On the Orthodox Easter this Sunday, as battle for Bakhmut rages on in Ukraine, some Ukrainian soldiers attended an outdoor Church service in Kivka, which is around 26 kms from the nearest front line. Ukrainian authorities had asked churches in the region to conduct Easter services online.

Under the shadow of war, Ukraine & Russia mark Orthodox Easter; 130 Ukrainian POWs released

Ukraine brings home 130 of its troops in 'big Easter POW swap' with Russia

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrapped up his visit to China on Saturday (April 15), accusing the United States of encouraging war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

During the China visit, Lula strengthened economic ties with his country's main trading partner and also pushed the narrative that "Brazil is back" as a key player on the global stage.&nbsp;

Lula's visit also emerged as a warning that the South American country's deepening relations with China were non-negotiable.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-vladimir-putin-attends-midnight-orthodox-easter-service-in-moscow-582862">Russia's Vladimir Putin attends midnight Orthodox Easter service in Moscow</a>&nbsp;

In Beijing, Lula told reporters: "The United States needs to stop encouraging war and start talking about peace. The European Union needs to start talking about peace."&nbsp;

He said that the world leaders need to "convince" Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to give peace a chance, which would be the "interest of the whole world".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US-Philippines exercise in South China sea; China irked by America's growing presence in sea&nbsp;

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After Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, the West and other allies imposed economic sanctions on Russia, however, China and Brazil didn't follow the lead.&nbsp;

They urged the warring nations to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict and both sought to position themselves as mediators to achieve peace in the conflict, which is still raging in Ukraine's east.

Ahead of the key trip, Lula had proposed creating a group of countries to mediate in the war. He had even said that he would discuss it with Beijing, but on being asked about the same, Lula did not give details.&nbsp;

He said, "It is important to have patience" to talk with Putin and Zelensky. But above all, it is necessary to convince the countries that are supplying weapons, encouraging the war, to stop."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrapped up his visit to China on Saturday (April 15), accusing the United States of encouraging war in Ukraine. During the China visit, Lula strengthened economic ties with his country's main trading partner and also pushed the narrative that "Brazil is back" as a key player on the global stage.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrapped up his visit to China on Saturday (April 15), accusing the United States of encouraging war in Ukraine. During the China visit, Lula strengthened economic ties with his country's main trading partner and also pushed the narrative that "Brazil is back" as a key player on the global stage. Lula's visit also emerged as a warning that the South American country's deepening relations with China were non-negotiable. ALSO READ | Russia's Vladimir Putin attends midnight Orthodox Easter service in Moscow In Beijing, Lula told reporters: "The United States needs to stop encouraging war and start talking about peace. The European Union needs to start talking about peace." He said that the world leaders need to "convince" Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to give peace a chance, which would be the "interest of the whole world". WATCH | US-Philippines exercise in South China sea; China irked by America's growing presence in sea × After Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, the West and other allies imposed economic sanctions on Russia, however, China and Brazil didn't follow the lead. They urged the warring nations to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict and both sought to position themselves as mediators to achieve peace in the conflict, which is still raging in Ukraine's east. Ahead of the key trip, Lula had proposed creating a group of countries to mediate in the war. He had even said that he would discuss it with Beijing, but on being asked about the same, Lula did not give details. He said, "It is important to have patience" to talk with Putin and Zelensky. But above all, it is necessary to convince the countries that are supplying weapons, encouraging the war, to stop." (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.

Brazilian president Lula says US should stop ‘encouraging’ Ukraine war

The leader of the Russian paramilitary force Wagner group and someone believed to have President Vladimir Putin's ear, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine. This he says should be done as Russia has achieved all of its planned goals in its special operation.

Russia Ukraine War: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin calls for end to war in Ukraine & declare victory

Germany has decided to shut down its last three nuclear power plants, while many Germans have been vocally anti-atomic since the beginning of the civil nuclear program. The fuel shortages due to the Russia-Ukraine war also threw a spanner over the decision.

Germany to shut down last three nuclear power plants; new plan to focus on renewable energy

Nine people, including a toddler, were killed by a Russian missile strike in eastern Ukraine, according to government sources. Seven missiles were fired. This comes after a British military assessment that indicated Ukrainian troops had been forced to retreat from some of the city of Bakhmut.

Russia air strikes kills nine in eastern Ukraine; Belarus volunteers fight against Russia

The Russian defence ministry, on Saturday (April 15), said that the fighters of Moscow’s Wagner mercenary group have captured two more areas of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The city on the frontlines has witnessed some of the deadliest battles amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has recently taken on huge symbolic importance even though analysts say it has little strategic value, as per media reports.&nbsp;

Russia claims parts of Bakhmut

In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said, “On the Donetsk direction, the fiercest fighting has been continuing in the city of Artyomovsk,” referring to the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by its Soviet-era name. It added, “Wagner assault units successfully advanced, capturing two areas on the northern and southern outskirts of the city.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-strike-on-ukraines-sloviansk-kills-eight-moscow-puts-naval-forces-on-high-alert-for-drills-582612">Russian strike on Ukraine’s Sloviansk residential area kills 8; Moscow puts naval forces on high alert</a>

The Russian defence ministry also accused Ukrainian troops of “deliberately destroying city infrastructure and residential buildings in order to slow the advance” of Moscow’s forces, as they were supposedly retreating. Additionally, the statement also said that the Russian army paratroop units were supporting the claimed advance by holding back Ukrainian forces on the flanks.&nbsp;

This also comes after Moscow claimed to have cut off Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, on Thursday. However, Ukraine has since denied these claims and said its troops had access and were able to send in munitions.&nbsp;

Who is fighting in the Ukrainian city and why?

Russia’s Wagner mercenary group which is headed by the Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has reportedly led several fights and spearheaded Russia’s attempt to take the Ukrainian city since last summer. Meanwhile, Kyiv has said that Bakhmut&nbsp;is key to holding Russian forces away from the entire eastern front.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-mercenary-group-wagner-chief-admits-facing-resistance-in-capturing-ukrainian-city-bakhmut-560926">Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions</a>

UK defence ministry update

In its intelligence updates, the United Kingdom, on Friday (April 14) said that the Ukrainian troops have been pushed back from some territory in Bakhmut as Russia mounted a renewed assault with intense artillery fire over the past two days or so. However, the Ukrainian defence still holds the western districts of the town, said the British Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

It added, “Ukrainian forces face significant resupply issues but have made orderly withdrawals from the positions they have been forced to concede.” This also comes as Russia, on Friday, had said that it would push to take the western districts of the salt mining town which before the conflict had a population of 70,000 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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. 
 
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The Russian defence ministry, on Saturday (April 15), said that the fighters of Moscow’s Wagner mercenary group have captured two more areas of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

The Russian defence ministry, on Saturday (April 15), said that the fighters of Moscow’s Wagner mercenary group have captured two more areas of the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. The city on the frontlines has witnessed some of the deadliest battles amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has recently taken on huge symbolic importance even though analysts say it has little strategic value, as per media reports. Russia claims parts of Bakhmut In a statement, the Russian defence ministry said, “On the Donetsk direction, the fiercest fighting has been continuing in the city of Artyomovsk,” referring to the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut by its Soviet-era name. It added, “Wagner assault units successfully advanced, capturing two areas on the northern and southern outskirts of the city.” ALSO READ | Russian strike on Ukraine’s Sloviansk residential area kills 8; Moscow puts naval forces on high alert The Russian defence ministry also accused Ukrainian troops of “deliberately destroying city infrastructure and residential buildings in order to slow the advance” of Moscow’s forces, as they were supposedly retreating. Additionally, the statement also said that the Russian army paratroop units were supporting the claimed advance by holding back Ukrainian forces on the flanks. This also comes after Moscow claimed to have cut off Ukrainian forces in Bakhmut, on Thursday. However, Ukraine has since denied these claims and said its troops had access and were able to send in munitions. Who is fighting in the Ukrainian city and why? Russia’s Wagner mercenary group which is headed by the Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has reportedly led several fights and spearheaded Russia’s attempt to take the Ukrainian city since last summer. Meanwhile, Kyiv has said that Bakhmut is key to holding Russian forces away from the entire eastern front. ALSO READ | Mercenary group Wagner chief says Moscow could take two years to capture eastern Ukrainian regions UK defence ministry update In its intelligence updates, the United Kingdom, on Friday (April 14) said that the Ukrainian troops have been pushed back from some territory in Bakhmut as Russia mounted a renewed assault with intense artillery fire over the past two days or so. However, the Ukrainian defence still holds the western districts of the town, said the British Ministry of Defence. It added, “Ukrainian forces face significant resupply issues but have made orderly withdrawals from the positions they have been forced to concede.” This also comes as Russia, on Friday, had said that it would push to take the western districts of the salt mining town which before the conflict had a population of 70,000 people. (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.

