Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised not to attack Europe's biggest nuclear plant as a part of its counteroffensive against Russia, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency told the Guardian in an interview.&nbsp;

He said, "President Zelensky has personally assured me that they will not directly bomb or shell it." However, he added that the president told him "all other options are on the table," in terms of taking it back.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-get-123mn-from-european-nations-to-breach-russias-deadly-minefields-645148">Ukraine to get $123mn from European nations to breach 'Russia's deadly minefields'</a>

This means that Ukraine follows the new five nuclear safety principles, among which one is "do not attack a nuclear power plant"- initially outlined by Grossi at the UN Security Council in May.&nbsp;

Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in March 2022, the first time any reactor has been captured in war, prompting fears of incidents in the same country when an explosion at Chornobyl in 1986 spread radioactivity across the continent.&nbsp;

Given the current military situation, Grossi said, "anything can happen at any time." "I'm often asked, is [the power station] safe now? No. It's in the middle of a war zone with a counteroffensive," he added. The plant is a base for 500-600 Russian troops.&nbsp;

Grossi said there were two main problems and the most significant one was "direct attack, hit" while the secondary concern was the maintenance of water cooling after the Nova Kakhovka dam downstream was blown in June, leaving its reserve cooling water pond exposed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-russias-neighbour-says-outside-activity-damaged-gas-pipeline-645116">Finland, Russia's neighbour, says 'outside activity' damaged gas pipeline</a>

He added that he is particularly concerned by "a number of fragile points apart from the reactors themselves" including "the spent fuel area which is not fortified" as well as other storage areas holding fresh nuclear fuels.

Ukraine has been trying to regain its territories, but the progress has been slow. There are hopes that it will recapture the area around the nuclear plant.

Grossi said that the focus of the nuclear regulators in recent years focused on the risk of a terrorist or cyberattack, not a land war in Europe. "I’ve had to cross the frontline three times, and as a diplomat, I was not expecting to do that in my career. I’ve been in places where they see each other. We are walking in the middle," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised not to attack Europe's biggest nuclear plant as a part of its counteroffensive against Russia, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency told the Guardian in an interview.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has promised not to attack Europe's biggest nuclear plant as a part of its counteroffensive against Russia, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency told the Guardian in an interview. He said, "President Zelensky has personally assured me that they will not directly bomb or shell it." However, he added that the president told him "all other options are on the table," in terms of taking it back. Also read | Ukraine to get $123mn from European nations to breach 'Russia's deadly minefields' This means that Ukraine follows the new five nuclear safety principles, among which one is "do not attack a nuclear power plant"- initially outlined by Grossi at the UN Security Council in May. Russia captured the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in March 2022, the first time any reactor has been captured in war, prompting fears of incidents in the same country when an explosion at Chornobyl in 1986 spread radioactivity across the continent. Given the current military situation, Grossi said, "anything can happen at any time." "I'm often asked, is [the power station] safe now? No. It's in the middle of a war zone with a counteroffensive," he added. The plant is a base for 500-600 Russian troops. Grossi said there were two main problems and the most significant one was "direct attack, hit" while the secondary concern was the maintenance of water cooling after the Nova Kakhovka dam downstream was blown in June, leaving its reserve cooling water pond exposed. Also read | Finland, Russia's neighbour, says 'outside activity' damaged gas pipeline He added that he is particularly concerned by "a number of fragile points apart from the reactors themselves" including "the spent fuel area which is not fortified" as well as other storage areas holding fresh nuclear fuels. Ukraine has been trying to regain its territories, but the progress has been slow. There are hopes that it will recapture the area around the nuclear plant. Grossi said that the focus of the nuclear regulators in recent years focused on the risk of a terrorist or cyberattack, not a land war in Europe. "I’ve had to cross the frontline three times, and as a diplomat, I was not expecting to do that in my career. I’ve been in places where they see each other. We are walking in the middle," he said. (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 has promised he won't attack Zaporizhzhia plant, says IAEA chief Grossi

Local officials in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region said two people were killed on Saturday (Oct 7) in a village after shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s border Belgorod region, said that one civilian had been killed in the village of Urazovo as a result of Ukrainian shelling.&nbsp;

In a separate attack, a party official in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in the Ukrainian Kherson region was killed by a car bomb, said the provincial governor.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian shelling kills two in Zaporizhzhia</h2>

Local officials in the village of Bilenke, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, said that two people were killed after Russian forces shelled the area, according to a report by Reuters.&nbsp;

They also reported the destruction and damage of at least 10 houses, in the village which is 25 kilometres away from the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnipro River.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-three-injured-after-russian-regions-hit-by-ukrainian-shelling-drones-moscow-641489">At least three injured in Russian regions hit by Ukrainian shelling, drones: Moscow</a>

A local resident also told the news agency that this was the first time that the village was shelled with artillery.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Belgorod?</h2>

Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that a civilian was killed in the village of Urazovo, near the Ukrainian border following shelling by Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;

This comes after he had earlier said that Russian air defence systems downed three Ukrainian missiles over the region.&nbsp;

The Russian region which borders Ukraine has recently reported a rise in attacks becoming an almost daily occurrence in the last few months since Kyiv began its counteroffensive against Moscow.&nbsp;

<h2>Official killed by car bomb in Russian-held town</h2>

A party official, identified as Vladimir Malov, executive secretary of the town branch of Russia’s governing United Russia party, died in hospital, provincial governor Vladimir Saldo said in a post on his Telegram channel.&nbsp;

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The incident is said to have occurred in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s Kherson. Saldo said that it had been a “terrorist attack,” which means indirectly blaming Kyiv for it. Ukraine is yet to respond to the attack or the allegation.&nbsp;

This comes months after Russia claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to kill Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed head of annexed Crimea and arrested an agent before he could blow up the Russian official’s car.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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Local officials in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region said two people were killed on Saturday (Oct 7) in a village after shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s border Belgorod region, said that one civilian had been killed in the village of Urazovo as a result of Ukrainian shelling.

Local officials in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region said two people were killed on Saturday (Oct 7) in a village after shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the governor of Russia’s border Belgorod region, said that one civilian had been killed in the village of Urazovo as a result of Ukrainian shelling. In a separate attack, a party official in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in the Ukrainian Kherson region was killed by a car bomb, said the provincial governor. Russian shelling kills two in Zaporizhzhia Local officials in the village of Bilenke, in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, said that two people were killed after Russian forces shelled the area, according to a report by Reuters. They also reported the destruction and damage of at least 10 houses, in the village which is 25 kilometres away from the Russian-controlled left bank of the Dnipro River. ALSO READ | At least three injured in Russian regions hit by Ukrainian shelling, drones: Moscow A local resident also told the news agency that this was the first time that the village was shelled with artillery. What happened in Belgorod? Governor of Russia’s Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported that a civilian was killed in the village of Urazovo, near the Ukrainian border following shelling by Ukrainian forces. This comes after he had earlier said that Russian air defence systems downed three Ukrainian missiles over the region. The Russian region which borders Ukraine has recently reported a rise in attacks becoming an almost daily occurrence in the last few months since Kyiv began its counteroffensive against Moscow. Official killed by car bomb in Russian-held town A party official, identified as Vladimir Malov, executive secretary of the town branch of Russia’s governing United Russia party, died in hospital, provincial governor Vladimir Saldo said in a post on his Telegram channel. ALSO READ | Ukraine develops 'invisibility cloaks' for its snipers. Here's how they work The incident is said to have occurred in the Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine’s Kherson. Saldo said that it had been a “terrorist attack,” which means indirectly blaming Kyiv for it. Ukraine is yet to respond to the attack or the allegation. This comes months after Russia claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to kill Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed head of annexed Crimea and arrested an agent before he could blow up the Russian official’s car. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

At least two people killed in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia after Russian shelling, say officials

The death toll from&nbsp;an airstrike on the northeastern Ukrainian village in the Kharkiv region rose to 52 on Friday (Oct 6), reported Reuters. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble for bodies after what Kyiv said was one of Russia's deadliest attacks on civilians since the beginning of its invasion. The United Nations human rights agency has deployed a field team to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll rises to 52</h2>

“Fifty-two people died as a result of this missile attack. One person died in a medical facility,” &nbsp;Oleh Synehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, told Ukrainian television. He added, “People are still there (in hospitals). The injuries are quite serious.”&nbsp;

Those killed include&nbsp;a six-year-old boy after a missile rammed into a cafe and grocery store where people gathered to mourn a fallen Ukrainian soldier.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-alleges-brutal-russian-crime-in-ukraine-after-at-least-48-killed-in-strike-642980">Zelensky alleges 'brutal Russian crime' in Ukraine after at least 51 killed in strike</a>

Officials have also announced a three-day mourning period after the attack.

