President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians on the evening of December 24 with a Christmas message that blended faith, grief, and resilience, reflecting the shared emotions of a nation at war. He said Ukrainians are united by a single hope during the festive season, even as the country continues to endure relentless Russian attacks.&nbsp;"Today, we all have the same dream and wish for the same thing. “For him to die”, everyone will say about themselves, but when we turn to God, of course, we ask for more, we ask for peace for Ukraine," the President said. Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, calling its forces “godless” and pointing to the massive bombardment carried out on December 23, when hundreds of drones and missiles, including “Shaheds” and “Daggers,” were launched at Ukrainian cities. Such attacks, he said, have nothing to do with Christianity or basic humanity.&nbsp;He described Christmas Eve as a deeply symbolic moment filled with a unique warmth, emphasising that the holiday reflects everything that defines Ukrainians, their love for family, homeland, traditions, and shared roots. "It is happiness when the whole family gathers at the table. When we finally met, we hugged each other and asked each other: How are you? All this has always been an integral part of our Christmas. But in the fourth year of the full-scale war for independence, they are trying to take all this away," Zelensky said.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Zelensky wishing for Putin’s death on his Christmas message: My dear people, since ancient times, Ukrainians believed that on Christmas night, the heavens open. And if you tell them your dream, it will surely come true. Today, we all have one dream. And we have one wish for… <a href="https://t.co/spaWEIsyoz">pic.twitter.com/spaWEIsyoz</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/2003851485885407623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite separation caused by war, the president stressed that Ukrainians remain emotionally connected, whether they are together physically or apart. This bond, he said, cannot be destroyed and continues to give people strength and hope.&nbsp;He added that while Russia has brought destruction and suffering, it cannot destroy what truly matters: the unity of Ukrainians, their belief in one another, and the strength of their national spirit. According to Zelenskyy, true joy does not come from festive decorations but from the inner light that lives within people. "In the skies of Kyiv, Zakarpattia, Odesa, or Kupiansk – wherever they are, Ukrainians are together today. They celebrate Christmas on the same date as one big family," Zelensky said.

'For him to die”: Volodymyr Zelensky voices Ukraine’s Christmas wish | WATCH

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians on the evening of December 24 with a Christmas message that blended faith, grief, and resilience, reflecting the shared emotions of a nation at war. He said Ukrainians are united by a single hope during the festive season, even as the country continues to endure relentless Russian attacks. "Today, we all have the same dream and wish for the same thing. “For him to die”, everyone will say about themselves, but when we turn to God, of course, we ask for more, we ask for peace for Ukraine," the President said. Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, calling its forces “godless” and pointing to the massive bombardment carried out on December 23, when hundreds of drones and missiles, including “Shaheds” and “Daggers,” were launched at Ukrainian cities. Such attacks, he said, have nothing to do with Christianity or basic humanity. He described Christmas Eve as a deeply symbolic moment filled with a unique warmth, emphasising that the holiday reflects everything that defines Ukrainians, their love for family, homeland, traditions, and shared roots. "It is happiness when the whole family gathers at the table. When we finally met, we hugged each other and asked each other: How are you? All this has always been an integral part of our Christmas. But in the fourth year of the full-scale war for independence, they are trying to take all this away," Zelensky said. Watch the video here

Zelensky’s Christmas address highlights unity, faith, and resilience, saying Russia cannot destroy Ukraine’s heart, spirit, or hope for peace

#Gravitas Moscow has sent a clear message to Kyiv, Europe, and Washington. Russia is preparing for a long war if Ukraine and its backers abandon dialogue. It is backing that warning with expanded ground operations across the battlefield, the deployment of new missiles and air-defence systems, all under a nuclear shadow. 

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Rolls Out New Missile Warning as Russia Signals Long War Path

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (December 15) described discussions in Berlin with US envoys on bringing an end to the war with Russia as challenging but constructive, saying the talks delivered tangible progress despite their complexity. "These conversations are always not easy, I'll be honest with you. But it was a productive conversation, with a lot of details, really a lot," Zelensky said at a German-Ukrainian Business Forum.&nbsp;During his visit to Germany, Zelensky renewed his call for frozen Russian assets to be channelled directly into Ukraine’s defence effort, as the European Union struggles to finalise a mechanism to unlock funds for Kyiv. Addressing a business forum in Berlin, he argued that the seized money should be fully utilised to counter Russia’s aggression, calling such a move justified, logical and achievable.&nbsp;The EU has proposed using profits and mechanisms linked to frozen Russian assets to mobilise around 90 billion euros over the next two years to support Ukraine. Under the plan, the bloc would extend a loan to Kyiv, which could eventually be repaid using Russian reparations if and when they are secured. While several EU members, including Germany, strongly support the initiative, Belgium has emerged as a key opponent. Brussels hosts Euroclear, the financial institution holding the bulk of the frozen Russian funds, and has raised concerns over possible legal risks associated with releasing or leveraging the assets.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-arrests-four-in-alleged-new-year-s-eve-bombing-plot-in-los-angeles-1765817316142">FBI arrests four in alleged New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles</a><h2>Ukraine-US talks has ‘chance for real peace process’: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz&nbsp;</h2>With an EU summit scheduled to begin on Thursday (December 18), leaders are under growing pressure to break the deadlock. Standing alongside Zelensky in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said resolving the issue was urgent and critical for Europe’s credibility. Failure to reach an agreement, Merz warned, would seriously undermine the European Union’s ability to act collectively, sending a damaging signal to the world at a crucial moment.&nbsp;EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed the sense of urgency, noting that negotiations remain difficult but ongoing. She said key decisions still lie ahead and insisted that leaders would not conclude the upcoming meeting without securing a concrete outcome. Merz also said the two days of discussions involving US and Ukrainian delegations in Berlin had moved the process of ending the conflict forward. He expressed optimism that a genuine peace effort is now within reach, describing proposed US security assurances for Ukraine as a meaningful and positive development.