Russia claims parts of Bakhmut have been seized by Wagner fighters

Chinese Defense&nbsp;Minister Gen. Li Shangfu will visit Russia next week along with the Chinese State Councilor on an official four-day visit to the country. Gen. Li will be meeting his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and other military officials, China’s Defense Ministry said Friday.&nbsp;

Senior Col. Tan Kefei, the spokesman for China's Defense Ministry, told a press briefing in Beijing that during his trip, Li will meet and hold talks with Russian military leaders, and visit military academies.

Li’s visit to Russia lays emphasis on China’s bolstering relations with Russia, which is largely aligned with their foreign policy towards reshaping the world order to diminish the US influence. China’s support of Russia is clear from its refusal to criticise Russia over its military operation in Ukraine. It has instead blamed the US and NATA for provoking Moscow.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/in-first-irans-president-addresses-palestinians-in-gaza-vows-full-support-for-resistance-582706">In first, Iran's President addresses Palestinians in Gaza, vows full support for resistance</a>

During a 2022 visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued a joint statement declaring a “no limits” relationship between the two nations.&nbsp;

The trip follows Xi's official visit to Moscow last month, during which he emphasised how China is gradually becoming the relationship's senior partner, providing Russia with diplomatic cover and an economic lifeline during its war in Ukraine.

Officially, however, China remains neutral in the conflict and has yet to offer a full-throated endorsement of Russia’s actions.

While Moscow and Beijing have indicated they will strengthen military contacts and hold more combined sea and air patrols and drills, China's foreign minister said Friday that China will not assist Russia with weapons, as feared by the US and other Western allies.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China's Defence Minister to visit Russia from April 16 to 19 | WION Speed News

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“Sino-Russian military relations have continued to operate at a high level, and new progress has been made,” Tan was quoted as saying in a ministry news release announcing Li’s visit.

The “China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era” has been enriched by “strategic communication, joint exercises and practical cooperation” at the military level, Tan said.

Military power in China is concentrated in the ruling Communist Party’s Military Affairs Commission led by Xi and two vice-chairs.

Li, a trained aerospace engineer, is subject to US penalties as a result of Chinese purchases of Russian fighter jets and air defence weapons. At the annual gathering of China's ceremonial legislature in March, he was appointed minister.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu will visit Russia next week along with the Chinese State Councilor on an official four-day visit to the country. Gen. Li will be meeting his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and other military officials, China’s Defense Ministry said Friday.

Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu will visit Russia next week along with the Chinese State Councilor on an official four-day visit to the country. Gen. Li will be meeting his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and other military officials, China’s Defense Ministry said Friday. Senior Col. Tan Kefei, the spokesman for China's Defense Ministry, told a press briefing in Beijing that during his trip, Li will meet and hold talks with Russian military leaders, and visit military academies. Li’s visit to Russia lays emphasis on China’s bolstering relations with Russia, which is largely aligned with their foreign policy towards reshaping the world order to diminish the US influence. China’s support of Russia is clear from its refusal to criticise Russia over its military operation in Ukraine. It has instead blamed the US and NATA for provoking Moscow. Also Read | In first, Iran's President addresses Palestinians in Gaza, vows full support for resistance During a 2022 visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued a joint statement declaring a “no limits” relationship between the two nations. The trip follows Xi's official visit to Moscow last month, during which he emphasised how China is gradually becoming the relationship's senior partner, providing Russia with diplomatic cover and an economic lifeline during its war in Ukraine. Officially, however, China remains neutral in the conflict and has yet to offer a full-throated endorsement of Russia’s actions. While Moscow and Beijing have indicated they will strengthen military contacts and hold more combined sea and air patrols and drills, China's foreign minister said Friday that China will not assist Russia with weapons, as feared by the US and other Western allies. Watch | China's Defence Minister to visit Russia from April 16 to 19 | WION Speed News × “Sino-Russian military relations have continued to operate at a high level, and new progress has been made,” Tan was quoted as saying in a ministry news release announcing Li’s visit. The “China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era” has been enriched by “strategic communication, joint exercises and practical cooperation” at the military level, Tan said. Military power in China is concentrated in the ruling Communist Party’s Military Affairs Commission led by Xi and two vice-chairs. Li, a trained aerospace engineer, is subject to US penalties as a result of Chinese purchases of Russian fighter jets and air defence weapons. At the annual gathering of China's ceremonial legislature in March, he was appointed minister. (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.

China’s new defence minister to meet Russian counterpart for first time since war in Ukraine

Russian shelling on a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk killed eight people, including a toddler, on Friday. The strike on the quiet Ukraine neighbourhood came as Russia put its naval fleet on high alert during a surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet.&nbsp;

In an address on Ukrainian television, Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of the Donetsk region, said, "21 people were wounded and eight people died." As per AFP, among the dead was a toddler, a boy, who was pulled from under the rubble but died while being transported to the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine Govt Official: Seven missiles fired from Russia

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Russia,&nbsp;as per Reuters, will be conducting missile launches and torpedo tests as part of the surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet.&nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu&nbsp;said on state television,&nbsp;"The main objective of this inspection is to increase the ability of the Armed Forces to repel the aggression of a probable enemy from the direction of ocean and sea."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-approves-electronic-enlistment-bill-clamps-down-on-russians-who-dodge-military-service-582599">Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service</a>

As per Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, as part of the drills, Russia's naval forces would be deployed to training areas, where they will conduct combat exercises. The drills will involve simulating a foreign force landing on both Sakhalin, a Russian island, and the Kuril Islands in the south.&nbsp;The Kuril Islands have been the source of a long-running territorial dispute between Russia and Japan since the conclusion of World War Two.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-us-president-biden-says-probe-will-examine-why-leaker-had-classified-access-582597">Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access</a>

Kremlin, however, downplayed any connection with the regional tensions and its spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "This is a common practice, it has been constantly carried out in recent years and it continues. This is about maintaining the necessary level of combat readiness of our armed forces."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russian shelling on a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk killed eight people, including a toddler, on Friday. The strike on the quiet Ukraine neighbourhood came as Russia put its naval fleet on high alert during a surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet.

Russian shelling on a block of flats in the eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk killed eight people, including a toddler, on Friday. The strike on the quiet Ukraine neighbourhood came as Russia put its naval fleet on high alert during a surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet. In an address on Ukrainian television, Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of the Donetsk region, said, "21 people were wounded and eight people died." As per AFP, among the dead was a toddler, a boy, who was pulled from under the rubble but died while being transported to the hospital. Also read | Ukraine Govt Official: Seven missiles fired from Russia Russia, as per Reuters, will be conducting missile launches and torpedo tests as part of the surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on state television, "The main objective of this inspection is to increase the ability of the Armed Forces to repel the aggression of a probable enemy from the direction of ocean and sea." Also read | Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service As per Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov, as part of the drills, Russia's naval forces would be deployed to training areas, where they will conduct combat exercises. The drills will involve simulating a foreign force landing on both Sakhalin, a Russian island, and the Kuril Islands in the south. The Kuril Islands have been the source of a long-running territorial dispute between Russia and Japan since the conclusion of World War Two. Also read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access Kremlin, however, downplayed any connection with the regional tensions and its spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "This is a common practice, it has been constantly carried out in recent years and it continues. This is about maintaining the necessary level of combat readiness of our armed forces." (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.

