treaty "Today, defending our interests, our people, our culture, language and territory, our entire nation is the defender of our Fatherland," Putin said. "I bow to all of you," he added. Following a play of the Russian national anthem, the crowd in the stadium chanted "Russia!" as Putin shook the hands of the military personnel on the stage. "When we are together, no one can be our equal. For the unity of the Russian nation!" Putin said. ALSO WATCH | Russia's Putin blames West and Ukraine for provoking conflict × Putin's Wednesday appearance comes up after the Russian leader's state-of-the-nation address a day before. On Tuesday, Putin vowed to continue the war and blamed NATO's expansion as the causal reason which he said forced Moscow into launching 'special military operations' in Ukraine. The Russian media reported that the crowd at Moscow’s Luznhniki Stadium waved Russian flags and gave muted applause between performances and speeches. However, most of the attendees were employees of state-run institutions. A report in The Moscow Times said that a state institution forced 70 per cent of its workers to go to Wednesday's concert. 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.

‘For the unity of Russian nation’: Putin tells a roaring Moscow crowd in brief wartime speech

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, held a press conference after the UNGC meeting on a draft resolution that is aimed at restoring peace in Ukraine. Meanwhile, during the press conference Kuleba responded to a question by WION's correspondent. Watch the video to know more.

Ukraine Minister responds to WION's question - How far will China go to help Russia?

The UN General Assembly convened an emergency session on Wednesday in an effort to adopt a resolution urging Russia to halt its offensive in Ukraine. The high-level meeting comes before the first anniversary of the Russia invasion.

UNGA holds meeting on Russia-Ukraine conflict, UN Chief says 'War is not a solution'

The Russia-Ukraine War will mark its one-year anniversary on Friday and the only visible direction in the conflict that has impacted the world more aggression and divides well.

Russia Ukraine War: Vladimir Putin talks of boosting nuclear forces

As Russia's war in Ukraine nears its one-year anniversary, WION's correspondent is in Kyiv to report on how life in Kyiv has changed? What is the new normal? How long the conflict is going to continue? Watch the video to know more.

Whose war is it anyway?: WION in Kyiv on one-year war anniversary | World News

Watch the video to know what's happening around the world.

WION Speed News: UN Chief denounces Russian invasion of Ukraine | US Capitol attack probe

<p>Russia on Wednesday said that Beijing proposed a "political settlement" in Ukraine during the Moscow visit of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on February 22. Earlier, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat and foreign policy adviser to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping had said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that China seeks a&nbsp;"political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Chinese partners briefed us on their views on the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis as well as approaches to its political settlement. There was no talk of any separate (peace) 'plan'," the Russian foreign ministry said in an official statement on February 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-to-visit-russia-amid-beijings-call-to-end-ukraine-war-564123">China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>Details about the peace proposal are yet to be revealed. However, in Munich,&nbsp;Wang Yi said the proposal would include calls for territorial integrity to be respected, the protection of nuclear facilities and opposing the use of biochemical weapons.</p>

<p>The description of the peace plan&nbsp;was immediately met with doubt&nbsp;on the ground. Addressing Wang Yi's potential peace plan for Russia and Ukraine,&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that&nbsp;a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine must be a condition of any peace deal.</p>

<p>"A just peace cannot mean that the aggressor gets rewarded,"&nbsp;she said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>Wang Yi's&nbsp;visit to Moscow was the final stop of his eight-day Europe tour. The tour has been reported to be significant amid speculations about the Chinese intent to emerge as a peacemaker between the warring Russia and Ukraine. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping has not spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the beginning of the war. Beijing has also asserted Moscow's reasoning consisting of the expansion of NATO behind going to war.</p>

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Russia on Wednesday said that Beijing proposed a "political settlement" in Ukraine during the Moscow visit of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on February 22. Earlier, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat and foreign policy adviser to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping had said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that China seeks a "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".

Russia on Wednesday said that Beijing proposed a "political settlement" in Ukraine during the Moscow visit of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on February 22. Earlier, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat and foreign policy adviser to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping had said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that China seeks a "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis". "The Chinese partners briefed us on their views on the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis as well as approaches to its political settlement. There was no talk of any separate (peace) 'plan'," the Russian foreign ministry said in an official statement on February 22. ALSO READ | China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war Details about the peace proposal are yet to be revealed. However, in Munich, Wang Yi said the proposal would include calls for territorial integrity to be respected, the protection of nuclear facilities and opposing the use of biochemical weapons. The description of the peace plan was immediately met with doubt on the ground. Addressing Wang Yi's potential peace plan for Russia and Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine must be a condition of any peace deal. "A just peace cannot mean that the aggressor gets rewarded," she said. ALSO WATCH | Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine War × Wang Yi's visit to Moscow was the final stop of his eight-day Europe tour. The tour has been reported to be significant amid speculations about the Chinese intent to emerge as a peacemaker between the warring Russia and Ukraine. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping has not spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the beginning of the war. Beijing has also asserted Moscow's reasoning consisting of the expansion of NATO behind going to war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says China proposed 'political settlement' to Ukraine crisis

<p>As per reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend an upcoming NATO summit in person. In July 2023, Vilnius, Lithuania will host a two-day NATO summit, which the Ukrainian President plans to attend in the flesh. The news was shared with newswire BNS by Petro Beshta, Ukraine's ambassador to Lithuania. This potential visit would be Zelensky's third trip out of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion; he previously visited Washington in December 2022, and in February of this year, he visited London, Paris and Brussels. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Biden’s five hours in Kyiv could spell disaster for Ukraine | WION Game Plan</strong></p>

