<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague."</p>

<h2><strong>Wagner chief commands fighters to retreat</strong></h2>

<p>In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary, commanded his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed.</p>

<p>His move came after Belarus asserted that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.”</p>

<p>The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin&nbsp;had made an emergency television broadcast railing against the “deadly threat to our state”.</p>

<p>Progozhin said that he wanted to avoid shedding Russian blood and would order his troops back to their bases instead.</p>

<p>“Now the moment has come when blood can be shed,” he said. “Therefore, realising all the responsibility for the fact that Russian blood will be shed from one side, we will turn our convoys around and go in the opposite direction to our field camps.”<br />
<br />
The Kremlin announced later on Saturday night that Prigozhin would move to Belarus under a deal to end what was in effect the country’s first armed coup in decades.</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case that had been opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped, and the Wagner fighters who had taken part in his “march for justice” would not face any action in recognition of their previous service to Russia.</p>

<p>The Kremlin had earlier been forced to mobilise its forces and prepare defences as Prigozhin sent a convoy of armed troops towards Moscow.</p>

<p>Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops within the country on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Saturday, thanked Belarus leader, Alexander Lukashenko, after the chief of mercenary group, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin announced he was turning around his forces. "The President of Belarus informed the President of Russia in detail about the results of negotiations with the leadership of PMC Wagner," Lukashenko's press service released a statement saying as quoted by news agency AFP, adding Putin "thanked his Belarusian colleague." Wagner chief commands fighters to retreat In a dramatic turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary, commanded his fighters to retreat from their advance toward Moscow to prevent any violent confrontation or avert the potential bloodshed. His move came after Belarus asserted that President Alexander Lukashenko was able to persuade the Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin to cease his march toward Moscow. If the claims are to be believed, it can lead to a potential end to the coup attempt in Russia, the first in the last 30 years. Media reports citing Lukashenko's press service said the president engaged in extensive negotiations with Prigozhin throughout the "entire day" after establishing a mutual understanding with Putin. Before his negotiations with Wagner's chief, he held talks with Putin and they agreed on joint actions and “additionally clarifying the situation through his own channels.” The press service stated that Prigozhin has accepted Lukashenko's appeal to halt the movement. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had made an emergency television broadcast railing against the “deadly threat to our state”. Progozhin said that he wanted to avoid shedding Russian blood and would order his troops back to their bases instead. “Now the moment has come when blood can be shed,” he said. “Therefore, realising all the responsibility for the fact that Russian blood will be shed from one side, we will turn our convoys around and go in the opposite direction to our field camps.” The Kremlin announced later on Saturday night that Prigozhin would move to Belarus under a deal to end what was in effect the country’s first armed coup in decades. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the criminal case that had been opened against Prigozhin for armed mutiny would be dropped, and the Wagner fighters who had taken part in his “march for justice” would not face any action in recognition of their previous service to Russia. The Kremlin had earlier been forced to mobilise its forces and prepare defences as Prigozhin sent a convoy of armed troops towards Moscow. Before Wagner chief's decision to turn back his forces, Ukraine's defence ministry mocked the presence of Russian troops within the country on Saturday, urging them to return home and participate in the ongoing clashes between rebel mercenaries and Russia's military. The ministry's statement questioned the reason behind Russian soldiers still being stationed in challenging conditions instead of supporting their comrades involved in the conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian ministry asked, "why Russian soldiers are still sitting in muddy trenches rather than running to the aid of their comrades on both sides of the conflict. That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanks Belarus leader after Wagner chief announces turnaround

<p>The Russian authorities charged Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin with mutiny after he called on his troops to oust the country’s military leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Wagner chief has been accused of "incitement to armed rebellion" after he asked Russians to join his 25,000 Wagner fighters against defence minister Sergei Shoigu and other top military commanders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin's primacy in the Kremlin is yet to be completely ruled out.</p>

<p>Prigozhin, whose Wagner mercenary group&nbsp;helped Russia seize the city of Bakhmut, accused the Russian military of carrying out a strike on its camp, as he threatened Shoigu, declaring:&nbsp;"This scum will be stopped!"</p>

<p>Prigozhin also claimed that his forces had shot down a Russian military aircraft, a claim which is yet to be verified.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>All 'necessary measures' have been taken: Kremlin</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin was informed about the developing situation and that "all necessary measures" were being taken.</p>

<p>According to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, security was tightened in Moscow at government facilities and key infrastructure with the Russian National Guard and security forces being put on alert.</p>

<p>"Special services and law enforcement agencies, namely the Defense Ministry, Federal Security Service, Interior Ministry and the Russian Guard, constantly report to the president in a round-the-clock mode on the measures taken in the context of the implementation of his earlier instructions," Peskov said in a statement in the early hours of Saturday.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

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The Russian authorities charged Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin with mutiny after he called on his troops to oust the country’s military leadership. The Wagner chief has been accused of "incitement to armed rebellion" after he asked Russians to join his 25,000 Wagner fighters against defence minister Sergei Shoigu and other top military commanders.

The Russian authorities charged Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin with mutiny after he called on his troops to oust the country’s military leadership. The Wagner chief has been accused of "incitement to armed rebellion" after he asked Russians to join his 25,000 Wagner fighters against defence minister Sergei Shoigu and other top military commanders. A threat to Russian President Vladimir Putin's primacy in the Kremlin is yet to be completely ruled out. Prigozhin, whose Wagner mercenary group helped Russia seize the city of Bakhmut, accused the Russian military of carrying out a strike on its camp, as he threatened Shoigu, declaring: "This scum will be stopped!" Prigozhin also claimed that his forces had shot down a Russian military aircraft, a claim which is yet to be verified. All 'necessary measures' have been taken: Kremlin Meanwhile, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin was informed about the developing situation and that "all necessary measures" were being taken. According to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, security was tightened in Moscow at government facilities and key infrastructure with the Russian National Guard and security forces being put on alert. "Special services and law enforcement agencies, namely the Defense Ministry, Federal Security Service, Interior Ministry and the Russian Guard, constantly report to the president in a round-the-clock mode on the measures taken in the context of the implementation of his earlier instructions," Peskov said in a statement in the early hours of Saturday. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny

Ukrainian missiles struck the bridge that Russians used to transport equipment to parts of Ukraine. Russia has now threatened Ukraine. What will Russia do? How is Ukraine's counter-offensive progressing? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine attacks the Chonhar bridge | How will Russia retaliate?

<p lang="en-US">Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the Russians on Saturday, said that necessary orders have been given to the troops to neutralise those who have orchestrated the armed rebellion.<br />
<br />
The president addressed the nation as Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's armed forces declared to have gained control over the Russian city of RostoV and his army continued to 'march' towards the capital to oust the military leadership of the country.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Putin appeals for 'unity', says won't allow civil war</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">"I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and special services, to the soldiers and commanders who are now fighting in their combat positions, repelling enemy attacks – they are doing it heroically. I know. Today, I once again spoke with the commanders of all directions. I also appeal to those who, by deceit or threats, were dragged into a criminal adventure, pushed onto the path of a grave crime – an armed rebellion,” Putin said, in his address.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-issues-arrest-warrant-against-wagner-chief-after-his-call-for-mutiny-608089">Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">"This is a battle when the fate of our people is being decided, it requires the unity of all forces, unity, consolidation and responsibility, when everything that weakens us, any strife that our external enemies can use and use to undermine us from the inside must be thrown aside".</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Putin calls Wagner chief's actions 'stab in the back', 'betrayal'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">"The actions that split our unity are, in fact, apostasy from our people, from our comrades-in-arms who are now fighting at the front. This is a stab in the back to our country and our people. We will protect both our people and our statehood from any threats, including from internal betrayal, and what we are faced with is precisely betrayal&nbsp;to the cause for which, side by side with our other units and subunits, the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group fought and died,” the Russian president said.<br />
<br />
"I believe that we will save and defend what is dear and sacred to us. Together with our homeland, we will overcome any trials, we will become even stronger. Everyone who deliberately took the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, took the path of rebellion and terrorist methods will suffer inevitable punishment, will answer before the law and before our people,” he added.<br />
<br />
The Wagner chief is facing accusations of "incitement to armed rebellion" as he asked Russians to support his 25,000 Wagner fighters against Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Prigozhin has been charged with armed mutiny and can face up to 20 years of imprisonment, as per TASS.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner chief accuses Russia military of bombing its forces</strong></p>