Russian strike on Ukraine’s Sloviansk residential area kills 8; Moscow puts naval forces on high alert

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office.&nbsp;The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, had passed this bill earlier that would make it harder for those who avoid military service. This comes amid reports that many refuse to pick up mail at their official address to escape service. But with this bill approved now, electronic notifications will be sent too.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The legislation includes the creation of one registry for all people who are eligible to serve in the military and the implementation of electronic military summons. A copy of the legislation was posted on a government website on Friday, reported Russia's&nbsp;TASS news agency. &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-four-killed-13-injured-in-fire-in-childrens-shelter-582595">Brazil: Four killed, 13 injured in fire in children's shelter</a>

The legislation requires that electronic copies of draft orders be delivered to those who are qualified for military duty in addition to print copies.&nbsp;

An electronic summons will be deemed delivered if it is uploaded to the recipient's account on "a relevant online service, in an information system."&nbsp;

A person will also receive notification of the summons through his or her account with the online portal for government services.&nbsp;

As per TASS, a summons shall be deemed served seven days after the day it was registered in the draft registry, if it is not delivered in writing or electronically.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-us-president-biden-says-probe-will-examine-why-leaker-had-classified-access-582597">Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access</a>

What are the restrictions in the new electronic military enlistment bill ?&nbsp;

If people&nbsp;do not report at their military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving&nbsp;the summons, without a good cause, temporary limits will be placed on them. 
 
Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests

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They might not be allowed to register as entrepreneurs, register their cars and houses and other properties, have their licences cancelled, and have their loan requests denied.&nbsp;

Various regions in Russia will be free to enact their own additional regulations. It may include restricting different payments, benefits, and other forms of social support. There are two ways to challenge these restrictions, in court or outside it.

Additionally, those who are required to serve in the military will be prohibited from leaving Russia beginning from the day they get summons until they go to the recruitment office.

If they have not already done so, everybody who is eligible for military duty has two weeks from the beginning of the next conscription period to report to their enlistment office.

With this new law, the electronic call-up processes Putin aims to make military mobilisation more efficient. Over 300,000 men, according to reports, were mobilised last year to support its "special military operation" in Ukraine. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday approved an electronic call-up bill which will put restrictions on people who are eligible for military service but try to dodge it by not showing up at their enlistment office. The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, had passed this bill earlier that would make it harder for those who avoid military service. This comes amid reports that many refuse to pick up mail at their official address to escape service. But with this bill approved now, electronic notifications will be sent too. The legislation includes the creation of one registry for all people who are eligible to serve in the military and the implementation of electronic military summons. A copy of the legislation was posted on a government website on Friday, reported Russia's TASS news agency. Also Read | Brazil: Four killed, 13 injured in fire in children's shelter The legislation requires that electronic copies of draft orders be delivered to those who are qualified for military duty in addition to print copies. An electronic summons will be deemed delivered if it is uploaded to the recipient's account on "a relevant online service, in an information system." A person will also receive notification of the summons through his or her account with the online portal for government services. As per TASS, a summons shall be deemed served seven days after the day it was registered in the draft registry, if it is not delivered in writing or electronically. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access What are the restrictions in the new electronic military enlistment bill ? If people do not report at their military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving the summons, without a good cause, temporary limits will be placed on them. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × They might not be allowed to register as entrepreneurs, register their cars and houses and other properties, have their licences cancelled, and have their loan requests denied. Various regions in Russia will be free to enact their own additional regulations. It may include restricting different payments, benefits, and other forms of social support. There are two ways to challenge these restrictions, in court or outside it. Additionally, those who are required to serve in the military will be prohibited from leaving Russia beginning from the day they get summons until they go to the recruitment office. If they have not already done so, everybody who is eligible for military duty has two weeks from the beginning of the next conscription period to report to their enlistment office. With this new law, the electronic call-up processes Putin aims to make military mobilisation more efficient. Over 300,000 men, according to reports, were mobilised last year to support its "special military operation" in 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.

Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service

India will send school buses as well as other supplementary humanitarian aid in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking aid. &nbsp;

The request came in the form of a letter that Meenakashi Lekhi, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, received from Emine Dzhaparova, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, during her three-day trip to India.

A variety of subjects were covered during the meeting, including bilateral and global matters of shared interest, according to the news agency ANI.

India has promised to provide more comprehensive humanitarian aid, including school buses, to Ukraine.

Dzhaparova took to Twitter to post her thanks on Tuesday post the meeting. Her tweet read, "Had a fruitful meeting with @M_Lekhi. Briefed Minister on #Ukraine's efforts to fight unprovoked aggression. Discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, in a particular culture. Bookshelves and audio guides under the patronage of @ZelenskaUA will be available soon in India."

Dzhaparova spoke with Secretary (West), MEA Sanjay Verma in-person over the course of her three-day trip. International issues of shared interest as well as topics in the economy, defence, and humanitarian aid were on the agenda.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian Prisoner of War allegedly beheaded on camera, video surfaces online

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The deputy foreign minister of Ukraine informed Secretary (West) on the situation there as the conflict with Russia heated further.&nbsp;

The Inter-Governmental Commission between New Delhi and Kyiv will meet again at a mutually agreed-upon time in India, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. During the discussion, both parties decided to hold the following round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kyiv on a later date that would be agreed upon by both parties.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-successfully-tests-advanced-icbm-weeks-after-suspending-participation-in-new-start-pact-581660">Russia ‘successfully’ tests ‘advanced’ ICBM weeks after suspending participation in New START pact</a>

The MEA statement said, "The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies. Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, and medical equipment and would provide school buses, etc. to Ukraine."

Following a visit to the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies, Dzhaparova spoke at the Indian Council of World Affairs. She emphasised Ukraine's aim to forge a stronger and more enduring relationship with India during her visit.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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India will send school buses as well as other supplementary humanitarian aid in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking aid.

India will send school buses as well as other supplementary humanitarian aid in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking aid. The request came in the form of a letter that Meenakashi Lekhi, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, received from Emine Dzhaparova, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, during her three-day trip to India. A variety of subjects were covered during the meeting, including bilateral and global matters of shared interest, according to the news agency ANI. India has promised to provide more comprehensive humanitarian aid, including school buses, to Ukraine. Dzhaparova took to Twitter to post her thanks on Tuesday post the meeting. Her tweet read, "Had a fruitful meeting with @M_Lekhi. Briefed Minister on #Ukraine's efforts to fight unprovoked aggression. Discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various fields, in a particular culture. Bookshelves and audio guides under the patronage of @ZelenskaUA will be available soon in India." Dzhaparova spoke with Secretary (West), MEA Sanjay Verma in-person over the course of her three-day trip. International issues of shared interest as well as topics in the economy, defence, and humanitarian aid were on the agenda. ALSO WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian Prisoner of War allegedly beheaded on camera, video surfaces online The deputy foreign minister of Ukraine informed Secretary (West) on the situation there as the conflict with Russia heated further. The Inter-Governmental Commission between New Delhi and Kyiv will meet again at a mutually agreed-upon time in India, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. During the discussion, both parties decided to hold the following round of Foreign Office Consultations in Kyiv on a later date that would be agreed upon by both parties. ALSO READ | Russia ‘successfully’ tests ‘advanced’ ICBM weeks after suspending participation in New START pact The MEA statement said, "The Ukrainian Deputy FM also proposed that rebuilding infrastructure in Ukraine could be an opportunity for Indian companies. Secretary (West) shared that India has provided medicines, and medical equipment and would provide school buses, etc. to Ukraine." Following a visit to the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies, Dzhaparova spoke at the Indian Council of World Affairs. She emphasised Ukraine's aim to forge a stronger and more enduring relationship with India during her visit. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India to send school buses to Ukraine as part of additional humanitarian aid

Germany&nbsp;has approved&nbsp;Poland's request to&nbsp;export&nbsp;five&nbsp;old&nbsp;MiG-29&nbsp;fighter&nbsp;jets&nbsp;to bolster&nbsp; Ukraine's air power against the Russian invasion, the German defence ministry said on Thursday.