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<p>The Vilnius summit is slated to be held mid-July, on the 11th and 12th. As per a Reuters report citing Lithuania's presidential office, it will be attended by most leaders of the Atlantic alliance. This means that US President Joe Biden will also be in attendance at the NATO summit.</p>

<p>Biden on Tuesday (February 21st) also made a surprise visit to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. His surprise visit was hailed as "historic". Following it, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech announced that Moscow will be abandoning the last major arms control treaty with Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-anniversary-how-russia-is-trying-to-drive-support-for-the-invasion-564560">Ukraine war anniversary: How Russia is trying to drive support for the invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>As per ambassador&nbsp;Beshta, Ukraine hopes that the attendees at the summit would agree "very clearly that as soon as the war is over, Ukraine becomes a member of NATO".&nbsp;"This is our plan," he said, during the interview with BNS.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As per reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend an upcoming NATO summit in person. In July 2023, Vilnius, Lithuania will host a two-day NATO summit, which the Ukrainian President plans to attend in the flesh.

As per reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend an upcoming NATO summit in person. In July 2023, Vilnius, Lithuania will host a two-day NATO summit, which the Ukrainian President plans to attend in the flesh. The news was shared with newswire BNS by Petro Beshta, Ukraine's ambassador to Lithuania. This potential visit would be Zelensky's third trip out of Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion; he previously visited Washington in December 2022, and in February of this year, he visited London, Paris and Brussels. Watch | Biden’s five hours in Kyiv could spell disaster for Ukraine | WION Game Plan The Vilnius summit is slated to be held mid-July, on the 11th and 12th. As per a Reuters report citing Lithuania's presidential office, it will be attended by most leaders of the Atlantic alliance. This means that US President Joe Biden will also be in attendance at the NATO summit. Biden on Tuesday (February 21st) also made a surprise visit to Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. His surprise visit was hailed as "historic". Following it, Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech announced that Moscow will be abandoning the last major arms control treaty with Washington. Also read | Ukraine war anniversary: How Russia is trying to drive support for the invasion As per ambassador Beshta, Ukraine hopes that the attendees at the summit would agree "very clearly that as soon as the war is over, Ukraine becomes a member of NATO". "This is our plan," he said, during the interview with BNS. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky plans to attend upcoming NATO meet in person

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address.

Russian President Vladimir Putin left with burned out tanks: US President Joe Biden

One year on, the key battles of the Russia-Ukraine war

Russian president Vladimir Putin will deliver his state of the nation address to Russia's Federal Assembly today. This will be Putin's first state of the nation address in almost two years. According to the Kremlin, Putin's speech will largely focus on Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

Putin to address Russian Duma | World News | WION

As US President Joe Biden visited Ukraine to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, China's top diplomat Wang Yi is due to visit Russia. According to reports, the Chinese diplomat is likely to visit Moscow on Tuesday.

Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine War | World News | WION

Ministers of the European Union nations are meeting in Brussels to discuss the latest round of sanctions against Moscow and support for Ukraine. Top diplomats have warned that the European Union must find ways to quickly provide thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine.

European Union ministers meet in Brussels; EU pledges unwavering support to Ukraine

In pics | Major Russian attacks across Ukraine

<p>In stark contrast to the optics of US President Joe Biden's visit to war-torn Ukraine capital Kyiv on February 20, Wang Yi, the top Beijing&nbsp;diplomat appointed Chinese leader Xi Jinping's top foreign policy adviser last month, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week. The visit coincides&nbsp;one year of Russia's initiation of 'special military operations' in Ukraine, which quickly amplified into a full-fledged war between the two sides.</p>

<p>Wang Yi holds the diplomatic distinction of being Beijing's man in the corridors of power&nbsp;of the United States as a former Chinese ambassador in Washington DC. Wang Yi is the current director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, one of the&nbsp;bodies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) responsible for the executive functioning of Beijing's foreign policy. While he is not the foreign minister, it is under Wang Yi's directorship of the CCP's Central Foreign Affairs Committee that China's foreign policy is formulated at present. In fact, the country's foreign minister Qin Gang, who took office in December 2022, reports to Wang Yi. Therefore, in China, the foreign minister can well be the second highest-ranked foreign policy functionary,&nbsp;with the first being the Central Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wang Yi's&nbsp;visit to Moscow will be the final stop of his eight-day Europe tour.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Wang Yi Russia visit: A quest for optics</strong></h2>

<p>The Kremlin&nbsp;said on February 20th that it does not "rule out" a meeting between Wang and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. A Wang Yi-Vladimir Putin meeting may result in striking war-time visuals, which&nbsp;reports say, will have starkly different optics from&nbsp;US President Joe Biden's open-air stroll with&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on February 20th.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-warns-chinas-wang-yi-that-spy-balloon-incident-must-never-again-occur-563538">Blinken warns China’s Wang Yi that spy balloon incident ‘must never occur again’</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, as the US and countries in Europe continue&nbsp;their support for Ukraine with increased military aid, Beijing has continued its alignment with Moscow, raising alarm&nbsp;in the respective diplomatic quarters of the Western capitals.</p>

<h2><strong>Wang Yi at Munich Security Conference</strong></h2>

<p>At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Wang asserted&nbsp;China's commitment to peace, amid veiled digs at the United States.</p>

