Russia launched massive aerial attacks on Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones. Watch here to learn more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Launches ' Most Massive Aerial Attack' On Ukraine

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has emphasised that India can influence Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace as the war in Ukraine enters its third year in 2025.

Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has emphasised that India can influence Russian President Vladimir Putin for peace as the war in Ukraine enters its third year in 2025. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal in Estonia's capital Tallinn, the foreign minister said, "India has a position to be influence and to give the very straightforward messages to Mr Putin that the peace and not to be so aggressive, not change the borders using military force. This must be done". India has been engaging with both Russia and Ukraine amid the ongoing war and has called for 'dialogue and diplomacy'. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Russia two times this year, first for a bilateral visit and then for the BRICS summit in Kazan. He also travelled to Kyiv and met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Also read: ‘Too risky to accept,’ Xi likely to decline Trump’s invitation to inauguration The Estonian foreign minister spoke about his recent meeting with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar in Bahrain. FM Tsahkna hoped EAM would visit his country next year and said that he had "asked for Indian participation in Estonia's exercises about cyber defense". Estonia is a leading nation when it comes to cybersecurity and hosts the Center of Excellence on Cyber Defence in Tallinn for both NATO and the eu-LISA. Read the full interview here: WION: India-Estonia relationship, how do you see it, particularly when it comes to areas like cyber, security and defence. Margus Tsahkna: Our relations are more practical than ever before, and I was in India this year for Raisina Dialogue. And also less than a week ago, we had a bilateral meeting with Indian foreign minister in Bahrain, and we discussed the cooperation on cyber security, digitalisation. And we have asked as well for Indian participate in our exercises about cyber defence. So these relations are very practical as well for our companies going to India and the investments from other side to Estonia. So these ties very active. WION: And you expect the visit of the Indian foreign minister very soon. Margus Tsahkna: I do expect that the Indian foreign minister should come to visit Estonia. We agreed that in 2025, and to open the Indian Embassy here, and also the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in our capital Tallinn, we have organised this. A very nice place for the statue and as a symbol of our relations. WION: So now moving on to your region. You border Russia. How much has the war that started in 2022 has impacted your country, and how do you see India's role in terms of helping make sure that there is less escalation and perhaps peace? Margus Tsahkna: Of course, Estonia is a neighbouring country of Ukraine, we have been supportive for Ukraine, like 3.4 per cent of our GDP. But also, we understood that Russia has committed aggression already years ago, and Russia will remain aggressive country. Estonia is the member of NATO, member of European Union. We have US, British, and French troops on the ground, ready to act. So, I think that Russia has no plans to attack us directly, but we have witnessed different hybrid attacks and cyber-attacks, 24/7 from Russia. So, we know that Russia is a very aggressive country, Estonian and as well, Ukrainian, we want to have a just and long-lasting peace there. But I don't see that Putin has changed the goal, and let's hope that we will have this peace. And India, of course, as a huge democracy and economic power plays a great role there, of course, maybe more stronger steps to deal with Russia and also economically, not so actively cooperating. But of course, India has a position to be influence and to give the very straightforward messages to Mr Putin that the peace and not to be so aggressive, not change the borders using military force. This must be done. WION: Before the inauguration of (US President-elect Donald) Trump's presidency. Do you see the escalation increasing or decreasing? And do you see 2025, as a year of peace when it comes to resolving this war Margus Tsahkna: Putin is using all the possibilities to push as heavily as possible on the ground, of course, on the battlefield, but at the same time, mainly, he is bombing and destroying the civilian infrastructure, energy systems and just the civil people, terrorised the Ukraine people to break them, but Ukrainians are not breaking down. And of course, Putin's plan is to have the best position for negotiations, before that Trump is entering. I think that some kind of negotiations next year will be there. But the question is that whether we can change the Putin school to restore the Soviet empire and push the impact to Russia and give the solid working security guarantees for Ukraine and for Europe. Or we are not able to do that, so next year will be critical. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Trump 'Vehemently' Opposed To Firing ATACMS Deep Into Russia WION: So you're a NATO member country now, essentially the NATO chief has said that we need to be in a wartime mindset. There have also been calls of increasing budgetary support by each NATO member country. How do you see these calls and what's your view on the comments made by the NATO chief? Margus Tsahkna: I totally agree with NATO secretary general position that we are in a war situation as we need to put as much defence investments in as we do it as we did during the Cold War time. And this is a realistic understanding of the situation. It's not an escalation from NATO side. No, NATO is a peaceful organisation. We are for these nations, for the members, to secure the situation and peace, but we need to invest more. And from an Estonian perspective, it is nothing new. We are putting 3.4 per cent of GDP military investments every year, and on top of that, we have a 1.6 billion euros worth program for the next few years. So we expect as well that original member NATO states will invest at least 2.5 or up to three per cent of GDP. WION: So my last question ends again on India relationship in terms of the two-way investment and trade. How do you see the situation as there is also talk, of course, of e-residency. Approximately 4000 Indians have become e-residents as well if you can talk about it, how helpful it has been for the people of the region and for India as well. Margus Tsahkna: Estonia is like the perfect business environment. We have no bureaucracy. We have a brilliant tax system, and we have this e-residency program that you can be a part of this environment without becoming physically an Estonian resident. So you don't have to come to Estonia to run your businesses in the Estonian environment , to pay taxes. Here have all these e-services online, open for your businesses. And also, Estonia is like the gateway to the European market. We are member of the European Union. So I'm very happy that more and more Indian businesses are finding a way to our environment and also having business in Estonia and with Europe.