Poland's defence ministry did not immediately comment.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the request had arrived Thursday, and that Berlin's same-day approval showed that&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;could be relied upon.

Germany&nbsp;inherited 24 MiG-29&nbsp;jets&nbsp;from the East German GDR during reunification in 1990. At the time, the aircraft were seen as among the most advanced&nbsp;fighter&nbsp;jets&nbsp;in the world.

In 2004, Berlin passed on 22 of the aircraft to&nbsp;Poland. Of the remaining two&nbsp;jets, one was destroyed in a crash and one is on show at a museum.

Poland&nbsp;needs Berlin's consent to send its remaining&nbsp;jets&nbsp;to a third country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a visit to Warsaw last week that&nbsp; Poland&nbsp;would help form a coalition of Western powers to supply warplanes to Kyiv.

Ukraine, which hopes to launch a counteroffensive in the coming weeks or months, wants to secure&nbsp;fighter&nbsp;jets&nbsp;to defend against air strikes.

Western countries have so far been reluctant to send advanced&nbsp;fighter&nbsp;jets&nbsp;such as F-16's to Kyiv, but some countries have stepped in to send&nbsp;old&nbsp;MiG-29&nbsp;jets&nbsp;that&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;already uses.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Germany has approved Poland's request to export five old MiG-29 fighter jets to bolster Ukraine's air power against the Russian invasion, the German defence ministry said on Thursday.

Germany has approved Poland's request to export five old MiG-29 fighter jets to bolster Ukraine's air power against the Russian invasion, the German defence ministry said on Thursday. Poland's defence ministry did not immediately comment. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the request had arrived Thursday, and that Berlin's same-day approval showed that Germany could be relied upon. Germany inherited 24 MiG-29 jets from the East German GDR during reunification in 1990. At the time, the aircraft were seen as among the most advanced fighter jets in the world. In 2004, Berlin passed on 22 of the aircraft to Poland. Of the remaining two jets, one was destroyed in a crash and one is on show at a museum. Poland needs Berlin's consent to send its remaining jets to a third country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a visit to Warsaw last week that Poland would help form a coalition of Western powers to supply warplanes to Kyiv. Ukraine, which hopes to launch a counteroffensive in the coming weeks or months, wants to secure fighter jets to defend against air strikes. Western countries have so far been reluctant to send advanced fighter jets such as F-16's to Kyiv, but some countries have stepped in to send old MiG-29 jets that Ukraine already uses. (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.

Germany allows Poland to export old MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

A horrific beheading video has emerged from the Russia Ukraine War. It allegedly shows a Ukrainian prisoner of war being beheaded. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Horrific beheading video emerges from Russia-Ukraine war

Russia is taking steps towards introducing electronic military draft papers for the first time in its history with an aim to make it harder for people to dodge being drafted into the military. On Tuesday (April 11), the lower house of Russian parliament backed the legislation.

Though Russian officials maintain that there were currently no plans to compel more men to fight in Ukraine, Putin-led government is perfecting a system it has used to boost numbers of its military personnel in Ukraine. According to Western officials, Russian armed forces have suffered tens of thousands of casualties in the Ukraine conflict till now.

The new draft regime will close numerous loopholes exploited by draft dodgers and give Russia the organisational infrastructure to carry out a much more thorough and wider mobilisation campaign if and when it decides to do so.

Watch | Kyiv accuses Russia of war crimes after video appears to show Ukrainian POW's beheading

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Russia's regular conscription campaigns would come under the new rules as well. These campaigns take place twice a year for men aged 18 to 27.

The State Duma, the lower chamber, approved the necessary legislation in two separate votes at lightning speed on Tuesday with near unanimity.

There were complaints from some lawmakers that changes in the rules were rushed through without enough time for scrutiny.

The changes still need to be approved by the upper house of parliament - which is also expected to vote in its favour by a large margin - and by President Vladimir Putin, before they take effect. Both steps are expected in the coming days.

Russia says it mobilised just over 300,000 men last year to help it prosecute what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine, but is now focused on trying to recruit professional volunteer soldiers via an advertising campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia is taking steps towards introducing electronic military draft papers for the first time in its history with an aim to make it harder for people to dodge being drafted into the military.

Russia is taking steps towards introducing electronic military draft papers for the first time in its history with an aim to make it harder for people to dodge being drafted into the military. On Tuesday (April 11), the lower house of Russian parliament backed the legislation. Though Russian officials maintain that there were currently no plans to compel more men to fight in Ukraine, Putin-led government is perfecting a system it has used to boost numbers of its military personnel in Ukraine. According to Western officials, Russian armed forces have suffered tens of thousands of casualties in the Ukraine conflict till now. The new draft regime will close numerous loopholes exploited by draft dodgers and give Russia the organisational infrastructure to carry out a much more thorough and wider mobilisation campaign if and when it decides to do so. Watch | Kyiv accuses Russia of war crimes after video appears to show Ukrainian POW's beheading × Russia's regular conscription campaigns would come under the new rules as well. These campaigns take place twice a year for men aged 18 to 27. The State Duma, the lower chamber, approved the necessary legislation in two separate votes at lightning speed on Tuesday with near unanimity. There were complaints from some lawmakers that changes in the rules were rushed through without enough time for scrutiny. The changes still need to be approved by the upper house of parliament - which is also expected to vote in its favour by a large margin - and by President Vladimir Putin, before they take effect. Both steps are expected in the coming days. Russia says it mobilised just over 300,000 men last year to help it prosecute what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine, but is now focused on trying to recruit professional volunteer soldiers via an advertising campaign. (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 moves towards electronic system to crack down on conscription dodgers

Gravitas: Horrific beheading video emerges from Russia Ukraine war

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has been raging on for months now. Several cities in the region are under Russian airstrikes and artillery attacks. Ukrainian forces who have repelled several of these attacks say that Russia is bent on taking control of Bakhmut.

Russia Ukraine War: Both sides endure heavy casualties, Bakhmut remains focal point

A video allegedly showing a Ukrainian prisoner of war being beheaded has surfaced on social media and is garnering reactions from across the world. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Russian "beasts" for the video and vowed justice for his country.

Kyiv accuses Russia of war crimes after video appears to show Ukrainian POW's beheading

Al Jazeera has revealed that Russian forces are fortifying the Crimean peninsula in anticipation of a Ukrainian attempt to recapture it. According to experts, those barriers would probably make any such effort bloody and tough.

Report: Images reveal Russia is fortifying Crimea Peninsula

Despite sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland’s exports to Russia have dropped only marginally, while pharmaceutical exports continued to soar,&nbsp;a study has said.&nbsp;

Swiss exports to Russia in other sectors like machines and watches have come to a standstill, but pharma continued to rise exponentially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Neue Zurcher Zeitung am Sonntag newspaper reported citing figures from the&nbsp;Federal Office&nbsp;for Customs and Border Security.&nbsp;

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pharma exports rose by about 40 per cent, from around $1.54 billion to around $2.2 billion. It now accounts for about a third of all Swiss exports to Russia.&nbsp;

This is because medicines are considered humanitarian goods, and hence it doesn’t fall under the ambit of sanctions.&nbsp;

Switzerland hosts many large pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis and Roche.&nbsp;

“Sales in Russia were driven by a number of factors, including the influx of patients who had delayed medical treatment due to the pandemic,” Novartis told the paper while talking about the rise of pharma exports to Russia.&nbsp;

“One factor was the stockpiling by patients and hospitals in anticipation of possible bottlenecks,” the company added, regarding the war.&nbsp;

Between March 2022 and February 2023, Switzerland exported goods worth $3.2 billion to Russia, which was marginally lower than $3.8 billion in the previous year.&nbsp;

“Given the long list of goods that can no longer be shipped to the warring country, the impact seems soberingly small,” the weekly said.&nbsp;

Though it has honoured EU sanctions on Russia, Switzerland remained strictly neutral.&nbsp;

It has also been facing pressure from Kyiv and its allies to allow countries holding Swiss-made weaponry to re-export it to Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Despite sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland’s exports to Russia have dropped only marginally, while pharmaceutical exports continued to soar, a study has said.