<h2>UN team in Kharkiv</h2>

A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday said they have deployed a field team to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

“The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who saw for himself the horrific impact of such strikes, is profoundly shocked and condemns these killings,” UN human rights office spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told reporters in Geneva.

A probable Russian strike: UN

The UN agency also said that the attack “appeared to be a Russian missile”. At this stage, it is “very difficult to establish with absolute certainty what happened,” said Throssell.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-strikes-ukraines-kharkiv-again-kills-10-year-old-boy-and-injures-others-643262">Russia strikes Ukraine's Kharkiv again, kills 10-year-old boy and injures others</a>

“But given the location, given the fact that the cafe was struck, the indications are that it was a Russian missile,” she added.&nbsp;

The UN rights office’s monitoring mission in Ukraine has been able to identify 35 victims. They have so far established that at least 23 of the fatalities “appeared to be in civilian clothing,” said Throssell, adding that there did not appear to be military targets nearby.&nbsp;

Russia denies attacking civilians

Amid repeated accusations by Kyiv that Moscow is deliberately targeting its civilians, the Kremlin has yet again denied the allegations.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeks-to-rejoin-un-human-rights-council-a-year-after-being-removed-639880">Russia seeks to rejoin UN Human Rights Council, a year after being removed</a>

“We repeat that the Russian military does not strike civilian targets. Strikes are carried out on military targets, on places where military personnel are concentrated,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in his daily briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The death toll from an airstrike on the northeastern Ukrainian village in the Kharkiv region rose to 52 on Friday (Oct 6), reported Reuters. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble for bodies after what Kyiv said was one of Russia's deadliest attacks on civilians since the beginning of its invasion.

The death toll from an airstrike on the northeastern Ukrainian village in the Kharkiv region rose to 52 on Friday (Oct 6), reported Reuters. Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble for bodies after what Kyiv said was one of Russia's deadliest attacks on civilians since the beginning of its invasion. The United Nations human rights agency has deployed a field team to investigate the attack. Death toll rises to 52 “Fifty-two people died as a result of this missile attack. One person died in a medical facility,” Oleh Synehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, told Ukrainian television. He added, “People are still there (in hospitals). The injuries are quite serious.” Those killed include a six-year-old boy after a missile rammed into a cafe and grocery store where people gathered to mourn a fallen Ukrainian soldier. ALSO READ | Zelensky alleges 'brutal Russian crime' in Ukraine after at least 51 killed in strike Officials have also announced a three-day mourning period after the attack. UN team in Kharkiv A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday said they have deployed a field team to investigate the attack. “The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, who saw for himself the horrific impact of such strikes, is profoundly shocked and condemns these killings,” UN human rights office spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell told reporters in Geneva. A probable Russian strike: UN The UN agency also said that the attack “appeared to be a Russian missile”. At this stage, it is “very difficult to establish with absolute certainty what happened,” said Throssell. ALSO READ | Russia strikes Ukraine's Kharkiv again, kills 10-year-old boy and injures others “But given the location, given the fact that the cafe was struck, the indications are that it was a Russian missile,” she added. The UN rights office’s monitoring mission in Ukraine has been able to identify 35 victims. They have so far established that at least 23 of the fatalities “appeared to be in civilian clothing,” said Throssell, adding that there did not appear to be military targets nearby. Russia denies attacking civilians Amid repeated accusations by Kyiv that Moscow is deliberately targeting its civilians, the Kremlin has yet again denied the allegations. ALSO READ | Russia seeks to rejoin UN Human Rights Council, a year after being removed “We repeat that the Russian military does not strike civilian targets. Strikes are carried out on military targets, on places where military personnel are concentrated,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in his daily briefing. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

Ukraine: Death toll from Hroza strike rises to 52; UN team deployed to investigate

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More than a year after being expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Russia is seeking to rejoin the forum. According to a position paper Russia is circulating in the UN and accessed by BBC, Moscow is pushing member nations to extend support to the motion.&nbsp;

According to the document, Russia promises to find "adequate solutions for human rights issues" and seeks to stop the council becoming an "instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries",&nbsp;

Moscow believes that re-joining the UNHRC&nbsp;will restore its international credibility and help wash the human rights abuse allegations that President Vladimir Putin's regime has&nbsp;been consistently accused of during the war in Ukraine and within its own borders.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-prosecutor-to-present-war-crime-dossier-to-icc-639544">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's prosecutor to present 'war crime' dossier to ICC</a>

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<h2>Russia was expelled from the council&nbsp;</h2>

It was in April last year that the UN General Assembly, during an emergency special session, voted to suspend Russia from the human rights body over allegations of&nbsp;rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

The resolution was put forth by the US and passed with 93 votes in favour, 24 against it and&nbsp;58 abstentions. China voted against it, while India abstained.

The 47 members of the UNHRC are elected by members of the UNGA. A two-thirds vote is needed in the General Assembly to remove a member.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-russia-intentionally-starve-ukraine-new-war-crime-dossier-to-the-icc-to-provide-damning-evidence-639290">Also read |&nbsp;Did Russia intentionally starve Ukraine? New war crime dossier to the ICC to provide damning evidence</a>

<h2>UN expresses concerns&nbsp;</h2>

Russia aiming to join the council comes a few days after a UN expert raised concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country ever since it invaded Ukraine.

A report published by&nbsp;Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova alleged that&nbsp;Russian authorities have carried out mass arbitrary arrests of critics of the war and says those detained risk death due to the "persistent use of torture and ill-treatment".

“I think there is a serious place for concern and also of course, as documented by my report, an enormous crackdown on civil society. Around 600 civil society organizations from big like Memorial, the Nobel peace price winner for last year, to tiny organizations in the regions of indigenous people, of ethnic minorities, of LGBTIQ representative organizations, organizations that represent these people, have been closed down, have been forced to closed down by the authorities," said&nbsp;Katzarova.&nbsp;

Moscow has previously called criticism of its domestic&nbsp;rights&nbsp;record unfounded and denied targeting civilians in Ukraine, where it says it is carrying out a "special military operation" to destroy military infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than a year after being expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Russia is seeking to rejoin the forum. According to a position paper Russia is circulating in the UN and accessed by BBC, Moscow is pushing member nations to extend support to the motion.

