Russia said its forces prevented incursions from Ukraine on Tuesday and inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, after Ukraine-based armed groups said they had launched cross-border raids.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia says it fought off attempted incursions from Ukraine

The United States is preparing a fresh military aid package for Ukraine, potentially amounting to $400 million, according to two anonymous US officials. This marks the first such move in months, as additional funds for Kyiv have faced obstacles from Republican leaders in Congress.

The expected announcement on Tuesday (March 12) reveals that the funding for this package is sourced from credits refunded to the Pentagon for recent purchases and is anticipated to include artillery.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-thwarted-attempted-incursions-from-ukraine-699433" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-thwarted-attempted-incursions-from-ukraine-699433&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAmOarou-EAxWId2wGHY7cDRgQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1h8XDzOJHt6VERU2DlLxlF&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-thwarted-attempted-incursions-from-ukraine-699433" target="_blank">Russia claims to have thwarted attempted incursions from&nbsp;Ukraine</a>

The US Army has been actively replenishing stocks sent to Ukraine, making substantial purchases of munitions and vehicles. The last drawdown occurred in December 2023, depleting funds designated for replenishing stocks to zero.

Facing resistance from Republican hardliners, the White House is exploring alternative avenues, including the possibility of using the immobilised $285 billion in Russian assets from 2022 to finance Ukraine weaponry.

Poland's president and prime minister are set to meet President Joe Biden later on Tuesday to discuss ways to bolster support for Ukraine. The urgency to send more military assistance has prompted the Biden administration to use returned funds to replenish stocks, creating a narrow window for urgent aid deployment while waiting for supplemental funding from lawmakers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAmOarou-EAxWId2wGHY7cDRgQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3aAoB4u6fShIdAMoJ0QZVW&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-advocates-for-ukraine-to-show-courage-in-negotiations-698401" target="_blank">Pope encourages&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to show 'white flag' courage in negotiations</a>

Biden, advocating for military aid to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, faces challenges from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has refused to call a vote on a $60 billion bill for Ukraine, despite its approval in the Democratic-run Senate.

Intelligence agencies have urgently pressed the House to approve additional military assistance, emphasising its role not only in supporting Kyiv against Russia but also in discouraging Chinese aggression.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky recently reported an improvement in the country's strategic position, with Russian troops no longer advancing after the capture of Avdiivka.

However, Zelensky warned of a potential new offensive by Russia in late May or summer and stressed the need for continued military support.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-summons-vatican-envoy-over-popes-white-flag-comments-699246" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-summons-vatican-envoy-over-popes-white-flag-comments-699246&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiAmOarou-EAxWId2wGHY7cDRgQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aFdB17ul8_KE7BKIpai7Q&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-summons-vatican-envoy-over-popes-white-flag-comments-699246" target="_blank">Ukraine&nbsp;summons Vatican envoy over Pope's 'white flag' comments</a>

Denmark has also announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including Caesar artillery systems and ammunition, worth approximately 2.3 billion Danish crowns ($336.6 million).

Additionally, European Union countries are reportedly discussing a new 5 billion-euro ($5.46 billion) top-up to a fund for financing military shipments to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is preparing a fresh military aid package for Ukraine, potentially amounting to $400 million, according to two anonymous US officials. This marks the first such move in months, as additional funds for Kyiv have faced obstacles from Republican leaders in Congress.

The United States is preparing a fresh military aid package for Ukraine, potentially amounting to $400 million, according to two anonymous US officials. This marks the first such move in months, as additional funds for Kyiv have faced obstacles from Republican leaders in Congress. The expected announcement on Tuesday (March 12) reveals that the funding for this package is sourced from credits refunded to the Pentagon for recent purchases and is anticipated to include artillery. Also read: Russia claims to have thwarted attempted incursions from Ukraine The US Army has been actively replenishing stocks sent to Ukraine, making substantial purchases of munitions and vehicles. The last drawdown occurred in December 2023, depleting funds designated for replenishing stocks to zero. Facing resistance from Republican hardliners, the White House is exploring alternative avenues, including the possibility of using the immobilised $285 billion in Russian assets from 2022 to finance Ukraine weaponry. Poland's president and prime minister are set to meet President Joe Biden later on Tuesday to discuss ways to bolster support for Ukraine. The urgency to send more military assistance has prompted the Biden administration to use returned funds to replenish stocks, creating a narrow window for urgent aid deployment while waiting for supplemental funding from lawmakers. Also read: Pope encourages Ukraine to show 'white flag' courage in negotiations Biden, advocating for military aid to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, faces challenges from Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has refused to call a vote on a $60 billion bill for Ukraine, despite its approval in the Democratic-run Senate. Intelligence agencies have urgently pressed the House to approve additional military assistance, emphasising its role not only in supporting Kyiv against Russia but also in discouraging Chinese aggression. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky recently reported an improvement in the country's strategic position, with Russian troops no longer advancing after the capture of Avdiivka. However, Zelensky warned of a potential new offensive by Russia in late May or summer and stressed the need for continued military support. Also read: Ukraine summons Vatican envoy over Pope's 'white flag' comments Denmark has also announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, including Caesar artillery systems and ammunition, worth approximately 2.3 billion Danish crowns ($336.6 million). Additionally, European Union countries are reportedly discussing a new 5 billion-euro ($5.46 billion) top-up to a fund for financing military shipments to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