<p>"We do not add fuel to the fire, and we are&nbsp;against reaping benefits from this crisis," Wang said in a thinly veiled dig at the US.</p>

<p>"Some forces might not want to see peace talks to materialise. They don't care about the life and death of Ukrainians, nor the harm on Europe. They might have strategic goals larger than Ukraine itself. This warfare must not continue," Wang said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Wang Yi, Macron discuss Ukraine war during meeting in Paris</strong></p>

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<p>He urged the European officials to think about "what framework should there be to bring lasting peace to Europe, what role should Europe play to manifest its strategic autonomy."</p>

<p>Wang also announced Beijing's plan to release its proposal&nbsp;on a "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis" around the first anniversary.</p>

<p>Time and again, China has blamed NATO's expansion towards Russia, which it says has pushed Moscow to war.&nbsp;</p>

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In stark contrast to the optics of US President Joe Biden's visit to war-torn Ukraine capital Kyiv on February 20, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat appointed Chinese leader Xi Jinping's top foreign policy adviser last month, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week.

In stark contrast to the optics of US President Joe Biden's visit to war-torn Ukraine capital Kyiv on February 20, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat appointed Chinese leader Xi Jinping's top foreign policy adviser last month, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week. The visit coincides one year of Russia's initiation of 'special military operations' in Ukraine, which quickly amplified into a full-fledged war between the two sides. Wang Yi holds the diplomatic distinction of being Beijing's man in the corridors of power of the United States as a former Chinese ambassador in Washington DC. Wang Yi is the current director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, one of the bodies of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) responsible for the executive functioning of Beijing's foreign policy. While he is not the foreign minister, it is under Wang Yi's directorship of the CCP's Central Foreign Affairs Committee that China's foreign policy is formulated at present. In fact, the country's foreign minister Qin Gang, who took office in December 2022, reports to Wang Yi. Therefore, in China, the foreign minister can well be the second highest-ranked foreign policy functionary, with the first being the Central Foreign Affairs Committee chairperson. Wang Yi's visit to Moscow will be the final stop of his eight-day Europe tour. Wang Yi Russia visit: A quest for optics The Kremlin said on February 20th that it does not "rule out" a meeting between Wang and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. A Wang Yi-Vladimir Putin meeting may result in striking war-time visuals, which reports say, will have starkly different optics from US President Joe Biden's open-air stroll with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on February 20th. ALSO READ | Blinken warns China’s Wang Yi that spy balloon incident ‘must never occur again’ Meanwhile, as the US and countries in Europe continue their support for Ukraine with increased military aid, Beijing has continued its alignment with Moscow, raising alarm in the respective diplomatic quarters of the Western capitals. Wang Yi at Munich Security Conference At the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Wang asserted China's commitment to peace, amid veiled digs at the United States. "We do not add fuel to the fire, and we are against reaping benefits from this crisis," Wang said in a thinly veiled dig at the US. "Some forces might not want to see peace talks to materialise. They don't care about the life and death of Ukrainians, nor the harm on Europe. They might have strategic goals larger than Ukraine itself. This warfare must not continue," Wang said. ALSO WATCH | Wang Yi, Macron discuss Ukraine war during meeting in Paris × He urged the European officials to think about "what framework should there be to bring lasting peace to Europe, what role should Europe play to manifest its strategic autonomy." Wang also announced Beijing's plan to release its proposal on a "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis" around the first anniversary. Time and again, China has blamed NATO's expansion towards Russia, which it says has pushed Moscow to war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war

Since the war in Ukraine, traveling within cities have been hampered because of the continuous Russian attack but things are slowly returning to normal. Watch the video to know more.

Ukraine: Life in Kyiv returning back to normal, more families traveling again

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address to the nation on Tuesday, blamed the West for the escalation of what Putin repeated as Moscow's 'special military operations' into a full-fledged war.&nbsp;"They (the West) started the war," Putin said, while citing alleged Nazi-inspired troop galvanisation in the Donbas region and consolidation of the US and NATO positions 'near Russia's border'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The responsibility for fuelling the Ukrainian conflict, for its escalation, for the number of victims&nbsp;lies completely with Western elites," Putin said in his address ahead of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;"Western elites are not hiding their goal - to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. It means to be done with us once and for all," Putin said.</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, a top US official on Tuesday described President Vladimir Putin's&nbsp;accusations that Russia had been threatened by the West&nbsp;"absurdity."</p>

<p>"Nobody is attacking Russia. There's a kind of absurdity in the notion that Russia was under some form of military threat from Ukraine or anyone else," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invokes-russophobia-says-closely-watching-bidens-visit-to-ukraine-poland-564242">Russia invokes 'Russophobia', says 'closely' watching Biden's visit to Ukraine, Poland</a></strong></p>

<p>Putin further alleged that the Ukrainian government is protecting the interests of its "Western masters" and is not serving its own national interests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Kyiv regime and their Western masters have completely taken over the economy of the country," the Russian president claimed.</p>

<p>"They have destroyed the Ukrainian industry and economy," he said.</p>

<p>Putin added that the "material state" of those living in Ukraine has degraded.</p>

<p>"They are responsible for the escalation of the situation in Ukraine for the huge numbers of casualties," said Putin.</p>

<p>"And of course, the Kyiv regime is essentially alien to the people of Ukraine. They are not protecting their own interests, but those of their minder countries."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-thousands-continue-to-join-army-russia-mobilises-318000-recruits-531396">Putin: Thousands continue to join army; Russia mobilises 318,000 recruits</a></strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin also said that the West's sanctions have failed to derail the country's war-effort&nbsp;and claimed that they have not&nbsp;destabilised its economy.</p>