More than a year after being expelled from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Russia is seeking to rejoin the forum. According to a position paper Russia is circulating in the UN and accessed by BBC, Moscow is pushing member nations to extend support to the motion. According to the document, Russia promises to find "adequate solutions for human rights issues" and seeks to stop the council becoming an "instrument which serves political wills of one group of countries", Moscow believes that re-joining the UNHRC will restore its international credibility and help wash the human rights abuse allegations that President Vladimir Putin's regime has been consistently accused of during the war in Ukraine and within its own borders. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's prosecutor to present 'war crime' dossier to ICC × Russia was expelled from the council It was in April last year that the UN General Assembly, during an emergency special session, voted to suspend Russia from the human rights body over allegations of rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The resolution was put forth by the US and passed with 93 votes in favour, 24 against it and 58 abstentions. China voted against it, while India abstained. The 47 members of the UNHRC are elected by members of the UNGA. A two-thirds vote is needed in the General Assembly to remove a member. Also read | Did Russia intentionally starve Ukraine? New war crime dossier to the ICC to provide damning evidence UN expresses concerns Russia aiming to join the council comes a few days after a UN expert raised concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country ever since it invaded Ukraine. A report published by Special Rapporteur Mariana Katzarova alleged that Russian authorities have carried out mass arbitrary arrests of critics of the war and says those detained risk death due to the "persistent use of torture and ill-treatment". “I think there is a serious place for concern and also of course, as documented by my report, an enormous crackdown on civil society. Around 600 civil society organizations from big like Memorial, the Nobel peace price winner for last year, to tiny organizations in the regions of indigenous people, of ethnic minorities, of LGBTIQ representative organizations, organizations that represent these people, have been closed down, have been forced to closed down by the authorities," said Katzarova. Moscow has previously called criticism of its domestic rights record unfounded and denied targeting civilians in Ukraine, where it says it is carrying out a "special military operation" to destroy military infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia seeks to rejoin UN Human Rights Council, a year after being removed

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned Ukraine that his government will not support Kyiv in any international issue until the language rights of ethnic Hungarians there are restored.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has warned Ukraine that his government will not support Kyiv in any international issue until the language rights of ethnic Hungarians there are restored. Speaking in parliament, Orban, a hardcore nationalist, pointed out the 2017 law passed by Kyiv which restricts the use of minority languages in schools. Orban believes the law curbs the rights of roughly 150,000 ethnic Hungarians to use their native tongue, especially in education. "They want to transform (Hungarian schools) into Ukrainian schools and if that does not work they want to close them," Orban was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We do not support Ukraine in any issue in the international scene until it restores the laws that guarantee the rights of Hungarians." Also read | 'Let us open doors...': Pope appeals Hungarians to be more receptive to migrants Orban's bargaining chip Orban's statement comes days after European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen suggested the vision of an expanded EU that would include Ukraine. The bloc is expected to decide on whether to begin discussions on assimilating Ukraine into its fold or not in December. However, to begin such a negotiation would require unanimous backing of all 27 countries in the bloc. With the Hungarian PM seemingly miffed by Ukraine, it looks highly unlikely that Kyiv would have smooth sailing on the issue. Budapest has already shown that it can use its decisive vote to lengthen proceedings. Sweden has been unable to become a NATO member for over a year due to Orban's unwillingness to ratify the move. Watch | Military exercise comes as Sweden starts its bid to join NATO × During the same speech, Orban touched upon the topic and said he was not in a rush to approve Sweden's bid to join NATO and that there was no threat to Sweden's security. Budapest has cited what it called undue allegations by Swedish politicians that it had eroded democratic rights. "I wonder if there is something urgent that would force us to ratify Sweden's NATO bid. I cannot see any such circumstance," Orban said. Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year. It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all 30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document. Every country has signed the document, bar Turkey and Hungary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We do not support Ukraine...': Hungary PM Orban lashes out at Kyiv

In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-pm-modis-attendance-underscores-aseans-indo-pacific-importance-says-indonesian-ambassador-628738">Indo-Pacific</a> while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region.&nbsp;

The remarks were made in a joint statement after a meeting of foreign ministers of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495">Quad grouping</a> – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Indo-Pacific</h2>

The meeting included the foreign ministers of the four-nation bloc: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.&nbsp;

“We reaffirm our conviction that international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said the Quad nation’s foreign ministers, in the joint statement.&nbsp;

They also emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the UN charter to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order which includes “respect to maritime claims, and in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-south-china-sea-dispute-escalate-into-a-full-scale-war-414263">South and East China Seas.</a>”&nbsp;

China’s aggressive behaviour in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-installs-ground-stations-in-disputed-south-china-sea-to-monitor-vessels-report-637869">South China Sea</a> and Indo-Pacific was quite evident after it released the 2023 edition of its so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-map-claiming-regions-beyond-its-border-is-aggression-shows-beijings-character-630176">“standard map”</a> back in August, which included parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and some regions of the disputed South China Sea, as part of China.&nbsp;

In an apparent reference to China, the statement said, “We continue to express serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore exploitation activities.”&nbsp;

It added, “We strongly support the principles of freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes; and oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.”&nbsp;

While the Quad did not have a formal military aspect till now it is widely seen as a grouping formed to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Beijing’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-vietnam-malaysia-philippines-and-taiwan-reject-chinas-new-controversial-map-release-statements-631063">continued claims</a> over the entire South China Sea drew criticism from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei.&nbsp;

Not to mention China’s territorial disputes with Japan over the East China Sea and its recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-flags-abnormal-chinese-movements-rise-in-military-activity-around-island-638625">ramped-up military drills</a> around Taiwan as it continues to claim the self-ruled island as its territory and maintains it will seize it one day, by force, if necessary.

<h2>‘Deep concern’ over Ukraine war</h2>

The Quad ministers in their statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “raging” war in Ukraine and “mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.” They also underscored the “need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with international law.&nbsp;

The Quad nation’s foreign ministers also said they are “deeply concerned about the global food security situation” and support the UN’s attempts to renew the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637">Black Sea grain deal </a>after Russia backed out of it, in July.&nbsp;

While the statement does not directly mention Russia it said, “In the context of this war, we concur that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons would be unacceptable.” In a supposed reference to Moscow and its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-putins-nuclear-threats-what-happens-if-russia-uses-nukes-524398">repeated veiled threats</a> to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;

“We underscore that the rules-based international order must respect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-g20-leaders-call-for-upholding-territorial-integrity-sovereignty-634125">sovereignty and territorial integrity</a> of all states,” said the joint statement.&nbsp; 
 
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In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the Indo-Pacific while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region.

In a supposed veiled attack on China, the foreign minister of QUAD nations, on Friday (September 22), expressed concerns about the militarisation of disputed features, and the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the Indo-Pacific while reaffirming that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity underpin the development of the region. The remarks were made in a joint statement after a meeting of foreign ministers of the Quad grouping – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. About the Indo-Pacific The meeting included the foreign ministers of the four-nation bloc: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “We reaffirm our conviction that international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and security in the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific,” said the Quad nation’s foreign ministers, in the joint statement. They also emphasised the importance of adherence to international law and the UN charter to address challenges to the global maritime rules-based order which includes “respect to maritime claims, and in the South and East China Seas.” China’s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific was quite evident after it released the 2023 edition of its so-called “standard map” back in August, which included parts of India’s Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Aksai Chin region, Taiwan and some regions of the disputed South China Sea, as part of China. In an apparent reference to China, the statement said, “We continue to express serious concern about the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore exploitation activities.” It added, “We strongly support the principles of freedom, the rule of law, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes; and oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.” While the Quad did not have a formal military aspect till now it is widely seen as a grouping formed to counter China’s rising influence in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing’s continued claims over the entire South China Sea drew criticism from Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei. Not to mention China’s territorial disputes with Japan over the East China Sea and its recently ramped-up military drills around Taiwan as it continues to claim the self-ruled island as its territory and maintains it will seize it one day, by force, if necessary. ‘Deep concern’ over Ukraine war The Quad ministers in their statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “raging” war in Ukraine and “mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences.” They also underscored the “need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine” in line with international law. The Quad nation’s foreign ministers also said they are “deeply concerned about the global food security situation” and support the UN’s attempts to renew the Black Sea grain deal after Russia backed out of it, in July. While the statement does not directly mention Russia it said, “In the context of this war, we concur that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons would be unacceptable.” In a supposed reference to Moscow and its repeated veiled threats to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. “We underscore that the rules-based international order must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” said the joint statement. 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.

Respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity underpin development of Indo-Pacific: Quad foreign ministers

A bombshell CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be behind a recent drone strike against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan.

CNN, quoting sources in the Ukrainian military, reported that ‘Ukrainian special services were likely responsible’ for a series of drone strikes against Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The group is militarily backed by Wagner and is fighting the Sudanese government for control of the country.

CNN declined to confirm the claims made by the Ukrainian source, however, it noted that the pattern of the drone strikes was quite similar to that observed in the Russia-Ukraine war, and the drones used in the strikes were the same as those used by Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian text was also visible on the drone controller, as per the report.