US readies new $400 million weapons package for Ukraine, officials say

The world is witnessing a new cold war between the US and Russia. In its annual threat assessment report, U.S. intelligence has expressed concerns about Russia's expanding nuclear arsenal, sparking fears in the U.S. about Moscow's potential to use atomic weapons amid the Ukraine war.

Gravitas: Russia's nukes spook US | Moscow blames Biden for poll interference

The Pope versus NATO deepens over the former proposal for Ukraine to raise a white flag to Russia. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg has voiced disagreement with Pope France's comments that encourage Ukraine to negotiate with Russia.

NATO chief responds to Pope Francis' 'white flag' remark

A recent survey poll is indicating that Zelensky will not win if elections were held now and according to the survey Zelensky is trailing behind the former General Zaluzhny. Watch in for more details!

Zelensky's popularity takes a hit; 41% of voters back Zaluzhny in first-round voting, says poll

Russia has started using a powerful new monster bomb in battleground Ukraine. It's called the FAB-1500 which is a glide-bomb weighing 1,500 kilograms or 3,000 pounds. Reports say it has dramatically boosted Russia's effectiveness in the Ukraine war. watch this video to learn more about the bomb.

Gravitas: Russia's secret new bomb FAB-1500 helped capture Avdiivka | Ukraine's biggest nightmare

Russia has reportedly started using a powerful aerial bomb on the frontlines in the Ukraine war, devastating enemy defences big time. Russian forces converted a basic Soviet-era weapon into a gliding bomb, so powerful that it could cause a crater 15 metres wide. The bomb, FAB-1500, is a 1.5-tonne weapon mounted over fighter jets and dropped from a high altitude, at least 60-70 km away from the area of impact.

This is how Russia decimates Ukraine’s ground forces before it tries to occupy a territory.

Russia used these bombs to raze Ukrainian thermal power plants, factories and tower blocks to the ground in the Donetsk region. These were the places from where Ukrainian forces would coordinate their attacks.

<h2>What makes FAB-1500 so dangerous?</h2>

FAB-1500’s gliding capacity enables Russia to take out enemies without having to rush closer to the frontlines and risk causalities. The bomb is navigated by a guidance system and its wings allow it to swim in the air.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine?

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According to Joseph Trevithick, a defence expert, the bombs “offer a new and far more destructive stand-off strike option for many of Russia’s tactical jets that also help pilots stay further away from enemy defences.”

<h2>How Ukrainian troops are reacting?</h2>

Ukrainian troops say the damage inflicted by these bombs is “very serious” and impacting their “morale”. “Why they are using the FAB-1500? Because the damage done by it is very serious. If you survive, you are guaranteed to have a contusion,” One soldier from Ukraine’s 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade was quoted as saying by CNN.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjH7PCEmeuEAxWHS2wGHcBkCAoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH7PCEmeuEAxWHS2wGHcBkCAoQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report</a>

“It puts a lot of pressure on soldiers’ morale.&nbsp; Not all of our guys can withstand it. While they are more or less used to the FAB-500 by now, but the FAB-1500 is hell,” he adds.

<h2>FAB-1500’s role in Fall of Avdiivka</h2>

Ukrainian officials say Russia had launched hundreds of these bombs on the eve of the fall of Avdiivka. Yuri Ihnat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman, was quoted as saying by CNN: “On the eve of and during the battle of Avdiivka hundreds of air bombs were launched within days. There were 250 of them used in Avdiivka direction in 48 hours only.”

