The tensions between US and Russia continues over the Ukraine war and also the possibility of use of nuclear weapons keeps getting darker. Washington is now alarmed over reports that the senior Russian commanders discussed of how Moscow might use nukes.

Russia Generals discuss using nukes, says reports; Moscow denies

The Russia Ukraine War is strengthening the anti-West bloc - China, Russia, Iran and now North Korea have joined the tide. The US thinks that North Korea is supplying Russia with artillery shells and says that the operation seems to be a covert one.

US accuses North Korea of sending weapons to Russia, Pyongyang denies

Russia on Wednesday rejoined the United Nations-led Black Sea Grain Initiative, a pact first signed in July 2022 to ensure a safe and secure corridor for grain and fertilisers exports from Ukraine. The Kremlin on Saturday had said that it was pulling out of the pact, citing an attack on its Black Sea fleet.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said that it had received written assurances from Kyiv that it won’t use the Black Sea grain corridor to support its “combat actions” against Russia.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-takes-u-turn-on-ukraines-grain-deal-resumes-participation-530585">Russia takes U-turn on Ukraine's grain deal, resumes participation</a>

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“The Russian Federation considers that the guarantees received at the moment appear sufficient, and resumes the implementation of the agreement,” Russia’s foreign ministry said, referring to Turkey-brokered talks to reinstate Russian support for the grain corridor.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-calls-for-long-term-defence-for-safe-export-of-ukraines-grain-530491">Zelensky calls for ‘long-term defence’ for safe export of Ukraine’s grain&nbsp;</a>

Addressing Russia’s concerns that most grain and fertiliser exports were ending up in rich countries, Turkey President Erdogan said that the renewed deal will prioritise grain shipments to African nations.&nbsp;

 
The Kremlin ‘reaffirms commitment’ to prevent nuclear war

In another significant development from the backchannels of Russia-Ukraine frontline warfare, the Kremlin on Wednesday also reaffirmed its commitment to prevent nuclear war. The development came amid reports that Russian military leaders had discussed the possibility of using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“We fully reaffirm our commitment to the joint statement of the five nuclear-weapon states leaders on the prevention of nuclear war and the avoidance of an arms race from 3 January,” Russia’s foreign ministry said Wednesday, referring to the joint-pledge by five permanent members of UN Security Council; the US, Russia, China, the UK and France. The joint-pledge at the start of 2022 had agreed that “a nuclear war cannot be won”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia on Wednesday rejoined the United Nations-led Black Sea Grain Initiative, a pact first signed in July 2022 to ensure a safe and secure corridor for grain and fertilisers exports from Ukraine.

Russia on Wednesday rejoined the United Nations-led Black Sea Grain Initiative, a pact first signed in July 2022 to ensure a safe and secure corridor for grain and fertilisers exports from Ukraine. The Kremlin on Saturday had said that it was pulling out of the pact, citing an attack on its Black Sea fleet. The Kremlin said that it had received written assurances from Kyiv that it won’t use the Black Sea grain corridor to support its “combat actions” against Russia. WATCH | Russia takes U-turn on Ukraine's grain deal, resumes participation × “The Russian Federation considers that the guarantees received at the moment appear sufficient, and resumes the implementation of the agreement,” Russia’s foreign ministry said, referring to Turkey-brokered talks to reinstate Russian support for the grain corridor. ALSO READ | Zelensky calls for ‘long-term defence’ for safe export of Ukraine’s grain Addressing Russia’s concerns that most grain and fertiliser exports were ending up in rich countries, Turkey President Erdogan said that the renewed deal will prioritise grain shipments to African nations. The Kremlin ‘reaffirms commitment’ to prevent nuclear war In another significant development from the backchannels of Russia-Ukraine frontline warfare, the Kremlin on Wednesday also reaffirmed its commitment to prevent nuclear war. The development came amid reports that Russian military leaders had discussed the possibility of using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. “We fully reaffirm our commitment to the joint statement of the five nuclear-weapon states leaders on the prevention of nuclear war and the avoidance of an arms race from 3 January,” Russia’s foreign ministry said Wednesday, referring to the joint-pledge by five permanent members of UN Security Council; the US, Russia, China, the UK and France. The joint-pledge at the start of 2022 had agreed that “a nuclear war cannot be won”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia resumes support for Ukraine’s grain corridor as Turkey guarantees shipments to Africa first

Russia says it is resuming its participation in the Ukraine grain deal and this comes after Russia had pulled out of the deal over an attack on its Crimea naval base. According to Russia it has just received significant guarantees from Kiev on demilitarising a maritime corridor.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Moscow attacks energy infrastructure

Russia takes U-turn on Ukraine's grain deal, resumes participation

Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that the missile strikes across Ukrainian infrastructure was in response to the drone attack on its Black Sea fleet in Crimea over the weekend.

Addressing a news conference in Sochi on Monday, Putin said more action would follow. "That's not all we could have done," he told a televised news conference, according to Reuters news agency.

Russia launched a barrage of missiles towards Ukraine, targeting its critical infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities on Monday.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there were 55 cruise missiles, most of which were shot down by Ukrainian forces.

After the attacks, more than 80 per cent of the residents in Kyiv and other regions were left without power and water supplies "due to the damage to a power facility".

Watch |&nbsp;Russia blames Ukraine for Black sea attack, 350,000apartments left without electricity and water

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Northeastern Kharkiv’s Governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram that about 140,000 residents were without power after the attacks, including about 50,000 residents of Kharkiv city, the second largest city in Ukraine.

‘Not suspending grain deal’

Putin clarified Russia has not ended participation in the export of Ukrainian grain deal through Black Sea ports, rather they are suspending it.

"We are not saying that we are ceasing our participation in this operation. No, we are saying that we are suspending it," Putin told the news conference.

He claimed Ukrainian forces were sending their drones in the same route that grain ships were using.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-black-sea-fleet-was-damaged-by-ukrainian-drone-attacks-in-crimea-report-529799">Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks in Crimea: Report</a>

"And thus, they created a threat both to our ships, which must ensure the safety of grain exports, and to the civilian ships that are engaged in this," he said.

"Ukraine must guarantee that there will be no threats to civilian vessels or to Russian supply vessels," Putin added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that the missile strikes across Ukrainian infrastructure was in response to the drone attack on its Black Sea fleet in Crimea over the weekend.

Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that the missile strikes across Ukrainian infrastructure was in response to the drone attack on its Black Sea fleet in Crimea over the weekend. Addressing a news conference in Sochi on Monday, Putin said more action would follow. "That's not all we could have done," he told a televised news conference, according to Reuters news agency. Russia launched a barrage of missiles towards Ukraine, targeting its critical infrastructure in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities on Monday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there were 55 cruise missiles, most of which were shot down by Ukrainian forces. After the attacks, more than 80 per cent of the residents in Kyiv and other regions were left without power and water supplies "due to the damage to a power facility". Watch | Russia blames Ukraine for Black sea attack, 350,000apartments left without electricity and water Northeastern Kharkiv’s Governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram that about 140,000 residents were without power after the attacks, including about 50,000 residents of Kharkiv city, the second largest city in Ukraine. ‘Not suspending grain deal’ Putin clarified Russia has not ended participation in the export of Ukrainian grain deal through Black Sea ports, rather they are suspending it. "We are not saying that we are ceasing our participation in this operation. No, we are saying that we are suspending it," Putin told the news conference. He claimed Ukrainian forces were sending their drones in the same route that grain ships were using. Also read | Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was damaged by Ukrainian drone attacks in Crimea: Report "And thus, they created a threat both to our ships, which must ensure the safety of grain exports, and to the civilian ships that are engaged in this," he said. "Ukraine must guarantee that there will be no threats to civilian vessels or to Russian supply vessels," Putin added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Missile strikes on Ukraine was in response to drone attack on Russian fleet: Putin

On Tuesday, a Russian court fined the proprietor of Wikipedia two million roubles (around $32,600) for articles about Moscow's offensive on its neighbour Ukraine.

The company claimed that it was fined by the Tagansky District Court of Moscow for refusing to delete two entries about the nation's military incursion in Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices?

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However, as per AFP the director of Moscow-based Wikimedia RU, Vladimir Medeiko said that the articles will not be removed and that the court's ruling will be appealed.

"I don't think Wikimedia Foundation will pay the fine," he told the news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-uk-of-directing-and-coordinating-nord-stream-blasts-530231" hreflang="en">Russia again accuses UK of 'directing and coordinating' Nord Stream blasts</a>

Talking to Reuters, Stanislav Kozlovsky, the head of the foundation's Russia chapter said that "We still have a fairly strong legal procedural position, so we have reason to believe that we will succeed in having both this fine and those issued in April overturned."&nbsp;

In April Russian authorities fined the organisation 5 million roubles over a number of similar violations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tycoon-renounces-citizenship-citing-ukrainian-war-calls-putin-facist-530131" hreflang="en">Russian tycoon renounces citizenship citing Ukrainian war, calls Putin ‘fascist’</a>

Russian authorities have also&nbsp;slapped Western companies including Google and Telegram with massive fines over Ukraine-related content.&nbsp;In July, a Moscow court fined Google 21 billion rubles ($360 million) for failing to remove content concerning Russia's military intervention in Ukraine.

The February 24 incursion by Russia has led to a clampdown on free speech in the nation. According&nbsp;to AFP, it has exacerbated the country's crackdown on press freedom and caused an exodus of independent Russian journalists.

As per the report, Moscow has effectively forbidden criticism of Russia's military engagement in Ukraine and outlawed using the terms "war" or "invasion" to describe the operation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday, a Russian court fined the proprietor of Wikipedia two million roubles (around $32,600) for articles about Moscow's offensive on its neighbour Ukraine.

On Tuesday, a Russian court fined the proprietor of Wikipedia two million roubles (around $32,600) for articles about Moscow's offensive on its neighbour Ukraine. The company claimed that it was fined by the Tagansky District Court of Moscow for refusing to delete two entries about the nation's military incursion in Ukraine. Watch | Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices? However, as per AFP the director of Moscow-based Wikimedia RU, Vladimir Medeiko said that the articles will not be removed and that the court's ruling will be appealed. "I don't think Wikimedia Foundation will pay the fine," he told the news agency. Also read | Russia again accuses UK of 'directing and coordinating' Nord Stream blasts Talking to Reuters, Stanislav Kozlovsky, the head of the foundation's Russia chapter said that "We still have a fairly strong legal procedural position, so we have reason to believe that we will succeed in having both this fine and those issued in April overturned." In April Russian authorities fined the organisation 5 million roubles over a number of similar violations. Also read | Russian tycoon renounces citizenship citing Ukrainian war, calls Putin ‘fascist’ Russian authorities have also slapped Western companies including Google and Telegram with massive fines over Ukraine-related content. In July, a Moscow court fined Google 21 billion rubles ($360 million) for failing to remove content concerning Russia's military intervention in Ukraine. The February 24 incursion by Russia has led to a clampdown on free speech in the nation. According to AFP, it has exacerbated the country's crackdown on press freedom and caused an exodus of independent Russian journalists. As per the report, Moscow has effectively forbidden criticism of Russia's military engagement in Ukraine and outlawed using the terms "war" or "invasion" to describe the operation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia fines Wikipedia millions of Rubles over content on 'Ukraine war'

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow has claimed that it has achieved its 'call-up target' of 300,000 soldiers and has now stopped the mobilisation. While addressing the issues that Russia faced while gathering volunteers, Putin announced, "No additional mobilisation is planned and those who have been recruited would now be trained to join the military to fight Ukraine."

Russia stops mobilisation of troops, President Putin says 'No additional mobilisation planned'

In the latest warning, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the coming decade will be the most dangerous since the end of World War II. Putin further accused the West for inciting the war in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine War: US warns of acute threats from Russia

Asking his countrymen to expect good news, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops are holding out against repeated attacks by Russian forces in two eastern towns. He further said that the troops on the southern front are gearing up to battle for the strategic Kherson region, which Russia appears to be reinforcing.

In a Wednesday evening address, Zelensky informed that there will be good news from the front. However, he neither gave any details nor did he clearly mention what was happening in Kherson.

Officials and military analysts have predicted that Kherson will witness one of the fiercest battles of the war since Russia invaded Ukraine eight months ago. The result of what happens in Kherson will ultimately decide who holds the edge.

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-oversees-training-of-nuclear-deterrence-forces-528574">Vladimir Putin oversees training of nuclear deterrence forces</a>

Avdiivka, outside Donetsk, and Bakhmut were both facing witnessing the fiercest fightings, Zelensky said.