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<p lang="en-US">"Amid the seriousness of the situation and the threat of escalation of confrontation in the Russian Federation the FSB has opened a criminal case into the fact of a call for an armed rebellion on the part of Yevgeny Prigozhin," the Federal Security Service’s Public Relations Centre said.<br />
<br />
Russia, which has been engaging with Ukraine in one of the longest wars, is on the brink of civil war and feared a coup as it faced a rebellion from the Wagner group. Amid the escalating situation, an "anti-terrorist operation regime" has been declared in Moscow and all public events have been cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the Russians on Saturday, said that necessary orders have been given to the troops to neutralise those who have orchestrated the armed rebellion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the Russians on Saturday, said that necessary orders have been given to the troops to neutralise those who have orchestrated the armed rebellion. The president addressed the nation as Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's armed forces declared to have gained control over the Russian city of RostoV and his army continued to 'march' towards the capital to oust the military leadership of the country. Putin appeals for 'unity', says won't allow civil war "I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and special services, to the soldiers and commanders who are now fighting in their combat positions, repelling enemy attacks – they are doing it heroically. I know. Today, I once again spoke with the commanders of all directions. I also appeal to those who, by deceit or threats, were dragged into a criminal adventure, pushed onto the path of a grave crime – an armed rebellion,” Putin said, in his address. ALSO READ | Russia orders Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s arrest after his call for mutiny "This is a battle when the fate of our people is being decided, it requires the unity of all forces, unity, consolidation and responsibility, when everything that weakens us, any strife that our external enemies can use and use to undermine us from the inside must be thrown aside". Putin calls Wagner chief's actions 'stab in the back', 'betrayal' "The actions that split our unity are, in fact, apostasy from our people, from our comrades-in-arms who are now fighting at the front. This is a stab in the back to our country and our people. We will protect both our people and our statehood from any threats, including from internal betrayal, and what we are faced with is precisely betrayal to the cause for which, side by side with our other units and subunits, the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group fought and died,” the Russian president said. "I believe that we will save and defend what is dear and sacred to us. Together with our homeland, we will overcome any trials, we will become even stronger. Everyone who deliberately took the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, took the path of rebellion and terrorist methods will suffer inevitable punishment, will answer before the law and before our people,” he added. The Wagner chief is facing accusations of "incitement to armed rebellion" as he asked Russians to support his 25,000 Wagner fighters against Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Prigozhin has been charged with armed mutiny and can face up to 20 years of imprisonment, as per TASS. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Wagner chief accuses Russia military of bombing its forces "Amid the seriousness of the situation and the threat of escalation of confrontation in the Russian Federation the FSB has opened a criminal case into the fact of a call for an armed rebellion on the part of Yevgeny Prigozhin," the Federal Security Service’s Public Relations Centre said. Russia, which has been engaging with Ukraine in one of the longest wars, is on the brink of civil war and feared a coup as it faced a rebellion from the Wagner group. Amid the escalating situation, an "anti-terrorist operation regime" has been declared in Moscow and all public events have been cancelled. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'This is treason': Putin appeals for 'unity', calls Wagner mutiny 'deadly threat' to Russia

<p>Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country.</p>

<p>"Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media.</p>

<p>The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.</p>

<p>"The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said.</p>

<p>Air raid alerts rang across&nbsp; Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas.</p>

<p>The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type.</p>

<p>Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky</strong></h2>

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<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south.</p>

<p>“We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television.</p>

<p>Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive.</p>

<p>So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he&nbsp;would have expected.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’</strong></h2>

<p>The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula.</p>

<p>In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol.</p>

<p>“In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said.</p>

<p>“In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

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Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.

Ukraine on Friday claimed to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russian forces overnight targeting an airfield in the west of the country. "Thirteen of the occupiers' cruise missiles were destroyed on June 23.... This time, the attack was aimed at a military airfield in the Khmelnytskyi region," the Ukrainian air force said on social media. The country’s air force said that four TU-95 bombers fired 13 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea against a military airfield in Khmelnytskyi Oblast. "The launches were carried out around midnight from the Caspian Sea from four Tu-95MS bombers," the air force statement said. Air raid alerts rang across Ukraine early on Friday, with warnings of Russian missile and drone attacks issued over wide areas. The military also alleged that it has eliminated one reconnaissance drone of an unspecified type. Mayor of Khmelnytskyi, Oleksandr Symchyshyn reported explosions in the town with a pre-war population of around 275,000 and praised Ukrainian air defence systems. Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky Meanwhile, Ukraine’s armed forces said they have halted a Russian offensive towards the cities of Kupiansk and Lyman in the east of the country, and are advancing in the south. “We had very fierce battles in the Kupiansk and Lyman directions, but our soldiers stopped the enemy there,” Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar told Ukrainian television. Attacks on Russia-held regions have intensified over the past month, after Ukraine received military aid to start its counter-offensive. So far, it has retaken eight villages during its counteroperation, its first substantial gains on the battlefield for seven months, but Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted that it has not been smooth sailing as he would have expected. ‘Russian Navy likely training dolphins’ The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its report has claimed that Russia has been training combat dolphins in the Crimean peninsula. In its daily intelligence update, the report said that the Russian Navy has invested heavily in security at the Black Sea Fleet’s main base at Sevastopol. “In recent weeks, these defences have highly likely also been augmented by an increased number of trained marine mammals. Imagery shows a near doubling of floating mammal pens in the harbour which highly likely contain bottle-nosed dolphins,” the report said. “In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia

<p>The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders.</p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-e2bfd44a-7fff-72d5-ff48-4d5ecb69e0bc">What was the report about?</b></h2>

<p dir="ltr">The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>What did it find about Russia and Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings</strong></h2>

<p>In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22).

The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders. What was the report about? The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022. The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals. The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict. Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war. The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen. Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters. What did it find about Russia and Ukraine? According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters. The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP. On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”. Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago. ‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces. “I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP. It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021. Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. (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.

UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Ukrainian spies have received an information on how Russia is considering to carry out a terror attack at the Zaporizhzhia Plant.

Russia considering nuclear plant terror attack: Zelensky

Ukrainian forces have carried out a missile strike on a bridge connecting Ukraine’s Kherson region and Crimea, Russia-appointed officials in both regions said on Friday. Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed Kherson governor, said the bridge was likely to have been attacked by Storm Shadow missiles that damaged the road, but traffic has been diverted to a different route. No casualties have been reported.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine strikes key bridge between mainland and Crimea

<p>A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Pentagon says it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion<a href="https://t.co/GesSDyU1xV">pic.twitter.com/GesSDyU1xV</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1671297929200685056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>This adjustment has now led to a surplus in American coffers which the administration plans to use in future security packages meant to shore up Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. Of $6.2 billion, there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous year ending September 2022.<br />
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“It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated&nbsp;for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns,” the spokeswoman said.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine’s new counter-offensive against Russia</strong></h2>

<p>In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, new developments have emerged as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against the Kremlin's occupying forces. This move aims to reclaim the territory that has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Fake image of explosion at Pentagon briefly goes viral</strong></p>

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<p>However, Ukrainian forces are encountering challenges such as heavily mined areas and fortified defences, as stated by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia’s assault on Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its assault on the Kyiv region by deploying numerous Shahed exploding drones. This attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the air defence system of Ukraine, which has been engaged in warfare for nearly 16 months. Ukrainian officials reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 32 out of the 35 drones launched by Russia early on Tuesday.</p>

<h2><strong>USA’s military aid to Ukraine so far</strong></h2>

<p>Initially estimated on June 13, the US had pledged over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. However, with the new calculation, it appears that the actual amount of aid provided by the US is less than $34 billion.</p>