India can influence Putin on peace: Estonia FM Margus Tsahkna

Russia has warned it will retaliate to Ukraine’s recent attack on a southern airfield with U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. On Wednesday, the U.S. warned that Russia might soon use Oreshnik missiles against Ukraine again. Can the U.S. stop Russia’s Oreshnik? Will this strike escalate the war further?

Russia to Use Oreshnik Missiles on Ukraine: US | GRAVITAS

Ukraine has fired U.S.-supplied missiles deep into Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The attack targets strategic Russian sites as tensions continue to rise.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Losing Ground to Relentless Russian Attacks

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine is Losing & the West Faces a Stark Choice

Russia on Wednesday vowed retribution against Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of firing Western-supplied missiles on a military airfield in its southern Rostov region.

BREAKING: Ukraine Fires US Missiles Deep Into Russian Territory

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin said that the appearance of the Oreshnik missile system in service with the Russian army "minimizes the need to use nuclear weapons."

Putin: Oreshnik Minimises the Need to Use Nuclear Weapons | GRAVITAS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to welcome Western troops in Ukraine as part of a potential security arrangement to end the war with Russia.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Praises Trump as Leader Feared by Putin

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Seeks Deployment of Foreign Peacekeepers in Ukraine

US President-elect Donald Trump called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end "the madness". Trump has vowed to bring about a negotiated end to the conflict. Watch for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Calls for Immediate Ukraine Ceasefire ‘To Stop the Madness’ | GRAVITAS

Russian forces claim that they have captured two more settlements in Ukraine over the past 24 hours. In a briefing, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its forces launched strikes on the energy facilities of Ukrainian military enterprises, as well as on military airfield infrastructure, alongside areas where manpower and equipment were concentrated.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Says His Administration Will 'Probably ' Reduce Aid Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (Dec. 8) that 43,000 of his soldiers had died, whereas at least 370,000 were wounded in the country's ongoing war with Russia.

In a social media post, he also claimed that Russian casualties had surpassed 750,000, with 198,000 killed and over 550,000 injured.

"Since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers killed in action on the battlefield. There have been 370,000 cases of medical assistance for the wounded. It also needs to be mentioned that in our army approximately half of the soldiers wounded in action are later returning to the battlefield, and that our data also includes light or repeat injuries," he wrote in a post on X.