<p>"The Russian economy turned out to be more stable than they thought in the west,"&nbsp;Putin said. "The anti-Russian sanctions are just a means. Their&nbsp;end is to make the people of Russia suffer. But the calculations of these western 'humanists'&nbsp;were faulty," he said.</p>

<p>Russia’s gross domestic product fell by just 2.1 per cent in 2022, boosted by rising prices for its energy exports that helped offset much of the blow from the sanctions.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address to the nation on Tuesday, blamed the West for the escalation of what Putin repeated as Moscow's 'special military operations' into a full-fledged war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address to the nation on Tuesday, blamed the West for the escalation of what Putin repeated as Moscow's 'special military operations' into a full-fledged war. "They (the West) started the war," Putin said, while citing alleged Nazi-inspired troop galvanisation in the Donbas region and consolidation of the US and NATO positions 'near Russia's border'. "The responsibility for fuelling the Ukrainian conflict, for its escalation, for the number of victims lies completely with Western elites," Putin said in his address ahead of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. "Western elites are not hiding their goal - to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. It means to be done with us once and for all," Putin said. #LIVE | Russian President Vladimir Putin's war-time address#UkraineRussiaWar️ #VladimirPutin https://t.co/deXvFVO6Gd — WION (@WIONews) February 21, 2023 × Meanwhile, a top US official on Tuesday described President Vladimir Putin's accusations that Russia had been threatened by the West "absurdity." "Nobody is attacking Russia. There's a kind of absurdity in the notion that Russia was under some form of military threat from Ukraine or anyone else," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters. ALSO READ | Russia invokes 'Russophobia', says 'closely' watching Biden's visit to Ukraine, Poland Putin further alleged that the Ukrainian government is protecting the interests of its "Western masters" and is not serving its own national interests. "The Kyiv regime and their Western masters have completely taken over the economy of the country," the Russian president claimed. "They have destroyed the Ukrainian industry and economy," he said. Putin added that the "material state" of those living in Ukraine has degraded. "They are responsible for the escalation of the situation in Ukraine for the huge numbers of casualties," said Putin. "And of course, the Kyiv regime is essentially alien to the people of Ukraine. They are not protecting their own interests, but those of their minder countries." ALSO WATCH | Putin: Thousands continue to join army; Russia mobilises 318,000 recruits × Putin also said that the West's sanctions have failed to derail the country's war-effort and claimed that they have not destabilised its economy. "The Russian economy turned out to be more stable than they thought in the west," Putin said. "The anti-Russian sanctions are just a means. Their end is to make the people of Russia suffer. But the calculations of these western 'humanists' were faulty," he said. Russia’s gross domestic product fell by just 2.1 per cent in 2022, boosted by rising prices for its energy exports that helped offset much of the blow from the sanctions. 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.

West 'completely' responsible for fueling the Ukraine conflict, says Putin

<p>Russia is "closely" watching US President Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine and Poland, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The remarks from Moscow coincide with President Vladimir Putin's address to the nation. They&nbsp;come&nbsp;a day after Joe Biden's&nbsp;optically appealing visit to war-torn&nbsp;Ukraine and right ahead of his speech in Warsaw.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Naturally, we have been watching this very closely, we will be watching very closely what will happen in Poland today, although it is very likely that this will be a continued concentration of Russophobia and persuading each other on new arms deliveries," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Russian television.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-speech-live-updates-all-eyes-on-russian-president-564206">Vladimir Putin speech LIVE updates &amp; streaming: 'West started the Ukraine war'</a></strong></p>

<p>Air raid sirens were heard across Kyiv as US President Joe Biden walked alongside Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a historic visit to war-time Kyiv on Monday. The unprecedented visit came ahead of the first anniversary of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Biden pledged new arms deliveries and reiterated Washington's "unwavering" support for Kyiv's war effort.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Putin to address Russian Duma | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said: "This is a historic visit, unprecedented in modern times, to have the President of the United States visit the capital of a country at war where the United States military does not control the critical infrastructure."</p>

<p>Shortly after his arrival, Zelensky welcomed Biden at his official residence where they held a joint press conference that lasted around 20 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided," Biden said Monday. "He thought he could outlast us."</p>

<p>"He's just been plain wrong," he added.</p>

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Russia is "closely" watching US President Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine and Poland, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The remarks from Moscow coincide with President Vladimir Putin's address to the nation.

Russia is "closely" watching US President Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine and Poland, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. The remarks from Moscow coincide with President Vladimir Putin's address to the nation. They come a day after Joe Biden's optically appealing visit to war-torn Ukraine and right ahead of his speech in Warsaw. "Naturally, we have been watching this very closely, we will be watching very closely what will happen in Poland today, although it is very likely that this will be a continued concentration of Russophobia and persuading each other on new arms deliveries," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Russian television. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin speech LIVE updates & streaming: 'West started the Ukraine war' Air raid sirens were heard across Kyiv as US President Joe Biden walked alongside Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a historic visit to war-time Kyiv on Monday. The unprecedented visit came ahead of the first anniversary of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Biden pledged new arms deliveries and reiterated Washington's "unwavering" support for Kyiv's war effort. ALSO WATCH | Putin to address Russian Duma | World News | WION × National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said: "This is a historic visit, unprecedented in modern times, to have the President of the United States visit the capital of a country at war where the United States military does not control the critical infrastructure." Shortly after his arrival, Zelensky welcomed Biden at his official residence where they held a joint press conference that lasted around 20 minutes. "Putin thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided," Biden said Monday. "He thought he could outlast us." "He's just been plain wrong," 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 invokes 'Russophobia', says 'closely' watching Biden's visit to Ukraine, Poland

The war in Ukraine has brought Poland's role to the foreground - one is obviously due to the proximity as the country shares a border, not just with Ukraine but with Russia and Belarus but there is also a firmer voice of diplomacy from the Warsaw.