<p>It is difficult for officials to determine the exact remaining funds available for drawdowns or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which offers long-term funding for the procurement of various weapons, including larger air defence systems.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-daniel-ellsbergs-history-defining-disclosure-with-pentagon-papers-that-rocked-white-house-605431"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Explained | Daniel Ellsberg's history-defining expose of Pentagon Papers that rocked White House</strong></a></p>

<p>In response to Russia's invasion, the US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine, totalling approximately $113 billion. Some of this financial support has been allocated to replenishing US military equipment that was deployed to the frontlines.</p>

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A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon said Tuesday that it overestimated the value of weapons it sent to Ukraine over the last two years by a whopping $6.2 billion. Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s spokeswoman revealed that the accounting error took place as military officials took into account the replacement cost rather than the book value of the weapons pulled from the Pentagon stocks to be delivered to the war-torn nation. BREAKING: Pentagon says it overestimated the value of the weapons it has sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billionpic.twitter.com/GesSDyU1xV — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) June 20, 2023 × This adjustment has now led to a surplus in American coffers which the administration plans to use in future security packages meant to shore up Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia. Of $6.2 billion, there was an error of $3.6 billion in the current fiscal year and $2.6 billion in the previous year ending September 2022. “It’s just going to go back into the pot of money that we have allocated for the future Pentagon stock drawdowns,” the spokeswoman said. Ukraine’s new counter-offensive against Russia In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, new developments have emerged as Ukraine launches a counteroffensive against the Kremlin's occupying forces. This move aims to reclaim the territory that has been under Russian control since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Watch: Fake image of explosion at Pentagon briefly goes viral × However, Ukrainian forces are encountering challenges such as heavily mined areas and fortified defences, as stated by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander in chief of Ukraine's armed forces. Russia’s assault on Ukraine Simultaneously, Russia has intensified its assault on the Kyiv region by deploying numerous Shahed exploding drones. This attack has exposed vulnerabilities in the air defence system of Ukraine, which has been engaged in warfare for nearly 16 months. Ukrainian officials reported that they successfully intercepted and destroyed 32 out of the 35 drones launched by Russia early on Tuesday. USA’s military aid to Ukraine so far Initially estimated on June 13, the US had pledged over $40 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. However, with the new calculation, it appears that the actual amount of aid provided by the US is less than $34 billion. It is difficult for officials to determine the exact remaining funds available for drawdowns or the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which offers long-term funding for the procurement of various weapons, including larger air defence systems. Also read: Explained | Daniel Ellsberg's history-defining expose of Pentagon Papers that rocked White House In response to Russia's invasion, the US has approved four rounds of aid to Ukraine, totalling approximately $113 billion. Some of this financial support has been allocated to replenishing US military equipment that was deployed to the frontlines. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US overestimated value of weapons sent to Ukraine by $6.2 billion: Pentagon

<p>Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry in Kyiv said, "In 2023, the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine plans to train 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel, including soldiers of the territorial defence forces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement comes after EU officials made a pledge earlier this year in February that it would train 30,000 Ukrainian troops, building on an initial target of 15,000 personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-air-strikes-hit-kyiv-other-regions-far-from-front-lines-606608">Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>EU offers Ukraine over 50 billion dollars through 2027&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The EU said on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27. EU's president said ahead of a gathering in London to secure short-term financing and money to rebuild the nation from Russia's war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first part of a "Green Marshall Plan" for reconstruction, Ukraine asked up to $40 billion from the London conference starting on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the World Bank estimates, the war-ravaged nation needs more than $400 billion over a decade, which is three times Ukraine's GDP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Rostyslav Shurma, who is a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, told Reuters the first focus would be the iron and steel industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency said in its report that in 2021, the sector provided around 10% of Ukrainian GDP, a third of export income, and employed over 600,000 people. Shurma said that it accounted for 15% of the country's carbon emissions. The official said that he believes there is now a potential to establish an economy based on renewable energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"If you have to rebuild, it is logical to rebuild green in line with new technologies ... Our vision is to build a 50 million tonnes green steel industry in Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p>Shurma added that many of the country's damaged legacy steel plants were built in locations that suited their reliance on coal as a power source, but now, they were free to build closer to the iron ore deposits and away from the Donbas region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim was to "provide predictable finance to Ukraine on its EU path, together with global partners and the private sector."&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a conference aimed at encouraging private companies to invest in the country's reconstruction after Russia's invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would set out a new assistance package for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units.

Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units. The defence ministry in Kyiv said, "In 2023, the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine plans to train 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel, including soldiers of the territorial defence forces." The statement comes after EU officials made a pledge earlier this year in February that it would train 30,000 Ukrainian troops, building on an initial target of 15,000 personnel. Also read: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline EU offers Ukraine over 50 billion dollars through 2027 The EU said on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27. EU's president said ahead of a gathering in London to secure short-term financing and money to rebuild the nation from Russia's war. For the first part of a "Green Marshall Plan" for reconstruction, Ukraine asked up to $40 billion from the London conference starting on Wednesday. According to the World Bank estimates, the war-ravaged nation needs more than $400 billion over a decade, which is three times Ukraine's GDP. Also read: Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Rostyslav Shurma, who is a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, told Reuters the first focus would be the iron and steel industry. The news agency said in its report that in 2021, the sector provided around 10% of Ukrainian GDP, a third of export income, and employed over 600,000 people. Shurma said that it accounted for 15% of the country's carbon emissions. The official said that he believes there is now a potential to establish an economy based on renewable energy. Watch this report: × "If you have to rebuild, it is logical to rebuild green in line with new technologies ... Our vision is to build a 50 million tonnes green steel industry in Ukraine," he said. Shurma added that many of the country's damaged legacy steel plants were built in locations that suited their reliance on coal as a power source, but now, they were free to build closer to the iron ore deposits and away from the Donbas region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim was to "provide predictable finance to Ukraine on its EU path, together with global partners and the private sector." At a conference aimed at encouraging private companies to invest in the country's reconstruction after Russia's invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would set out a new assistance package for Ukraine. (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.

Kyiv says EU countries to train 30,000 Ukraine troops in 2023

<p>During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties,” Putin said, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Meeting with African leaders</strong></h2>

<p>The African&nbsp;leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands were in the meeting. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met Volodymyr Zelensky, before their meeting with President Putin.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-expected-to-be-asked-to-extend-another-term-as-nato-chief-amid-replacement-challenges-605543">Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges</a></p>

<p>South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his stance before Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasising the urgent need for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stressed that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. President Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing conflict not only on the African continent but also on numerous countries worldwide.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-calls-on-nawaz-sharif-to-become-pakistan-pm-again-lead-election-campaign-605527">Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign</a></p>

<p>"This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world," he said as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Significance for Africa's food supply</strong></h2>

<p>The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy</strong></p>

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<p>The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains.</p>

<h2><strong>African leaders advocate for peace&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>African leaders, including Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, expressed their desire for peace between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution.</p>

<h2><strong>Diplomatic efforts in Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>The African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, where they called for peace and expressed their concerns over the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Africa. Rising grain prices had adversely affected the continent, prompting the leaders to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.</p>

<p>"There should be peace through negotiations," Ramaphosa told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela multiple times during a news conference held after talks with Ukrainian President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During their visit to Kyiv, the African leaders faced a tense situation as air raid sirens sounded across the city, indicating the detection of incoming Russian missiles. The delegation had to take shelter during this alarming situation.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian air force response</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly responded to the missile threat and successfully shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, were wounded according to regional police, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict.