Talks with US 'not easy' but 'productive': Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (December 15) described discussions in Berlin with US envoys on bringing an end to the war with Russia as challenging but constructive, saying the talks delivered tangible progress despite their complexity. "These conversations are always not easy, I'll be honest with you. But it was a productive conversation, with a lot of details, really a lot," Zelensky said at a German-Ukrainian Business Forum. During his visit to Germany, Zelensky renewed his call for frozen Russian assets to be channelled directly into Ukraine’s defence effort, as the European Union struggles to finalise a mechanism to unlock funds for Kyiv. Addressing a business forum in Berlin, he argued that the seized money should be fully utilised to counter Russia’s aggression, calling such a move justified, logical and achievable. The EU has proposed using profits and mechanisms linked to frozen Russian assets to mobilise around 90 billion euros over the next two years to support Ukraine. Under the plan, the bloc would extend a loan to Kyiv, which could eventually be repaid using Russian reparations if and when they are secured. While several EU members, including Germany, strongly support the initiative, Belgium has emerged as a key opponent. Brussels hosts Euroclear, the financial institution holding the bulk of the frozen Russian funds, and has raised concerns over possible legal risks associated with releasing or leveraging the assets. Also Read: FBI arrests four in alleged New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles Ukraine-US talks has ‘chance for real peace process’: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz With an EU summit scheduled to begin on Thursday (December 18), leaders are under growing pressure to break the deadlock. Standing alongside Zelensky in Berlin, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said resolving the issue was urgent and critical for Europe’s credibility. Failure to reach an agreement, Merz warned, would seriously undermine the European Union’s ability to act collectively, sending a damaging signal to the world at a crucial moment. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed the sense of urgency, noting that negotiations remain difficult but ongoing. She said key decisions still lie ahead and insisted that leaders would not conclude the upcoming meeting without securing a concrete outcome. Merz also said the two days of discussions involving US and Ukrainian delegations in Berlin had moved the process of ending the conflict forward. He expressed optimism that a genuine peace effort is now within reach, describing proposed US security assurances for Ukraine as a meaningful and positive development.

Ukrainian president Zelensky says tough but productive talks in Berlin. He also urged EU to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defence as leaders seek consensus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday met with US President Donald Trump's envoys for talks on how to end the war with Russia, kicking off two days of crisis diplomacy in Berlin.&nbsp;Trump has pushed for an end to the almost four-year-old conflict but key questions remain on territorial concessions, future security guarantees for Kyiv, and whether Russia would agree to any proposal hammered out by the Europeans and Americans.&nbsp;German leader Friedrich Merz was shown offering a "warm welcome" to Zelensky as well Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president's son-in-law Jared Kushner in a short video released by the chancellery.&nbsp;"We began our meeting," Zelensky said on Facebook, posting pictures of the Ukrainian delegation joined by Merz, the US representatives and NATO's top commander in Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich.&nbsp;"We want a lasting peace in Ukraine," Merz wrote on X. "Difficult questions lie ahead of us, but we are determined to move forward.&nbsp;"Ukrainian interests are also European interests."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-police-raid-residence-of-pakistani-muslim-man-suspected-of-bondi-beach-terror-attack-report-1765728691806">Australia police raid residence of Pakistani Muslim man suspected of Bondi Beach terror attack — Report</a>&nbsp;On Monday, Merz was due to again host Zelensky at a German-Ukrainian business conference before they will be joined for dinner by a group of European heads of state and government and the leaders of NATO and the EU.<h2>‘Strong objections’</h2>&nbsp;Zelensky, as he headed to Germany, said he was ready for "dialogue" on ending the grinding war that started with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, adding that "the summit in Berlin is important".&nbsp;Zelensky said he hoped the United States would back the idea of freezing the front line where it is, rather than Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region as Moscow demands."The fairest possible option is to 'stay where we are'," Zelensky told reporters in an online briefing.&nbsp;"This is true because it is a ceasefire... I know that Russia does not view this positively, and I would like the Americans to support us on this issue."&nbsp;Trump has been stepping up pressure on Kyiv to reach an agreement since revealing a plan last month to end the war that was criticised as echoing Moscow's demands.The proposal triggered a flurry of diplomacy, with Kyiv officials recently saying they had sent Washington a revised version.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-arrests-five-men-over-suspected-christmas-market-attack-plot-bondi-beach-terror-attack-charistmas-market-attack-berlin-1765729176035">Germany arrests five men over suspected Christmas market attack plot</a>&nbsp;Zelensky said he had not received a response from Washington on Ukraine's amendments, but added: "I am receiving all the signals and will be ready for the dialogue that will begin today."&nbsp;In Russia, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov cast doubt on the latest efforts.&nbsp;"I think the contribution of both Ukrainians and Europeans to these documents is unlikely to be constructive, that's the problem," he said in a video message.&nbsp;Ushakov said Moscow had not seen the latest documents but added that "if there are any relevant amendments, we will have very strong objections, since we have very clearly stated our position, which, it seems, was quite clear to the Americans."<h2>Aerial strikes&nbsp;</h2>Last week, Zelensky said that Washington was still pushing Ukraine to cede land to Russia.&nbsp;Washington proposed that only Ukraine, not Russia, to withdraw its troops from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, where a demilitarised "free economic zone" would be installed as a buffer, said Zelensky.&nbsp;Europeans and Ukrainians are meanwhile asking the United States to provide them with "security guarantees" before Ukraine negotiates any territorial concessions, France said Friday.&nbsp;Under the latest US plan, Ukraine would join the EU as early as January 2027, a senior official familiar with the matter told AFP Friday on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;Zelensky said on Sunday: "The most important thing is that the plan should be as fair as possible, first and foremost for Ukraine, because Russia started the war."&nbsp;The latest push in the efforts to put an end to the war came as Kyiv reported new aerial strikes on its territory.&nbsp;According to its air force, Russia launched 138 drones and a ballistic missile overnight.A Russian drone has hit "one of the hospitals in Kherson", wounding two people, including a nurse, the regional administration said on Telegram.&nbsp;At least 11 people were wounded in strikes on the Zaporizhzhia region, governor Ivan Fedorov said.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Zelensky said he hoped the United States would back the idea of freezing the front line where it is, rather than Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region as Moscow demands.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday met with US President Donald Trump's envoys for talks on how to end the war with Russia, kicking off two days of crisis diplomacy in Berlin. Trump has pushed for an end to the almost four-year-old conflict but key questions remain on territorial concessions, future security guarantees for Kyiv, and whether Russia would agree to any proposal hammered out by the Europeans and Americans. German leader Friedrich Merz was shown offering a "warm welcome" to Zelensky as well Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and the US president's son-in-law Jared Kushner in a short video released by the chancellery. "We began our meeting," Zelensky said on Facebook, posting pictures of the Ukrainian delegation joined by Merz, the US representatives and NATO's top commander in Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich. "We want a lasting peace in Ukraine," Merz wrote on X. "Difficult questions lie ahead of us, but we are determined to move forward. "Ukrainian interests are also European interests." Also Read: Australia police raid residence of Pakistani Muslim man suspected of Bondi Beach terror attack — Report On Monday, Merz was due to again host Zelensky at a German-Ukrainian business conference before they will be joined for dinner by a group of European heads of state and government and the leaders of NATO and the EU. ‘Strong objections’ Zelensky, as he headed to Germany, said he was ready for "dialogue" on ending the grinding war that started with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, adding that "the summit in Berlin is important". Zelensky said he hoped the United States would back the idea of freezing the front line where it is, rather than Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region as Moscow demands. "The fairest possible option is to 'stay where we are'," Zelensky told reporters in an online briefing. "This is true because it is a ceasefire... I know that Russia does not view this positively, and I would like the Americans to support us on this issue." Trump has been stepping up pressure on Kyiv to reach an agreement since revealing a plan last month to end the war that was criticised as echoing Moscow's demands. The proposal triggered a flurry of diplomacy, with Kyiv officials recently saying they had sent Washington a revised version. Also Read: Germany arrests five men over suspected Christmas market attack plot Zelensky said he had not received a response from Washington on Ukraine's amendments, but added: "I am receiving all the signals and will be ready for the dialogue that will begin today." In Russia, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov cast doubt on the latest efforts. "I think the contribution of both Ukrainians and Europeans to these documents is unlikely to be constructive, that's the problem," he said in a video message. Ushakov said Moscow had not seen the latest documents but added that "if there are any relevant amendments, we will have very strong objections, since we have very clearly stated our position, which, it seems, was quite clear to the Americans." Aerial strikes Last week, Zelensky said that Washington was still pushing Ukraine to cede land to Russia. Washington proposed that only Ukraine, not Russia, to withdraw its troops from parts of the eastern Donetsk region, where a demilitarised "free economic zone" would be installed as a buffer, said Zelensky. Europeans and Ukrainians are meanwhile asking the United States to provide them with "security guarantees" before Ukraine negotiates any territorial concessions, France said Friday. Under the latest US plan, Ukraine would join the EU as early as January 2027, a senior official familiar with the matter told AFP Friday on condition of anonymity. Zelensky said on Sunday: "The most important thing is that the plan should be as fair as possible, first and foremost for Ukraine, because Russia started the war." The latest push in the efforts to put an end to the war came as Kyiv reported new aerial strikes on its territory. According to its air force, Russia launched 138 drones and a ballistic missile overnight. A Russian drone has hit "one of the hospitals in Kherson", wounding two people, including a nurse, the regional administration said on Telegram. At least 11 people were wounded in strikes on the Zaporizhzhia region, governor Ivan Fedorov said. (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Zelensky said he hoped the United States would back the idea of freezing the front line where it is, rather than Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region as Moscow demands.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky meets US envoys in Berlin for peace talks