The FAB-1500 is the most powerful in a family of Soviet-era ‘dumb bombs’ now being converted at a plant near Moscow into a cheap but potent version of a missile.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has reportedly started using a powerful aerial bomb on the frontlines in the Ukraine war, devastating enemy defences big time. Russian forces converted a basic Soviet-era weapon into a gliding bomb, so powerful that it could cause a crater 15 metres wide.

Russia has reportedly started using a powerful aerial bomb on the frontlines in the Ukraine war, devastating enemy defences big time. Russian forces converted a basic Soviet-era weapon into a gliding bomb, so powerful that it could cause a crater 15 metres wide. The bomb, FAB-1500, is a 1.5-tonne weapon mounted over fighter jets and dropped from a high altitude, at least 60-70 km away from the area of impact. This is how Russia decimates Ukraine’s ground forces before it tries to occupy a territory. Russia used these bombs to raze Ukrainian thermal power plants, factories and tower blocks to the ground in the Donetsk region. These were the places from where Ukrainian forces would coordinate their attacks. What makes FAB-1500 so dangerous? FAB-1500’s gliding capacity enables Russia to take out enemies without having to rush closer to the frontlines and risk causalities. The bomb is navigated by a guidance system and its wings allow it to swim in the air. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine? × According to Joseph Trevithick, a defence expert, the bombs “offer a new and far more destructive stand-off strike option for many of Russia’s tactical jets that also help pilots stay further away from enemy defences.” How Ukrainian troops are reacting? Ukrainian troops say the damage inflicted by these bombs is “very serious” and impacting their “morale”. “Why they are using the FAB-1500? Because the damage done by it is very serious. If you survive, you are guaranteed to have a contusion,” One soldier from Ukraine’s 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade was quoted as saying by CNN. Also read: India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report “It puts a lot of pressure on soldiers’ morale. Not all of our guys can withstand it. While they are more or less used to the FAB-500 by now, but the FAB-1500 is hell,” he adds. FAB-1500’s role in Fall of Avdiivka Ukrainian officials say Russia had launched hundreds of these bombs on the eve of the fall of Avdiivka. Yuri Ihnat, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman, was quoted as saying by CNN: “On the eve of and during the battle of Avdiivka hundreds of air bombs were launched within days. There were 250 of them used in Avdiivka direction in 48 hours only.” The FAB-1500 is the most powerful in a family of Soviet-era ‘dumb bombs’ now being converted at a plant near Moscow into a cheap but potent version of a missile. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian troops jittery as Russia starts using powerful, gliding bombs on frontlines

Russian security services have long had information that NATO advisers are in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday. Watch in for more details!

Kremlin says it had information about NATO advisers visit to Ukraine

Four Nepali men have appealed to the Indian government to rescue them from Russia, saying they were forcibly pushed into the war with Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

4 Nepalis caught in Russia-Ukraine war appeals for India's help

A visit by President Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine should take place in the coming weeks. It is the third time that a planned trip to the country has been postponed since February. Watch this video for all detais.

Russia-Ukraine war: Why did France's Macron postpone trip to Ukraine?

Four Nepali nationals&nbsp;who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them. The four men can be seen huddled in a hut in a video circulating on social media. They have also accused the Nepalese government of turning its back on them and “doing nothing” to secure their repatriation.

“We are not being heard by the Embassy of Nepal (in Moscow). Nepal is not helping us. We want to seek help from our neighbouring country, India," one of the men said.

Watch the video below (in Hindi).

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Nepali men stuck in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> appeal to the Indian government to rescue them, as their plea to Nepalese government has gone in vain. They were scammed by travel agents who sent them to Russia on the pretext of a helper job with Russian Army. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInNepal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaInNepal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PM_nepal_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PM_nepal_</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfFsLHR1lJ">pic.twitter.com/hfFsLHR1lJ</a>
— Shalu Yadav (@StoriesByShalu) <a href="https://twitter.com/StoriesByShalu/status/1766819322842992890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We have great hope that India will help us and will not let us down. Nepal and India have a very strong relationship. Nothing is happening from our side, but your country and your embassy are very powerful. All of us want to go back because we have been cheated here,” he added.

<h2>How did they end up in Russia?</h2>

The Nepali citizens said they were duped by an agent who promised them to offer the role of ‘helper’ in the Russian Army.