If these claims are true, this could mean a major provocation against Russia by Ukraine, indicating that the war in Ukraine has spilt over into Africa.

<h2>Sudanese military reacts</h2>

The report cited senior military leaders in the Sudanese military as saying that they were not aware of the alleged role of Ukraine in the drone strikes.

Watch:&nbsp;UK: Supporting Wagner is now a criminal offence

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Earlier this month, RSF was hit by 14 drone strikes near Sudan’s capital, but the Sudanese army does not believe Ukraine was behind them.

US officials also expressed their shock at the report and appeared unaware of the alleged Ukrainian role.

<h2>Wagner’s support to RSF</h2>

The drone strikes against RSF were likely launched on September 8, just two days after Wagner is believed to have supplied it with a large tranche of arms.&nbsp;

Wagner reportedly facilitated a large arms convoy to Sudan via an RSF garrison in al-Zurug, in the country’s southwest near the border with Chad.

<h2>Wagner in Africa</h2>

The influential Russian mercenary group has prominently participated in Moscow's foreign military operations, particularly in Ukraine, and has faced repeated accusations of committing heinous acts. In Africa too, it has contributed to bolstering Moscow's expanding influence and resource acquisition.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both Ukrainian and Russian forces have been testing FPV drones, arming them with rocket-propelled grenades. These agile and precise munitions can deliver a substantial payload capable of destroying vehicles.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-wagner-fighters-struggle-to-find-jobs-in-russia-despite-official-pardon-636824">Also read:&nbsp;Ex-Wagner fighters struggle to find jobs in Russia despite official pardon</a>

Although drones have previously been employed for bomb drops in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Libya, the deployment of weaponised commercial drones that detonate on impact represents a new development in Africa.

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A bombshell CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be behind a recent drone strike against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan. CNN, quoting sources in the Ukrainian military, reported that ‘Ukrainian special services were likely responsible’ for a series of drone strikes against Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

A bombshell CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be behind a recent drone strike against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan. CNN, quoting sources in the Ukrainian military, reported that ‘Ukrainian special services were likely responsible’ for a series of drone strikes against Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The group is militarily backed by Wagner and is fighting the Sudanese government for control of the country. CNN declined to confirm the claims made by the Ukrainian source, however, it noted that the pattern of the drone strikes was quite similar to that observed in the Russia-Ukraine war, and the drones used in the strikes were the same as those used by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian text was also visible on the drone controller, as per the report. If these claims are true, this could mean a major provocation against Russia by Ukraine, indicating that the war in Ukraine has spilt over into Africa. Sudanese military reacts The report cited senior military leaders in the Sudanese military as saying that they were not aware of the alleged role of Ukraine in the drone strikes. Watch: UK: Supporting Wagner is now a criminal offence × Earlier this month, RSF was hit by 14 drone strikes near Sudan’s capital, but the Sudanese army does not believe Ukraine was behind them. US officials also expressed their shock at the report and appeared unaware of the alleged Ukrainian role. Wagner’s support to RSF The drone strikes against RSF were likely launched on September 8, just two days after Wagner is believed to have supplied it with a large tranche of arms. Wagner reportedly facilitated a large arms convoy to Sudan via an RSF garrison in al-Zurug, in the country’s southwest near the border with Chad. Wagner in Africa The influential Russian mercenary group has prominently participated in Moscow's foreign military operations, particularly in Ukraine, and has faced repeated accusations of committing heinous acts. In Africa too, it has contributed to bolstering Moscow's expanding influence and resource acquisition. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both Ukrainian and Russian forces have been testing FPV drones, arming them with rocket-propelled grenades. These agile and precise munitions can deliver a substantial payload capable of destroying vehicles. Also read: Ex-Wagner fighters struggle to find jobs in Russia despite official pardon Although drones have previously been employed for bomb drops in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Libya, the deployment of weaponised commercial drones that detonate on impact represents a new development in Africa. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine ‘likely’ behind drone attacks on Wagner-backed forces in Africa: Report

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought a collective declaration from the Five Eyes alliance members to release the investigation results indicating the involvement of 'Indian government agents' in the demise of Khalistan militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In the UN General Assembly, Israel's ambassador&nbsp;Gilad Erdan was detained by security personnel as he protested against Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's speech. In other news, an exclusive&nbsp;CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be the culprit behind a recent drone attack&nbsp;against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-other-allies-refused-to-join-canada-in-condemning-india-over-hardeep-singh-nijjars-death-report-637744">US, other allies refused to join Canada in condemning India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death: Report</a>

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wanted the Five Eyes alliance members to jointly announce the probe findings that allegedly point to ‘Indian government agents’ role in the death of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reports Washington Post newspaper.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-ambassador-detained-at-un-after-bold-protest-against-iranian-presidents-speech-watch-637729">Israeli ambassador shown out of UN assembly hall for protesting Iranian president's speech. Watch</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/20/380773-the-battle-for-kyiv-2023-09-20t090934576.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

United Nations security personnel briefly detained Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, as he protested Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's speech at the General Assembly.

Although the reason for his detention remained unclear, he was later released. This incident occurred against the backdrop of Erdan's condemnation of Raisi as a "vile murderer."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-likely-behind-drone-attacks-on-wagner-backed-forces-in-africa-report-637711">Ukraine ‘likely’ behind drone attacks on Wagner-backed forces in Africa: Report</a>

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A bombshell CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be behind a recent drone strike against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan.

CNN, quoting sources in the Ukrainian military, reported that ‘Ukrainian special services were likely responsible’ for a series of drone strikes against Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The group is militarily backed by Wagner and is fighting the Sudanese government for control of the country.

Watch |&nbsp;Azerbaijan launches operation against Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch |&nbsp;Global debt hits record $307 trillion, debt ratios climb</div>

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought a collective declaration from the Five Eyes alliance members to release the investigation results indicating the involvement of 'Indian government agents' in the demise of Khalistan militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought a collective declaration from the Five Eyes alliance members to release the investigation results indicating the involvement of 'Indian government agents' in the demise of Khalistan militant Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In the UN General Assembly, Israel's ambassador Gilad Erdan was detained by security personnel as he protested against Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's speech. In other news, an exclusive CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be the culprit behind a recent drone attack against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan. Click on the headlines to read more. US, other allies refused to join Canada in condemning India over Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s death: Report Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wanted the Five Eyes alliance members to jointly announce the probe findings that allegedly point to ‘Indian government agents’ role in the death of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, reports Washington Post newspaper. Israeli ambassador shown out of UN assembly hall for protesting Iranian president's speech. Watch United Nations security personnel briefly detained Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, as he protested Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's speech at the General Assembly. Although the reason for his detention remained unclear, he was later released. This incident occurred against the backdrop of Erdan's condemnation of Raisi as a "vile murderer." Ukraine ‘likely’ behind drone attacks on Wagner-backed forces in Africa: Report A bombshell CNN report has claimed that Ukraine could be behind a recent drone strike against a Wagner-backed fighter group in Sudan. CNN, quoting sources in the Ukrainian military, reported that ‘Ukrainian special services were likely responsible’ for a series of drone strikes against Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The group is militarily backed by Wagner and is fighting the Sudanese government for control of the country. Watch | Azerbaijan launches operation against Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh Watch | Global debt hits record $307 trillion, debt ratios climb

Morning brief: US rejects Canada's call to slam India in Nijjar case, Azerbaijan strikes Karabakh, & more

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said Sunday that its forces shot down one Ukrainian drone over the outskirts of Moscow and at least six others over Crimea.

At around 1:45 am (04:15 am IST on Sunday) one drone was intercepted over Moscow's Istrinsky district, the defence ministry said in a Telegram post.

“According to preliminary data, there was no damage or casualties at the site where the debris fell," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote in a separate Telegram post.

"Emergency services specialists are working at the scene,” he added.

Around the same time, six other drones were detected and destroyed over the Crimean peninsula, the ministry said.