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Yesterday, I visited President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> at the Élysée Palace and had a good meeting with President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. 
 
We discussed important issues on the battlefield and in the global situation, from our frontlines to North Korea. I stated that we need a just and enduring…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1865709519352873408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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His rare admission of numbers came after US President-elect Donald Trump called for an "immediate ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia, saying "negotiations should begin" between the warring nations.&nbsp;

He also put the number of Ukrainian casualties at 400,000 soldiers and said that Russia lost 600,000 of its troops in the war, surprisingly a much larger number than what Zelensky quoted in his post.

"There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir [Putin, the Russian president] well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social handle.

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He further said that Zelensky was keen for a deal to put an end to its country's war with Moscow that has so far claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 soldiers.

"Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians," he wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-between-ukraine-and-russia-says-zelensky-is-ready-for-deal-782418">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump seeks 'immediate ceasefire' between Russia, Ukraine, says Assad fled as Moscow pulled support</a>

<h2>Zelensky says talks with Trump were 'good and productive'</h2>

Zelensky held talks with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The Ukrainian leader said that his meeting with Trump and Macron on Saturday (Dec. 7) was "good and productive" and that the three agreed to work together.

Macron hosted the significant meeting at the Elysee Palace, bringing together Zelensky and Trump for the three-way talks. The discussion centred around the complexities of the current global landscape, which the US president-elect poignantly described as a world that's "a little crazy".

This was Zelensky's first face-to-face meeting with Trump and also the incoming US president's first-ever international visit since winning the November 5 elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (Dec. 8) that 43,000 of his soldiers had died, whereas at least 370,000 were wounded in the country's ongoing war with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday (Dec. 8) that 43,000 of his soldiers had died, whereas at least 370,000 were wounded in the country's ongoing war with Russia. In a social media post, he also claimed that Russian casualties had surpassed 750,000, with 198,000 killed and over 550,000 injured. "Since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers killed in action on the battlefield. There have been 370,000 cases of medical assistance for the wounded. It also needs to be mentioned that in our army approximately half of the soldiers wounded in action are later returning to the battlefield, and that our data also includes light or repeat injuries," he wrote in a post on X. Yesterday, I visited President @EmmanuelMacron at the Élysée Palace and had a good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump. We discussed important issues on the battlefield and in the global situation, from our frontlines to North Korea. I stated that we need a just and enduring… — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) December 8, 2024 × His rare admission of numbers came after US President-elect Donald Trump called for an "immediate ceasefire" between Ukraine and Russia, saying "negotiations should begin" between the warring nations. He also put the number of Ukrainian casualties at 400,000 soldiers and said that Russia lost 600,000 of its troops in the war, surprisingly a much larger number than what Zelensky quoted in his post. "There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir [Putin, the Russian president] well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social handle. × He further said that Zelensky was keen for a deal to put an end to its country's war with Moscow that has so far claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 soldiers. "Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians," he wrote. Also read: Donald Trump seeks 'immediate ceasefire' between Russia, Ukraine, says Assad fled as Moscow pulled support Zelensky says talks with Trump were 'good and productive' Zelensky held talks with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Ukrainian leader said that his meeting with Trump and Macron on Saturday (Dec. 7) was "good and productive" and that the three agreed to work together. Macron hosted the significant meeting at the Elysee Palace, bringing together Zelensky and Trump for the three-way talks. The discussion centred around the complexities of the current global landscape, which the US president-elect poignantly described as a world that's "a little crazy". This was Zelensky's first face-to-face meeting with Trump and also the incoming US president's first-ever international visit since winning the November 5 elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky concedes Ukraine lost 43,000 soldiers in war against Russia in rare admission

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the country has lost at least 43,000 soldiers since the war began three years ago. He also said that 370,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been wounded in the conflict with Russia, adding that half of these wounded troops were able to return to the battlefield.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Says Zelensky Ready For A Deal To Stop The Madness