During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict. “We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties,” Putin said, reported Reuters. Meeting with African leaders The African leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands were in the meeting. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met Volodymyr Zelensky, before their meeting with President Putin. Also Read | Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his stance before Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasising the urgent need for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end. He stressed that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. President Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing conflict not only on the African continent but also on numerous countries worldwide. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign "This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world," he said as per reports. Significance for Africa's food supply The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine. Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy × The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains. African leaders advocate for peace African leaders, including Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, expressed their desire for peace between Russia and Ukraine. They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic efforts in Kyiv The African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, where they called for peace and expressed their concerns over the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Africa. Rising grain prices had adversely affected the continent, prompting the leaders to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. "There should be peace through negotiations," Ramaphosa told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela multiple times during a news conference held after talks with Ukrainian President. "To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky said. During their visit to Kyiv, the African leaders faced a tense situation as air raid sirens sounded across the city, indicating the detection of incoming Russian missiles. The delegation had to take shelter during this alarming situation. Ukrainian air force response The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly responded to the missile threat and successfully shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, were wounded according to regional police, as per media reports. (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. ×

'Open for dialogue on Ukraine', Putin tells African leaders, welcomes their balanced approach on conflict

Kakhovka dam burst on June 6 in Ukraine's Kharson - flooded most of the villages along the banks of river Dnipro. The dam breached and unleashed a flood of water and now as the water recedes the extent of the destruction and the destruction is becoming more visible.

Aftermath of Kakhovka dam burst: At least 29 people dead after floods leave trail of destruction

The Russia-Ukraine war is escalating to an unprecedented level. Both nations are unleashing a massive missile barrage on each other. The estimation of the cost of damage done by far is insurmountable. As per the World Bank’s latest estimate, the cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction has grown to $411 billion.

What is Ukraine's 'Green Marshall Plan'? How is Ukraine planning to reconstruct itself?

<p>Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades.</p>

<p>This new case against the opposition leader is occurring amidst an escalated crackdown in Moscow, over a year into the country's offensive in Ukraine, resulting in the imprisonment or exile of numerous key opposition figures.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The upcoming trial of Alexei Navalny</strong></h2>

<p>The trial starts Monday. It will be conducted in the maximum-security IK-6 penal colony in Melekhovo, located approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow, where Navalny is currently incarcerated.</p>

<p>As per Navalny, prosecutors had provided him with an extensive 3,828-page document outlining the alleged crimes he committed while in prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/109-navalny-supporters-including-underage-child-arrested-by-russian-police-600624">Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police</a></strong></p>

<p>"Although it is clear from the size of the tomes that I am a sophisticated and persistent criminal, it is impossible to find out what exactly I am accused of," he remarked.</p>

<p>Among the charges, Navalny faces are financing extremist activity, publicly inciting extremist activities, and "rehabilitating the Nazi ideology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This trial marks the first overtly political case against him, according to his team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to AFP, Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, emphasised that "he is being tried for his political work".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yarmysh added that the initial court hearing on Monday is expected to be open to the public, but there remains the possibility that reporters can be banned from covering the proceedings "even three minutes after the start".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, Navalny revealed that he had been informed of an impending trial by a military tribunal on charges of "terrorism," which could result in a life sentence.</p>

<h2><strong>The imprisoned Kremlin critic</strong></h2>

<p>Navalny, who as per AFP, is known for his ability to mobilise large-scale anti-Kremlin protests, is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement charges, which his supporters view as a form of punishment for his political activities.</p>

<p>The 47-year-old Navalny was arrested in 2021 upon his return from Germany, where he had been recuperating from a poison attack the previous year, an incident he attributed to the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While in prison, Navalny has experienced significant weight loss and now faces the prospect of up to another 30 years of incarceration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/navalny-says-he-faces-30-more-years-in-prison-in-absurd-terrorism-case-586380">Navalny says he faces 30 more years in prison in 'absurd' terrorism case</a></strong></p>

<p>Navalny's team alleges that he has faced harassment in prison, including being placed in a "punishment cell" for perceived violations. He claimed that prison officials compelled him to share a cell with a 'sick, foul-smelling inmate' and subjected him, along with other prisoners, to "torture by Putin," forcing them to listen to speeches by the Russian president.</p>

<p>On his third birthday behind bars in early June, Navalny stated that he was "in a really good mood" but expressed a heartfelt desire to wake up outside the prison.</p>

<p>"Of course, I wish I didn't have to wake up in this hellhole and instead have breakfast with my family, receive kisses on the cheek from my children,&nbsp;unwrap presents."</p>

<h2><strong>How is Navalny communicating from inside the prison?</strong></h2>

<p>As per AFP, Navalny has established a substantial social media operation, producing videos that expose the corruption of Russian elites close to President Vladimir Putin. Despite his incarceration, he continues to communicate through social media platforms with the assistance of his team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February, he asserted that Moscow's defeat in Ukraine was "inevitable" and that Russia should be held accountable for Ukraine's losses once the conflict ends.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades. This new case against the opposition leader is occurring amidst an escalated crackdown in Moscow, over a year into the country's offensive in Ukraine, resulting in the imprisonment or exile of numerous key opposition figures. The upcoming trial of Alexei Navalny The trial starts Monday. It will be conducted in the maximum-security IK-6 penal colony in Melekhovo, located approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow, where Navalny is currently incarcerated. As per Navalny, prosecutors had provided him with an extensive 3,828-page document outlining the alleged crimes he committed while in prison. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's 109 supporters, including underage child arrested by Russian police "Although it is clear from the size of the tomes that I am a sophisticated and persistent criminal, it is impossible to find out what exactly I am accused of," he remarked. Among the charges, Navalny faces are financing extremist activity, publicly inciting extremist activities, and "rehabilitating the Nazi ideology. This trial marks the first overtly political case against him, according to his team. Speaking to AFP, Navalny's spokeswoman, Kira Yarmysh, emphasised that "he is being tried for his political work". Yarmysh added that the initial court hearing on Monday is expected to be open to the public, but there remains the possibility that reporters can be banned from covering the proceedings "even three minutes after the start". In April, Navalny revealed that he had been informed of an impending trial by a military tribunal on charges of "terrorism," which could result in a life sentence. The imprisoned Kremlin critic Navalny, who as per AFP, is known for his ability to mobilise large-scale anti-Kremlin protests, is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence on embezzlement charges, which his supporters view as a form of punishment for his political activities. The 47-year-old Navalny was arrested in 2021 upon his return from Germany, where he had been recuperating from a poison attack the previous year, an incident he attributed to the Kremlin. While in prison, Navalny has experienced significant weight loss and now faces the prospect of up to another 30 years of incarceration. Also read | Navalny says he faces 30 more years in prison in 'absurd' terrorism case Navalny's team alleges that he has faced harassment in prison, including being placed in a "punishment cell" for perceived violations. He claimed that prison officials compelled him to share a cell with a 'sick, foul-smelling inmate' and subjected him, along with other prisoners, to "torture by Putin," forcing them to listen to speeches by the Russian president. On his third birthday behind bars in early June, Navalny stated that he was "in a really good mood" but expressed a heartfelt desire to wake up outside the prison. "Of course, I wish I didn't have to wake up in this hellhole and instead have breakfast with my family, receive kisses on the cheek from my children, unwrap presents." How is Navalny communicating from inside the prison? As per AFP, Navalny has established a substantial social media operation, producing videos that expose the corruption of Russian elites close to President Vladimir Putin. Despite his incarceration, he continues to communicate through social media platforms with the assistance of his team. In February, he asserted that Moscow's defeat in Ukraine was "inevitable" and that Russia should be held accountable for Ukraine's losses once the conflict ends. (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.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes

<p>A Russia-installed official, on Sunday (June 18) acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have recaptured Piatykhatky village in the southern Zapororizhzhia region, in what might be the second&nbsp;reported gains in the region since Kyiv began its counteroffensive, earlier this month. Meanwhile, both Ukrainian and Russian officials have reported a rise in the death toll after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>D<strong>eath toll due to Kakhovka dam breach rises</strong></h2>