"This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident. Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes," he said.

Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize Bakhmut, which sits on a main road leading to the Ukrainian-held cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

"The situation on the front line hasn't changed significantly," Zelensky said. ”The fiercest battles are in the Donetsk region, towards (the cities of) Bakhmut and Avdiyivka".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-reiterates-dirty-bomb-claims-duing-call-with-india-528600">Russia reiterates Ukraine 'dirty bomb' claims, India stresses on dialogue to resolve conflict</a>

Ukrainian forces have been advancing along the Dnipro River in the south, but things seem to have slowed down. Meanwhile, Russia is evacuating civilians from Kherson saying that Ukraine is preparing to launch a fierce attack.

At least 70,000 people have left their homes in&nbsp;Kherson&nbsp;province,&nbsp;a Moscow-installed official, Vladimir Saldo, told a regional TV channel.

Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said that wet weather and rough terrain were hampering Kyiv's counter-offensive in Kherson.

Russia has been attacking Kyiv and other areas with Iranian-made drones. The attacks have damaged several thermal power stations leaving much of the country in the dark. People have been asked to reduce their consumption of power in lieu of the situation and the approaching winter.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Asking his countrymen to expect good news, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops are holding out against repeated attacks by Russian forces in two eastern towns.

Asking his countrymen to expect good news, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian troops are holding out against repeated attacks by Russian forces in two eastern towns. He further said that the troops on the southern front are gearing up to battle for the strategic Kherson region, which Russia appears to be reinforcing. In a Wednesday evening address, Zelensky informed that there will be good news from the front. However, he neither gave any details nor did he clearly mention what was happening in Kherson. Officials and military analysts have predicted that Kherson will witness one of the fiercest battles of the war since Russia invaded Ukraine eight months ago. The result of what happens in Kherson will ultimately decide who holds the edge. Also Read | Vladimir Putin oversees training of nuclear deterrence forces Avdiivka, outside Donetsk, and Bakhmut were both facing witnessing the fiercest fightings, Zelensky said. "This is where the craziness of the Russian command is most evident. Day after day, for months, they are driving people to their deaths there, concentrating the highest level of artillery strikes," he said. Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize Bakhmut, which sits on a main road leading to the Ukrainian-held cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. "The situation on the front line hasn't changed significantly," Zelensky said. ”The fiercest battles are in the Donetsk region, towards (the cities of) Bakhmut and Avdiyivka". Also Read | Russia reiterates Ukraine 'dirty bomb' claims, India stresses on dialogue to resolve conflict Ukrainian forces have been advancing along the Dnipro River in the south, but things seem to have slowed down. Meanwhile, Russia is evacuating civilians from Kherson saying that Ukraine is preparing to launch a fierce attack. At least 70,000 people have left their homes in Kherson province, a Moscow-installed official, Vladimir Saldo, told a regional TV channel. Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said that wet weather and rough terrain were hampering Kyiv's counter-offensive in Kherson. Russia has been attacking Kyiv and other areas with Iranian-made drones. The attacks have damaged several thermal power stations leaving much of the country in the dark. People have been asked to reduce their consumption of power in lieu of the situation and the approaching winter. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky promises 'good news' from Kherson, reports heaviest fighting near Bakhmut

The military chiefs of Russia, US and Ukraine held talks over the phone to discuss Moscow’s claims that Kyiv might use a "dirty bomb", RIA news agency reported.

This was the second engagement between the officials of the US and Russia a day after the defence ministers of both countries talked to each other to discuss the Ukraine issue.

On Monday, Russian military Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov and the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley spoke over the phone, where they “discussed several security-related issues of concern and agreed to keep the lines of communication open. In accordance with past practice, the specific details of their conversation will be kept private,” Col. Dave Butler, the Joint Staff spokesperson, said.

Milley also held talks with Ukrainian Armed Forces Gen. Valery Zaluzhny about “the unprovoked and ongoing Russian invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and&nbsp;exchanged perspectives and assessments,” the spokesperson said.

“The Chairman reaffirmed unwavering support for&nbsp;Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the readout read.

Though the US did not divulge what was discussed between the military chiefs, the Russia-based RIA news agency reported that the talks pertained to the alleged use of ‘dirty bombs’ by Ukraine.

The latest meeting is part of the talks held by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Sunday with the defence ministers of the US, France and Turkey, expressing Moscow's concerns on the use of dirty bombs.

In that call, Shoigu said he was "concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb".

However, in a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, the UK and the US outrightly rejected “Russia's transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory", asserting that they would continue supporting Ukraine in "the face of President [Vladimir] Putin's brutal war of aggression".

(With inputs from agencies)

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The military chiefs of Russia, US and Ukraine held talks over the phone to discuss Moscow’s claims that Kyiv might use a "dirty bomb", RIA news agency reported. This was the second engagement between the officials of the US and Russia a day after the defence ministers of both countries talked to each other to discuss the Ukraine issue.

The military chiefs of Russia, US and Ukraine held talks over the phone to discuss Moscow’s claims that Kyiv might use a "dirty bomb", RIA news agency reported. This was the second engagement between the officials of the US and Russia a day after the defence ministers of both countries talked to each other to discuss the Ukraine issue. On Monday, Russian military Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov and the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley spoke over the phone, where they “discussed several security-related issues of concern and agreed to keep the lines of communication open. In accordance with past practice, the specific details of their conversation will be kept private,” Col. Dave Butler, the Joint Staff spokesperson, said. Milley also held talks with Ukrainian Armed Forces Gen. Valery Zaluzhny about “the unprovoked and ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and exchanged perspectives and assessments,” the spokesperson said. “The Chairman reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the readout read. Though the US did not divulge what was discussed between the military chiefs, the Russia-based RIA news agency reported that the talks pertained to the alleged use of ‘dirty bombs’ by Ukraine. The latest meeting is part of the talks held by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Sunday with the defence ministers of the US, France and Turkey, expressing Moscow's concerns on the use of dirty bombs. In that call, Shoigu said he was "concerned about possible provocations by Kyiv involving the use of a dirty bomb". However, in a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, the UK and the US outrightly rejected “Russia's transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory", asserting that they would continue supporting Ukraine in "the face of President [Vladimir] Putin's brutal war of aggression". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top US general holds talks with Ukrainian, Russian counterparts over ‘dirty bomb’ claim

A Russian state TV anchor was suspended for inciting genocide by saying that Ukraine children should be burnt alive and drowned.