Ukraine war: Poland Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lukansz Jasina speaks to WION

<p>Poland’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lukasz Jasina said that only Russian President Vladimir Putin can end the war against Ukraine, but quickly added that the hopes of achieving peace in the near term was&nbsp;impossible.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION, Jasina expressed hope that Russia will withdraw&nbsp;its troops and come back to the discussion table for achieving lasting peace.</p>

<p>“Only one person… and that is Putin, the one who started it can end this war. But we believe Russia won't do it and we don't believe that they believe in peace and talks. And this war will not end very quickly,” he said.</p>

<p>“We hope that this war ends quickly and Russia withdraws its troops. But we have no idea what will happen in the next few years. The only thing we know is that this war will not end quickly and there will many victims,” he added.</p>

<p>The spokesperson further said that Poland is arming itself to prepare for any unexpected outcome, adding that “when you want peace, you prepare for war”.</p>

<h2><strong>Poland Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lukasz Jasina speaks to WION</strong></h2>

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<p>“Nobody, except US and China, is prepared to fight with Russia alone. That's why NATO was created…to stand against the aggressor if that aggressor tries to cross our borders. There will be new tanks and we hope to organise our fleets as this will be helpful for us. Russia is very close from here and we also have Belarus, which is being used by Russians as their base. There is a big plan of arming our country in coming years.”</p>

<p>Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war unfolded last year, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes to neighbouring countries seeking safety, protection and assistance.</p>

<p>When asked how Poland is coping with the influx of refugees from battered Ukraine, he said that their country has been giving priority to women and children and added that they are finding ways to help them.</p>

<p>“Women and children from Ukraine will be accepted here and we are finding ways to help them. There were more than five million people crossing the Polish-Ukraine border, but now it's fewer because many have moved to other western countries. We have got 2 million Ukrainians here at the moment,” Jasina said.</p>

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Poland’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lukasz Jasina said that only Russian President Vladimir Putin can end the war against Ukraine, but quickly added that the hopes of achieving peace in the near term was impossible.

Poland’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lukasz Jasina said that only Russian President Vladimir Putin can end the war against Ukraine, but quickly added that the hopes of achieving peace in the near term was impossible. Speaking to WION, Jasina expressed hope that Russia will withdraw its troops and come back to the discussion table for achieving lasting peace. “Only one person… and that is Putin, the one who started it can end this war. But we believe Russia won't do it and we don't believe that they believe in peace and talks. And this war will not end very quickly,” he said. “We hope that this war ends quickly and Russia withdraws its troops. But we have no idea what will happen in the next few years. The only thing we know is that this war will not end quickly and there will many victims,” he added. The spokesperson further said that Poland is arming itself to prepare for any unexpected outcome, adding that “when you want peace, you prepare for war”. Poland Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lukasz Jasina speaks to WION “Nobody, except US and China, is prepared to fight with Russia alone. That's why NATO was created…to stand against the aggressor if that aggressor tries to cross our borders. There will be new tanks and we hope to organise our fleets as this will be helpful for us. Russia is very close from here and we also have Belarus, which is being used by Russians as their base. There is a big plan of arming our country in coming years.” Ever since the Russia-Ukraine war unfolded last year, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes to neighbouring countries seeking safety, protection and assistance. When asked how Poland is coping with the influx of refugees from battered Ukraine, he said that their country has been giving priority to women and children and added that they are finding ways to help them. “Women and children from Ukraine will be accepted here and we are finding ways to help them. There were more than five million people crossing the Polish-Ukraine border, but now it's fewer because many have moved to other western countries. We have got 2 million Ukrainians here at the moment,” Jasina said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Exclusive: Only Putin can end Ukraine war, Poland foreign ministry spokesperson tells WION

The Munich Security Conference has concluded, meanwhile, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing as the conflict is about to enter its second year. On ground zero, Russia claimed to have taken control of a small village in Kharkiv, the village lies near the key city Kupiansk.

Russia-Ukraine War: Fighting continues in Ukraine's Northeast as war set to enter second year

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia should be defeated in Ukraine, but added that he doesn’t want to see the war getting dragged to Moscow soil in a bid to “crush” the nation.&nbsp;Macron made these comments on Saturday during the Munich Security Conference, which saw assurances to expedite the supply of weapons to Kyiv and impose tougher sanctions on Moscow.&nbsp;Macron told the French media that he had urged Western nations to increase military support for Kyiv and said he was prepared for a protracted war.</p>

<p>"I want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine, and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position," he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>However, he added that he was against those who want to extend the war to Russia itself in a bid to "crush" the nation.</p>

<p>"I do not think, as some people do, that we must aim for a total defeat of Russia, attacking Russia on its own soil," Macron told Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper.</p>

<p>"Those observers want to, above all else, crush Russia. That has never been the position of France and it will never be our position."</p>

<p>Macron pressed for a dialogue with Moscow, with the main aim of negotiating a peace deal as the final goal.</p>

<p>The French leader asserted that supplying military aid to Ukraine was necessary in order to "bring Russia back to the table and build a lasting peace".</p>

<p>He also dismissed the prospect of regime change in Russia, describing similar efforts around the world as a "total failure".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia should be defeated in Ukraine, but added that he doesn’t want to see the war getting dragged to Moscow soil in a bid to “crush” the nation.