<p>The death toll from the floods due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam rose to 16 in Ukraine, said the officials in Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Russia-installed official in the Moscow-occupied parts of the Kherson region, Andrei Alekseyenko, took to Telegram and said at least 29 people have lost their lives due to the flood, as of late Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Ukrainian interior ministry, in a statement also said that more than 3,600 people have been evacuated from the flooded areas in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions and some 31 were still missing. Additionally, as of late Saturday, at least 1,300 were flooded, said the Ukrainian officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The destruction of the Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River has prompted the evacuation of thousands of people after it unleashed a flood in several parts of southern Ukraine and in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of destroying the dam, a team of international legal experts who are helping prosecutors in Kyiv with the investigation, in their preliminary findings on Friday said it was “highly likely” that the collapse of the Soviet-era dam was caused by explosives planted by Russians.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian forces reportedly take over another village</strong></h2>

<p>In what might be the second gain&nbsp;for the Ukrainian forces along the southern Zaporizhzhia region front, a Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov reported that Kyiv has taken over the settlement of Piatykhatky. Rogov took to Telegram and said Ukrainian forces have entrenched themselves there while coming under fire from Russian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The enemy’s ‘wave-like’ offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses,” said the Russian official, adding that heavy fighting continues in the area. The claim was not immediately confirmed by Kyiv. This also comes days after&nbsp;Ukraine said it regained&nbsp;control of&nbsp;Lobkove, a village adjacent to Piatykhatky in Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry, in a statement on Sunday said&nbsp;its forces had repelled a series of Ukrainian attacks across three sections of the front line with "most active actions" in&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia direction while also mentioning&nbsp;attempts to attack in the&nbsp;South-Donetsk and Donetsk directions. However, the ministry did not confirm the Russian-installed official's claim.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine claims to have destroyed ‘significant’ ammunition depot in Kherso</strong>n</h2>

<p>A spokesperson for the Odesa military administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, on Sunday, claimed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a “significant” ammunition depot near the Russian-occupied port city of Henichesk in Kherson. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video message, Bratchuk, said, “Our armed forces dealt a good blow in the morning - and a very loud one - in the village of Rykove, Henichesk district, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region.” He added, “There was a very significant ammunition depot. It was destroyed.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

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A Russia-installed official, on Sunday (June 18) acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have recaptured Piatykhatky village in the southern Zapororizhzhia region, in what might be the second reported gains in the region since Kyiv began its counteroffensive, earlier this month.

A Russia-installed official, on Sunday (June 18) acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have recaptured Piatykhatky village in the southern Zapororizhzhia region, in what might be the second reported gains in the region since Kyiv began its counteroffensive, earlier this month. Meanwhile, both Ukrainian and Russian officials have reported a rise in the death toll after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Death toll due to Kakhovka dam breach rises The death toll from the floods due to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam rose to 16 in Ukraine, said the officials in Kyiv. Meanwhile, a Russia-installed official in the Moscow-occupied parts of the Kherson region, Andrei Alekseyenko, took to Telegram and said at least 29 people have lost their lives due to the flood, as of late Saturday. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian interior ministry, in a statement also said that more than 3,600 people have been evacuated from the flooded areas in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions and some 31 were still missing. Additionally, as of late Saturday, at least 1,300 were flooded, said the Ukrainian officials. The destruction of the Soviet-era dam on the Dnipro River has prompted the evacuation of thousands of people after it unleashed a flood in several parts of southern Ukraine and in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine. While, both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of destroying the dam, a team of international legal experts who are helping prosecutors in Kyiv with the investigation, in their preliminary findings on Friday said it was “highly likely” that the collapse of the Soviet-era dam was caused by explosives planted by Russians. Ukrainian forces reportedly take over another village In what might be the second gain for the Ukrainian forces along the southern Zaporizhzhia region front, a Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov reported that Kyiv has taken over the settlement of Piatykhatky. Rogov took to Telegram and said Ukrainian forces have entrenched themselves there while coming under fire from Russian troops. “The enemy’s ‘wave-like’ offensives yielded results, despite enormous losses,” said the Russian official, adding that heavy fighting continues in the area. The claim was not immediately confirmed by Kyiv. This also comes days after Ukraine said it regained control of Lobkove, a village adjacent to Piatykhatky in Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry, in a statement on Sunday said its forces had repelled a series of Ukrainian attacks across three sections of the front line with "most active actions" in Zaporizhzhia direction while also mentioning attempts to attack in the South-Donetsk and Donetsk directions. However, the ministry did not confirm the Russian-installed official's claim. Ukraine claims to have destroyed ‘significant’ ammunition depot in Kherson A spokesperson for the Odesa military administration, Serhiy Bratchuk, on Sunday, claimed that Ukrainian forces have destroyed a “significant” ammunition depot near the Russian-occupied port city of Henichesk in Kherson. In a video message, Bratchuk, said, “Our armed forces dealt a good blow in the morning - and a very loud one - in the village of Rykove, Henichesk district, in the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region.” He added, “There was a very significant ammunition depot. It was destroyed.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

Death toll in Kakhovka dam collapse increases to 45; Ukraine recaptures another village

<p>Russian air defence units successfully repelled a drone attack carried out by Ukrainian forces targeting a pumping station on the Druzhba oil pipeline located in the area, reported Reuters quoting Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent weeks, Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia have been increasing in intensity. Three Ukrainian military drones were destroyed during the attack in the Novozybkov district in Bryansk Oblast, Bogomaz said on Telegram. These drone attacks have been occurring more frequently in recent weeks, often focusing on energy facilities. While Russia attributes the attacks to Ukraine, Kyiv has not publicly claimed responsibility for them.</p>

<h2><strong>Druzhba pipeline and its importance</strong></h2>

<p>The Druzhba oil pipeline, capable of pumping over 2 million barrels per day (bpd), stands as a major global pipeline, providing Russian oil to numerous Eastern and Central European nations. The southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline, which was established during the Soviet era, traverses Ukraine and continues to supply crude oil to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-expected-to-be-asked-to-extend-another-term-as-nato-chief-amid-replacement-challenges-605543">Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges</a></p>

<p>Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the pipeline has faced multiple disruptions. In the past, the supply to Hungary and Slovakia through the pipeline's southern branch was temporarily halted. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the pipeline remains operational, serving as a crucial energy route for these countries.</p>

<p>Russian officials and media reported that Ukraine launched drone attacks on oil pipeline installations within Russian territory in late May, including a station that serves the Druzhba pipeline. The attacks were accompanied by shelling from Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, according to Russian sources quoted by reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>EU proposes halt of Russian oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In May, European Union (EU) put forward a proposal to officially cease the supply of Russian oil through the northern section of the Druzhba pipeline to Germany and Poland, as per documents seen by Bloomberg.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-calls-on-nawaz-sharif-to-become-pakistan-pm-again-lead-election-campaign-605527">Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign</a></p>

<p>Previously, these countries were allowed to receive Russian oil under a derogation of EU sanctions. However, exemptions permitting the flow of oil through the southern branch of the pipeline, which supplies Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, will remain unaffected.</p>

<h2><strong>No ban on Kazakh oil, imports from third countries</strong></h2>

<p>According to Bloomberg's report, there is no discussion regarding the prohibition of Kazakh oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline after the suspension of Russian oil deliveries.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy</strong></p>

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<p>Furthermore, imports originating from other third countries, even if the oil transits via Russia, are permitted under the current proposal.</p>

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Russian air defence units successfully repelled a drone attack carried out by Ukrainian forces targeting a pumping station on the Druzhba oil pipeline located in the area, reported Reuters quoting Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine.