Despite sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland’s exports to Russia have dropped only marginally, while pharmaceutical exports continued to soar, a study has said. Swiss exports to Russia in other sectors like machines and watches have come to a standstill, but pharma continued to rise exponentially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Neue Zurcher Zeitung am Sonntag newspaper reported citing figures from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pharma exports rose by about 40 per cent, from around $1.54 billion to around $2.2 billion. It now accounts for about a third of all Swiss exports to Russia. This is because medicines are considered humanitarian goods, and hence it doesn’t fall under the ambit of sanctions. Switzerland hosts many large pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis and Roche. “Sales in Russia were driven by a number of factors, including the influx of patients who had delayed medical treatment due to the pandemic,” Novartis told the paper while talking about the rise of pharma exports to Russia. “One factor was the stockpiling by patients and hospitals in anticipation of possible bottlenecks,” the company added, regarding the war. Between March 2022 and February 2023, Switzerland exported goods worth $3.2 billion to Russia, which was marginally lower than $3.8 billion in the previous year. “Given the long list of goods that can no longer be shipped to the warring country, the impact seems soberingly small,” the weekly said. Though it has honoured EU sanctions on Russia, Switzerland remained strictly neutral. It has also been facing pressure from Kyiv and its allies to allow countries holding Swiss-made weaponry to re-export it to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swiss exports to Russia dropped marginally, while pharma registered strong growth despite sanctions 

Kyiv on Monday alleged that Russia is using so-called "scorched earth" in its assault on Ukraine's besieged Bakhmut. As per a Reuters report, Moscow's forces are pressing attacks in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. The aggressor Russia is reportedly focusing on two cities of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, where it is pounding Ukrainian positions with air strikes and artillery barrages.&nbsp;

Ukraine's ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi on Monday said that the defence of Bakhmut continued and that the situation is "difficult but controllable."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-says-russia-almost-shot-down-uk-spy-plane-kyivs-air-defenses-on-verge-of-depletion-580827">Pentagon leak says Russia almost shot down UK spy plane, Kyiv's air defences on verge of depletion</a>

Syrskyi as per Ukraine's Media Military Centre, claimed that Moscow is sending in special forces and airborne assaults as a backup for the Russian mercenary Wagner group, whose members as per the Ukrainian commander are exhausted.

He said that "the enemy switched to the so-called scorched earth tactics from Syria. It is destroying buildings and positions with air strikes and artillery fire."

Scorched-earth policy refers to a military strategy wherein everything that could be useful to the 'enemy' or the opposite side is destroyed or 'scorched.

Ukraine claims that Russian forces made "unsuccessful advances" on areas west of Bakhmut and that around 10 villages and towns in the area have so far come under Russian shelling. Reportedly, Russia has also failed in its advances on Avdiivka.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-leak-includes-ukraine-war-mossad-spy-agency-and-more-is-america-spying-on-allies-580835">US intel leak includes Ukraine war, Mossad details: Is America spying on allies?</a>

However, Denis Pushilin, the Russia-installed head of the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region on Monday, announced that he had visited Bakhmut; a move that, as per AFP, suggests Russia has made significant gains. Pushilin published a video of the visit on Telegram.

Last week Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, had claimed that his mercenaries had "in a legal sense" captured Bakhmut because the group had taken control of city hall. However, the Russian army had reported no such gains.&nbsp;The battle of Bakhmut as per analysts holds little strategic value but has taken on a "huge symbolic" importance.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kyiv on Monday alleged that Russia is using so-called "scorched earth" in its assault on Ukraine's besieged Bakhmut. As per a Reuters report, Moscow's forces are pressing attacks in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

Kyiv on Monday alleged that Russia is using so-called "scorched earth" in its assault on Ukraine's besieged Bakhmut. As per a Reuters report, Moscow's forces are pressing attacks in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. The aggressor Russia is reportedly focusing on two cities of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, where it is pounding Ukrainian positions with air strikes and artillery barrages. Ukraine's ground forces commander Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi on Monday said that the defence of Bakhmut continued and that the situation is "difficult but controllable." Also read | Pentagon leak says Russia almost shot down UK spy plane, Kyiv's air defences on verge of depletion Syrskyi as per Ukraine's Media Military Centre, claimed that Moscow is sending in special forces and airborne assaults as a backup for the Russian mercenary Wagner group, whose members as per the Ukrainian commander are exhausted. He said that "the enemy switched to the so-called scorched earth tactics from Syria. It is destroying buildings and positions with air strikes and artillery fire." Scorched-earth policy refers to a military strategy wherein everything that could be useful to the 'enemy' or the opposite side is destroyed or 'scorched. Ukraine claims that Russian forces made "unsuccessful advances" on areas west of Bakhmut and that around 10 villages and towns in the area have so far come under Russian shelling. Reportedly, Russia has also failed in its advances on Avdiivka. Also read | US intel leak includes Ukraine war, Mossad details: Is America spying on allies? However, Denis Pushilin, the Russia-installed head of the eastern Ukrainian Donetsk region on Monday, announced that he had visited Bakhmut; a move that, as per AFP, suggests Russia has made significant gains. Pushilin published a video of the visit on Telegram. Last week Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, had claimed that his mercenaries had "in a legal sense" captured Bakhmut because the group had taken control of city hall. However, the Russian army had reported no such gains. The battle of Bakhmut as per analysts holds little strategic value but has taken on a "huge symbolic" importance. (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.

Conflicting accounts emerge from Bakhmut battleground; Ukraine says Russia using 'scorched-earth' tactic

Pope Francis reportedly called for a temporary peace in Ukraine and urged both the warring nations to halt the fighting in the run-up to Easter and Orthodox Easter week. The religious leader&nbsp;called for a two-week truce in the zone of hostilities in Ukraine, Russian news agency TASS reported on Friday, citing a conversation between&nbsp;Leonid Sevastyanov, the leader of the World Union of Old Believers, and Pope Francis.

"Next week is the Catholic Easter week, and then there will follow the Orthodox Easter week. The Pope has just told me that in honour of this, he suggests that all hostilities in the special military operation zone in Ukraine be stopped for two weeks: for the Catholic and Orthodox Easter weeks. Starting from this Sunday and for two weeks there would be no offensives at all, everyone would stop shooting at each other and a truce would be declared," Sevastyanov was quoted as saying by TASS.

The Old Believers’ leader reportedly went on to say&nbsp;that this issue was very important to the head of the Catholic church.

"Please let everyone know this," Sevastyanov quoted Pope Francis as saying, TASS report added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-putin-orders-ceasefire-in-ukraine-on-january-6-7-549807">Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy'</a>

The Catholic Church celebrates Easter this year next Sunday, April 9; Orthodox Christians celebrate it a week later, on April 16.

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war: Attempts for ceasefire in recent past</h2>

On March 31, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for an immediate ceasefire between the two warring sides.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia declares two-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas

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"In terms of Ukraine, nothing is changing, the special military operation is continuing because today that is the only means in front of us to achieve our goals," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said.&nbsp;

He said parts of a plan proposed by China for peace in Ukraine were "unrealisable at the moment, due to the unwillingness — or rather the inability — of the Ukrainian side to disobey their supervisors and commanders". 
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Pope Francis reportedly called for a temporary peace in Ukraine and urged both the warring nations to halt the fighting in the run-up to Easter and Orthodox Easter week.