“The agent sent us here (Russia) by lying to us, and now we are facing a lot of difficulties. We were told that we have to work as helpers in the Russian Army, but now we have to fight in the war,” the man said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj8kr-W5-uEAxVxRmwGHWzhD88QxfQBKAB6BAgBEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8kr-W5-uEAxVxRmwGHWzhD88QxfQBKAB6BAgBEAE">India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report</a>

He added that there were at least 30 of them initially but now only five were remaining as others were sent to different places. He also claimed some of them have suffered serious injuries.

“Help us to get out of here," the man pleads.

<h2>Action by India</h2>

The appeal from the Nepali men comes as New Delhi said it was working to secure the release of around 20 Indian nationals who were "stuck" in the Russian army.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine?

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Meanwhile, Indian authorities last week detained members of a "trafficking" network sending Indian nationals to Russia, after raiding several travel agents.

So far, at least two Indian citizens have lost their lives while fighting the war against Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four Nepali nationals who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them.

Four Nepali nationals who claim they were fraudulently tricked into joining the Russian army as fighters, have pleaded with the Indian government to rescue them. The four men can be seen huddled in a hut in a video circulating on social media. They have also accused the Nepalese government of turning its back on them and “doing nothing” to secure their repatriation. “We are not being heard by the Embassy of Nepal (in Moscow). Nepal is not helping us. We want to seek help from our neighbouring country, India," one of the men said. Watch the video below (in Hindi). Nepali men stuck in #Russia appeal to the Indian government to rescue them, as their plea to Nepalese government has gone in vain. They were scammed by travel agents who sent them to Russia on the pretext of a helper job with Russian Army. @MEAIndia @IndiaInNepal @PM_nepal_ pic.twitter.com/hfFsLHR1lJ — Shalu Yadav (@StoriesByShalu) March 10, 2024 × "We have great hope that India will help us and will not let us down. Nepal and India have a very strong relationship. Nothing is happening from our side, but your country and your embassy are very powerful. All of us want to go back because we have been cheated here,” he added. How did they end up in Russia? The Nepali citizens said they were duped by an agent who promised them to offer the role of ‘helper’ in the Russian Army. “The agent sent us here (Russia) by lying to us, and now we are facing a lot of difficulties. We were told that we have to work as helpers in the Russian Army, but now we have to fight in the war,” the man said. Also read: India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report He added that there were at least 30 of them initially but now only five were remaining as others were sent to different places. He also claimed some of them have suffered serious injuries. “Help us to get out of here," the man pleads. Action by India The appeal from the Nepali men comes as New Delhi said it was working to secure the release of around 20 Indian nationals who were "stuck" in the Russian army. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war | How would Russia react to NATO in Ukraine? × Meanwhile, Indian authorities last week detained members of a "trafficking" network sending Indian nationals to Russia, after raiding several travel agents. So far, at least two Indian citizens have lost their lives while fighting the war against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

‘You are powerful,’ Nepali men stuck in Russia urge India to help as Kathmandu ‘ignores’ them

Will the Russia-Ukraine war spill over beyond its course? Well, the risk of a wider war is increasing by the day. It is now said that the NATO troops in Ukraine is 'not unthinkable'.

Russia-Ukraine war: Poland says, 'presence of NATO troops in Ukraine 'not unthinkable'

Russia-Ukraine war: After France, Poland talks about sending troops to Ukraine

How did Ukraine sink 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Naval War? Haiti erupts in violence as criminal gangs take over the streets of Port-au-prince Over 250 students abducted by Bandits in Nigeria Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #worldatwar

How did Ukraine sink 25% of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Naval War?

Ukrainian President Zelensky met with his Turkish counterpart Erdogan in Istanbul on Friday. The meeting comes at a time when Moscow is escalating its offensive and Kyiv is facing difficulties on the front line.

Ukraine President Zelesnky hols talk with Egypt counterpart Erdogan, discuss peace formula for war

Ukraine urgently needs artillery and air defenses from its allies in order to continue defending itself from Russia, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, rejecting the idea that the war had reached a stalemate two years on from Russia’s invasion.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine urges faster delivery of western arms

Ukraine urgently needs artillery and air defenses from its allies in order to continue defending itself from Russia, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, rejecting the idea that the war had reached a stalemate two years on from Russia’s invasion. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky says, 'Ukraine needs weapons from allies to defend itself'

CBI has busted an elaborate network of human traffickers duping Indians into fighting the Ukriane war through job scams. A trafficker known as "Baba Vlogs" on YouTube has been exposed.

Gravitas | Exposed: Killer agent trafficking Indians to Russia

Ukraine has a new problem and the fact is that Americans are not happy and there is no love lost from Kyiv either. The war's brutal reality has exposed a growing rift between Biden and Zelensky.