Russia said on Friday that its Central Bank is suing Belgian bank Euroclear in a Moscow court in response to moves by Ukraine’s European allies to use Moscow's frozen assets to help Kyiv fund its military and economy. Russia also threatened the European Union with a global campaign of retaliation to recover hundreds of billions of euros if the bloc makes any use of the funds.The central bank said in a statement on Friday that it’s filing a lawsuit at the Moscow Arbitration Court against “unlawful actions” by the Belgium-based depository that make it “impossible for the bank to dispose of its funds and securities.”&nbsp;The Bank of Russia warned in a statement that it’ll challenge any unauthorised use of the assets by the European Commission “in all available competent authorities, including national courts, judicial bodies of foreign states and international organisations.” It will also seek “enforcement of judicial decisions” in any state, the bank said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reddit-sues-australia-over-ban-for-under-16s-calls-it-intrusion-on-free-political-discourse-1765557290650">Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse</a>&nbsp;Russia would seek damages equal to the total amount of its frozen assets as well as additional income lost from them.&nbsp;Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war. The EU wants to keep Ukraine financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security, and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-trump-planning-core-5-superclub-with-india-as-an-alternative-to-g7-sidelining-europe-1765552327790">Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe?</a>&nbsp;Brussels calls it a “reparations loan” and has come up with a plan to prop up Ukraine’s economy.“It’s only fair that Russia’s frozen assets should be used to rebuild what Russia has destroyed,” says Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the assets will “enable Ukraine to protect itself effectively against future Russian attacks”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-one-h-1b-worker-equals-10-illegal-aliens-send-indian-techies-back-says-us-pollster-slams-trump-admin-1765474555216">‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin</a>&nbsp;Legally using the interest is seen as safe, as Russia is under sanction and the proceeds are not Russian sovereign property.&nbsp;The bank’s intervention aims to ramp up pressure on European officials, many of whom are already nervous about the financial and legal consequences of using the Russian state assets to aid Ukraine.

The EU wants to keep Kyiv financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war.

Russia said on Friday that its Central Bank is suing Belgian bank Euroclear in a Moscow court in response to moves by Ukraine’s European allies to use Moscow's frozen assets to help Kyiv fund its military and economy. Russia also threatened the European Union with a global campaign of retaliation to recover hundreds of billions of euros if the bloc makes any use of the funds. The central bank said in a statement on Friday that it’s filing a lawsuit at the Moscow Arbitration Court against “unlawful actions” by the Belgium-based depository that make it “impossible for the bank to dispose of its funds and securities.” The Bank of Russia warned in a statement that it’ll challenge any unauthorised use of the assets by the European Commission “in all available competent authorities, including national courts, judicial bodies of foreign states and international organisations.” It will also seek “enforcement of judicial decisions” in any state, the bank said. Also Read: Reddit sues Australia over ban for under-16s, calls it intrusion on free political discourse Russia would seek damages equal to the total amount of its frozen assets as well as additional income lost from them. Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war. The EU wants to keep Ukraine financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security, and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Also Read: Is Trump planning Core-5 superclub with India as an alternative to G7, sidelining Europe? Brussels calls it a “reparations loan” and has come up with a plan to prop up Ukraine’s economy. “It’s only fair that Russia’s frozen assets should be used to rebuild what Russia has destroyed,” says Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the assets will “enable Ukraine to protect itself effectively against future Russian attacks”. Also Read: ‘One H-1B worker equals 10 illegal aliens, send Indian techies back’, says US pollster, slams Trump admin Legally using the interest is seen as safe, as Russia is under sanction and the proceeds are not Russian sovereign property. The bank’s intervention aims to ramp up pressure on European officials, many of whom are already nervous about the financial and legal consequences of using the Russian state assets to aid Ukraine.