Anton Krasovsky, the 47-year-old presenter at the state-funded Russia Today (RT), triggered a massive outrage after he said, “They should have been drowned in the Tysyna [river].”

“Just drown those children, drown them," he said last week during a live broadcast which hosted a fiction writer.

He further said that they could be shoved into huts and burned, apart from jokingly suggesting that Russian soldiers should be raping Ukrainian grandmothers.

Apparently, Krasovsky’s comments came in response to a guest talking about meeting Ukrainian children in the 1980s who said they saw Russia as an occupier in Soviet times.

His comments drew wide condemnation from the Ukraine officials as well as the Russian authorities, who have launched a probe into the matter.

According to reports, Russia's Investigative Committee, which handles serious crimes, is probing Krasovsky's comments.

Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba shared a clip of the show calling for an immediate ban on the RT channel.

"This is what you side with if you allow RT to operate in your countries. Aggressive genocide incitement (we will put this person on trial for it), which has nothing to do with freedom of speech,” he tweeted.

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Governments which still have not banned RT must watch this excerpt. This is what you side with if you allow RT to operate in your countries. Aggressive genocide incitement (we will put this person on trial for it), which has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Ban RT worldwide! <a href="https://t.co/xJC371rqyg">https://t.co/xJC371rqyg</a>
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1584161496086417409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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After facing backlash, Krasovsky, who joined RT in 2020, apologised for his remarks on Monday, saying that he was “truly embarrassed that I somehow didn’t see the boundary. About children. But it happens like this: you’re in the middle of a broadcast, and you get carried away. And you can’t stop … I hope you’ll forgive me.”

RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita&nbsp;Simonyan, in a post said that the incident has embarrassed the channel and sought to distance itself from Krasovsky’s remarks.

“For the moment, I am halting our cooperation [with Krasovsky], because neither I nor the rest of the RT team can allow even the thought to flash that one of us is capable of supporting such savagery."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Russian state TV anchor was suspended for inciting genocide by saying that Ukraine children should be burnt alive and drowned. Anton Krasovsky, the 47-year-old presenter at the state-funded Russia Today (RT), triggered a massive outrage after he said, “They should have been drowned in the Tysyna [river].

A Russian state TV anchor was suspended for inciting genocide by saying that Ukraine children should be burnt alive and drowned. Anton Krasovsky, the 47-year-old presenter at the state-funded Russia Today (RT), triggered a massive outrage after he said, “They should have been drowned in the Tysyna [river].” “Just drown those children, drown them," he said last week during a live broadcast which hosted a fiction writer. He further said that they could be shoved into huts and burned, apart from jokingly suggesting that Russian soldiers should be raping Ukrainian grandmothers. Apparently, Krasovsky’s comments came in response to a guest talking about meeting Ukrainian children in the 1980s who said they saw Russia as an occupier in Soviet times. His comments drew wide condemnation from the Ukraine officials as well as the Russian authorities, who have launched a probe into the matter. According to reports, Russia's Investigative Committee, which handles serious crimes, is probing Krasovsky's comments. Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba shared a clip of the show calling for an immediate ban on the RT channel. "This is what you side with if you allow RT to operate in your countries. Aggressive genocide incitement (we will put this person on trial for it), which has nothing to do with freedom of speech,” he tweeted. Governments which still have not banned RT must watch this excerpt. This is what you side with if you allow RT to operate in your countries. Aggressive genocide incitement (we will put this person on trial for it), which has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Ban RT worldwide! https://t.co/xJC371rqyg — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) October 23, 2022 × After facing backlash, Krasovsky, who joined RT in 2020, apologised for his remarks on Monday, saying that he was “truly embarrassed that I somehow didn’t see the boundary. About children. But it happens like this: you’re in the middle of a broadcast, and you get carried away. And you can’t stop … I hope you’ll forgive me.” RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, in a post said that the incident has embarrassed the channel and sought to distance itself from Krasovsky’s remarks. “For the moment, I am halting our cooperation [with Krasovsky], because neither I nor the rest of the RT team can allow even the thought to flash that one of us is capable of supporting such savagery." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian TV presenter calls for Ukrainian kids to be burned, drowned on air, suspended

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for almost about eight months and in the latest as Russia annexed several Ukrainian towns and cities, its Defence Minister has held talks with his US counter part Lloyd Austin.

Lloyd Austin, Sergei Shoigu hold talks amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

Russia deployed suicide drones in Ukraine which were made in Iran. Ukraine on the other hand, received a helping hand from Israel, Iran's arch rival, to develop air attack alerts for Ukrainians. With arch rivals Israel and Iran also taking sides in the battlefield, has Ukraine become a battleground for proxy wars? Let’s get to the point

Russia-Ukraine conflict: A battleground of proxy wars | WION Originals

The US Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin has spoken to his Russian counterpart Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu. According to the statement by the Pentagon, Llyod Austin emphasised the importance of maintaining the lines of communication even during the war in Ukraine.

US, Russia Defence Ministers hold call on Ukraine, security issues

As the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, braces power blackouts after Russia reigned missiles in the country's electricity infrastructure, patients and staff or a hospital in Kiev have been putting on a brave face despite the situation.

Russia-Ukraine War: Darkness engulfs Ukrainian cities, over a million household without power

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has leveled up some allegations against Russia as he called on his allies to warn the country against blowing up a dam in Ukraine's Kherson area which could potentially lead to large-scale disaster.

Ukraine President Zelensky warns of 'large scale disaster', says Russia planning to blow up dam

The European Union are all set to discuss reducing their economic dependence on China and additional measures on Iran for its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war and this comes as the 27 EU leaders have locked horns over a joint response to the acute energy crunch that has engulfed since Russia invaded Ukraine.

EU leaders turn to foreign policy; set to discuss on China, Iran

White House has accused Iran of supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The US' State Department spokesperson Ned Price, has claimed that Tehran is training Russian soldiers about using of Iran-made drones.