<h2>Five killed in Donetsk</h2>

Russia-installed government in the Donetsk region on Saturday said at least five civilians lost their lives due to intense shelling by Ukrainian forces.

The five were killed in the Kirov and Kuibyshevskyi districts and a woman was injured in Svetlodarsk, Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed head of the region, wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces on Saturday also said heavy fighting took place with Russian forces, as he claimed partial success in Kyiv’s campaign to reclaim land lost to Russia in the 19-month-long war.

<h2>Russia possibly stockpiling missiles</h2>

The UK’s defence ministry said on Saturday that Russia was most likely stockpiling air-launched cruise missiles ahead of winter onslaught to target Ukrainian infrastructure.

The ministry also quoted intelligence input to claim that Russia might deploy strategic bombers to fire these missiles at Ukraine from deep within Russian territory.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine using custom made rocket launchers against Russia

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In a post shared on X, the defence ministry said: "Open source reports suggest that since April 2023, ALCM expenditure rates have reduced, while Russian leaders have highlighted efforts to increase the rate of cruise missile production."&nbsp;

"Russia is therefore likely able to generate a significant stockpile of ALCMs. There is a realistic possibility Russia will again focus these weapons against Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the winter," it added.

<h2>Zelensky-Biden meet</h2>

The White House announced Friday (September 15) that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will pay his second wartime visit to Washington next week, in a bid to solidify the support of his country's crucial ally. The US has already shipped billions of dollars in aid to fight Russia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-likely-boosting-capacity-for-winter-onslaught-says-uk-636574">Also read:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow boosting its arsenal, capacity for winter onslaught, says UK</a>

Zelensky will travel to the White House on Thursday for talks with President Joe Biden and also hold meetings at the US Congress, where elements of the rival Republican Party are hesitant as Biden seeks to push through a major new package for Kyiv.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Russia’s Ministry of Defence said Sunday that its forces shot down one Ukrainian drone over the outskirts of Moscow and at least six others over Crimea. At around 1:45 am (04:15 am IST on Sunday) one drone was intercepted over Moscow's Istrinsky district, the defence ministry said in a Telegram post.

Russia’s Ministry of Defence said Sunday that its forces shot down one Ukrainian drone over the outskirts of Moscow and at least six others over Crimea. At around 1:45 am (04:15 am IST on Sunday) one drone was intercepted over Moscow's Istrinsky district, the defence ministry said in a Telegram post. “According to preliminary data, there was no damage or casualties at the site where the debris fell," Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote in a separate Telegram post. "Emergency services specialists are working at the scene,” he added. Around the same time, six other drones were detected and destroyed over the Crimean peninsula, the ministry said. Five killed in Donetsk Russia-installed government in the Donetsk region on Saturday said at least five civilians lost their lives due to intense shelling by Ukrainian forces. The five were killed in the Kirov and Kuibyshevskyi districts and a woman was injured in Svetlodarsk, Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed head of the region, wrote on the Telegram messaging app. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces on Saturday also said heavy fighting took place with Russian forces, as he claimed partial success in Kyiv’s campaign to reclaim land lost to Russia in the 19-month-long war. Russia possibly stockpiling missiles The UK’s defence ministry said on Saturday that Russia was most likely stockpiling air-launched cruise missiles ahead of winter onslaught to target Ukrainian infrastructure. The ministry also quoted intelligence input to claim that Russia might deploy strategic bombers to fire these missiles at Ukraine from deep within Russian territory. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine using custom made rocket launchers against Russia × In a post shared on X, the defence ministry said: "Open source reports suggest that since April 2023, ALCM expenditure rates have reduced, while Russian leaders have highlighted efforts to increase the rate of cruise missile production." "Russia is therefore likely able to generate a significant stockpile of ALCMs. There is a realistic possibility Russia will again focus these weapons against Ukrainian infrastructure targets over the winter," it added. Zelensky-Biden meet The White House announced Friday (September 15) that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will pay his second wartime visit to Washington next week, in a bid to solidify the support of his country's crucial ally. The US has already shipped billions of dollars in aid to fight Russia. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow boosting its arsenal, capacity for winter onslaught, says UK Zelensky will travel to the White House on Thursday for talks with President Joe Biden and also hold meetings at the US Congress, where elements of the rival Republican Party are hesitant as Biden seeks to push through a major new package for Kyiv. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukrainian drone shot down near Moscow, six others over Crimea: Russia

The Ukrainian army&nbsp;on Friday (September 15) announced that they have “liberated” the village of Andriivka near the key frontline town of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia in May. This comes a day after Ukrainian authorities ordered civilians in the Kherson region to evacuate due to regular bombings by Moscow’s army.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian troops capture eastern village</h2>

The announcement of the recapture of the village of Andriivka was made by the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces during his morning report, saying that Russian forces also suffered “significant” casualties and equipment losses.&nbsp;

“In the direction of Bakhmut, the enemy does not stop trying to break through the defence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of Bogdanivka,” said the General Staff, on Facebook.&nbsp;

“In the course of the assault, they liberated Andriivka in Donetsk region, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment, and entrenched at the occupied frontiers,” it added, while also reporting “partial success” near Klishchiivka village, south of Bakhmut.

Andriivka is around 14 kilometres south of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which has seen some of the longest and bloodiest battles during the war.&nbsp;

The announcement also comes a day after Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister, Hanna Maliar reported that Andriivka had been brought under Ukrainian control but later backtracked on the saying that the fighting was still raging around the village.

Speaking about the progress on the southern front General Staff spokesman Andriy Kovaliov said its troops were inflicting substantial losses on the enemy near the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region.

<h2>Civilians in Kherson ordered to evacuate </h2>

Ukrainian Governor Oleksandr Prokudin took to Telegram, on Thursday (Sep 14) and said, “The Kherson Regional Defence Council has decided to compulsorily evacuate families with children from areas under constant enemy fire.”&nbsp;

The Ukrainian official indicated that Kherson’s regional authorities were preparing for “emergency situations” ahead of winter regarding electricity supplies. Last year, Russia allegedly carried out massive strikes against the war-torn country’s infrastructure which plunged civilians into the cold and dark during sub-zero conditions.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian submarine suffered ‘catastrophic damage’ after Ukrainian strike: UK&nbsp;</h2>

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, on Friday (September 15) said that a Ukrainian strike on Sevastopol naval base earlier this week inflicted “catastrophic damage” to a Russian submarine and destroyed a landing ship.&nbsp;

According to the British MoD, the Ukrainian attack on Wednesday (September 13) on the Sevmorzavod shipyard hit landing ship Minsk and Kilo 636.3-class submarine Rostov-na-Donu as the vessels were undergoing maintenance in dry docks.&nbsp;

“Despite the Russian Ministry of Defence downplaying the damage to the vessels, open-source evidence indicates the Minsk has almost certainly been functionally destroyed, while the Rostov has likely suffered catastrophic damage,” said the British MoD.&nbsp;

The British defence officials also said that it would take hundreds of millions of dollars and many years to fix the submarine, not to mention the “realistic possibility that the complex task of removing the wreckage from the dry docks will place them out of use for many months.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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The Ukrainian army on Friday (September 15) announced that they have “liberated” the village of Andriivka near the key frontline town of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia in May.