Russian air defence units successfully repelled a drone attack carried out by Ukrainian forces targeting a pumping station on the Druzhba oil pipeline located in the area, reported Reuters quoting Alexander Bogomaz, the governor of the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. In recent weeks, Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russia have been increasing in intensity. Three Ukrainian military drones were destroyed during the attack in the Novozybkov district in Bryansk Oblast, Bogomaz said on Telegram. These drone attacks have been occurring more frequently in recent weeks, often focusing on energy facilities. While Russia attributes the attacks to Ukraine, Kyiv has not publicly claimed responsibility for them. Druzhba pipeline and its importance The Druzhba oil pipeline, capable of pumping over 2 million barrels per day (bpd), stands as a major global pipeline, providing Russian oil to numerous Eastern and Central European nations. The southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline, which was established during the Soviet era, traverses Ukraine and continues to supply crude oil to Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Also Read | Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges Unfortunately, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the pipeline has faced multiple disruptions. In the past, the supply to Hungary and Slovakia through the pipeline's southern branch was temporarily halted. Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the pipeline remains operational, serving as a crucial energy route for these countries. Russian officials and media reported that Ukraine launched drone attacks on oil pipeline installations within Russian territory in late May, including a station that serves the Druzhba pipeline. The attacks were accompanied by shelling from Ukraine, which resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, according to Russian sources quoted by reports. EU proposes halt of Russian oil supplies via Druzhba pipeline In May, European Union (EU) put forward a proposal to officially cease the supply of Russian oil through the northern section of the Druzhba pipeline to Germany and Poland, as per documents seen by Bloomberg. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign Previously, these countries were allowed to receive Russian oil under a derogation of EU sanctions. However, exemptions permitting the flow of oil through the southern branch of the pipeline, which supplies Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, will remain unaffected. No ban on Kazakh oil, imports from third countries According to Bloomberg's report, there is no discussion regarding the prohibition of Kazakh oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline after the suspension of Russian oil deliveries. Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy × Furthermore, imports originating from other third countries, even if the oil transits via Russia, are permitted under the current proposal. 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 thwarts drone attack on Druzhba oil pipeline station near Ukraine border

<p>An African delegation led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Ukraine in a bid to broker peace talks with Russia, but, according to AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that his country won’t engage in any peace process with the invading nation.</p>

<p>"I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky was quoted as saying by several media reports.</p>

<p>Ramaphosa reportedly called on both Ukraine and Russia to end the hostilities immediately for fostering peace. He said, “This war must be settled, and there should be peace through negotiations."</p>

<h2><strong>Russia ‘welcomes’ delegation with explosions in Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>Even as the African delegation, including leaders of Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Comoros, arrived in Ukraine on Friday, they were greeted by Russia with explosions and missile attacks on the capital city of Kyiv. According to CNN, airstrikes were so intense that the leaders were immediately rushed to bunkers.</p>

<p>The delegation is set to visit Russia on Saturday to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.<br />
<br />
Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, revealed that the attacks on Kyiv coincided with the visit by the African delegation. “Putin wants to demonstrate that he is ready to disregard the security of foreign leaders, he doesn’t really care, because he feels complete impunity. And anyone can be in the place of African leaders,” Yermak said.</p>

<h2><strong>United Africa to broker peace between Russia, Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>African leaders are visiting Ukraine and Russia in the wake of the rising energy and food crisis across the African continent, prompting the African leaders to take the peace deal initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Explosions rock Kyiv as African delegation arrives in Ukraine to begin peace mission</strong></p>

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<p>“Ramaphosa’s office described the peace initiative as “the first time that Africa is united behind the resolution of a conflict outside of our continent, and where you have a group of African heads of state and government travelling together in an attempt to find a path to peace to this conflict.”</p>

<h2><strong>Economic impact of the war on Africa</strong></h2>

<p>South Africa’s presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that the end of the war will not only end the sufferings of millions of Ukrainians but will also alleviate concerns around food and energy safety in African nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-explosions-rock-kyiv-as-african-leaders-begins-peace-mission-605186"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Putin says Ukraine offensive stands `no chance`</strong></a></p>

<p>“As you all know, Africa has been severely impacted by this conflict in terms of food insecurity, the price of grain, the price of fertiliser, but equally, this mission says to seek a road to peace that will alleviate the suffering that is being experienced by people in Ukraine,” he said.</p>

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An African delegation led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Ukraine in a bid to broker peace talks with Russia, but, according to AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that his country won’t engage in any peace process with the invading nation.

An African delegation led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Ukraine in a bid to broker peace talks with Russia, but, according to AFP, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that his country won’t engage in any peace process with the invading nation. "I clearly said several times at our meeting that to allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky was quoted as saying by several media reports. Ramaphosa reportedly called on both Ukraine and Russia to end the hostilities immediately for fostering peace. He said, “This war must be settled, and there should be peace through negotiations." Russia ‘welcomes’ delegation with explosions in Kyiv Even as the African delegation, including leaders of Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Comoros, arrived in Ukraine on Friday, they were greeted by Russia with explosions and missile attacks on the capital city of Kyiv. According to CNN, airstrikes were so intense that the leaders were immediately rushed to bunkers. The delegation is set to visit Russia on Saturday to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, revealed that the attacks on Kyiv coincided with the visit by the African delegation. “Putin wants to demonstrate that he is ready to disregard the security of foreign leaders, he doesn’t really care, because he feels complete impunity. And anyone can be in the place of African leaders,” Yermak said. United Africa to broker peace between Russia, Ukraine? African leaders are visiting Ukraine and Russia in the wake of the rising energy and food crisis across the African continent, prompting the African leaders to take the peace deal initiative. Watch: Explosions rock Kyiv as African delegation arrives in Ukraine to begin peace mission × “Ramaphosa’s office described the peace initiative as “the first time that Africa is united behind the resolution of a conflict outside of our continent, and where you have a group of African heads of state and government travelling together in an attempt to find a path to peace to this conflict.” Economic impact of the war on Africa South Africa’s presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said that the end of the war will not only end the sufferings of millions of Ukrainians but will also alleviate concerns around food and energy safety in African nations. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Putin says Ukraine offensive stands `no chance` “As you all know, Africa has been severely impacted by this conflict in terms of food insecurity, the price of grain, the price of fertiliser, but equally, this mission says to seek a road to peace that will alleviate the suffering that is being experienced by people in Ukraine,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Zelensky rejects peace talks offer with Russia as African delegation visits Kyiv

Is Ukraine's counter-offensive failing? US officials say Kyiv is facing a very 'tough fight' & might end up paying a 'high cost'. Who are these officials? Mohammad Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Has Russia blunted Ukraine's counteroffensive with NATO weapons?

Since the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, residents of Dnipropetrovsk village are facing n cute water crisis as thousands are left without clean water. Only 15% residents are left with access to tap water while other rely on water bought in by authorities.

Kakhovka dam burst: Water level in reservoir down by 5-6%, only 15% residents left with tap water

On the 27th of May, Moscow launched the Kondor FKA radar surveillance satellite. And according to the Russian military department, this high-resolution satellite will be used entirely for military purposes. And will scan the entire territory of Ukraine, twice a day for military installations. What this means is that Ukraine will have no place to hide the western weapons that are being pumped into the battlefield. Weather phenomena such as rain, thunder and clouds will not affect the radar capabilities of this satellite. And what is worse, the undisclosed weapons caches that Ukraine presently has at this moment will be exposed. But how good are these Russian surveillance satellites? And can they really change the course of this war? Mohammed Saleh gets you the details

Russia's new War Satellite exposes all Western Weapons in Ukraine

<p>The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs.</p>

<p>The ICRC said such visits are of importance to check detention conditions, offering support and sometimes books, hygiene items and other personal necessities. The visits are also vital to relay information between the prisoners and their loved ones.</p>

<p>"For the prisoners of war and their families who have been able to share news, the impact is... immeasurable," Ariane Bauer, ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan</strong></p>

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<p>The ICRC&nbsp;and&nbsp;its partners have till now delivered around 2500 personal messages between POWs and their families in the Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>The organisation said it had also helped provide around 5,500 families with information on the fate of their loved ones in the conflict.</p>

<p>Visiting the POWs forms the core to ICRC's mission which is enshrined in the Geneva conventions.</p>

<p>Geneva conventions define the laws of war.</p>

<h2><strong>Red Cross not pushing hard enough, feels Zelensky&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly criticised the Red Cross on the ultra-sensitive subject of POW visits. Zelensky has accused the&nbsp;Red Cross of not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukraine troops who are captured by Russian forces.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-belarus-begins-taking-delivery-of-russian-nuclear-weapons-604512">Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons</a></strong></p>

<p>The organisation sees it as a vital part of its mandate to "access prisoners of war on both sides", ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told reporters last week.</p>

<p>"We are progressing," she added.</p>

<p>The ICRC has said that it has access to POWs held by Russia including in recent weeks. However, the ICRC has not revealed breakdown of how many POWs on either side of the conflict it has visited on either side&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ICRC never reveals such numbers, nor any details on the conditions it finds in detention centres as part of its unrelenting commitment to neutrality.</p>

<p>Bauer acknowledged that this commitment during times of conflict, particularly Ukraine war, is often "misunderstood".</p>

<p>"Neutrality is not a moral position. It's a tool that helps us work and get access to prisoners of war, to populations in difficult situations," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs.