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday he told US President-elect Donald Trump that Kyiv needed an "enduring" peace that Russia will not "destroy" in the future after they met in Paris for talks on the almost three-year war.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday he told US President-elect Donald Trump that Kyiv needed an "enduring" peace that Russia will not "destroy" in the future after they met in Paris for talks on the almost three-year war. Trump had earlier said Zelensky was keen for a "deal" and called for the start of negotiations. The pair met a day earlier with French leader Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace. Trump has boasted he could end the conflict swiftly without saying how, and both Moscow and Kyiv are readying for his arrival in the White House, with the dragging conflict seeing an escalation in deadly attacks in recent weeks. "I stated that we need a just and enduring peace—one that the Russians will not be able to destroy in a few years, as they have done repeatedly in the past," Zelensky said on social media. Almost three years of war have ravaged Ukraine, leaving thousands dead and millions fleeing the country. "Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else. Russia brought war to our land, and it is Russia that most seeks to disrupt the possibility of peace," he said. Watch | Russian Attack Kills 11 In Zaporizhzhia × He called on Western allies not to "turn a blind eye to occupation" and said Kyiv would only agree to a deal that would bring long-term peace. "War cannot be endless -- only peace must be permanent and reliable," he said. In a rare admission of numbers, Zelensky said 43,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed in combat, while some 370,000 were wounded. Both sides are believed to have suffered massive casualties, and that figure is believed to be far higher. 'Key conditions' discussed Zelensky gave no concrete details on key aspects of what negotiations could look like, but a senior Ukrainian official said they had discussed "some key conditions" for ending the war. "We are not disclosing details, but the presidents discussed at the meeting that there should be something that would guarantee the reliability of the peace," the source said. The Kremlin, meanwhile, accused Ukraine of "refusing" to negotiate an end to the war and said its conditions to enter peace talks -- which include Kyiv giving up four regions -- remain unchanged. "The Ukrainian side refused and is refusing negotiation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. He referred to a 2022 Ukrainian decree that ruled out talks with Putin, but not other Russian officials. Trump had earlier called for an "immediate ceasefire" and called for talks to begin. "Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trump has touted himself as having good relations with Putin. 'How long can we be at war?' But as leaders made statements in Kyiv, Moscow, and Paris, the situation on the ground in eastern Ukraine remained dire. Moscow claimed another village in the east -- Blagodatne in the Donetsk region -- on Sunday, pressing steady gains. Many in Ukraine have feared that Trump's taking office would force it to make heart-aching concessions to Russia, while the nation is also suffering exhaustion. In the village of Osynovo in the eastern Kharkiv region, news of the meeting between Trump and Zelensky offered some hope to one of the frontline village's last remaining residents, Mykola Lytvynov. Cleaning earth from vegetables in his backyard, the 80-year-old said he hoped the meeting could help bring about a negotiated end to the conflict. "How long can we be at war? So many people have been killed, so many young people. And you see the massive level of destruction," he told AFP. He suggested Ukraine could have retained more of its territory by already entering into talks with Russia, but said he hoped for an end to the fighting for another, personal reason. "Both my sons are fighting. I just want them to survive." Ukraine also said that two civilians were killed in the Donetsk region and that seven people were wounded by attacks in the southern Kherson region. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Zelensky says Kyiv wants 'enduring' peace to protect it from Russia

A Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia has killed 11 people, intensifying the violence in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The strike has further strained the conflict and deepened the humanitarian crisis.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Attack Destroys Administrative Building in Zaporizhzhia, 11 Dead

The national security adviser of the US, Jake Sullivan had a meeting with the head of the Ukrainian president Andriy Yermak on Thursday (Dec. 5) and committed to providing Ukraine with hundreds of armoured vehicles by mid-January, The Guardian reported. The meeting lasted for more than an hour, according to a background briefing from a National Security Council spokesperson to the British news agency.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelebnsky said his country is facing a manpower challenge in the war with Russia and the Biden administration has a solution for that as well. The United States offered to train new troops at sites outside the Ukrainian territory. The news came alongside an almost finalised $20 billion loan to Ukraine, &nbsp;backed by profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.