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia should be defeated in Ukraine, but added that he doesn’t want to see the war getting dragged to Moscow soil in a bid to “crush” the nation. Macron made these comments on Saturday during the Munich Security Conference, which saw assurances to expedite the supply of weapons to Kyiv and impose tougher sanctions on Moscow. Macron told the French media that he had urged Western nations to increase military support for Kyiv and said he was prepared for a protracted war. "I want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine, and I want Ukraine to be able to defend its position," he was quoted as saying. However, he added that he was against those who want to extend the war to Russia itself in a bid to "crush" the nation. "I do not think, as some people do, that we must aim for a total defeat of Russia, attacking Russia on its own soil," Macron told Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper. "Those observers want to, above all else, crush Russia. That has never been the position of France and it will never be our position." Macron pressed for a dialogue with Moscow, with the main aim of negotiating a peace deal as the final goal. The French leader asserted that supplying military aid to Ukraine was necessary in order to "bring Russia back to the table and build a lasting peace". He also dismissed the prospect of regime change in Russia, describing similar efforts around the world as a "total failure". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Want Russia to be ‘defeated’ in war against Ukraine, not ‘crushed’, says France’s Macron

Could the war in Ukraine end sooner than expected? The President of Belarus has invited Biden for talks in Minsk. The Kremlin says Putin is also ready for dialogue. Where are things headed? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Will the Ukraine war end sooner than expected?

World leaders and top politicians are attending the three-day Munich Security Conference. The Ukraine War is nearing its first anniversary and tensions between China and the United States is rising over espionage claims.

Munich Security Conference: NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg says 'must step up support for Ukraine'

<p>The number of Russians acquiring new passports with revised gender markers soared in 2022,&nbsp;according to a report by the independent news source Mediazona. In contrast to 554 passports in 2021 and 428 in 2020, 936 new passports were issued last year citing "sex change" according to statistics provided by Russia's interior ministry.&nbsp;The statistics also revealed that the sudden rise started in March, right after Russia invaded Ukraine.</p>

<p>“Human rights advocates who spoke to Mediazona said that the spike is likely a result of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights as transgender people seek to avoid mobilisation and fear that authorities could ban transitioning altogether in the future,” the report said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-president-zelensky-calls-for-faster-military-aid-says-situation-in-east-very-difficult-562221">Ukraine war: President Zelensky calls for faster military aid, says situation in east very difficult</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has seen a significant increase in new passports issued due to gender transition. We explain why many Russian trans people decided to update their documents now, amid war<a href="https://t.co/28hKjlDBWv">https://t.co/28hKjlDBWv</a> <a href="https://t.co/x34WBUc8eG">pic.twitter.com/x34WBUc8eG</a></p>
— Mediazona (@mediazona_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/mediazona_en/status/1625549026853634064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“In December 2022, 119 Russians received passports with updated gender markers, more than in any previous month on record,” it added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Report: Thousands of Ukrainian children put through Russian ‘re-education’ camps</strong></p>

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<p>The claims emerge months after Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, approved a limited mobilisation in an effort to support Moscow's soldiers, who were suffering significant casualties on the battlefield. Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, announced in September that 300,000 reservists will be called up to help Moscow's military operation. But rumours started to spread that Russia was gathering up homeless people and deploying them at&nbsp;the front lines.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The number of Russians acquiring new passports with revised gender markers soared in 2022, according to a report by the independent news source Mediazona. In contrast to 554 passports in 2021 and 428 in 2020, 936 new passports were issued last year citing "sex change" according to statistics provided by Russia's interior ministry.

The number of Russians acquiring new passports with revised gender markers soared in 2022, according to a report by the independent news source Mediazona. In contrast to 554 passports in 2021 and 428 in 2020, 936 new passports were issued last year citing "sex change" according to statistics provided by Russia's interior ministry. The statistics also revealed that the sudden rise started in March, right after Russia invaded Ukraine. “Human rights advocates who spoke to Mediazona said that the spike is likely a result of the war in Ukraine and Russia’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights as transgender people seek to avoid mobilisation and fear that authorities could ban transitioning altogether in the future,” the report said. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: President Zelensky calls for faster military aid, says situation in east very difficult Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has seen a significant increase in new passports issued due to gender transition. We explain why many Russian trans people decided to update their documents now, amid warhttps://t.co/28hKjlDBWv pic.twitter.com/x34WBUc8eG — Mediazona (@mediazona_en) February 14, 2023 × “In December 2022, 119 Russians received passports with updated gender markers, more than in any previous month on record,” it added. ALSO WATCH | Report: Thousands of Ukrainian children put through Russian ‘re-education’ camps The claims emerge months after Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, approved a limited mobilisation in an effort to support Moscow's soldiers, who were suffering significant casualties on the battlefield. Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, announced in September that 300,000 reservists will be called up to help Moscow's military operation. But rumours started to spread that Russia was gathering up homeless people and deploying them at the front lines. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia: 'Sex change' cited as reason for 936 new passports in 2022, says report