The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs. The ICRC said such visits are of importance to check detention conditions, offering support and sometimes books, hygiene items and other personal necessities. The visits are also vital to relay information between the prisoners and their loved ones. "For the prisoners of war and their families who have been able to share news, the impact is... immeasurable," Ariane Bauer, ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told reporters. Watch | Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan × The ICRC and its partners have till now delivered around 2500 personal messages between POWs and their families in the Ukraine conflict. The organisation said it had also helped provide around 5,500 families with information on the fate of their loved ones in the conflict. Visiting the POWs forms the core to ICRC's mission which is enshrined in the Geneva conventions. Geneva conventions define the laws of war. Red Cross not pushing hard enough, feels Zelensky Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly criticised the Red Cross on the ultra-sensitive subject of POW visits. Zelensky has accused the Red Cross of not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukraine troops who are captured by Russian forces. Also Read | Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons The organisation sees it as a vital part of its mandate to "access prisoners of war on both sides", ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told reporters last week. "We are progressing," she added. The ICRC has said that it has access to POWs held by Russia including in recent weeks. However, the ICRC has not revealed breakdown of how many POWs on either side of the conflict it has visited on either side The ICRC never reveals such numbers, nor any details on the conditions it finds in detention centres as part of its unrelenting commitment to neutrality. Bauer acknowledged that this commitment during times of conflict, particularly Ukraine war, is often "misunderstood". "Neutrality is not a moral position. It's a tool that helps us work and get access to prisoners of war, to populations in difficult situations," she said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia-Ukraine war: Red Cross visits POWs ‘on both sides’ of conflict

Deadly Russian missile strike have hit the Southern and Eastern Ukraine, this took place after Kyiv claimed fresh advances in its long-awaited counter-offensive. The UN Nuclear Chief also delayed a trip to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Russian missile strikes hits Ukraine, says 'all assigned targets hit'

<p>Radio New Zealand (RNZ) chief executive Paul Thompson has apologised for the public broadcaster's publishing of content he labelled "pro-Kremlin garbage". On Friday (June 9th), the publisher was alerted to several of its Ukraine war-related stories having been altered to support pro-Russian sentiments.</p>

<p>Following this discovery, an RNZ journalist has been placed on leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's what happened:</p>

<h2><strong>How did pro-Russian content make it to the RNZ website?</strong></h2>

<p>As per a report on the RNZ website, a digital journalist has been placed on leave after it was found that he had altered copies from news agencies like Reuters to reflect pro-Russian views.</p>

<p>When questioned, the journalist told RNZ Checkpoint that he had been subbing the stories that way for a number of years and "nobody had queried it".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-counter-offensive-kyiv-retakes-seven-villages-russia-launches-missile-strike-overnight-603707">Ukraine counter-offensive: Kyiv retakes seven villages, Russia launches missile strike overnight</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>How is Radio New Zealand rectifying the situation?</strong></h2>

<p>As per RNZ head Paul Thompson, hundreds of stories have already been audited and more would be checked "with a fine-toothed comb".</p>

<p>21 stories have already been audited and edited to reflect "balanced" reports. They've been republished with corrections and editor's notes. Thousands more will be scrutinised.</p>

<h2><strong>What do RNZ executives have to say?</strong></h2>

<p>RNZ chief Paul Thompson has apologised to listeners, readers, staff and the Ukrainian community.</p>

<p>BBC reports that talking to RNZ's Nine to Noon, Thompson said: "It's so disappointing that this pro-Kremlin garbage has ended up in our stories."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's inexcusable," he added.</p>

<p>"It is so disappointing. I'm gutted. It's painful. It's shocking," he added.&nbsp;"We have to get to the bottom of how it happened."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-frances-macron-promises-more-military-aid-to-kyiv-as-counteroffensive-begins-603681">Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins</a></strong></p>

<p>Jim Mather, a board person, said that the revelations have eroded public trust and that it will take a lot of work to come back from this.</p>

<p>"We see ourselves as guardians of a taonga and that taonga being the 98 years of history that RNZ has in terms of trusted public media and high standards of excellent journalism and so it is fair to say we are extremely disappointed," he told RNZ Checkpoint.</p>

<p>"We need to demonstrate that we are prepared to review every aspect of what has occurred to actually start the restoration process in terms of confidence in RNZ."</p>

<h2><strong>The 'pro-Kremlin' coverage</strong></h2>

<p>As per BBC, the edited articles included claims like Russia had annexed Crimea after a referendum. However, the referendum and the Russian occupation of Crimea, which is part of Ukraine's southern peninsula, are not recognised by Kyiv or the wider international community.&nbsp;The United Nations has even passed a resolution, emphasising the illegitimacy of the referendum.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extraordinary that there is so little editorial oversight at Radio New Zealand that someone employed by/contracted to them was able to rewrite online content to reflect pro-Russia stance without senior staff noticing. Accountability? Expect better from public broadcaster. <a href="https://t.co/uEqdEnndAP">https://t.co/uEqdEnndAP</a></p>
— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelenClarkNZ/status/1667459221196091393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark took to Twitter to voice her displeasure and said that she expected&nbsp;better from the public broadcaster.&nbsp;"Extraordinary that there is so little editorial oversight at Radio New Zealand that someone employed by/contracted to them was able to rewrite online content to reflect pro-Russia stance without senior staff noticing," she wrote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Radio New Zealand (RNZ) chief executive Paul Thompson has apologised for the public broadcaster's publishing of content he labelled "pro-Kremlin garbage". On Friday (June 9th), the publisher was alerted to several of its Ukraine war-related stories having been altered to support pro-Russian sentiments.

Radio New Zealand (RNZ) chief executive Paul Thompson has apologised for the public broadcaster's publishing of content he labelled "pro-Kremlin garbage". On Friday (June 9th), the publisher was alerted to several of its Ukraine war-related stories having been altered to support pro-Russian sentiments. Following this discovery, an RNZ journalist has been placed on leave. Here's what happened: How did pro-Russian content make it to the RNZ website? As per a report on the RNZ website, a digital journalist has been placed on leave after it was found that he had altered copies from news agencies like Reuters to reflect pro-Russian views. When questioned, the journalist told RNZ Checkpoint that he had been subbing the stories that way for a number of years and "nobody had queried it". Also read | Ukraine counter-offensive: Kyiv retakes seven villages, Russia launches missile strike overnight How is Radio New Zealand rectifying the situation? As per RNZ head Paul Thompson, hundreds of stories have already been audited and more would be checked "with a fine-toothed comb". 21 stories have already been audited and edited to reflect "balanced" reports. They've been republished with corrections and editor's notes. Thousands more will be scrutinised. What do RNZ executives have to say? RNZ chief Paul Thompson has apologised to listeners, readers, staff and the Ukrainian community. BBC reports that talking to RNZ's Nine to Noon, Thompson said: "It's so disappointing that this pro-Kremlin garbage has ended up in our stories." "It's inexcusable," he added. "It is so disappointing. I'm gutted. It's painful. It's shocking," he added. "We have to get to the bottom of how it happened." Also read | Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins Jim Mather, a board person, said that the revelations have eroded public trust and that it will take a lot of work to come back from this. "We see ourselves as guardians of a taonga and that taonga being the 98 years of history that RNZ has in terms of trusted public media and high standards of excellent journalism and so it is fair to say we are extremely disappointed," he told RNZ Checkpoint. "We need to demonstrate that we are prepared to review every aspect of what has occurred to actually start the restoration process in terms of confidence in RNZ." The 'pro-Kremlin' coverage As per BBC, the edited articles included claims like Russia had annexed Crimea after a referendum. However, the referendum and the Russian occupation of Crimea, which is part of Ukraine's southern peninsula, are not recognised by Kyiv or the wider international community. The United Nations has even passed a resolution, emphasising the illegitimacy of the referendum. Extraordinary that there is so little editorial oversight at Radio New Zealand that someone employed by/contracted to them was able to rewrite online content to reflect pro-Russia stance without senior staff noticing. Accountability? Expect better from public broadcaster. https://t.co/uEqdEnndAP — Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) June 10, 2023 × Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark took to Twitter to voice her displeasure and said that she expected better from the public broadcaster. "Extraordinary that there is so little editorial oversight at Radio New Zealand that someone employed by/contracted to them was able to rewrite online content to reflect pro-Russia stance without senior staff noticing," she wrote. (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.