The EU wants to keep Kyiv financed, as it sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to its own security and is aiming to put to use some of the Russian sovereign assets immobilised after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine is running out of cash after almost four years of full-scale war.

Russia says it’s suing Euroclear over plan to use Moscow’s frozen cash to help Ukraine

The Russian Defence Ministry on Friday (Dec 12) said that Ukraine has tried to launch drone strikes on its chemical facilities, where first-class hazardous substances are stored. It added that the attacks were thwarted. Speaking at a press briefing, Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops Major General Alexey Rtishchev said that facilities in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh were targeted.“Drone attacks were thwarted that targeted chemical facilities in Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh in the Voronezh Region, where first-class hazardous substances are stored,” he said, as quoted by TASS.Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region. He added that the Zarya industrial facility in the settlement of Rubezhnoye, the Azot facility in Severodonetsk, and the Coke and Chemical Plant in Avdeyevka have faced repeated shelling by Kyiv.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Russian authorities said that a Ukrainian drone hit an apartment block northwest of Moscow, injuring seven people in an overnight attack. The attack happened at Tver, a city 180 kilometres (110 miles) from the Russian capital.<h2>Trump ‘extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow’</h2>This comes a day after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 11) said that he is "extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow over the ongoing war. He added that the war could potentially snowball into a “third world war.”Expressing his frustration with the slow-moving peace talks, Trump said at the White House, “I’d like to see the killing stop. 25,000 people died last month, mostly soldiers, but some people also where bombs were dropped, but for the most part, 25,000 soldiers died last month. I would love to see it stop. And we're working very hard.”He further warned, “Things like this end up in third world wars. And I said that the other day. I said, Everybody keeps playing games like this. We will end up in a third world war, and we don’t want to see that happen.”“The president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war,” Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “He doesn’t want any more talk. He wants action. He wants this war to come to an end.”She added, “His special envoy, (Steve) Witkoff, and his team continue to talk with both sides, literally as we speak.”

Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region.

The Russian Defence Ministry on Friday (Dec 12) said that Ukraine has tried to launch drone strikes on its chemical facilities, where first-class hazardous substances are stored. It added that the attacks were thwarted. Speaking at a press briefing, Chief of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Troops Major General Alexey Rtishchev said that facilities in the Russian city of Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh were targeted. “Drone attacks were thwarted that targeted chemical facilities in Veliky Novgorod and the town of Rossosh in the Voronezh Region, where first-class hazardous substances are stored,” he said, as quoted by TASS. Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region. He added that the Zarya industrial facility in the settlement of Rubezhnoye, the Azot facility in Severodonetsk, and the Coke and Chemical Plant in Avdeyevka have faced repeated shelling by Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian authorities said that a Ukrainian drone hit an apartment block northwest of Moscow, injuring seven people in an overnight attack. The attack happened at Tver, a city 180 kilometres (110 miles) from the Russian capital. Trump ‘extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow’ This comes a day after US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Dec 11) said that he is "extremely frustrated with both Kyiv and Moscow over the ongoing war. He added that the war could potentially snowball into a “third world war.” Expressing his frustration with the slow-moving peace talks, Trump said at the White House, “I’d like to see the killing stop. 25,000 people died last month, mostly soldiers, but some people also where bombs were dropped, but for the most part, 25,000 soldiers died last month. I would love to see it stop. And we're working very hard.” He further warned, “Things like this end up in third world wars. And I said that the other day. I said, Everybody keeps playing games like this. We will end up in a third world war, and we don’t want to see that happen.” “The president is extremely frustrated with both sides of this war,” Trump’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “He doesn’t want any more talk. He wants action. He wants this war to come to an end.” She added, “His special envoy, (Steve) Witkoff, and his team continue to talk with both sides, literally as we speak.”

Major General Alexey Rtishchev also accused the Ukrainian army of attempting to destroy hazardous chemical sites in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, creating the threat of chemical exposure to civilians in the region.

Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting chemical facilities, risking exposure to civilians

Ukraine struck a heat and power station in the Moscow region on Sunday with drones, triggering a major fire and cutting off heating for thousands in one of Kyiv's biggest attacks to date on a power station deep inside Russia.In the fourth year of the deadliest European conflict since World War Two, Russia has been pummelling Ukraine's electricity and heat infrastructure while Kyiv has up until now mostly focused on trying to knock out Russia's oil refineries, crude terminals and pipelines. But early on Sunday, Ukrainian drones struck the Shatura Power Station, about 120 km (75 miles) east of the Kremlin, Moscow region governor Andrei Vorobyov said. 

Russia-Ukraine: Zelensky Fractures Russia's Energy Grid, Power Station Under Attack

Putin announces Russia’s new “invincible” nuclear cruise missile is ready for deployment, raising global security concerns. Experts warn the advanced weapon could escalate tensions and pose a serious threat to Ukraine.

Can Russia's New Nuclear-Powered Missile Be A Game Changer? 

Russia Tests Its Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile With Limitless Range

The war just turned apocalyptic. Watch dramatic footage as Russian missiles and drones rain down on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Sumy, leaving a trail of death and destruction. We show the terrifying drone strike that ripped through Sumy and the sheer scale of the Russian bombardment. Amidst the chaos, President Zelensky makes a shocking admission, calling President Donald Trump's brutal front-line proposal a "good compromise." Is a new peace deal on the table? Simultaneously, Ukraine retaliates with British Storm Shadow missiles, hitting a Russian chemical plant. This is the full escalation of the conflict, with both sides delivering devastating blows.