The new sanctions are the efforts by the US to weaken Russia's capacity of war against Ukraine and increase Ukraine's bargaining power so that both nations could be brought to the negotiating&nbsp;table.&nbsp;

Watch | Trump Envoy Pushes For Ceasefire and Hostage Deals 
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The latest move by the White House came just a month after Donald Trump was elected as the next US president in January. With Trump taking office, there is a high chance all the strategies used by the current administration for the ceasefire will be unloaded.&nbsp;

According to a Reuters report, the Republican&nbsp;team is silently developing a plan to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiation table. The report said Trump's administration will learn from Russia by saying it will increase weapon supplies to Ukraine if Russia does not come to the table to discuss a ceasefire. On the other hand, the US would threaten Ukraine to halt all the weapon supplies. The US is also likely to offer NATO membership to Ukraine. However, Zelensky recently said in an interview with Sky News that if the US would take regions that are under Kyiv's control for NATO, then only he would think about the ceasefire talks.&nbsp;

The news of more aid came after the US announced a fresh military aid package worth $725 million for Ukraine on Monday (Dec. 2). The new military aid includes a second tranche of landmines and anti-air and anti-armour weapons.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The national security adviser of the US, Jake Sullivan had a meeting with the head of the Ukrainian president Andriy Yermak on Thursday (Dec. 5) and committed to providing Ukraine with hundreds of armoured vehicles by mid-January, The Guardian reported.

The national security adviser of the US, Jake Sullivan had a meeting with the head of the Ukrainian president Andriy Yermak on Thursday (Dec. 5) and committed to providing Ukraine with hundreds of armoured vehicles by mid-January, The Guardian reported. The meeting lasted for more than an hour, according to a background briefing from a National Security Council spokesperson to the British news agency. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelebnsky said his country is facing a manpower challenge in the war with Russia and the Biden administration has a solution for that as well. The United States offered to train new troops at sites outside the Ukrainian territory. The news came alongside an almost finalised $20 billion loan to Ukraine, backed by profits from immobilized Russian sovereign assets. The new sanctions are the efforts by the US to weaken Russia's capacity of war against Ukraine and increase Ukraine's bargaining power so that both nations could be brought to the negotiating table. Watch | Trump Envoy Pushes For Ceasefire and Hostage Deals × The latest move by the White House came just a month after Donald Trump was elected as the next US president in January. With Trump taking office, there is a high chance all the strategies used by the current administration for the ceasefire will be unloaded. According to a Reuters report, the Republican team is silently developing a plan to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiation table. The report said Trump's administration will learn from Russia by saying it will increase weapon supplies to Ukraine if Russia does not come to the table to discuss a ceasefire. On the other hand, the US would threaten Ukraine to halt all the weapon supplies. The US is also likely to offer NATO membership to Ukraine. However, Zelensky recently said in an interview with Sky News that if the US would take regions that are under Kyiv's control for NATO, then only he would think about the ceasefire talks. The news of more aid came after the US announced a fresh military aid package worth $725 million for Ukraine on Monday (Dec. 2). The new military aid includes a second tranche of landmines and anti-air and anti-armour weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Senior Biden aide vows to give mass military assistance to Ukraine, month before Trump's inauguration: Report

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that it is a serious mistake to assume Russia has no red lines in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. His statement comes amid escalating tensions and highlights Russia's firm stance on its territorial and security concerns.

Russia-Ukraine War: Serious Mistake To Presume That Russia Has No Red Lines Says Lavrov

Russia-Ukraine War: Lavrov Signals Readiness To Use Any Means In Ukraine Conflict

A minister in the United Kingdom has issued a startling warning, Alistair Carns said that the country's army could be wiped out in as little as six months if it were forced to fight a war on the scale of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Watch in for more details!