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined Hollywood actor Sean Penn by video link on Thursday at the opening of the Berlinale, Europe's first major film festival of the year, calling for the entertainment world to maintain its "solidarity" with his besieged country.</p>

<p>The 73rd annual event, traditionally the most politically minded of the three big European cinema showcases, is marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion as well as anti-regime protests in Iran with new feature films and documentaries.</p>

<p>Penn appeared on stage at the festival's inaugural gala and introduced the Ukrainian leader, who spoke live via video stream and was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience.</p>

<p>"Cinema cannot change the world," said Zelensky, wearing his now trademark sweatshirt. "But it can influence and inspire people who can change the world."<br />
<br />
Penn, who was filming in Kyiv at the start of the Russian onslaught, will this weekend premiere "Superpower", tracking Zelensky's transformation from comedian to president to war hero.</p>

<p>The two-time Oscar winner said he had just returned from the Ukrainian capital.</p>

<p>"Nothing has changed in terms of the will of the Ukrainian people," Penn said. "That's for sure. If anything, it's just gotten stronger."</p>

<p>The festival's artistic director Carlo Chatrian paid tribute to "the suffering population, the millions who left Ukraine and the artists (who) have remained defending the country and continue filming the war".</p>

<p>US actor Kristen Stewart ("Spencer"), head of the jury for the Golden and Silver Bear top prizes, told reporters earlier that the event was "an enormous opportunity to have a hand in highlighting beautiful things" in the face of global turmoil.<br />
"It's the job of an artist to take a disgusting and ugly thing and sort of transmute it and put it through your body and pump out something more beautiful... in response to the world that's falling apart around us," she said.</p>

<p>Beyond movie screenings, the Berlinale plans panel discussions with embattled directors and red-carpet protests in a show of "solidarity" with the people of Iran and Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>- 'Desire for peace' -</strong><br />
<br />
Hollywood actors Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway and Marisa Tomei presented their romantic comedy "She Came to Me" by director Rebecca Miller, the first of nearly 300 new movies from around the world to screen during the 11-day event.</p>

<p>They told reporters they were honoured to premiere the film at a ceremony addressed by Zelensky, with Hathaway calling him "a hero of our times".<br />
<br />
She thanked the festival "for giving us all the opportunity to amplify the message of Ukraine, which is the almost universal desire for peace".</p>

<p>Miller, whose movie addresses fraught US race relations and tensions over religious beliefs, said she saw filmmaking as "a kind of patriotic act to show different aspects of our country".</p>

<p>"One of the ways in which we can perhaps have a more peaceful world is by having our art talk to each other across the nations," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nineteen films will vie for the main awards, including British-US co-production "Manodrome" featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Adrien Brody in a thriller about an Uber driver who is lured into a cult while he is expecting his first child.</p>

<p>Two Asian animated pictures will also join the running, "Art College 1994" by China's Liu Jian and Makoto Shinkai's "Suzume", the first Japanese anime to compete at the Berlinale since Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" clinched the Golden Bear in 2002.<br />
<br />
<strong>- Gold for Spielberg -</strong><br />
<br />
After lean years due to the pandemic, it is the starriest Berlinale edition in recent memory, with Helen Mirren, Vicky Krieps, folk legend Joan Baez and U2 frontman Bono also awaited on the red carpet.</p>

<p>Three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg is to collect an honorary Golden Bear for his life's work, honoured with a retrospective.</p>

<p>A third of the films in competition are by women, who make up 40 percent of all directors represented in the official selection.</p>

<p>The Berlinale ranks with Cannes and Venice among Europe's leading film festivals. It will hand out the top prizes on February 25 before wrapping up the next day with screenings of popular movies from this year's event.</p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined Hollywood actor Sean Penn by video link on Thursday at the opening of the Berlinale, Europe's first major film festival of the year, calling for the entertainment world to maintain its "solidarity" with his besieged country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined Hollywood actor Sean Penn by video link on Thursday at the opening of the Berlinale, Europe's first major film festival of the year, calling for the entertainment world to maintain its "solidarity" with his besieged country. The 73rd annual event, traditionally the most politically minded of the three big European cinema showcases, is marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion as well as anti-regime protests in Iran with new feature films and documentaries. Penn appeared on stage at the festival's inaugural gala and introduced the Ukrainian leader, who spoke live via video stream and was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience. "Cinema cannot change the world," said Zelensky, wearing his now trademark sweatshirt. "But it can influence and inspire people who can change the world." Penn, who was filming in Kyiv at the start of the Russian onslaught, will this weekend premiere "Superpower", tracking Zelensky's transformation from comedian to president to war hero. The two-time Oscar winner said he had just returned from the Ukrainian capital. "Nothing has changed in terms of the will of the Ukrainian people," Penn said. "That's for sure. If anything, it's just gotten stronger." The festival's artistic director Carlo Chatrian paid tribute to "the suffering population, the millions who left Ukraine and the artists (who) have remained defending the country and continue filming the war". US actor Kristen Stewart ("Spencer"), head of the jury for the Golden and Silver Bear top prizes, told reporters earlier that the event was "an enormous opportunity to have a hand in highlighting beautiful things" in the face of global turmoil. "It's the job of an artist to take a disgusting and ugly thing and sort of transmute it and put it through your body and pump out something more beautiful... in response to the world that's falling apart around us," she said. Beyond movie screenings, the Berlinale plans panel discussions with embattled directors and red-carpet protests in a show of "solidarity" with the people of Iran and Ukraine. - 'Desire for peace' - Hollywood actors Peter Dinklage, Anne Hathaway and Marisa Tomei presented their romantic comedy "She Came to Me" by director Rebecca Miller, the first of nearly 300 new movies from around the world to screen during the 11-day event. They told reporters they were honoured to premiere the film at a ceremony addressed by Zelensky, with Hathaway calling him "a hero of our times". She thanked the festival "for giving us all the opportunity to amplify the message of Ukraine, which is the almost universal desire for peace". Miller, whose movie addresses fraught US race relations and tensions over religious beliefs, said she saw filmmaking as "a kind of patriotic act to show different aspects of our country". "One of the ways in which we can perhaps have a more peaceful world is by having our art talk to each other across the nations," she said. Nineteen films will vie for the main awards, including British-US co-production "Manodrome" featuring Jesse Eisenberg and Adrien Brody in a thriller about an Uber driver who is lured into a cult while he is expecting his first child. Two Asian animated pictures will also join the running, "Art College 1994" by China's Liu Jian and Makoto Shinkai's "Suzume", the first Japanese anime to compete at the Berlinale since Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" clinched the Golden Bear in 2002. - Gold for Spielberg - After lean years due to the pandemic, it is the starriest Berlinale edition in recent memory, with Helen Mirren, Vicky Krieps, folk legend Joan Baez and U2 frontman Bono also awaited on the red carpet. Three-time Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg is to collect an honorary Golden Bear for his life's work, honoured with a retrospective. A third of the films in competition are by women, who make up 40 percent of all directors represented in the official selection. The Berlinale ranks with Cannes and Venice among Europe's leading film festivals. It will hand out the top prizes on February 25 before wrapping up the next day with screenings of popular movies from this year's event.