All is not well between Biden & Zelensky, showing signs of wear & tear

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted a people trafficking network on Thursday which was allegedly sending young people to the Russia-Ukraine war zone under the guise of lucrative jobs. Watch to know more!

CBI busts Human Trafficking racket taking Indians to Russia-Ukraine war zone

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he had approved the candidacy of former army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi as ambassador to Britain.

Zaluzhnyi, widely seen as a national hero for overseeing Ukraine's war effort throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, was replaced last month by ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.

"Today, I approved the candidacy of our country's ambassador to the United Kingdom, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi," Zelensky said in his nightly video address. "General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi spoke to me specifically about pursuing that direction -- a diplomatic direction."

Zelensky said Ukraine's Foreign Ministry had sent the request for approval and that "our alliance with Britain is set to strengthen further".

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told national television that the president "had long sought" a suitable candidate "and one of the key requirements was an understanding of the military context.

"Britain is one of the leaders in military help for Ukraine. It is a country which has a vision of military strategy. The new ambassador therefore had to have a deep military background," Kuleba said.

Ukraine has not had an ambassador in Britain since Zelensky dismissed former envoy Vadym Prystaiko in July 2023 after he publicly criticised the president.

Zaluzhnyi's dismissal as army chief was the focal point of a shakeup of senior positions in Ukraine's armed forces. It followed weeks of tension and speculation about possible disagreements between the president and his top commander.

Zaluzhnyi had written in a published article last November that the now-two-year-old war against Russia had entered a stage of attrition, and he called for technological advances.

Zelensky&nbsp;did not respond directly to the comments, but denied any suggestion that the war had entered a stalemate.

Zelensky&nbsp;on Thursday met British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps in Kyiv and said he had expressed gratitude for Britain's "tangible leadership" in providing support for Ukraine and working together to counter Russian actions.

A British government statement said Shapps announced a 325 million pound ($417 million) package of military aid for Ukraine, including delivery of more than 10,000 drones. A British aid package in January also provided for drones and was valued at 200 million pounds.

In his remarks, Zelensky said priority areas of cooperation were boosting air defences, long-range weapons, and artillery and joint production of weapons, and bringing Russia to account.

"We have already reached a historically unprecedented level of cooperation with Britain," Zelensky&nbsp;said, referring to Britain as the first of several countries to sign an accord extending security guarantees to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he had approved the candidacy of former army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi as ambassador to Britain. Zaluzhnyi, widely seen as a national hero for overseeing Ukraine's war effort throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, was replaced last month by ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he had approved the candidacy of former army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi as ambassador to Britain. Zaluzhnyi, widely seen as a national hero for overseeing Ukraine's war effort throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, was replaced last month by ground forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi. "Today, I approved the candidacy of our country's ambassador to the United Kingdom, General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi," Zelensky said in his nightly video address. "General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi spoke to me specifically about pursuing that direction -- a diplomatic direction." Zelensky said Ukraine's Foreign Ministry had sent the request for approval and that "our alliance with Britain is set to strengthen further". Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told national television that the president "had long sought" a suitable candidate "and one of the key requirements was an understanding of the military context. "Britain is one of the leaders in military help for Ukraine. It is a country which has a vision of military strategy. The new ambassador therefore had to have a deep military background," Kuleba said. Ukraine has not had an ambassador in Britain since Zelensky dismissed former envoy Vadym Prystaiko in July 2023 after he publicly criticised the president. Zaluzhnyi's dismissal as army chief was the focal point of a shakeup of senior positions in Ukraine's armed forces. It followed weeks of tension and speculation about possible disagreements between the president and his top commander. Zaluzhnyi had written in a published article last November that the now-two-year-old war against Russia had entered a stage of attrition, and he called for technological advances. Zelensky did not respond directly to the comments, but denied any suggestion that the war had entered a stalemate. Zelensky on Thursday met British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps in Kyiv and said he had expressed gratitude for Britain's "tangible leadership" in providing support for Ukraine and working together to counter Russian actions. A British government statement said Shapps announced a 325 million pound ($417 million) package of military aid for Ukraine, including delivery of more than 10,000 drones. A British aid package in January also provided for drones and was valued at 200 million pounds. In his remarks, Zelensky said priority areas of cooperation were boosting air defences, long-range weapons, and artillery and joint production of weapons, and bringing Russia to account. "We have already reached a historically unprecedented level of cooperation with Britain," Zelensky said, referring to Britain as the first of several countries to sign an accord extending security guarantees to Ukraine.