UK Minister Predicts Country's Plight In Case Of Ukraine-Scale War

The world is entering a "third nuclear age," posing significant challenges to Britain's security, warned Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, head of the UK armed forces. Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) defense think tank on Wednesday, Radakin highlighted threats such as Russia's "reckless nuclear rhetoric," China's growing nuclear arsenal, Iran's non-compliance with nuclear agreements, and North Korea's unpredictable behavior.

Report: China's Nuclear Arsenal To Triple In Next Decade | WION Pulse | WION

Ukrainian troops are worried about the fate of the Kursk operation as Kyiv continues to lose ground. The troops have been asked to continue fighting until Trump takes office. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Says, 'Ukraine War Will End Faster Under Trump 2.0'

Putin has approved a record defense budget for 2025. He has set aside $126 billion for military spending, does this mean he plans to continue the war against Ukraine? Watch here to learn more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Approves $126Bn For Defence In 2025 Budget As War Effort Intensifies

The United States on Monday (Dec 2) announced a fresh military aid package worth $725 million for Ukraine, amid fears that the incoming president Donald Trump will cut off all support to Kyiv. The new military aid includes a second tranche of landmines and anti-air and anti-armour weapons.

<h2>What does the aid package include?</h2>

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said that the package was part of the Joe Biden administration's efforts "to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression."

AFP news aegncy, citing Blinken reported that the military aid package includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armour weapons and artillery ammunition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-slams-hamass-campaign-of-cruelty-expresses-outrage-over-us-israeli-soldiers-death-780979">Israel-Hamas war: Biden slams 'Hamas's campaign of cruelty,' expresses outrage over US-Israeli soldier's death</a>

This is the second shipment of landmines Washington is sending to Kyiv. Last month, in a major policy shift, the US announced its first shipment of landmines.

"Between now and mid-January, we will deliver hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets, and other critical capabilities to help Ukraine defend its freedom and independence," said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement.

<h2>The future of US aid to Ukraine</h2>

With less than two months until Trump's inauguration, the Biden administration is racing to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support to fend off Russian advances. Trump has repeatedly criticised US assistance to Ukraine, claiming he could broker a ceasefire quickly, which has led to concerns in Kyiv and Europe about the future of American aid.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that all remaining US funding for Ukraine would be used before Biden’s term ends.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-scholz-makes-surprise-visit-to-war-torn-ukraine-pledges-aid-780903">German chancellor Scholz makes surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine, pledges aid</a>

"At the president's direction, we will spend every dollar that Congress has appropriated for Ukraine and to replenish our stockpiles," he told journalists.

Previously, he revealed that $6.8 billion was still available from US stockpiles and an additional $2.2 billion is earmarked for procurement from defence contractors.

Since Russia launched its special military operation against Ukraine in February 2022, the US has emerged as one of Kyiv's key military backers, committing over $60 billion in weapons, ammunition and other security aid.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Monday (Dec 2) announced a fresh military aid package worth $725 million for Ukraine, amid fears that the incoming president Donald Trump will cut off all support to Kyiv.