US: White House claims Iranian drones are failing

When the US&nbsp;succeeded in using Ukraine as the bait and battleground to provoke Russia and draw it into a war, the sole superpower and its allies, particularly the UK,&nbsp;sounded supremely confident about the success of Ukraine’s cause. There were dire pronouncements about how Russia would be bled in this war and President Vladimir Putin made to bite the dust.&nbsp;

There were claims of Russia being squeezed by sanctions and isolated; its economy being wrecked and the rouble rendered worthless; and, Putin being cornered to the point, perhaps, of even being forced out of Russia’s presidency.&nbsp;

The so-called “international community” launched a no-holds-barred campaign to punish Russia and hammer its economy. The US, after its debacle in Afghanistan, was in desperate need of a situation for military and economic muscle-flexing to show that it remains a superpower.&nbsp;

However, nothing has panned out as the US&nbsp;and the West expected. &nbsp;

Doubtless, the war has not gone Russia’s way either. Far from being a swift “special operation”, the war is dragging on with Ukraine’s fierce fight back, forcing Russia to retreat at times; and, regroup to rejoin battle in territories where it was worsted.&nbsp;

For all that, Russia is doing better than its US-led foes had foreseen. It is the leaders of the US and its western allies who are in trouble. Europe has taken an economic hit. To make matters worse, the US&nbsp;economy is gaining at the expense of Europe, which faces the grim prospect of a dark and cold winter with fuel scarce and food dear. Besides, Europe is forced to buy US&nbsp;gas at exorbitant prices. The worst of the economic crisis fuelled by inflation and food prices is yet to unravel.&nbsp;

Britain’s economic woes, too, are rooted in the West’s sanctions against Russia. “The shockwaves from the Russian invasion of Ukraine will cut UK living standards by £2,500 per household, lead to more persistent inflationary pressure and slow the economy to a standstill next year, economists fear,”&nbsp;The Guardian&nbsp;wrote as early as March. &nbsp;

In recent weeks, the pound’s value has plummeted, treasury bonds have crashed and the market is tanking even as Britain is reeling under a public debt burden of about £60 billion. &nbsp;

The political consequences of the war and sanctions have been even more unsettling. The first of the western powers to be plunged into a crisis that is still unfolding is Britain. Two prime ministers have had to resign in quick succession. First to fall was Boris Johnson, who championed sanctions and backed Ukraine. He was succeeded by Liz Truss, who resigned 45 days after taking charge as prime minister. Days before she resigned, two of her ministers, Kwasi Kwarteng (Finance) and Suella Braverman (Home), had quit. There might be worse to come.&nbsp;

Although the US economy&nbsp;its military-industrial complex and the dollar&nbsp;has benefited from the war in Ukraine, President Joe Biden appears to be in political trouble. The mid-term elections may see the Democrats losing seats, and their majority, in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. That would reduce Biden to a lame-duck president in the remaining two years of his term.&nbsp;

The situation in other G7 nations such as France, Germany and Italy is also worrying, and that has consequences for the cohesion and efficacy of the US-led alliance. As the war drags on, these economies may continue to be dragged down.&nbsp;

When the US succeeded in using Ukraine as the bait and battleground to provoke Russia and draw it into a war, the sole superpower and its allies, particularly the UK, sounded supremely confident about the success of Ukraine’s cause.

When the US succeeded in using Ukraine as the bait and battleground to provoke Russia and draw it into a war, the sole superpower and its allies, particularly the UK, sounded supremely confident about the success of Ukraine’s cause. There were dire pronouncements about how Russia would be bled in this war and President Vladimir Putin made to bite the dust. There were claims of Russia being squeezed by sanctions and isolated; its economy being wrecked and the rouble rendered worthless; and, Putin being cornered to the point, perhaps, of even being forced out of Russia’s presidency. The so-called “international community” launched a no-holds-barred campaign to punish Russia and hammer its economy. The US, after its debacle in Afghanistan, was in desperate need of a situation for military and economic muscle-flexing to show that it remains a superpower. However, nothing has panned out as the US and the West expected. Doubtless, the war has not gone Russia’s way either. Far from being a swift “special operation”, the war is dragging on with Ukraine’s fierce fight back, forcing Russia to retreat at times; and, regroup to rejoin battle in territories where it was worsted. For all that, Russia is doing better than its US-led foes had foreseen. It is the leaders of the US and its western allies who are in trouble. Europe has taken an economic hit. To make matters worse, the US economy is gaining at the expense of Europe, which faces the grim prospect of a dark and cold winter with fuel scarce and food dear. Besides, Europe is forced to buy US gas at exorbitant prices. The worst of the economic crisis fuelled by inflation and food prices is yet to unravel. Britain’s economic woes, too, are rooted in the West’s sanctions against Russia. “The shockwaves from the Russian invasion of Ukraine will cut UK living standards by £2,500 per household, lead to more persistent inflationary pressure and slow the economy to a standstill next year, economists fear,” The Guardian wrote as early as March. In recent weeks, the pound’s value has plummeted, treasury bonds have crashed and the market is tanking even as Britain is reeling under a public debt burden of about £60 billion. The political consequences of the war and sanctions have been even more unsettling. The first of the western powers to be plunged into a crisis that is still unfolding is Britain. Two prime ministers have had to resign in quick succession. First to fall was Boris Johnson, who championed sanctions and backed Ukraine. He was succeeded by Liz Truss, who resigned 45 days after taking charge as prime minister. Days before she resigned, two of her ministers, Kwasi Kwarteng (Finance) and Suella Braverman (Home), had quit. There might be worse to come. Although the US economy its military-industrial complex and the dollar has benefited from the war in Ukraine, President Joe Biden appears to be in political trouble. The mid-term elections may see the Democrats losing seats, and their majority, in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. That would reduce Biden to a lame-duck president in the remaining two years of his term. The situation in other G7 nations such as France, Germany and Italy is also worrying, and that has consequences for the cohesion and efficacy of the US-led alliance. As the war drags on, these economies may continue to be dragged down.

WION Spotlight | Sanctions blowback: For whom the bells toll  

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a recently released audio can be heard boasting about his exchange of liquor and "sweet letters" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As per the audio released by Italian news agency&nbsp;LaPresse, Berlusconi told his lower house lawmakers, "I have got back in touch a bit with Putin, quite a lot, in the sense that for my birthday he sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very sweet letter."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war to enter the eighth month; Kyiv paralysed after a barrage of attacks

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"I answered him with some bottles of Lambrusco (wine) and an equally sweet letter," adds Berlusconi whose birthday as per a Reuters report was on September 29.