Russia-Ukraine War: 300 Drones, 37 Missiles: One Night of Hell in Ukraine

In the early hours of Wednesday (October 22), a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas left six people dead and 17 others wounded, including two children. Ukrainian authorities reported that the assault also caused severe power outages across the country, particularly affecting energy infrastructure during the harsh winter months.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on social media, saying, "Another night shows Russia's refusal to feel the pressure for prolonging this war." The explosions in Kyiv sent a column of smoke rising above the city, as residents experienced both physical and infrastructural impacts. Many areas were left without electricity and heating due to the assault on power stations.&nbsp;Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones during the same period, though no significant damage was reported on its side. This military escalation follows a setback in diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was called off just a day earlier, with Trump citing concerns over a "wasted" meeting. Trump had previously advocated for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region to Russia, a suggestion firmly rejected by Kyiv, which insists on preserving its territorial integrity.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skywest-flight-6469-returns-to-omaha-after-cockpit-communication-failure-sparks-hijacking-fears-1761119133820">SkyWest flight 6469 returns to Omaha after cockpit communication failure sparks hijacking fears</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, European allies have stood firmly behind Ukraine, offering continued support without any compromise on land. President Zelensky voiced his frustration, noting that Russian diplomacy remains hollow until it feels the consequences of its aggression. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, with Russia now controlling nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Despite ongoing peace talks and international mediation, the fighting continues to cause immense civilian suffering on both sides.

Russian strikes kill six in Kyiv amid energy blackouts, power cuts across Ukraine

In the early hours of Wednesday (October 22), a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas left six people dead and 17 others wounded, including two children. Ukrainian authorities reported that the assault also caused severe power outages across the country, particularly affecting energy infrastructure during the harsh winter months. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack on social media, saying, "Another night shows Russia's refusal to feel the pressure for prolonging this war." The explosions in Kyiv sent a column of smoke rising above the city, as residents experienced both physical and infrastructural impacts. Many areas were left without electricity and heating due to the assault on power stations. Russia claimed to have intercepted 33 Ukrainian drones during the same period, though no significant damage was reported on its side. This military escalation follows a setback in diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. A planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was called off just a day earlier, with Trump citing concerns over a "wasted" meeting. Trump had previously advocated for Ukraine to cede the Donbas region to Russia, a suggestion firmly rejected by Kyiv, which insists on preserving its territorial integrity. Also Read: SkyWest flight 6469 returns to Omaha after cockpit communication failure sparks hijacking fears Meanwhile, European allies have stood firmly behind Ukraine, offering continued support without any compromise on land. President Zelensky voiced his frustration, noting that Russian diplomacy remains hollow until it feels the consequences of its aggression. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, with Russia now controlling nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory. Despite ongoing peace talks and international mediation, the fighting continues to cause immense civilian suffering on both sides.

A Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv leaves six dead, including two children, and caused widespread power outages across Ukraine during the winter season

Days before U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in Washington, Russia has further intensified its push in eastern Ukraine. Watch to know the full story!

Russia Ukraine War: 300 Drones, 37 Missiles Launched In Overnight Attacks

Russia has launched a devastating attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, targeting Odesa’s key port and leaving 30,000 people without power. As winter approaches, Ukraine faces the chilling threat of energy collapse. With fuel lines cut and cities in the dark, is this the start of a brutal new phase in the war? We break down what happened, what it means for Ukraine’s survival, and how the West might respond.


Putin Breaks Ukraine’s Energy Backbone: Russia's Winter War Strategy Takes Shape

A serious internal conflict has erupted between Ukraine's two leading government agencies, reportedly affecting the country’s decision-making at a critical time in its war and reconstruction efforts. While the exact causes remain unclear, sources cite rivalries over jurisdiction, corruption probes, and foreign policy influence as key triggers of the feud.

Analysts warn the infighting could undermine Ukraine’s international credibility and slow down vital governance and defense coordination.

Ukraine's Two Premier Government Agencies Are Locked in a Bitter Feud 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned European nations that Russia is seeking to escalate the ongoing conflict, urging stronger support and vigilance. He emphasised the urgent need for coordinated defense measures to prevent further destabilization in the region.


Russia -Ukraine War: Zelensky's Big Warning To Europe, Says 'Russia Looking To Escalate War'

In New York, during the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about negotiations with American leader Donald Trump regarding possible strikes on Russian targets, including energy infrastructure and weapons plants. 

Ukraine's Zelensky warns Kremlin will become target, if Russia isn't stopped

Poland confirmed it shot down drones that repeatedly entered its airspace amid Russia’s strike on Ukraine. The Polish command confirmed early Wednesday that drones repeatedly violated its airspace amid Russia’s strikes on Ukraine.

NATO on high alert: Poland takes out Russian drones: Red line crossed? 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is calling on European allies to ramp up pressure on Russia, following one of the most intense aerial assaults in recent months. Russia launched over 500 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine, targeting key infrastructure and killing at least nine people in Kostiantynivka, a critical logistics hub.

Russia bombs Ukraine | Zelensky urges trump to impose fresh sanctions

Despite U.S. officials accusing India of profiting from the Ukraine war, new reports allege that President Donald Trump is earning a 10% commission on U.S. weapon sales to Ukraine, funneled through European intermediaries. The revelation calls into question America's role in the conflict, with critics claiming Trump has turned the military into a profit-driven venture while deflecting blame onto others like India.

'Peacemaker' Trump profits extra 10% from Russia-Ukraine war: Shifts blame to India? 

U.S. President Donald Trump is making bold claims about resolving the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, but fact-checkers are calling out inconsistencies and political posturing.

In this video, we dive into Trump’s recent statements, his proposed strategies for ending the war, and how they hold up against on-ground realities. With tensions still escalating in eastern Ukraine and no meeting planned between Putin and Zelensky, Trump’s rhetoric is raising eyebrows globally.

Trump's big-talks on war resolution: Defies fact-check | Ukraine-Russia war rages on 