The United States on Monday (Dec 2) announced a fresh military aid package worth $725 million for Ukraine, amid fears that the incoming president Donald Trump will cut off all support to Kyiv. The new military aid includes a second tranche of landmines and anti-air and anti-armour weapons. What does the aid package include? US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement said that the package was part of the Joe Biden administration's efforts "to ensure Ukraine has the capabilities it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression." AFP news aegncy, citing Blinken reported that the military aid package includes anti-personnel landmines, ammunition for HIMARS precision rocket launchers, Stinger missiles, counter-drone systems, anti-armour weapons and artillery ammunition. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Biden slams 'Hamas's campaign of cruelty,' expresses outrage over US-Israeli soldier's death This is the second shipment of landmines Washington is sending to Kyiv. Last month, in a major policy shift, the US announced its first shipment of landmines. "Between now and mid-January, we will deliver hundreds of thousands of additional artillery rounds, thousands of additional rockets, and other critical capabilities to help Ukraine defend its freedom and independence," said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement. The future of US aid to Ukraine With less than two months until Trump's inauguration, the Biden administration is racing to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support to fend off Russian advances. Trump has repeatedly criticised US assistance to Ukraine, claiming he could broker a ceasefire quickly, which has led to concerns in Kyiv and Europe about the future of American aid. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder confirmed that all remaining US funding for Ukraine would be used before Biden’s term ends. Also read | German chancellor Scholz makes surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine, pledges aid "At the president's direction, we will spend every dollar that Congress has appropriated for Ukraine and to replenish our stockpiles," he told journalists. Previously, he revealed that $6.8 billion was still available from US stockpiles and an additional $2.2 billion is earmarked for procurement from defence contractors. Since Russia launched its special military operation against Ukraine in February 2022, the US has emerged as one of Kyiv's key military backers, committing over $60 billion in weapons, ammunition and other security aid. (With inputs from agencies)

US announces $725mn in military aid for Ukraine as Biden extends last-ditch support before Trump inauguration

President Vladimir Putin has stated that the Russian military possesses longer-range and more powerful missiles compared to the Western counterparts provided to Ukraine. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a similar warning, emphasizing that Russia's patience has limits and will not last indefinitely. The combined messages from Putin and Lavrov are clear: do not test Russia's patience. With this warning, it is evident that Russia is not in the mood to hold back. Will the West heed Putin's warning, or will they provoke Russia into a major escalation, perhaps even by firing an ICBM?

Putin's Revived Russian Superpower Warns America: Our Patience

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to launch additional missile attacks on Ukraine, which will include Russia’s new Oreshnik nuclear-capable missile.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Threatens Fresh Missile Strikes on Ukraine After Latest Energy Grid Attack

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

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

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

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

US President Joe Biden's administration is preparing a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, two US officials said on Wednesday, as the outgoing president seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv before leaving office in January.

According to an official familiar with the plan, the Biden administration plans to provide a variety of anti-tank weapons from US stocks to blunt Russia's advancing troops, including land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US President Joe Biden's administration is preparing a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, two US officials said on Wednesday, as the outgoing president seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv before leaving office in January.

US President Joe Biden's administration is preparing a $725 million weapons package for Ukraine, two US officials said on Wednesday, as the outgoing president seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv before leaving office in January. According to an official familiar with the plan, the Biden administration plans to provide a variety of anti-tank weapons from US stocks to blunt Russia's advancing troops, including land mines, drones, Stinger missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Biden readies $725 million arms aid package for Ukraine: Sources

Donald Trump appoints retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg as a special envoy to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kellogg, who previously served as chief of staff for the White House National Security Council during Trump’s first term and as national security adviser to then-Vice President Mike Pence, is credited with presenting a plan to end the war. In this new role, he is expected to lead peace efforts. Watch to know more!

USA News: Who Is Keith Kellogg? Donald Trump's Pick For Ukraine And Russia Envoy

A Russian air strike killed two civilians in northeastern Ukraine's Sumy, this as per President Zelensky, who in a video on the Telegram messaging app informed that rescue operations were underway at the site after multiple rocket system strikes hit a car service station. Meanwhile, India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishanker who was also in Italy to attend the G7 foreign ministers meeting once again called for restraint asserting that one is not going to find a solution from the battlefield and at some stage will have to come to the table...the sooner they do it the better because the rest of the world is being affected.

Russia-Ukraine War: People Will Come To The Table At Some Stage: Jaishankar On Ukraine

Washington's decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting.

Ukraine is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines.&nbsp;

The United States, which has not signed up to the treaty, said last week it would transfer landmines to Ukraine to aid its efforts in fighting Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the mines "very important" to halting Russian attacks.