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<p>Munich Security Conference (MSC), which is an annual conference on contemporary global security policy challenges, will take place from 17 February to 19 February this year. World leaders will put their heads together at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich debating issues, the most important being Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Though Russia had been building its troops along the Ukrainian border, the full-blown invasion only took place after a few days of MSC 2022. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 27 last year addressed the country's parliament, Bundestag, where he termed Russia's invasion of Ukraine a watershed moment or zeitenwende (a german word which means: times-turn). &nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Munich Conference 2023 will see the participation of a slew of high-ranking international experts along with over 45 heads of government. Most important global organizations including the UN, NATO and the EU will be represented by their heads.&nbsp;The conference will take place under the chairmanship of Ambassador Dr. Christoph Heusgen.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What will take centre stage in Munich Security Conference (MSC) discussions?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Russia's invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

<p>One of the most prominent questions that will be raised at the conference will be "What does the world look like a year after the beginning of the invasion?" and a closer look at whether the current situation entails a "global recommitment to a rules-based international order."&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Voices from Global South</strong></p>

<p>Another main topic on the agenda is to look beyond the transatlantic core and put more emphasis on diverse perspectives from the Global South. The conference will "champion diversity and sustainability" in the form of either "gender parity amongst speakers" or "the inclusion of voices from the Global South."</p>

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<p>This year, just like the last six decades, the event will be governed by the Munich Rule, which is to "Engage and interact with each other: Don't lecture or ignore one another."&nbsp;Earlier, the Munich Security Report (MSR) was also published in the runup to the conference which analysed "increasing authoritarian revisionism and the competition between different visions of order" based on "human rights, global infrastructure, development, energy security and nuclear safety." &nbsp;</p>

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Munich Security Conference (MSC), which is an annual conference on contemporary global security policy challenges, will take place from 17 February to 19 February this year.

Munich Security Conference (MSC), which is an annual conference on contemporary global security policy challenges, will take place from 17 February to 19 February this year. World leaders will put their heads together at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich debating issues, the most important being Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Though Russia had been building its troops along the Ukrainian border, the full-blown invasion only took place after a few days of MSC 2022. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on February 27 last year addressed the country's parliament, Bundestag, where he termed Russia's invasion of Ukraine a watershed moment or zeitenwende (a german word which means: times-turn). Also Read | After Nicola Sturgeon's surprise step down, search begins to find successor The Munich Conference 2023 will see the participation of a slew of high-ranking international experts along with over 45 heads of government. Most important global organizations including the UN, NATO and the EU will be represented by their heads. The conference will take place under the chairmanship of Ambassador Dr. Christoph Heusgen. What will take centre stage in Munich Security Conference (MSC) discussions? Russia's invasion of Ukraine One of the most prominent questions that will be raised at the conference will be "What does the world look like a year after the beginning of the invasion?" and a closer look at whether the current situation entails a "global recommitment to a rules-based international order." Also Read | Violent protests erupt in Nigeria over scarcity of cash: Reports Voices from Global South Another main topic on the agenda is to look beyond the transatlantic core and put more emphasis on diverse perspectives from the Global South. The conference will "champion diversity and sustainability" in the form of either "gender parity amongst speakers" or "the inclusion of voices from the Global South." Watch | Tesla to share charging network, 3,500 chargers for non-Tesla customers This year, just like the last six decades, the event will be governed by the Munich Rule, which is to "Engage and interact with each other: Don't lecture or ignore one another." Earlier, the Munich Security Report (MSR) was also published in the runup to the conference which analysed "increasing authoritarian revisionism and the competition between different visions of order" based on "human rights, global infrastructure, development, energy security and nuclear safety." 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.

Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage?

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