He goes on to express his worry over the situation in Ukraine but says that he can't share his true opinion as "if it gets in the press there'll be a disaster."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coffins-left-hanging-precariously-after-burial-structure-collapse-in-italy-526652">Coffins left 'hanging' precariously, after burial structure collapse in Italy</a>

Reuters reports that a spokesperson for Berlusconi's Forza Italia has denied that the former PM was in touch with Putin, claiming that the leader was just re-telling an old story.

Attempting to salvage the situation, the party later issued a statement that said that Berlusconi and his party's position vis-a-vis the Ukraine war remain in line with the rest of Europe and the United States and that there was "no room for ambiguity and there never has been."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joining-sanctions-on-russia-italy-risks-more-than-most-457941">Joining sanctions on Russia, Italy risks more than most</a>

The remarks were made as after Giorgia Meloni's rightist alliance's win in the September 25 Italian elections, Berlusconi negotiates cabinet positions in the new government with&nbsp;the Ukraine war set to enter its eighth month.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a recently released audio can be heard boasting about his exchange of liquor and "sweet letters" with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in a recently released audio can be heard boasting about his exchange of liquor and "sweet letters" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. As per the audio released by Italian news agency LaPresse, Berlusconi told his lower house lawmakers, "I have got back in touch a bit with Putin, quite a lot, in the sense that for my birthday he sent me 20 bottles of vodka and a very sweet letter." Watch | Russia-Ukraine war to enter the eighth month; Kyiv paralysed after a barrage of attacks "I answered him with some bottles of Lambrusco (wine) and an equally sweet letter," adds Berlusconi whose birthday as per a Reuters report was on September 29. He goes on to express his worry over the situation in Ukraine but says that he can't share his true opinion as "if it gets in the press there'll be a disaster." Also read | Coffins left 'hanging' precariously, after burial structure collapse in Italy Reuters reports that a spokesperson for Berlusconi's Forza Italia has denied that the former PM was in touch with Putin, claiming that the leader was just re-telling an old story. Attempting to salvage the situation, the party later issued a statement that said that Berlusconi and his party's position vis-a-vis the Ukraine war remain in line with the rest of Europe and the United States and that there was "no room for ambiguity and there never has been." Also read | Joining sanctions on Russia, Italy risks more than most The remarks were made as after Giorgia Meloni's rightist alliance's win in the September 25 Italian elections, Berlusconi negotiates cabinet positions in the new government with the Ukraine war set to enter its eighth month. (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.

Former Italian PM Berlusconi boasts of his 'bromance' with Putin, their exchange of 'sweet letters'

It is soon going to be eight months since Russia first invaded Ukraine, since then many lives have been lost and thousands of houses have been burned down while peace talks have taken a back seat. There are still no signs of Russia backing out or Ukraine surrendering.

Russia-Ukraine war to enter eighth month; Kyiv paralysed after barrage of attacks

Ukraine's Foreign Minister has submitted a proposal to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to formally cut diplomatic ties with Iran. This came after Ukraine accused Tehran of supplying drones to Russia.

Russia Ukraine War: Kyiv to cut diplomatic ties with Tehran as Iran supplying drones to Russia

As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia.

Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches deadly new attacks on central Kyiv

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As per Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, this included a dozen civilian women.

Taking to Telegram he revealed that "It was the first completely female exchange," and that 37 of the women had been captured when Moscow's forces in May seized Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-hold-russia-accountable-for-war-crimes-says-white-house-526273" hreflang="en">Will hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes,' says White House</a>

As per the Reuters report citing the Ukrainian interior ministry, some of those freed had been in jail for almost three years since 2019. They had reportedly been detained by pro-Moscow authorities in eastern regions.

Additionally, the Russian-appointed head of one of the regions announced that Kyiv would be freeing 80 civilian sailors and 30 military personnel.

In his evening address, the war-torn nation's president said "The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we will be able to free our heroes. Every Ukrainian soldier, every front-line commander should remember this."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-military-aircraft-crashes-into-residential-building-causing-massive-fire-526236" hreflang="en">Watch: Russian apartment in flames after military jet crash-lands</a>

He also voiced his thanks for "everyone involved in this success, and I also thank all those who replenish our exchange fund, who ensure the capture of enemies."

Talking to reporters one of the women, Viktoria Obidina, who has been freed thanks to the exchange said that the prisoners were not aware that they were being exchanged.&nbsp;

Recalling her capture, she said that she was with her daughter in Mariupol, that the two got separated, and that she has yet to see her daughter.

"I will go to see my daughter. I want to see her so bad."

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia.

As the Ukraine war rages on for the seventh month Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged his troops to take more prisoners of the opposite side. He said that doing so might help them negotiate freedom for their nation's soldiers being held by Russia. Zelensky made his remarks as the two warring nations undertook an exchange of prisoners; the biggest so far. A total of 218 detainees, including 108 Ukrainian women were part of the exchange. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches deadly new attacks on central Kyiv As per Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, this included a dozen civilian women. Taking to Telegram he revealed that "It was the first completely female exchange," and that 37 of the women had been captured when Moscow's forces in May seized Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol. Also read | Will hold Russia accountable for 'war crimes,' says White House As per the Reuters report citing the Ukrainian interior ministry, some of those freed had been in jail for almost three years since 2019. They had reportedly been detained by pro-Moscow authorities in eastern regions. Additionally, the Russian-appointed head of one of the regions announced that Kyiv would be freeing 80 civilian sailors and 30 military personnel. In his evening address, the war-torn nation's president said "The more Russian prisoners we have, the sooner we will be able to free our heroes. Every Ukrainian soldier, every front-line commander should remember this." Also read | Watch: Russian apartment in flames after military jet crash-lands He also voiced his thanks for "everyone involved in this success, and I also thank all those who replenish our exchange fund, who ensure the capture of enemies." Talking to reporters one of the women, Viktoria Obidina, who has been freed thanks to the exchange said that the prisoners were not aware that they were being exchanged. Recalling her capture, she said that she was with her daughter in Mariupol, that the two got separated, and that she has yet to see her daughter. "I will go to see my daughter. I want to see her so bad." (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.