Ukraine's Zelensky approves ex-army chief Zaluzhnyi's candidacy as envoy to UK

India: CBI busts Human Trafficking racket taking Indians to Russia-Ukraine conflict zone

A Russian missile appeared to have struck in the Ukrainian port city of Odessa close to where President Volodymyr Zelensky was holding a top-secret meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian rocket lands near Zelensky, Greek PM during Odesa visit

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian missile explodes in Odessa close to Zelensky, Greek PM

A senior Ukrainian military commander, on Wednesday, said that the Ukrainian military is working to stabilise the battlefield situation and intends to form units for counter-offensive actions against Russia later this year.

<h2>Stabilisation&nbsp;</h2>

"We will stabilise the situation shortly," said Oleksandr Pavliuk, Ukraine's newly appointed ground force commander, in televised remarks.&nbsp;

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They will "do everything possible to prepare the troops for more active actions, and to seize the initiative," he said.

As per a Reuters report, Pavliuk explained that the current focus is on withdrawing military units that have lost their potential and rebuilding them to create a force for counter-offensive actions later this year.

<h2>Ukraine's setbacks</h2>

Just last month, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia would try to launch a new offensive in the spring or summer. However, he emphasised that Ukraine has its own battlefield plan.

According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy, Russian forces were unable to make further advances near Avdiivka. During remarks on national television on Wednesday, he noted that Russian troops are concentrating their efforts on an area to the south, near the village of Novomykhailivka.

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Maksym Zhorin, a Ukrainian commander in the region, also confirmed that Russian forces are facing challenges in advancing since the capture of Avdiivka and several neighbouring villages. He mentioned that their latest target is the village of Orlivka.

"They are constantly attempting to advance and make progress wherever possible," Zhorin wrote on Telegram. "Despite significant losses, they persist in launching assaults, both day and night."

This comes as the Ukrainian forces faced a setback after nine months of relatively stable front lines when the eastern city of Avdiivka fell to Russian forces earlier in February after enduring months of devastating attacks. Ukraine was compelled to pull back its troops from several neighbouring areas due to Russia's continuous offensive and dwindling ammunition supplies. To replenish these supplies, Ukraine urgently requires a vital aid package from the US, which has been delayed by Republicans in Congress.

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior Ukrainian military commander, on Wednesday, said that the Ukrainian military is working to stabilise the battlefield situation and intends to form units for counter-offensive actions against Russia later this year.

A senior Ukrainian military commander, on Wednesday, said that the Ukrainian military is working to stabilise the battlefield situation and intends to form units for counter-offensive actions against Russia later this year. Stabilisation "We will stabilise the situation shortly," said Oleksandr Pavliuk, Ukraine's newly appointed ground force commander, in televised remarks. Also read | Explosion near Ukrainian President Zelensky’s meeting with Greek Prime Minister: Sources They will "do everything possible to prepare the troops for more active actions, and to seize the initiative," he said. As per a Reuters report, Pavliuk explained that the current focus is on withdrawing military units that have lost their potential and rebuilding them to create a force for counter-offensive actions later this year. Ukraine's setbacks Just last month, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia would try to launch a new offensive in the spring or summer. However, he emphasised that Ukraine has its own battlefield plan. According to Ukrainian military spokesperson Dmytro Lykhoviy, Russian forces were unable to make further advances near Avdiivka. During remarks on national television on Wednesday, he noted that Russian troops are concentrating their efforts on an area to the south, near the village of Novomykhailivka. Also read | Alexei Navalny's wife calls for big protest on Russian election day Maksym Zhorin, a Ukrainian commander in the region, also confirmed that Russian forces are facing challenges in advancing since the capture of Avdiivka and several neighbouring villages. He mentioned that their latest target is the village of Orlivka. "They are constantly attempting to advance and make progress wherever possible," Zhorin wrote on Telegram. "Despite significant losses, they persist in launching assaults, both day and night." This comes as the Ukrainian forces faced a setback after nine months of relatively stable front lines when the eastern city of Avdiivka fell to Russian forces earlier in February after enduring months of devastating attacks. Ukraine was compelled to pull back its troops from several neighbouring areas due to Russia's continuous offensive and dwindling ammunition supplies. To replenish these supplies, Ukraine urgently requires a vital aid package from the US, which has been delayed by Republicans in Congress. (With inputs from agencies)

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