The Ukrainian army on Friday (September 15) announced that they have “liberated” the village of Andriivka near the key frontline town of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia in May. This comes a day after Ukrainian authorities ordered civilians in the Kherson region to evacuate due to regular bombings by Moscow’s army. Ukrainian troops capture eastern village The announcement of the recapture of the village of Andriivka was made by the General Staff of Ukraine’s armed forces during his morning report, saying that Russian forces also suffered “significant” casualties and equipment losses. “In the direction of Bakhmut, the enemy does not stop trying to break through the defence of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of Bogdanivka,” said the General Staff, on Facebook. “In the course of the assault, they liberated Andriivka in Donetsk region, inflicted significant losses on the enemy in terms of manpower and equipment, and entrenched at the occupied frontiers,” it added, while also reporting “partial success” near Klishchiivka village, south of Bakhmut. Andriivka is around 14 kilometres south of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, which has seen some of the longest and bloodiest battles during the war. The announcement also comes a day after Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister, Hanna Maliar reported that Andriivka had been brought under Ukrainian control but later backtracked on the saying that the fighting was still raging around the village. Speaking about the progress on the southern front General Staff spokesman Andriy Kovaliov said its troops were inflicting substantial losses on the enemy near the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region. Civilians in Kherson ordered to evacuate Ukrainian Governor Oleksandr Prokudin took to Telegram, on Thursday (Sep 14) and said, “The Kherson Regional Defence Council has decided to compulsorily evacuate families with children from areas under constant enemy fire.” The Ukrainian official indicated that Kherson’s regional authorities were preparing for “emergency situations” ahead of winter regarding electricity supplies. Last year, Russia allegedly carried out massive strikes against the war-torn country’s infrastructure which plunged civilians into the cold and dark during sub-zero conditions. Russian submarine suffered ‘catastrophic damage’ after Ukrainian strike: UK The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, on Friday (September 15) said that a Ukrainian strike on Sevastopol naval base earlier this week inflicted “catastrophic damage” to a Russian submarine and destroyed a landing ship. According to the British MoD, the Ukrainian attack on Wednesday (September 13) on the Sevmorzavod shipyard hit landing ship Minsk and Kilo 636.3-class submarine Rostov-na-Donu as the vessels were undergoing maintenance in dry docks. “Despite the Russian Ministry of Defence downplaying the damage to the vessels, open-source evidence indicates the Minsk has almost certainly been functionally destroyed, while the Rostov has likely suffered catastrophic damage,” said the British MoD. The British defence officials also said that it would take hundreds of millions of dollars and many years to fix the submarine, not to mention the “realistic possibility that the complex task of removing the wreckage from the dry docks will place them out of use for many months.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

Ukraine claims to have ‘liberated’ Andriivka village near Bakhmut; evacuations ordered in Kherson

Romania on Saturday (September 9) said that new fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian military were found on the NATO member’s territory across the border from Ukraine. The Romanian president called the incident unacceptable and said he had informed the NATO chief about the same who reiterated his support for Bucharest.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Romania find?</h2>

Romania&nbsp;said that its soldiers found fragments of a drone “similar to those used by the Russian Army”.

The defence ministry said the country’s naval forces were deployed after local officials alerted them to suspected drone fragments discovered 2.5 kilometres southeast of the village of Plauru.&nbsp;

The village is across the Danube river and from the Ukrainian port of Izmail. “In the search, fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian army were discovered,” said the Romanian defence ministry, in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romania-denies-reports-of-being-hit-amid-russian-drone-attack-on-ukrainian-port-632381">Romania denies reports of being hit amid Russian drone attack on Ukrainian port</a>

Finding of the fragments also comes days after reported drone debris was disovered in that area some kilometres away from Saturday’s find.&nbsp;

The fragments have since been picked up for analysis, the statement added. Notably, this is the second suspected Russian drone piece found in Romanian territory this week.&nbsp;

<h2>Romanian president talks to NATO chief</h2>

President Klaus Iohannis said that he had informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the drone pieces and the latter reiterated the United States-led military alliance’s complete solidarity with Romania.

“The identification by Romanian authorities on Romanian territory near the border with Ukraine of new drone fragments...indicates an unacceptable breach occurred of the air space of Romania, a NATO state, with real risks to the security of Romanian citizens in the area,” said Iohannis.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romania-calls-for-urgent-investigation-into-suspected-drone-debris-near-ukraine-633094">Romania calls for 'urgent investigation' into suspected drone debris near Ukraine</a>

He added, “I firmly condemn this incident caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian Danube river ports.”

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said Russian strikes near the border were “destabilising” even though they were not directed or intended to hit a NATO member.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the US State Department said it would rotate additional F-16 fighter jets to bolster NATO’s air policing mission in Romania.&nbsp;

The first discovery of possible drone debris came on Wednesday (Sep 6) after Ukraine alleged on Monday that drones detonated in Romania during an overnight Russian air strike on Izmail. The NATO member initially denied the reports before saying that they found pieces on Wednesday.

<h2>Ukrainian shelling kills one in Donetsk: Russian-installed mayor</h2>

Russian-installed Donetsk Mayor Alexei Kulemzin, on Saturday (Sep 9) said that a civilian was killed and one person wounded in a Ukrainian shelling of the city. He also reported damage to a number of buildings and several city districts.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romania-claims-fresh-ukraine-attacks-very-close-to-border-632710">Romania claims fresh Ukraine attacks 'very close' to border</a>

Donetsk is one of four regions in Ukraine that Russia partly occupies and has claimed as its own territory, in a move that has been widely condemned as illegal in the United Nations General Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Romania on Saturday (September 9) said that new fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian military were found on the NATO member’s territory across the border from Ukraine.

Romania on Saturday (September 9) said that new fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian military were found on the NATO member’s territory across the border from Ukraine. The Romanian president called the incident unacceptable and said he had informed the NATO chief about the same who reiterated his support for Bucharest. What did Romania find? Romania said that its soldiers found fragments of a drone “similar to those used by the Russian Army”. The defence ministry said the country’s naval forces were deployed after local officials alerted them to suspected drone fragments discovered 2.5 kilometres southeast of the village of Plauru. The village is across the Danube river and from the Ukrainian port of Izmail. “In the search, fragments of a drone similar to those used by the Russian army were discovered,” said the Romanian defence ministry, in a statement. ALSO READ | Romania denies reports of being hit amid Russian drone attack on Ukrainian port Finding of the fragments also comes days after reported drone debris was disovered in that area some kilometres away from Saturday’s find. The fragments have since been picked up for analysis, the statement added. Notably, this is the second suspected Russian drone piece found in Romanian territory this week. Romanian president talks to NATO chief President Klaus Iohannis said that he had informed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg about the drone pieces and the latter reiterated the United States-led military alliance’s complete solidarity with Romania. “The identification by Romanian authorities on Romanian territory near the border with Ukraine of new drone fragments...indicates an unacceptable breach occurred of the air space of Romania, a NATO state, with real risks to the security of Romanian citizens in the area,” said Iohannis. ALSO READ | Romania calls for 'urgent investigation' into suspected drone debris near Ukraine He added, “I firmly condemn this incident caused by Russian attacks on Ukrainian Danube river ports.” Meanwhile, Stoltenberg said Russian strikes near the border were “destabilising” even though they were not directed or intended to hit a NATO member. Earlier this week, the US State Department said it would rotate additional F-16 fighter jets to bolster NATO’s air policing mission in Romania. The first discovery of possible drone debris came on Wednesday (Sep 6) after Ukraine alleged on Monday that drones detonated in Romania during an overnight Russian air strike on Izmail. The NATO member initially denied the reports before saying that they found pieces on Wednesday. Ukrainian shelling kills one in Donetsk: Russian-installed mayor Russian-installed Donetsk Mayor Alexei Kulemzin, on Saturday (Sep 9) said that a civilian was killed and one person wounded in a Ukrainian shelling of the city. He also reported damage to a number of buildings and several city districts. ALSO READ | Romania claims fresh Ukraine attacks 'very close' to border Donetsk is one of four regions in Ukraine that Russia partly occupies and has claimed as its own territory, in a move that has been widely condemned as illegal in the United Nations General Assembly. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

Romania finds suspected Russian drone fragments on its territory near Ukraine border

At least two people were killed and one person was injured after Russian shelling hit a cafe, in a village near the town of Kupiansk in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, said the governor, on Saturday (August 25). Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down one drone approaching Moscow and another in a border region. It also reported that Ukrainian shelling injured six in a border town.