Zelensky orders troops to capture 'more' Russian prisoners to facilitate release of Ukrainian 'heroes'

Now Ukrainian forces have attacked an administrative building in Donetsk. The building and the cars nearby have been severely damaged with no fatalities reported. "At around 7:40 PM projectiles landed near the administrative building on the territory of Donetsk," said a spokesperson of the Russian Investigative Committee.

Russia: Ukrainian shelling on building in Donetsk; no fatalities reported

Marina Ovsyannikova, a former Russian state TV journalist who protested against President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion during a live broadcast, has fled the country, her lawyers reportedly said.

The 44-year-old Ukrainian-born woman came under heavy scrutiny by Russian officials after she decried the conflict by flashing a poster that read “no war” during the live broadcast of Channel One in March.

Subsequently, she was fined 30,000 roubles (£460) for violating the protest laws and was sacked.

"Ovsyannikova and her daughter left Russia a few hours after departing from the address where she was under house arrest. They are in Europe now," Ovsyannikova's lawyer Dmitry Zakhvatov told AFP.

"They are fine. They are waiting until they can talk about it publicly, but for now, it is not safe," he added.

Since August, she was under house arrest after she again protested against the war in Ukraine in mid-July near Kremlin. She was the lone participant and had carried a poster that read "Putin is a murderer. His soldiers are fascists".

After that, she was detained and was charged with a potential 10 years in prison for distributing information about the Russian armed forces deemed false by the government.

According to reports, Putin had added the journalist on a wanted list after she evaded house arrest with her daughter.

Ovsyannikova later clarified on social media saying that she was innocent and hence decided not to comply with the order.

“I consider myself completely innocent, and since our state refuses to comply with its own laws, I&nbsp;refuse to comply&nbsp;with the measure of restraint imposed on me as of 30 September 2022 and release myself from it,” she said on her social media channels on October 5.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Marina Ovsyannikova, a former Russian state TV journalist who protested against President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion during a live broadcast, has fled the country, her lawyers reportedly said.

Marina Ovsyannikova, a former Russian state TV journalist who protested against President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion during a live broadcast, has fled the country, her lawyers reportedly said. The 44-year-old Ukrainian-born woman came under heavy scrutiny by Russian officials after she decried the conflict by flashing a poster that read “no war” during the live broadcast of Channel One in March. Subsequently, she was fined 30,000 roubles (£460) for violating the protest laws and was sacked. "Ovsyannikova and her daughter left Russia a few hours after departing from the address where she was under house arrest. They are in Europe now," Ovsyannikova's lawyer Dmitry Zakhvatov told AFP. "They are fine. They are waiting until they can talk about it publicly, but for now, it is not safe," he added. Since August, she was under house arrest after she again protested against the war in Ukraine in mid-July near Kremlin. She was the lone participant and had carried a poster that read "Putin is a murderer. His soldiers are fascists". After that, she was detained and was charged with a potential 10 years in prison for distributing information about the Russian armed forces deemed false by the government. According to reports, Putin had added the journalist on a wanted list after she evaded house arrest with her daughter. Ovsyannikova later clarified on social media saying that she was innocent and hence decided not to comply with the order. “I consider myself completely innocent, and since our state refuses to comply with its own laws, I refuse to comply with the measure of restraint imposed on me as of 30 September 2022 and release myself from it,” she said on her social media channels on October 5. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Marina Ovsyannikova: Journalist who decried Putin’s Ukraine invasion on live TV flees Russia

A Russian woman has been charged for desecrating the grave of Russian President Vladimir Putin's parents' grave. 60-year-old has been detained after she visited the cemetery and left a note at the Russian President's parents' grave.

Russia: Woman leaves note on Putin's parents' grave, gets 5-year jail term

One of the closest ally of Ukraine, the United States is all set to send $725 million new security assistance package, ammunition and military package to Ukraine. While Saudi Arabia has promised $400 million aid.

Russia-Ukraine War: US, Saudi Arabia vows aid to Ukraine

The first batch of Russian forces to take part in the “joint grouping” announced by President Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have arrived, the defence ministry in Minsk said.

According to the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, just under 9,000 troops have been deployed to protect the Belarusian border as part of a "regional grouping" of forces, reports Reuters news agency.

The move comes a week after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said that his troops would be deployed alongside Russian forces near the Ukrainian border as part of a “joint grouping”, claiming that Kyiv was planning to attack his country.

He had accused Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine of training Belarusian radicals "to carry out sabotage, terrorist attacks and to organise a military mutiny in the country".

Taking to Twitter, the head of the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, said, “The first troop trains with Russian servicemen who are part of the (regional grouping) began to arrive in Belarus.”

He said "the relocation will take several days," and involve "a little less than 9,000 people."

He has not provided further information on the deployment but added that they will brief about more developments in the upcoming days.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raked up the issue at a G7 meeting on Tuesday, where he accused Russia of "trying to directly draw Belarus into this war".

He called for an international observers mission to be placed on the Ukraine-Belarus border.

But Belarus clarified that the contingent deployment was a "purely defensive" move.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first batch of Russian forces to take part in the “joint grouping” announced by President Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have arrived, the defence ministry in Minsk said.

The first batch of Russian forces to take part in the “joint grouping” announced by President Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have arrived, the defence ministry in Minsk said. According to the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, just under 9,000 troops have been deployed to protect the Belarusian border as part of a "regional grouping" of forces, reports Reuters news agency. The move comes a week after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who is a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said that his troops would be deployed alongside Russian forces near the Ukrainian border as part of a “joint grouping”, claiming that Kyiv was planning to attack his country. He had accused Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine of training Belarusian radicals "to carry out sabotage, terrorist attacks and to organise a military mutiny in the country". Taking to Twitter, the head of the Defence Ministry's international military cooperation department, Valery Revenko, said, “The first troop trains with Russian servicemen who are part of the (regional grouping) began to arrive in Belarus.” He said "the relocation will take several days," and involve "a little less than 9,000 people." He has not provided further information on the deployment but added that they will brief about more developments in the upcoming days. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raked up the issue at a G7 meeting on Tuesday, where he accused Russia of "trying to directly draw Belarus into this war". He called for an international observers mission to be placed on the Ukraine-Belarus border. But Belarus clarified that the contingent deployment was a "purely defensive" move. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Just under’ 9,000 Russian troops stationed at Belarusian border: Defence ministry

Elon Musk-founded firm SpaceX has warned that it may stop funding the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, an ‘essential part of critical infrastructure’ and source of communication for Ukraine’s military amid the war with Russia, and has asked the Pentagon to foot the bill now. 
 