The countdown has begun! US President Donald Trump will convene a high-stakes meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base in Anchorage in a bid to negotiate an end to Russia’s three‑and‑a‑half year war in Ukraine. Trump has publicly staked much on brokering a ceasefire – even hinting he could earn a Nobel Peace Prize – and has floated the idea of “swapping of territories to the betterment of both” sides. He also said he would follow up a successful Russia meeting with a trilateral summit including Ukraine’s president. But Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the first round, and has warned that any peace plan must involve Kyiv directly.&nbsp;In Anchorage, the two leaders will reportedly “focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis,” an aide to Putin said, adding it “will be a challenging process”. Western capitals are watching nervously – allies insist Ukraine’s security interests must come first, while Russia seeks relief from punishing sanctions.<h2>Putin’s terms: Hard bargains for peace</h2>On the eve of the summit, the Kremlin has spelt out what a ceasefire deal would entail – and the demands are onerous. Russia’s war objectives have long included international recognition of its annexations and control over large swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine. In this latest push, Putin’s side is reportedly insisting on Ukraine giving up sovereignty over the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, and even recognising Crimea as Russian. Moscow also demands that Ukraine become a neutral state (explicitly barring NATO membership) and enshrine protections for Russian speakers, including making Russian an official language.&nbsp;Putin has even hinted at broader economic and security guarantees – and possibly a new nuclear arms-control deal with the US – as bargaining chips. Analysts note that Russia’s “stringent conditions” for a full ceasefire are really aimed at securing a long‑term strategic victory. A partial compromise under discussion might be a phased truce – for example pausing air strikes while ground fighting continues. But critics fear such a deal would leave Russia “in control of those escalatory dynamics” on the battlefield with “no genuine deterrence” for Ukraine, a result one expert called a “wonderful outcome from Putin’s perspective”.&nbsp;In public comments, Trump has alternately sounded optimistic and cautious, saying he thinks “Putin will do a deal” on Ukraine but acknowledging the conflict has proven far tougher to end than he expected. A Western diplomat quoted by Reuters suggested the two sides have floated some common terms behind the scenes, but any concrete offer by Russia would likely still amount to Ukraine surrendering territory and major concessions. In exchange, Putin wants Western sanctions lifted and a normalisation of US‑Russia ties – ideally without making that conditional on progress on Ukraine.<h2>Ukraine’s stance: No land concessions</h2>Zelensky and his government have drawn a firm red line: Ukraine will not barter away its territory. In a televised address he reminded citizens that Ukraine’s constitution forbids ceding any land to an aggressor, flatly stating “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupiers”.&nbsp;Ukraine’s leaders reject the notion that significant territory could be traded in any ceasefire deal. In the same video, Zelensky warned that any peace decisions made without Ukraine’s input would be “decisions against peace” – “stillborn” and “unworkable” – because they would lack legitimacy.&nbsp;His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has echoed that line: “the front line is not a border,” he was quoted saying to Reuters, reaffirming that Kyiv will refuse all territorial concessions. Ukrainian officials also celebrated a recent phone call with Trump in which, they say, he agreed that Kyiv must participate in any talks on land swaps.&nbsp;Even on the streets of Anchorage, Ukrainians and supporters are protesting the idea of ceding any land. Prior demonstrations in Alaska were overwhelmingly pro-Ukraine, underscoring Kyiv’s domestic resolve. Ordinary Ukrainians share this stance: at Kyiv’s Maidan square one veteran told reporters, “Not a single serviceman will agree to cede territory… We fight for every inch”.&nbsp;In sum, Ukraine’s position is clear – it is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire or new peace talks, but only on terms that guarantee its sovereignty and security. Indeed, even conceding the roughly one‑fifth of territory currently occupied by Russia (the Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia) would be “painful and politically challenging” for Zelensky.&nbsp;Experts warn that any deal effectively locking in Russian gains would be immediately rejected in Ukraine. As Atlantic Council analyst Tyson Barker put it, “the best the Ukrainians can do is remain firm in their objections and their conditions for a negotiated settlement”.<h2>What lies ahead: Prospects and pitfalls</h2>As Trump and Putin meet, much remains uncertain. If the summit achieves even a temporary ceasefire, it could halt the bloodshed for a time – a welcome respite for civilians – but it might also freeze large parts of Ukraine under Russian control. Analysts caution that Moscow could agree to a limited truce while maintaining the ability to quickly resume offensives. In their words, a deal that leaves Ukraine “in control of those escalatory dynamics” would still be a win for Russia.&nbsp;Furthermore, there is a risk that Washington’s pursuit of a rapid deal could undercut Ukrainian morale or unity. So far, both Zelensky and his Western allies appear to have resisted pressure to strike away Ukraine’s key war aims (like NATO membership or recovering all occupied territory).&nbsp;On the other hand, if the meeting stalls without progress, Ukraine could face continued warfare and a distracted world. Trump has even hinted he could react by imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia – or cancelling them if Putin agrees to a deal – after Anchorage.&nbsp;Such unpredictability injects risk: if sanctions remain, Russia’s economy will keep straining under pressure, but if they are lifted in exchange for a weak ceasefire, Ukraine’s leverage will weaken. European capitals, while hopeful, have been skeptical: the history of unimplemented ceasefires in this war is long, and many say real peace requires much more than a handshake in Alaska. In the end, the summit’s outcome could reshape the war’s trajectory. A breakthrough could force a halt to fighting and begin a painful process of negotiating Ukraine’s future borders and security guarantees.&nbsp;&nbsp;A collapse of talks might embolden Putin to press his offensive, or simply prolong the stalemate. For Ukraine, the stakes are existential: its leaders will measure any U.S.-Russia deal against the intransigent principle that Ukraine’s future must be decided by Ukraine’s people. As one Ukrainian official put it, this moment calls for “real and genuine peace” – and nothing less will suffice.

Trump–Putin Alaska summit: Will this be the ceasefire that changes everything without Ukraine at the table?