Pope Francis reportedly called for a temporary peace in Ukraine and urged both the warring nations to halt the fighting in the run-up to Easter and Orthodox Easter week. The religious leader called for a two-week truce in the zone of hostilities in Ukraine, Russian news agency TASS reported on Friday, citing a conversation between Leonid Sevastyanov, the leader of the World Union of Old Believers, and Pope Francis. "Next week is the Catholic Easter week, and then there will follow the Orthodox Easter week. The Pope has just told me that in honour of this, he suggests that all hostilities in the special military operation zone in Ukraine be stopped for two weeks: for the Catholic and Orthodox Easter weeks. Starting from this Sunday and for two weeks there would be no offensives at all, everyone would stop shooting at each other and a truce would be declared," Sevastyanov was quoted as saying by TASS. The Old Believers’ leader reportedly went on to say that this issue was very important to the head of the Catholic church. "Please let everyone know this," Sevastyanov quoted Pope Francis as saying, TASS report added. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' The Catholic Church celebrates Easter this year next Sunday, April 9; Orthodox Christians celebrate it a week later, on April 16. Russia-Ukraine war: Attempts for ceasefire in recent past On March 31, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for an immediate ceasefire between the two warring sides. ALSO WATCH | Russia declares two-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas × "In terms of Ukraine, nothing is changing, the special military operation is continuing because today that is the only means in front of us to achieve our goals," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said. He said parts of a plan proposed by China for peace in Ukraine were "unrealisable at the moment, due to the unwillingness — or rather the inability — of the Ukrainian side to disobey their supervisors and commanders". 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-Ukraine war heading for Easter ceasefire? Pope Francis conveys big message

Thirty-one Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia have been brought back to their home country. AFP reports that the children were taken from Ukrainian territories that, in the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, have been annexed by Moscow. As per the Save Ukraine charity, the children had been taken from the nation's northeastern region of Kharkiv and the southern region of Kherson.&nbsp;

Taking to social media, Mykola Kuleba, head of the Save Ukraine charity said, "today we are welcoming home 31 more children who have been illegally taken by Russians from occupied territories."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-loses-three-un-votes-over-ukraine-war-580431">Russia loses three UN elections over Ukraine war, its ‘flagrant violation of the UN Charter’</a>

Save Ukraine, the charity that as per AFP fights what it calls illegal deportations of Ukrainian children to Russian-controlled territory on Friday said that the illegally transported kids and their relatives have crossed into Kyiv-controlled territory.

Footage released by the charity shows children deboarding a bus and being greeted by Save Ukraine representatives.

Watch the heartwarming video here:

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Сhildren abducted by Russians from the Kherson and Kharkiv regions have been reunited with their families after several months of separation. They are now safe but in need of psychological and physical recovery. 
 
Follow the updates💛💙 <a href="https://t.co/dXGN5FTHp9">pic.twitter.com/dXGN5FTHp9</a>
— Save Ukraine (@SaveukraineUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveukraineUs/status/1644350948725125122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per Kuleba, this was the "most difficult" of the charity's missions to date.

Kyiv claims that since the beginning of the Ukraine War, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia. Moscow denied the allegations and says it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-arrests-chinese-lgbtq-blogger-for-violating-same-sex-propaganda-law-580401">Russia arrests Chinese LGBTQ blogger for violating same-sex ‘propaganda’ law</a>

However, last month over the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another warrant on similar charges was also issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Thirty-one Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia have been brought back to their home country. AFP reports that the children were taken from Ukrainian territories that, in the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, have been annexed by Moscow.

Thirty-one Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia have been brought back to their home country. AFP reports that the children were taken from Ukrainian territories that, in the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, have been annexed by Moscow. As per the Save Ukraine charity, the children had been taken from the nation's northeastern region of Kharkiv and the southern region of Kherson. Taking to social media, Mykola Kuleba, head of the Save Ukraine charity said, "today we are welcoming home 31 more children who have been illegally taken by Russians from occupied territories." Also read | Russia loses three UN elections over Ukraine war, its ‘flagrant violation of the UN Charter’ Save Ukraine, the charity that as per AFP fights what it calls illegal deportations of Ukrainian children to Russian-controlled territory on Friday said that the illegally transported kids and their relatives have crossed into Kyiv-controlled territory. Footage released by the charity shows children deboarding a bus and being greeted by Save Ukraine representatives. Watch the heartwarming video here: Сhildren abducted by Russians from the Kherson and Kharkiv regions have been reunited with their families after several months of separation. They are now safe but in need of psychological and physical recovery. Follow the updates💛💙 pic.twitter.com/dXGN5FTHp9 — Save Ukraine (@SaveukraineUs) April 7, 2023 × As per Kuleba, this was the "most difficult" of the charity's missions to date. Kyiv claims that since the beginning of the Ukraine War, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia. Moscow denied the allegations and says it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war. Also read | Russia arrests Chinese LGBTQ blogger for violating same-sex ‘propaganda’ law However, last month over the war crime accusation of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children, the International Criminal Court announced an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another warrant on similar charges was also issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights. (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.

31 children that Russia 'stole' return home to Ukraine

Ukraine’s first deputy foreign affairs minister Emine Dzhaparova will make a four-day visit to India starting Monday (April 9), making it the first official visit of a minister from Kyiv since the start of the Russian invasion.

The visit will focus on bilateral relations, exchanging views on the current situation in Ukraine, and global issues of mutual interest, officials said.

Dzhaparova is also expected to meet Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri.

The Hindu newspaper reported that the Ukrainian minister is expected&nbsp;to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv&nbsp;and suggest New Delhi to invite President Volodymyr Zelensky to the G20 Summit in September.

“India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine. Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests," India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

<h2>Russia threatens to pull the trigger on Black Sea grain deal</h2>

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Additionally, the minister will also request more humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment to repair power infrastructure damaged during the war, the newspaper reported.

The report further states that the Urainian minister, a former journalist, will call on India to send a "strong message for peace" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit India in July for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and is due back in September for G20 summit.

So far, India has taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war, and has repeatedly urged both parties to shun violence and get back to the discussion table.

India has also abstained on all resolutions passed against Russia in the various UN bodies, including at the UN General Assembly. The latest one was passed by the UN human rights council on April 4 which extended the mandate of the commission of inquiry into alleged war crimes by Russia for a year.

Despite facing pressures from US and the West to follow its sanction model, India has remained steadfast in its foreign policy, and has refused to join either faction, the latter being the Russia-China axis.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Ukraine’s first deputy foreign affairs minister Emine Dzhaparova will make a four-day visit to India starting Monday (April 9), making it the first official visit of a minister from Kyiv since the start of the Russian invasion.

Ukraine’s first deputy foreign affairs minister Emine Dzhaparova will make a four-day visit to India starting Monday (April 9), making it the first official visit of a minister from Kyiv since the start of the Russian invasion. The visit will focus on bilateral relations, exchanging views on the current situation in Ukraine, and global issues of mutual interest, officials said. Dzhaparova is also expected to meet Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Deputy National Security Adviser, Vikram Misri. The Hindu newspaper reported that the Ukrainian minister is expected to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kyiv and suggest New Delhi to invite President Volodymyr Zelensky to the G20 Summit in September. “India shares warm and friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine. Over the last 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation between the two countries has made significant progress in the areas of trade, education, culture and defence. The visit will be an occasion to further mutual understanding and interests," India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Russia threatens to pull the trigger on Black Sea grain deal Additionally, the minister will also request more humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment to repair power infrastructure damaged during the war, the newspaper reported. The report further states that the Urainian minister, a former journalist, will call on India to send a "strong message for peace" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit India in July for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and is due back in September for G20 summit. So far, India has taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine war, and has repeatedly urged both parties to shun violence and get back to the discussion table. India has also abstained on all resolutions passed against Russia in the various UN bodies, including at the UN General Assembly. The latest one was passed by the UN human rights council on April 4 which extended the mandate of the commission of inquiry into alleged war crimes by Russia for a year. Despite facing pressures from US and the West to follow its sanction model, India has remained steadfast in its foreign policy, and has refused to join either faction, the latter being the Russia-China axis. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukrainian minister to arrive Monday on first India visit since Russian invasion; seek G20 invite for Zelensky