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet terminals have been a crucial means of communication for Ukraine's military, enabling it to fight and stay connected even as cellular phone and internet networks were destroyed in its conflict with Russia.

According to documents accessed by CNN, Elon Musk’s SpaceX had sent a letter to the Pentagon last month informing that it could no longer afford to provide the Starlink service in the same way and requested it to take over funding, demanding contribution in tens of millions of dollars per month. 
 
SpaceX claimed that the services would cost over $120 million for the rest of the year and could cost close to $400 million for the next 12 months, the report said. 
 
Musk tweeted on Friday that the operation had already cost SpaceX $80 million and will cost more than $100 million by the end of the year. To date, almost 20,000 Starlink satellites have been donated to Ukraine.

SpaceX has warned the Pentagon that it may discontinue its satellite services in Ukraine unless the US military contributes tens of millions of dollars each month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musk-under-federal-investigation-linked-to-takeover-deal-says-twitter-525250">Musk under federal investigation linked to takeover deal, says Twitter</a>

“We are not in a position to further donate terminals to Ukraine, or fund the existing terminals for an indefinite period of time,” SpaceX’s director of government sales wrote to the Pentagon in the September letter.

A request for nearly 8,000 additional Starlink terminals made directly to Musk in July by the commanding general of the Ukrainian military, General Valerii Zaluzhniy, is among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-first-space-tourist-plans-new-flight-to-moon-aboard-spacex-starship-525038">SpaceX</a> documents given to the Pentagon and seen by CNN.

In a separate cover letter to the Pentagon, an outside consultant working for SpaceX wrote, “SpaceX faces terribly difficult decisions here. I do not think they have the financial ability to provide any additional terminals or service as requested by General Zaluzhniy.”

The previously unreported records offer an unusual breakdown of SpaceX's own internal Starlink data, including the expenses and expenditures related to many terminals in Ukraine. They also shed new light on covert discussions that gave Ukraine communications equipment and services worth millions of dollars at minimal expense to Kiev.

The announcement by SpaceX that it will discontinue supporting Starlink also coincides with growing scepticism about Musk's allegiance in Ukraine. Musk recently tweeted a peace proposal that calls on Ukraine to cede control of the eastern territories of Luhansk and Donetsk as well as Crimea, and came under fire on Twitter drawing from Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-launches-perfume-called-burnt-hair-calls-himself-perfume-salesman-524747">Elon Musk launches perfume called 'Burnt Hair', calls himself 'Perfume Salesman'</a>

It's difficult to overstate the impact Starlink has had in Ukraine after more than seven months of the conflict. The quick, small, and simple-to-use SpaceX devices have been used by the Kyiv administration, Ukrainian army, NGOs, and people. It is also utilised to help fly drones and feedback video to correct artillery firing in addition to verbal and electrical communication.

 
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Elon Musk-founded firm SpaceX has warned that it may stop funding the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, an ‘essential part of critical infrastructure’ and source of communication for Ukraine’s military amid the war with Russia, and has asked the Pentagon to foot the bill now.

Elon Musk-founded firm SpaceX has warned that it may stop funding the Starlink satellite internet service in Ukraine, an ‘essential part of critical infrastructure’ and source of communication for Ukraine’s military amid the war with Russia, and has asked the Pentagon to foot the bill now. SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet terminals have been a crucial means of communication for Ukraine's military, enabling it to fight and stay connected even as cellular phone and internet networks were destroyed in its conflict with Russia. According to documents accessed by CNN, Elon Musk’s SpaceX had sent a letter to the Pentagon last month informing that it could no longer afford to provide the Starlink service in the same way and requested it to take over funding, demanding contribution in tens of millions of dollars per month. SpaceX claimed that the services would cost over $120 million for the rest of the year and could cost close to $400 million for the next 12 months, the report said. Musk tweeted on Friday that the operation had already cost SpaceX $80 million and will cost more than $100 million by the end of the year. To date, almost 20,000 Starlink satellites have been donated to Ukraine. SpaceX has warned the Pentagon that it may discontinue its satellite services in Ukraine unless the US military contributes tens of millions of dollars each month. Also read | Musk under federal investigation linked to takeover deal, says Twitter “We are not in a position to further donate terminals to Ukraine, or fund the existing terminals for an indefinite period of time,” SpaceX’s director of government sales wrote to the Pentagon in the September letter. A request for nearly 8,000 additional Starlink terminals made directly to Musk in July by the commanding general of the Ukrainian military, General Valerii Zaluzhniy, is among the SpaceX documents given to the Pentagon and seen by CNN. In a separate cover letter to the Pentagon, an outside consultant working for SpaceX wrote, “SpaceX faces terribly difficult decisions here. I do not think they have the financial ability to provide any additional terminals or service as requested by General Zaluzhniy.” The previously unreported records offer an unusual breakdown of SpaceX's own internal Starlink data, including the expenses and expenditures related to many terminals in Ukraine. They also shed new light on covert discussions that gave Ukraine communications equipment and services worth millions of dollars at minimal expense to Kiev. The announcement by SpaceX that it will discontinue supporting Starlink also coincides with growing scepticism about Musk's allegiance in Ukraine. Musk recently tweeted a peace proposal that calls on Ukraine to cede control of the eastern territories of Luhansk and Donetsk as well as Crimea, and came under fire on Twitter drawing from Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. Also read | Elon Musk launches perfume called 'Burnt Hair', calls himself 'Perfume Salesman' It's difficult to overstate the impact Starlink has had in Ukraine after more than seven months of the conflict. The quick, small, and simple-to-use SpaceX devices have been used by the Kyiv administration, Ukrainian army, NGOs, and people. It is also utilised to help fly drones and feedback video to correct artillery firing in addition to verbal and electrical communication. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

SpaceX wants Pentagon to foot bills for Starlink satellite services in Ukraine

It's been over 200 days since the war began in Ukraine. Recently, Russia escalated its offensive and Moscow has been firing a barrage of missiles in Ukraine's towns and cities. But on Friday, in a surprise development, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that there is no need for new strikes on Ukraine and that Russia's aim is not to destroy Ukraine.

'Our aim is not to destroy Ukraine,' says Russian President Vladimir Putin

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