The countdown has begun! US President Donald Trump will convene a high-stakes meeting with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at Elmendorf-Richardson Air Force Base in Anchorage in a bid to negotiate an end to Russia’s three‑and‑a‑half year war in Ukraine. Trump has publicly staked much on brokering a ceasefire – even hinting he could earn a Nobel Peace Prize – and has floated the idea of “swapping of territories to the betterment of both” sides. He also said he would follow up a successful Russia meeting with a trilateral summit including Ukraine’s president. But Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky was not invited to the first round, and has warned that any peace plan must involve Kyiv directly. In Anchorage, the two leaders will reportedly “focus on discussing options for achieving a long-term peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis,” an aide to Putin said, adding it “will be a challenging process”. Western capitals are watching nervously – allies insist Ukraine’s security interests must come first, while Russia seeks relief from punishing sanctions. Putin’s terms: Hard bargains for peace On the eve of the summit, the Kremlin has spelt out what a ceasefire deal would entail – and the demands are onerous. Russia’s war objectives have long included international recognition of its annexations and control over large swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine. In this latest push, Putin’s side is reportedly insisting on Ukraine giving up sovereignty over the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk), the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, and even recognising Crimea as Russian. Moscow also demands that Ukraine become a neutral state (explicitly barring NATO membership) and enshrine protections for Russian speakers, including making Russian an official language. Putin has even hinted at broader economic and security guarantees – and possibly a new nuclear arms-control deal with the US – as bargaining chips. Analysts note that Russia’s “stringent conditions” for a full ceasefire are really aimed at securing a long‑term strategic victory. A partial compromise under discussion might be a phased truce – for example pausing air strikes while ground fighting continues. But critics fear such a deal would leave Russia “in control of those escalatory dynamics” on the battlefield with “no genuine deterrence” for Ukraine, a result one expert called a “wonderful outcome from Putin’s perspective”. In public comments, Trump has alternately sounded optimistic and cautious, saying he thinks “Putin will do a deal” on Ukraine but acknowledging the conflict has proven far tougher to end than he expected. A Western diplomat quoted by Reuters suggested the two sides have floated some common terms behind the scenes, but any concrete offer by Russia would likely still amount to Ukraine surrendering territory and major concessions. In exchange, Putin wants Western sanctions lifted and a normalisation of US‑Russia ties – ideally without making that conditional on progress on Ukraine. Ukraine’s stance: No land concessions Zelensky and his government have drawn a firm red line: Ukraine will not barter away its territory. In a televised address he reminded citizens that Ukraine’s constitution forbids ceding any land to an aggressor, flatly stating “Ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupiers”. Ukraine’s leaders reject the notion that significant territory could be traded in any ceasefire deal. In the same video, Zelensky warned that any peace decisions made without Ukraine’s input would be “decisions against peace” – “stillborn” and “unworkable” – because they would lack legitimacy. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has echoed that line: “the front line is not a border,” he was quoted saying to Reuters, reaffirming that Kyiv will refuse all territorial concessions. Ukrainian officials also celebrated a recent phone call with Trump in which, they say, he agreed that Kyiv must participate in any talks on land swaps. Even on the streets of Anchorage, Ukrainians and supporters are protesting the idea of ceding any land. Prior demonstrations in Alaska were overwhelmingly pro-Ukraine, underscoring Kyiv’s domestic resolve. Ordinary Ukrainians share this stance: at Kyiv’s Maidan square one veteran told reporters, “Not a single serviceman will agree to cede territory… We fight for every inch”. In sum, Ukraine’s position is clear – it is prepared to negotiate a ceasefire or new peace talks, but only on terms that guarantee its sovereignty and security. Indeed, even conceding the roughly one‑fifth of territory currently occupied by Russia (the Donbas, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia) would be “painful and politically challenging” for Zelensky. Experts warn that any deal effectively locking in Russian gains would be immediately rejected in Ukraine. As Atlantic Council analyst Tyson Barker put it, “the best the Ukrainians can do is remain firm in their objections and their conditions for a negotiated settlement”. What lies ahead: Prospects and pitfalls As Trump and Putin meet, much remains uncertain. If the summit achieves even a temporary ceasefire, it could halt the bloodshed for a time – a welcome respite for civilians – but it might also freeze large parts of Ukraine under Russian control. Analysts caution that Moscow could agree to a limited truce while maintaining the ability to quickly resume offensives. In their words, a deal that leaves Ukraine “in control of those escalatory dynamics” would still be a win for Russia. Furthermore, there is a risk that Washington’s pursuit of a rapid deal could undercut Ukrainian morale or unity. So far, both Zelensky and his Western allies appear to have resisted pressure to strike away Ukraine’s key war aims (like NATO membership or recovering all occupied territory). On the other hand, if the meeting stalls without progress, Ukraine could face continued warfare and a distracted world. Trump has even hinted he could react by imposing new sanctions and tariffs on Russia – or cancelling them if Putin agrees to a deal – after Anchorage. Such unpredictability injects risk: if sanctions remain, Russia’s economy will keep straining under pressure, but if they are lifted in exchange for a weak ceasefire, Ukraine’s leverage will weaken. European capitals, while hopeful, have been skeptical: the history of unimplemented ceasefires in this war is long, and many say real peace requires much more than a handshake in Alaska. In the end, the summit’s outcome could reshape the war’s trajectory. A breakthrough could force a halt to fighting and begin a painful process of negotiating Ukraine’s future borders and security guarantees. A collapse of talks might embolden Putin to press his offensive, or simply prolong the stalemate. For Ukraine, the stakes are existential: its leaders will measure any U.S.-Russia deal against the intransigent principle that Ukraine’s future must be decided by Ukraine’s people. As one Ukrainian official put it, this moment calls for “real and genuine peace” – and nothing less will suffice.

Ahead of his high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin held discussions with top military, economic, and diplomatic officials in Moscow

In the age of hyper-connectivity, truth moves swiftly — but lies move swifter. A tweet, a doctored photo, or even a single misleading statement can cascade on social media, stir emotions, and create narratives ahead of the facts catching up. Geopolitical crises and wars have never not been information wars, but now, with Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok, speed, reach, and impact of disinformation have never been higher.&nbsp;We are an age where a tweet can either destroy or make a career. The stakes are enormous — not only for public individuals, but for regular folks whose lives can be irreparably altered by a viral lie. And the conflicts of our times — India–Pakistan tensions, the Iran–Israel conflict, the Russia–Ukraine war — have demonstrated just how perilous this online wildfire can be.<h2>Why social media is a misinformation machine?</h2>The design of social media itself is based on virality, not verification. Instant reach, no vetting: Anybody can share anything, and it could be seen by millions in minutes — without being checked. Algorithms amplify outrage: Material that evokes high emotions gets promoted to the top of a feed. Sadly, false or misleading information tends to be more emotive than accurate news. Echo chambers make the belief stronger: Individuals often follow those who share their view, and this makes misinformation "common knowledge" in those circles.&nbsp;This is fatal during times of war or crisis, when emotions are already high and people are eager to get updates.<h2>Case Studies: Misinformation in contemporary conflicts</h2>India–Pakistan: At the time of high-tension Indian–Pakistani military confrontations, manipulated videos and Photoshopped images have consistently gone viral. In 2019, during the Balakot airstrikes incident, random footage of old military operations was shared as "breaking news." Memes, fabricated quotes, and attributed statements fueled public opinion on both sides and added to the hostilities.&nbsp;Iran–Israel: When the tensions between Iran and Israel escalated, social media overflowed with mistranslations, doctored photographs, and even AI-composed "battlefield" pictures. Some of them were tweeted by popular handles and even caught by minor news websites before being corrected. When the misinformation propagated, the retractions hardly reached a quarter of the initial crowd.&nbsp;Russia–Ukraine: Few, if any, wars in the modern era have witnessed the weaponisation of disinformation as extensively as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Political figures were duped with deepfake videos, footage of past combat being recycled as "current" incidents, and made-up casualty figures were circulated extensively. These were intentionally designed by state or state-sponsored actors to manipulate narratives and shape global opinion.<h2>The reputation impact</h2>It's not only governments and militaries that are impacted. One post here can ruin a reputation in a night. Reporters have been trolled, threatened, and discredited from out-of-context screenshots or doctored quotes. Celebrities and public figures have been hammered for comments they never made — simply because someone uploaded a realistic fake. Average citizens have been "doxxed" or hassled after being mistakenly identified in viral war videos. In such a weather, silence is sometimes more secure than voice — but even silence may be seen as taking sides.<h2>The bottom line</h2>Social media is not evil by nature — but it is by nature susceptible to being manipulated. In times of war, the truth tends to get destroyed first, and algorithms that prioritise speed over accuracy only make that poorer. The world we now inhabit requires a new type of literacy: the capacity to filter fact from fiction at the pace of a scroll. Whether you are a reporter, an elected official, or simply a regular user, one post can destroy or solidify your credibility. Caveat emptor — because in this digital space, the ill-advised line at the wrong time can alter everything.&nbsp;Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The dangerous virality: How social media fuels misinformation in times of war