Ukraine receiving US mine shipments would be in "direct violation" of the treaty, the convention of its signatories said in a statement released late Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-actively-participated-in-2022-coup-plot-police-779523">Bolsonaro 'actively participated' in 2022 coup plot: Police</a>

"In the 25 years since the Convention entered into force, this landmark humanitarian disarmament treaty had never faced such a challenge to its integrity," it said.&nbsp;

"The Convention community&nbsp;must remain united in its resolve to uphold the Convention's norms and principles."

Ukraine's delegation to a conference on progress under the anti-landmine treaty in Cambodia on Tuesday did not mention the US offer in its remarks.&nbsp;

In its presentation, Ukrainian defence official Oleksandr Riabtsev said Russia was carrying out "genocidal activities" by laying landmines on its territory.

Riabtsev refused to comment when asked by AFP journalists about the US landmines offer on Wednesday.

Ukraine's commitment to destroy its landmine stockpiles left over from the Soviet Union was also "currently not possible" due to Russia's invasion, defence ministry official Yevhenii Kivshyk told the conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-pushes-ahead-bill-banning-children-from-social-media-linkedin-says-its-too-dull-for-kids-779519">Australia clears bill banning children from social media, LinkedIn says its platform is 'too dull for kids'</a>

Moscow and Kyiv have been ratcheting up their drone and missile attacks, with Ukraine recently firing US long-range missiles at Russia and the Kremlin retaliating with an experimental hypersonic missile.

The Siem Reap conference is a five-yearly meeting held by signatories to the anti-landmine treaty to assess progress in its objective towards a world without antipersonnel mines.

On Tuesday, landmine victims from across the world gathered at the meeting to protest Washington's decision. 
More than 100 demonstrators lined the walkway taken by delegates to the conference venue in Cambodia's Siem Reap.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Washington's decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting. Ukraine is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines.

Washington's decision to give anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is the biggest blow yet to a landmark anti-mine treaty, its signatories said during a meeting. Ukraine is a signatory to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of landmines. The United States, which has not signed up to the treaty, said last week it would transfer landmines to Ukraine to aid its efforts in fighting Russia's invasion. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has called the mines "very important" to halting Russian attacks. Ukraine receiving US mine shipments would be in "direct violation" of the treaty, the convention of its signatories said in a statement released late Tuesday. Also read | Bolsonaro 'actively participated' in 2022 coup plot: Police "In the 25 years since the Convention entered into force, this landmark humanitarian disarmament treaty had never faced such a challenge to its integrity," it said. "The Convention community must remain united in its resolve to uphold the Convention's norms and principles." Ukraine's delegation to a conference on progress under the anti-landmine treaty in Cambodia on Tuesday did not mention the US offer in its remarks. In its presentation, Ukrainian defence official Oleksandr Riabtsev said Russia was carrying out "genocidal activities" by laying landmines on its territory. Riabtsev refused to comment when asked by AFP journalists about the US landmines offer on Wednesday. Ukraine's commitment to destroy its landmine stockpiles left over from the Soviet Union was also "currently not possible" due to Russia's invasion, defence ministry official Yevhenii Kivshyk told the conference. Also read | Australia clears bill banning children from social media, LinkedIn says its platform is 'too dull for kids' Moscow and Kyiv have been ratcheting up their drone and missile attacks, with Ukraine recently firing US long-range missiles at Russia and the Kremlin retaliating with an experimental hypersonic missile. The Siem Reap conference is a five-yearly meeting held by signatories to the anti-landmine treaty to assess progress in its objective towards a world without antipersonnel mines. On Tuesday, landmine victims from across the world gathered at the meeting to protest Washington's decision. More than 100 demonstrators lined the walkway taken by delegates to the conference venue in Cambodia's Siem Reap. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Anti-mine treaty signatories slam US decision to send landmines to Ukraine

Russian missile strikes have raised significant concerns in Poland, Germany, and the UK, with fears of potential escalation in the region. The attacks have heightened tensions and sparked discussions about security measures and NATO's response to the growing threat.

Long-Range Missiles Changing Dynamics of Russia-Ukraine War

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