New Zealand national broadcaster chief apologises for  'inexcusable' pro-Russia stories

<p>The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after&nbsp;the massive Kakhovka<em>&nbsp;</em>dam on the Dnipro River was breached.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Gross</strong>i</h2>

<p>The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-ukraine-deliberately-hit-kakhovka-dam-with-himars-rockets-604095">Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets</a></strong></p>

<p>The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the&nbsp;Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP)&nbsp;but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.”</p>

<p>He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv,&nbsp;said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-ukraine-war-nova-kakhovka-dam-attack-what-we-know-so-far-601391">Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant</strong>?</h2>

<p>The IAEA chief's&nbsp;trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation&nbsp;of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-frances-macron-promises-more-military-aid-to-kyiv-as-counteroffensive-begins-603681">Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins</a></strong><br />
<br />
The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chie</strong>f</h2>

<p>Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-fsb-arrests-former-defence-industry-workers-suspected-of-spying-for-ukraines-military-intelligence-603962">Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence</a></strong></p>

<p>Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached.

The United Nations nuclear energy chief, on Tuesday (June 13), visited the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky before going to Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant days after the massive Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River was breached. ‘Very concerned’ about nuclear power plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive: Grossi The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi also said that he is “very concerned” that the nuclear plant could be caught in Ukraine’s long-awaited counteroffensive which aims to retake Russian-occupied territory. This comes as Kyiv has recently claimed gains in the early stages of its counteroffensive, earlier on Tuesday. ALSO READ | Putin says Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets The IAEA chief also said there were no signs of Russian troops moving heavy military equipment to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) but can only be confirmed after his visit and said, “There shouldn’t be any military equipment or artillery or amounts of ammunition, an amount that could compromise the security of the plant.” He added, “We do not have any indication at this point, but it could not be excluded.” Grossi, addressing the press in Kyiv, said he discussed the dangers facing the ZNPP with Zelensky. Grossi also said that the largest nuclear power plant in Europe is witnessing a “relatively dangerous situation” after the collapse of the Soviet-era Nova Kakhovka dam on the Dnipro River in the Russia-occupied part of southern Ukraine. ALSO READ | Explained | What we know so far about the Nova Kakhovka dam attack in Ukraine Why is Grossi in Kyiv, travelling to nuclear power plant? The IAEA chief's trip to Ukraine comes after the UN agency, on Sunday, said that it needed to access the site near the plant to check the water levels after the dam’s reservoir which also provided water essential for cooling the six reactors at the ZNPP collapsed. The nuclear power plant which has repeatedly been caught in the crossfire between Russia and Ukraine once again sparked concerns after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Meanwhile, both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each for attacking the dam which led to dozens of deaths and prompted evacuation of thousands of people in southern Ukraine amid floods. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins The water in the cooling pond is used to keep the ZNPP’s six reactors from potentially disastrous overheating from the reservoir which is now destroyed. However, Ukraine’s nuclear energy company, Energoatom, on Tuesday said that the level of the pond was stable and that the water was enough. ‘Serious situation’ at ZNPP: IAEA chief Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Grossi said there was no immediate danger but that it was a “serious situation” due to the limited amount of water left. According to the Ukrainian energy company, as of Tuesday morning, the water level was at 16.67 metres which it said is “quite enough to meet the needs of the station”. Grossi has also called the move a “step in the wrong direction.” He added, “If there was a break in the gates that contain this water or anything like this, you would really lose all your cooling capacity.” ALSO READ | Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence Similarly, Ukrainian nuclear authorities have also said that the reservoir which was normally used to refill the pond cannot anymore because of its falling water level. However, the pond, which is separated from the reservoir, can be replenished using deep underground wells, the Ukrainian authorities added. (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.

‘Very concerned’: UN nuclear chief about Zaporizhzhia plant amid Ukraine’s counteroffensive

Russia has warned that it could use 'depleted uranium weapons' on the battlefield as Ukraine's counter-offensive escalates. Is the war about to go nuclear? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Will Russia deploy depleted Uranium weapons? | Russia's top general killed in strikes

President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine suffered massive losses in its long-awaited counter-offensive against Russian forces in Ukraine, saying Kyiv's casualties were ten times higher than Moscow's. He also said that the only way to stop the conflict was for the Western countries to end Kyiv's arms supply.

Russia Ukraine War: Putin gives warning to West, says 'They must stop sending arms to Kyiv'

<p>Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 13, Ukraine's military said early on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Russia launched four cruise missiles on the city, the South command of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. The military said earlier that two missiles were destroyed before hitting their targets.</p>

<p>"As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged," the South command said on the Telegram messaging app.</p>

<p>The three people killed were working at a retail chain's warehouse when a missile hit, setting it ablaze, the military added. Seven people were wounded there.</p>

<p>"Sifting through the debris continues," the military said. "There may be people under."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-to-retaken-ground-from-russian-forces-604064"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces</strong></a></p>

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<p>Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military administration, posted a video and photographs showing multi-storey buildings with parts of their walls missing and windows blown out, as well as firefighters battling against flames in what appeared to be a warehouse.</p>

<p>Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in their military operations.<br />
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Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 13, Ukraine's military said early on Wednesday.

Russian missiles struck civilian buildings in Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa overnight, killing at least three people and wounding 13, Ukraine's military said early on Wednesday. Russia launched four cruise missiles on the city, the South command of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. The military said earlier that two missiles were destroyed before hitting their targets. "As a result of air combat and blast waves, a business centre, an educational institution, a residential complex, food establishments and shops in the city centre were damaged," the South command said on the Telegram messaging app. The three people killed were working at a retail chain's warehouse when a missile hit, setting it ablaze, the military added. Seven people were wounded there. "Sifting through the debris continues," the military said. "There may be people under." WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces × Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa military administration, posted a video and photographs showing multi-storey buildings with parts of their walls missing and windows blown out, as well as firefighters battling against flames in what appeared to be a warehouse. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. There was no immediate comment from Russia. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in their military operations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Three killed, 13 wounded after Russian missiles strike civilian buildings in Odesa

Ukraine counter-offensive is making steady progress in Donetsk and it seems that it is verifiable on the ground as well now. President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine suffered massive losses in its long-awaited counter-offensive against Russian forces in Ukraine, saying Kyiv's casualties were ten times higher than Moscow's.

Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian flag atop village of Neskuchnme

Putin ponders if Russia should try to take Kyiv again

The Russia Ukraine War has been escalating with no end in sight after Ukraine launched the long-awaited counter-offensive on Russia last week. The conditions have bee difficult for both the sides. In a new statement, Ukraine's President Zelensky said that fighting with the Russian forces was tough for Ukraine but his forces are making progress on the battlefield.

Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine 'recaptures' areas of Zaporizhzhia, Seven villages retaken from Russia

Italians are boiling over with frustration as the price of their beloved pasta has soared to unprecedented heights. Grocery prices across Europe have been climbing due to higher energy and labor costs, as well as the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine. Despite a decline in food commodity costs, the price of pasta remains disproportionately high. A consumer advocacy group called Assoutenti has called for a weeklong national pasta strike, set to begin on June 22nd.

Italians protest soaring Pasta prices with national strike

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