In the age of hyper-connectivity, truth moves swiftly — but lies move swifter. A tweet, a doctored photo, or even a single misleading statement can cascade on social media, stir emotions, and create narratives ahead of the facts catching up. Geopolitical crises and wars have never not been information wars, but now, with Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok, speed, reach, and impact of disinformation have never been higher. We are an age where a tweet can either destroy or make a career. The stakes are enormous — not only for public individuals, but for regular folks whose lives can be irreparably altered by a viral lie. And the conflicts of our times — India–Pakistan tensions, the Iran–Israel conflict, the Russia–Ukraine war — have demonstrated just how perilous this online wildfire can be. Why social media is a misinformation machine? The design of social media itself is based on virality, not verification. Instant reach, no vetting: Anybody can share anything, and it could be seen by millions in minutes — without being checked. Algorithms amplify outrage: Material that evokes high emotions gets promoted to the top of a feed. Sadly, false or misleading information tends to be more emotive than accurate news. Echo chambers make the belief stronger: Individuals often follow those who share their view, and this makes misinformation "common knowledge" in those circles. This is fatal during times of war or crisis, when emotions are already high and people are eager to get updates. Case Studies: Misinformation in contemporary conflicts India–Pakistan: At the time of high-tension Indian–Pakistani military confrontations, manipulated videos and Photoshopped images have consistently gone viral. In 2019, during the Balakot airstrikes incident, random footage of old military operations was shared as "breaking news." Memes, fabricated quotes, and attributed statements fueled public opinion on both sides and added to the hostilities. Iran–Israel: When the tensions between Iran and Israel escalated, social media overflowed with mistranslations, doctored photographs, and even AI-composed "battlefield" pictures. Some of them were tweeted by popular handles and even caught by minor news websites before being corrected. When the misinformation propagated, the retractions hardly reached a quarter of the initial crowd. Russia–Ukraine: Few, if any, wars in the modern era have witnessed the weaponisation of disinformation as extensively as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Political figures were duped with deepfake videos, footage of past combat being recycled as "current" incidents, and made-up casualty figures were circulated extensively. These were intentionally designed by state or state-sponsored actors to manipulate narratives and shape global opinion. The reputation impact It's not only governments and militaries that are impacted. One post here can ruin a reputation in a night. Reporters have been trolled, threatened, and discredited from out-of-context screenshots or doctored quotes. Celebrities and public figures have been hammered for comments they never made — simply because someone uploaded a realistic fake. Average citizens have been "doxxed" or hassled after being mistakenly identified in viral war videos. In such a weather, silence is sometimes more secure than voice — but even silence may be seen as taking sides. The bottom line Social media is not evil by nature — but it is by nature susceptible to being manipulated. In times of war, the truth tends to get destroyed first, and algorithms that prioritise speed over accuracy only make that poorer. The world we now inhabit requires a new type of literacy: the capacity to filter fact from fiction at the pace of a scroll. Whether you are a reporter, an elected official, or simply a regular user, one post can destroy or solidify your credibility. Caveat emptor — because in this digital space, the ill-advised line at the wrong time can alter everything. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The design of social media itself is based on virality, not verification. Instant reach, no vetting: Anybody can share anything, and it could be seen by millions in minutes — without being checked

russia-ukraine

Russia Ukraine, News on Russia Ukraine, stories on Russia Ukraine, articles on Russia Ukraine, Russia Ukraine stories at Wion, Russia Ukraine news, Russia Ukraine latest news

russia ukraine

'For him to die”: Volodymyr Zelensky voices Ukraine’s Christmas wish | WATCH

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Rolls Out New Missile Warning as Russia Signals Long War Path

Talks with US 'not easy' but 'productive': Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky meets US envoys in Berlin for peace talks

Russia suing Euroclear over plan to use Moscow’s frozen cash to help Ukraine

Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting chemical facilities, risking exposure

Russia-Ukraine: Zelensky Fractures Russia's Energy Grid, Power Station Under Attack

Can Russia's New Nuclear-Powered Missile Be A Game Changer?

Can Russia's New Nuclear-Powered Missile Be A Game Changer?

Russia Tests Its Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile With Limitless Range

Russia Tests Its Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile With Limitless Range

Russia-Ukraine War: 300 Drones, 37 Missiles: One Night of Hell in Ukraine

Russian strikes kill 6 in Kyiv amid energy blackouts, power cuts across Ukraine

Russia Ukraine War: 300 Drones, 37 Missiles Launched In Overnight Attacks

Putin Breaks Ukraine’s Energy Backbone: Russia's Winter War Strategy Takes Shape

Ukraine's Two Premier Government Agencies Are Locked in a Bitter Feud

Russia -Ukraine War: Zelensky's Big Warning To Europe, Says 'Russia Looking To Escalate War'

Ukraine's Zelensky warns Kremlin will become target, if Russia isn't stopped

NATO on high alert: Poland takes out Russian drones: Red line crossed?

Russia bombs Ukraine | Zelensky urges trump to impose fresh sanctions

'Peacemaker' Trump profits extra 10% from Russia-Ukraine war: Shifts blame to India?

Trump's big-talks on war resolution: Defies fact-check | Ukraine-Russia war rages on

Trump–Putin Alaska summit: Will this be the ceasefire that changes everything?

The dangerous virality: How social media fuels misinformation in times of war