<h2>Two killed, one injured in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region</h2>

At least two people were killed and one other was injured after Russian shelling hit a cafe,&nbsp;said the officials in Kupiansk which is about six kilometres from the frontline. This comes after Ukrainian officials in the region had urged vulnerable residents living near the town to evacuate earlier this month amid reports of Russia ramping up attacks in a bid to recapture the territory in the region.&nbsp;

“According to the preliminary information of the medical staff, two people died in Podoly village as a result of the shelling, another one was wounded,” said Kharkiv governor Oleg Synegubov, on social media. He added, “The enemy hit a civilian target – a cafe, where local residents were spending the day.”&nbsp;

<h2>Six injured in Russia after Ukrainian shelling&nbsp;</h2>

In the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that at least six people were injured after the attack in the village, Urazovo and accused Kyiv of firing “cluster munitions”. According to the Russian official, some residential buildings had been damaged.

“As a result of the cluster munition strike, 6 civilians sustained shrapnel wounds,” said Gladkov, in an update after initially reporting four people had been injured. He added, “One victim is in extremely serious condition.”&nbsp;

<h2>Russia claims to have downed two drones</h2>

Russia said that its air defences shot down one drone approaching the capital and another drone near the village of Kupino, in the Belgorod region. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that the drone was downed by the air defence systems over the Istra district which is some 50 kilometres west from the Kremlin.&nbsp;

“Tonight, air defence forces destroyed a drone on approach to Moscow in the Istrinskii district,” said Sobyanin. He added, “Preliminarily, there were no casualties or damage. Emergency services are working on the site.”&nbsp;

The reported attack forced the suspension of flights in three major airports – Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo – in Moscow, reported TASS.&nbsp;

The second drone, as per Gladkov, was shot down near Kupino. There were immediate reports of damage or casualties in the region due to the drone attack.&nbsp; 
 
Three Ukrainian military&nbsp;pilots killed in&nbsp;mid-air collision 
 
Ukrainian&nbsp;air force, in a statement, reported the death of three&nbsp;Ukrainian pilots&nbsp;after two L-39 trainer aircraft collided in mid-air in central Ukraine. This comes as the war-torn country is about to&nbsp;undertake the difficult task of&nbsp;quickly training up its personnel&nbsp;on Western-donated F-16 fighter jets.&nbsp;

According to Ukrainian officials, the&nbsp;crash occurred on Friday over the&nbsp;Zhytomyr region, which lies west of the capital Kyiv. Among those killed was also the&nbsp;renowned fighter jet pilot with the call sign "Juice".&nbsp;

"We express our condolences to the families of the victims. This is a painful and irreparable loss for all of us," said the Ukrainian air force, on Telegram. It added, that&nbsp;an investigation into the circumstances of the crash was taking place.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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At least two people were killed and one person was injured after Russian shelling hit a cafe, in a village near the town of Kupiansk in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, said the governor, on Saturday (August 25).

At least two people were killed and one person was injured after Russian shelling hit a cafe, in a village near the town of Kupiansk in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, said the governor, on Saturday (August 25). Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down one drone approaching Moscow and another in a border region. It also reported that Ukrainian shelling injured six in a border town. Two killed, one injured in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region At least two people were killed and one other was injured after Russian shelling hit a cafe, said the officials in Kupiansk which is about six kilometres from the frontline. This comes after Ukrainian officials in the region had urged vulnerable residents living near the town to evacuate earlier this month amid reports of Russia ramping up attacks in a bid to recapture the territory in the region. “According to the preliminary information of the medical staff, two people died in Podoly village as a result of the shelling, another one was wounded,” said Kharkiv governor Oleg Synegubov, on social media. He added, “The enemy hit a civilian target – a cafe, where local residents were spending the day.” Six injured in Russia after Ukrainian shelling In the Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that at least six people were injured after the attack in the village, Urazovo and accused Kyiv of firing “cluster munitions”. According to the Russian official, some residential buildings had been damaged. “As a result of the cluster munition strike, 6 civilians sustained shrapnel wounds,” said Gladkov, in an update after initially reporting four people had been injured. He added, “One victim is in extremely serious condition.” Russia claims to have downed two drones Russia said that its air defences shot down one drone approaching the capital and another drone near the village of Kupino, in the Belgorod region. Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that the drone was downed by the air defence systems over the Istra district which is some 50 kilometres west from the Kremlin. “Tonight, air defence forces destroyed a drone on approach to Moscow in the Istrinskii district,” said Sobyanin. He added, “Preliminarily, there were no casualties or damage. Emergency services are working on the site.” The reported attack forced the suspension of flights in three major airports – Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo – in Moscow, reported TASS. The second drone, as per Gladkov, was shot down near Kupino. There were immediate reports of damage or casualties in the region due to the drone attack. Three Ukrainian military pilots killed in mid-air collision Ukrainian air force, in a statement, reported the death of three Ukrainian pilots after two L-39 trainer aircraft collided in mid-air in central Ukraine. This comes as the war-torn country is about to undertake the difficult task of quickly training up its personnel on Western-donated F-16 fighter jets. According to Ukrainian officials, the crash occurred on Friday over the Zhytomyr region, which lies west of the capital Kyiv. Among those killed was also the renowned fighter jet pilot with the call sign "Juice". "We express our condolences to the families of the victims. This is a painful and irreparable loss for all of us," said the Ukrainian air force, on Telegram. It added, that an investigation into the circumstances of the crash was taking place. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

At least two killed, one injured after Russian shelling hits cafe in Ukraine’s northeast

Russia and Ukraine continue to be involved in ceaseless drone attacks. Kremlin on Wednesday (August 23) said it had thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack in the capital city of Moscow but three people were killed in another strike in Russia near the Ukrainian&nbsp;border.&nbsp;

Belgorod&nbsp;Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov took to social media to inform about the drone strike.&nbsp;

"Three civilians have been killed.&nbsp;The Ukrainian forces launched an explosive device through a drone when people were on the street," said&nbsp;Gladkov, who added the drone hit a&nbsp;sanatorium in a village.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the defence ministry claimed that its air defence forces had gunned down two drones hovering over Mozhaisky and Khimki districts in Moscow. A third appeared to be jammed and out of control as it smashed into a&nbsp;&nbsp;high-rise building under construction in a Moscow business district. The same district was hit on two occasions in three days, at the beginning of the month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-thwarts-ukrainian-drone-attacks-near-moscow-two-airports-affected-627472">Also read |&nbsp;Russia thwarts Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow, two airports affected</a>

Kyiv rarely takes responsibility for the drone attacks and it had not commented on the Russian claims till the last update. While both sides have engaged in a numerous drone attacks since the war first broke out in February last year, the intensity has increased in recent months.

Experts say that the cancellation of the Black Sea grain deal by Moscow may have added more bitterness to both sides. Since the cancellation, Moscow has been hitting Ukrainian port cities while Kyiv targets Moscow and border areas using drones.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-budget-drones-in-ukraine-are-redefining-warfare-616102">Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare&nbsp;</a>

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<h2>Previous instances of drone attacks&nbsp;</h2>

This is not the first instance when Russia has accused Ukraine of targetting the capital city using drones. In May, Kremlin claimed it was&nbsp;attacked by Ukrainian drones&nbsp;which it deemed&nbsp;was an attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin's life.&nbsp;

At the time, Kremlin described the incident as a "planned terrorist attack" and an "assassination attempt on the president of Russia".&nbsp;

"Tonight, the Kyiv regime attempted a drone strike on the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Two drones were aimed at the Kremlin," the press service had said in a statement.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russia and Ukraine continue to be involved in ceaseless drone attacks. Kremlin on Wednesday (August 23) said it had thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack in the capital city of Moscow but three people were killed in another strike in Russia near the Ukrainian border.