Russia has faced resounding defeat in three separate votes in the United Nations.&nbsp;The loss which comes over a&nbsp;year into the Russia-Ukraine war bears witness to the fact that the international community maintains its opposition to Moscow's decision to invade&nbsp;Ukraine. Vladimir Putin's nation bore defeat during votes in the 54-member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The first "resounding defeat" was at the hands of Romania for a seat on the Commission on the Status of Women. Estonia then beat Russia in&nbsp;the bid for the UN children's agency UNICEF's executive board. Furthermore, Armenia and the Czech Republic defeated Rusia in a secret ballot for membership in the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

AFP reports that after Wednesday's votes, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield remarked that the results are a "clear signal from ECOSOC members that no country should hold positions on critical UN bodies when they are in flagrant violation of the UN Charter."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukrainian-minister-to-visit-india-on-monday-a-first-since-russian-invasion-580403">Ukrainian minister to visit India on Monday, a first since Russian invasion; eyes G20 invitation to Zelensky</a>

While Russia faced defeat for the above-mentioned significant seats, in the voting for members of 14 commissions, boards and expert groups that ECOSOC oversees, the nation was elected to the Commission for Social Development by acclamation. The United States and the United Kingdom have reportedly dissociated their countries from the commission. The two nations claim that Russia's invasion violates international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-arrests-chinese-lgbtq-blogger-for-violating-same-sex-propaganda-law-580401">Russia arrests Chinese LGBTQ blogger for violating same-sex ‘propaganda’ law</a>

Moscow was also elected to the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting.

News agency AP reports that the UN Economic and Social Council votes follow the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) approval of six non-binding resolutions against Russia. The latest resolution was passed by the 193-member UNGA on the eve of the first anniversary of the Ukraine War. It was adopted by a vote of 141-7 with 32 abstentions and calls on&nbsp;Moscow to end hostilities and withdraw its forces.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russia has faced resounding defeat in three separate votes in the United Nations. The loss which comes over a year into the Russia-Ukraine war bears witness to the fact that the international community maintains its opposition to Moscow's decision to invade Ukraine.

Russia has faced resounding defeat in three separate votes in the United Nations. The loss which comes over a year into the Russia-Ukraine war bears witness to the fact that the international community maintains its opposition to Moscow's decision to invade Ukraine. Vladimir Putin's nation bore defeat during votes in the 54-member UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The first "resounding defeat" was at the hands of Romania for a seat on the Commission on the Status of Women. Estonia then beat Russia in the bid for the UN children's agency UNICEF's executive board. Furthermore, Armenia and the Czech Republic defeated Rusia in a secret ballot for membership in the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. AFP reports that after Wednesday's votes, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield remarked that the results are a "clear signal from ECOSOC members that no country should hold positions on critical UN bodies when they are in flagrant violation of the UN Charter." Also read | Ukrainian minister to visit India on Monday, a first since Russian invasion; eyes G20 invitation to Zelensky While Russia faced defeat for the above-mentioned significant seats, in the voting for members of 14 commissions, boards and expert groups that ECOSOC oversees, the nation was elected to the Commission for Social Development by acclamation. The United States and the United Kingdom have reportedly dissociated their countries from the commission. The two nations claim that Russia's invasion violates international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity. Also read | Russia arrests Chinese LGBTQ blogger for violating same-sex ‘propaganda’ law Moscow was also elected to the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting. News agency AP reports that the UN Economic and Social Council votes follow the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) approval of six non-binding resolutions against Russia. The latest resolution was passed by the 193-member UNGA on the eve of the first anniversary of the Ukraine War. It was adopted by a vote of 141-7 with 32 abstentions and calls on Moscow to end hostilities and withdraw its forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia loses three UN elections over Ukraine war, its ‘flagrant violation of the UN Charter’

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (April 7), hosted the first “official” iftar with Muslim servicemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people outside a mosque in the centre of Kyiv, reported Kyiv Independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper. Zelensky&nbsp;addressed the gathering and&nbsp;criticised Russia’s treatment of the Muslim-minority Tatar community in Kremlin-controlled Crimea and vowed to recapture the peninsula.

“Russia’s attempt to enslave Ukraine...began exactly with the occupation of Crimea, exactly with repressions against Crimean, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom and of Crimean Muslims,” said Zelensky, reported AFP. Russia captured the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014, a move which had garnered significant criticism from Kyiv and its allies in the West.&nbsp;

The Tatar community accounted for at least 12 to 15 per cent of the two million Crimea residents. Reports suggest that after Moscow took over Crimea, it banned the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority also known as Mejlis. Additionally, Russia has also declared it an extremist organisation and has jailed members of the community since, citing security concerns.&nbsp;

“There is no alternative for Ukraine, or for the world, other than the de-occupation of Crimea. We will return to Crimea,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

Zelensky also conferred awards to several Muslim Ukrainian servicemen and thanked the Muslim community for defending Ukraine, during the gathering for ‘iftar’ the meal breaking the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. He also said that Kyiv “values ​​every person, values every community,” adding that diversity is a part of the country’s character.&nbsp;

“Ukraine is grateful to the Muslims of our country and to everyone in the Muslim community of the world who, like us, longs for peace and protection from evil,” said the Ukrainian president. He also later took to Twitter and wrote, “Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now.” 
&nbsp;

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Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May Iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now. The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity. <a href="https://t.co/BCWfZORBP2">pic.twitter.com/BCWfZORBP2</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1644426860086849549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Zelensky added, “The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity.” Notably, Russia is home to a large Muslim minority from southern regions, including Chechnya and Dagestan, many of whom are said to be fighting for Moscow in Ukraine, reported AFP.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (April 7), hosted the first “official” iftar with Muslim servicemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people outside a mosque in the centre of Kyiv, reported Kyiv Independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (April 7), hosted the first “official” iftar with Muslim servicemen, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people outside a mosque in the centre of Kyiv, reported Kyiv Independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper. Zelensky addressed the gathering and criticised Russia’s treatment of the Muslim-minority Tatar community in Kremlin-controlled Crimea and vowed to recapture the peninsula. “Russia’s attempt to enslave Ukraine...began exactly with the occupation of Crimea, exactly with repressions against Crimean, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar freedom and of Crimean Muslims,” said Zelensky, reported AFP. Russia captured the Black Sea territory from Ukraine in 2014, a move which had garnered significant criticism from Kyiv and its allies in the West. The Tatar community accounted for at least 12 to 15 per cent of the two million Crimea residents. Reports suggest that after Moscow took over Crimea, it banned the traditional assembly of the Tatar Muslim minority also known as Mejlis. Additionally, Russia has also declared it an extremist organisation and has jailed members of the community since, citing security concerns. “There is no alternative for Ukraine, or for the world, other than the de-occupation of Crimea. We will return to Crimea,” said the Ukrainian president. Zelensky also conferred awards to several Muslim Ukrainian servicemen and thanked the Muslim community for defending Ukraine, during the gathering for ‘iftar’ the meal breaking the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. He also said that Kyiv “values every person, values every community,” adding that diversity is a part of the country’s character. “Ukraine is grateful to the Muslims of our country and to everyone in the Muslim community of the world who, like us, longs for peace and protection from evil,” said the Ukrainian president. He also later took to Twitter and wrote, “Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now.” Despite the sadness and pain of war, may the holy Ramadan be bright for you! May Iftar bring consolation to everyone in the world, in the Muslim community, wherever you happen to be now. The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity. pic.twitter.com/BCWfZORBP2 — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 7, 2023 × Zelensky added, “The big world Muslim community can always rely on Ukraine, on our respect and solidarity.” Notably, Russia is home to a large Muslim minority from southern regions, including Chechnya and Dagestan, many of whom are said to be fighting for Moscow in Ukraine, reported 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.

Ukrainian president Zelensky hosts first ‘official’ iftar to honour Muslims in Kyiv

Secret files detailing NATO's war plan in Ukraine has been leaked on social media. The confidential documents have data on weapon deliveries, troops, and battalion strength. Who leaked these files? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas | Leaked: NATO's game plan in the Ukraine war | Here's what the top secret files reveal

Moscow could pull the trigger and suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal if sanctions and other obstacles to Russian exports remain the way they have been.

Moscow could pull the trigger and suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal if sanctions and other obstacles to Russian exports remain the way they have been. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued the threat during his visit to Turkey, which had helped broker the agreement last year along with the United Nations. "If there is no further progress in removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilisers and grain, we will think about whether this deal is necessary," Lavrov was quoted as saying by AFP. "Any negotiation needs to be based on taking into account Russian interests, Russian concerns. It should be about the principles on which the new world order will be based." He added that Moscow rejected a unipolar world order led by 'one hegemon', referring to the USA which it alleges has been using Kyiv to push its agenda. Erdogan announced deal extension last month The development comes a couple of weeks after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the extension of the deal. Hours before the agreement was set to expire on March 19, Erdogan in a televised address announced that the two parties sat across the table and agreed on the extension. "Following talks with the two parties, we have assured the extension of the deal that was due to expire on March 19," said the Turkish president. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Bakhmut? | World News | WION × It wasn't specified for how long the deal had been extended but Ankara earlier said it was in favour of a 120-day extension compared to Moscow's 60-day extension. "This deal is of vital importance for the global food supply. I thank Russia and Ukraine, who didn't spare their efforts for a new extension, as well as the United Nations secretary general." Russia scrapping the deal Notably, this is not the first instance when Russia has issued a threat for scrapping the deal. Last year in October, Moscow pulled out of the deal citing alleged drone attacks on Russian ships in the Crimea Bay as the reason. "In light of the terrorist act carried out by the Kyiv regime with the participation of British experts against ships of the Black Sea fleet and civilian vessels involved in the security of grain corridors, Russia suspends its participation in the implementation of the agreement on the export of agricultural products from Ukrainian ports," read the statement. ALSO READ | Wheat prices climb nearly six percent after Russia pulls out of Black Sea deal Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the supply of grain shipments through the region was halted which nearly triggered a global food crisis before Turkey and the UN brokered the deal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘We will think...’: Moscow again threatens to pull out of Black Sea grain deal

Several classified documents containing “secret details” of US and NATO plans for bolstering the Ukrainian forces for impending Russian offensive were leaked online, The New York Times (NYT) has reported.

The documents, which are currently circulating on Twitter and Telegram, have caused serious concern about breach of security and prompted the Biden administration to launch a probe into the matter.

Twitter and Telegram are the two dominant social media platforms used prolifically in Ukraine and Russia.

“We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon told the Times.

However, experts noted that the leak documents, which seems authentic, may very well be a hoax to distract the Russian forces in order to gain an upper hand in the disinformation game.

<h2>How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India</h2>

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According to the NYT report, the leaked documents have no information regarding battle plans and do not reveal how and when Ukraine intends to launch its offensive.

However, they do point towards an impending attack by the Russian military in the next month or so, as the documents are five weeks old, the report said.

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LEAKED DOD DOCS: These documents closely resemble the leaks reportedly containing top secret US/NATO intelligence and planning of a Ukrainian offensive. The Biden administration is reportedly working to have them "deleted" from social media. <a href="https://t.co/c8sZFdtbpp">https://t.co/c8sZFdtbpp</a> <a href="https://t.co/bJFb5Zh9UE">pic.twitter.com/bJFb5Zh9UE</a>
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The other information in these documents is about the training schedules of 12 Ukraine combat brigades, and they say&nbsp;that nine of them were being trained by US and NATO forces.

The documents also say&nbsp;that 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanised vehicles are needed to ward off the Russian forces, the newspaper reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosions-heard-in-gaza-palestine-says-strikes-hit-hamas-training-sites-579951">Israel launches air strikes on Gaza Strip after vowing to retaliate over Lebanon rocket salvo</a>

The documents—at least one of which carried a ‘top secret’ label —were circulated on pro-Russian government channels, it said.

The documents also detail expenditure rates for munitions under Ukraine military control, including for the HIMARS rocket systems, the US-made artillery rocket systems that have proven highly effective against Russian forces, it added.

It is not yet known how the documents were leaked online, but pro-Russian government channels have been sharing and circulating the briefing slides, military analysts told NYT.

The analysts warned that documents released by Russian sources could be selectively altered to present the Kremlin’s disinformation.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Several classified documents containing “secret details” of US and NATO plans for bolstering the Ukrainian forces for impending Russian offensive were leaked online, The New York Times (NYT) has reported.

Several classified documents containing “secret details” of US and NATO plans for bolstering the Ukrainian forces for impending Russian offensive were leaked online, The New York Times (NYT) has reported. The documents, which are currently circulating on Twitter and Telegram, have caused serious concern about breach of security and prompted the Biden administration to launch a probe into the matter. Twitter and Telegram are the two dominant social media platforms used prolifically in Ukraine and Russia. “We are aware of the reports of social media posts and the department is reviewing the matter,” Sabrina Singh, the deputy press secretary at the Pentagon told the Times. However, experts noted that the leak documents, which seems authentic, may very well be a hoax to distract the Russian forces in order to gain an upper hand in the disinformation game. How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India According to the NYT report, the leaked documents have no information regarding battle plans and do not reveal how and when Ukraine intends to launch its offensive. However, they do point towards an impending attack by the Russian military in the next month or so, as the documents are five weeks old, the report said. LEAKED DOD DOCS: These documents closely resemble the leaks reportedly containing top secret US/NATO intelligence and planning of a Ukrainian offensive. The Biden administration is reportedly working to have them "deleted" from social media. https://t.co/c8sZFdtbpp pic.twitter.com/bJFb5Zh9UE — Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) April 7, 2023 × The other information in these documents is about the training schedules of 12 Ukraine combat brigades, and they say that nine of them were being trained by US and NATO forces. The documents also say that 250 tanks and more than 350 mechanised vehicles are needed to ward off the Russian forces, the newspaper reported. Also read | Israel launches air strikes on Gaza Strip after vowing to retaliate over Lebanon rocket salvo The documents—at least one of which carried a ‘top secret’ label —were circulated on pro-Russian government channels, it said. The documents also detail expenditure rates for munitions under Ukraine military control, including for the HIMARS rocket systems, the US-made artillery rocket systems that have proven highly effective against Russian forces, it added. It is not yet known how the documents were leaked online, but pro-Russian government channels have been sharing and circulating the briefing slides, military analysts told NYT. The analysts warned that documents released by Russian sources could be selectively altered to present the Kremlin’s disinformation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Secret documents’ of US and NATO plans to help Ukraine beat Russia leaked online

US, UK, Albania & Malta walked out on Russia's envoy for children's rights as she spoke via video to the UN security council members. The int'l criminal court wants to arrest Russian official maria lvova-belova on war crime charges. UK & UK blocked the informal meeting on Ukraine, convened by Russia, from being webcast by UN. Ukraine accuses Russia of having abducted, and forcibly deported kids since it began its invasion more than a year ago.

UN: Russian official sought by International Criminal Court speaks at meet on Ukraine | Details

After months of intensified battle for Eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Ukrainian troops could withdraw from that city, though he said that Ukrainian troops are still fighting, however there could be a risk of losing soldiers if Russians encircle the city.

Russia Ukraine War: Ukrainian troops to withdraw from Bakhmut? | World News | WION

The West is adamant that sanctions on Russia are working. However, Russian Oil continues to make its way to reach Europe indirectly. The sanctions were imposed against Russia in response to the war of aggression against Ukraine. The importers of Russian oil and the global oil market bore the brunt of these sanctions. Nations around the world looked for an alternative. India played a key role in filling the void in the global oil market.

How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India

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