Russia and Ukraine continue to be involved in ceaseless drone attacks. Kremlin on Wednesday (August 23) said it had thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack in the capital city of Moscow but three people were killed in another strike in Russia near the Ukrainian border. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov took to social media to inform about the drone strike. "Three civilians have been killed. The Ukrainian forces launched an explosive device through a drone when people were on the street," said Gladkov, who added the drone hit a sanatorium in a village. Meanwhile, the defence ministry claimed that its air defence forces had gunned down two drones hovering over Mozhaisky and Khimki districts in Moscow. A third appeared to be jammed and out of control as it smashed into a high-rise building under construction in a Moscow business district. The same district was hit on two occasions in three days, at the beginning of the month. Also read | Russia thwarts Ukrainian drone attacks near Moscow, two airports affected Kyiv rarely takes responsibility for the drone attacks and it had not commented on the Russian claims till the last update. While both sides have engaged in a numerous drone attacks since the war first broke out in February last year, the intensity has increased in recent months. Experts say that the cancellation of the Black Sea grain deal by Moscow may have added more bitterness to both sides. Since the cancellation, Moscow has been hitting Ukrainian port cities while Kyiv targets Moscow and border areas using drones. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Budget drones in Ukraine are redefining warfare Previous instances of drone attacks This is not the first instance when Russia has accused Ukraine of targetting the capital city using drones. In May, Kremlin claimed it was attacked by Ukrainian drones which it deemed was an attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin's life. At the time, Kremlin described the incident as a "planned terrorist attack" and an "assassination attempt on the president of Russia". "Tonight, the Kyiv regime attempted a drone strike on the Kremlin residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Two drones were aimed at the Kremlin," the press service had said in a statement. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Three killed in Ukrainian drone attacks on border areas, claims Russia

Ukraine has called Russia's boarding of a cargo ship in the Black Sea on Sunday (August 13), an "act of piracy", escalating the tension as the repercussions of the cancellation of the grain deal continue to be felt.&nbsp;

Mykhailo Podolyak,&nbsp;an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X, formerly known as Twitter and lashed at Moscow for its actions and called on the international community to recognise Russia's actions as a 'crime'.&nbsp;

"Today's deliberate attack and forced inspection by Russia of Sukru Okan international civilian bulk carrier, which was en route to the Ukrainian port of Izmail, is a clear violation of international law of the sea, an act of piracy and a crime against civilian vessels of a third country in the waters of other states," posted&nbsp;Podolyak.&nbsp;

"Ukraine will draw all the necessary conclusions and choose the best possible response," he added.&nbsp;

Notably, on Sunday, Moscow said one of its warships fired warning shots and boarded a cargo ship, headed to the Ukrainian port of Izmail. The Ministry of Defence said it fired warning shots when the&nbsp;captain&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Palau-flagged dry cargo ship, called the Sukra&nbsp;Okan, failed to acknowledge&nbsp;“the request to stop for inspection for the carriage of prohibited goods".

“To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter.

“After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” added the ministry.&nbsp;

The incident transpired in the southwestern Black Sea on a day when at least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces pummeled two villages in the southern region of Kherson, according to Kyiv officials.&nbsp;

Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long

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<h2>Aftermath of the deal cancellation</h2>

Ever since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal, the fighting between both sides has intensified. Russia initially pounded the port cities of Ukraine such as Odesa and Mykolaiv with missile attacks, killing several innocent civilians in the process. Moreover, Kremlin said it was&nbsp;keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels, and would consider them as&nbsp;potential military targets.

Meanwhile, Kyiv returned the favour by targeting Moscow with indiscriminate drone attacks, which spurred talks that Russia was planning to return to the table to talk shop regarding the deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-russia-could-be-ready-for-resuming-talks-on-black-sea-grain-deal-621520">Also read | US says Russia could be ready for resuming talks on Black Sea grain deal</a>

However, the latest flare-up in the Black Sea suggests that both parties are far from chalking up a new deal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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Ukraine has called Russia's boarding of a cargo ship in the Black Sea on Sunday (August 13), an "act of piracy", escalating the tension as the repercussions of the cancellation of the grain deal continue to be felt.

Ukraine has called Russia's boarding of a cargo ship in the Black Sea on Sunday (August 13), an "act of piracy", escalating the tension as the repercussions of the cancellation of the grain deal continue to be felt. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky took to X, formerly known as Twitter and lashed at Moscow for its actions and called on the international community to recognise Russia's actions as a 'crime'. "Today's deliberate attack and forced inspection by Russia of Sukru Okan international civilian bulk carrier, which was en route to the Ukrainian port of Izmail, is a clear violation of international law of the sea, an act of piracy and a crime against civilian vessels of a third country in the waters of other states," posted Podolyak. "Ukraine will draw all the necessary conclusions and choose the best possible response," he added. Notably, on Sunday, Moscow said one of its warships fired warning shots and boarded a cargo ship, headed to the Ukrainian port of Izmail. The Ministry of Defence said it fired warning shots when the captain of the Palau-flagged dry cargo ship, called the Sukra Okan, failed to acknowledge “the request to stop for inspection for the carriage of prohibited goods". “To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter. “After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” added the ministry. The incident transpired in the southwestern Black Sea on a day when at least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces pummeled two villages in the southern region of Kherson, according to Kyiv officials. Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long Aftermath of the deal cancellation Ever since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea grain deal, the fighting between both sides has intensified. Russia initially pounded the port cities of Ukraine such as Odesa and Mykolaiv with missile attacks, killing several innocent civilians in the process. Moreover, Kremlin said it was keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels, and would consider them as potential military targets. Meanwhile, Kyiv returned the favour by targeting Moscow with indiscriminate drone attacks, which spurred talks that Russia was planning to return to the table to talk shop regarding the deal. Also read | US says Russia could be ready for resuming talks on Black Sea grain deal However, the latest flare-up in the Black Sea suggests that both parties are far from chalking up a new deal. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Act of piracy...': Ukraine hits back at Moscow for 'forced boarding' of cargo vessel

At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have shot down at least four&nbsp;Ukrainian drones over western regions.&nbsp;

<h2>At least seven including baby killed in Kherson</h2>

A couple, their 23-day-old daughter, and another man were killed in the village of Shyroka Balka, said Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The couple’s previously critically wounded 12-year-old son later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, he added.&nbsp;

Two people were killed and one person was wounded in the neighbouring village of Stanislav, said Klymenko, adding that the area was struck 12 times with artillery. “The terrorists will never willingly stop killing civilians,” said the Ukrainian minister.&nbsp;

He added, “Terrorists must be stopped. They must be stopped by force. They don’t understand anything else.”&nbsp;

This comes after Ukraine had managed to reclaim the western part of the Kherson region from Russian occupation last November, however, Moscow’s forces have continued regularly shelling the region from across the Dnipro River.

<h2>Russian defence&nbsp;downs four&nbsp;Ukrainian drones over Russia</h2>

Amid a spike in reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, the country’s defence ministry said that they shot at least three more drones over two regions, on Sunday (August 13). According to the Russian defence ministry, three&nbsp;drones were shot down over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region.&nbsp;

This also comes a day after Russia claimed to have shot <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-six-injured-in-donetsk-after-ukrainian-shelling-use-of-cluster-munitions-russian-official-624944">20 unmanned Ukrainian drones</a> near the Crimean peninsula. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry, on Saturday (August 12).&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine is trying to pierce Russian lines in south: Russian-installed official</h2>

Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, on Sunday (August 13) said that the Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of the Donetsk region.&nbsp;

The Russian official also reported intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka where Ukrainian troops are supposedly trying to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

“The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” said Rogov.&nbsp;

However, he also said that the Russian forces still controlled the southern part of Urozhaine, adding that Ukrainian forces were clearly aiming to take control of a town further south, Staromlynivka, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

Ukraine launched its counteroffensive last month to retake territory captured by Russia in the south and east of the country. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces also said they had “partial success” near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea</h2>

The Russian defence ministry, on Sunday (August 13), said that it fired warning shots with automatic weapons on a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea as it made its way to Ukraine.&nbsp;

According to Russian officials, its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Sukru Okan vessel after it failed to respond to a halt for an inspection. The ship was said to be heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail.&nbsp;

“To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter.

“After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” said the Russian defence ministry. A report by Reuters citing Refinitiv shipping data said that the ship seemed to be headed north towards the coast of Bulgaria.

The incident also comes a month after Russia formally backed out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal and stopped Ukraine from exporting its grain via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine.

At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have shot down at least four Ukrainian drones over western regions. At least seven including baby killed in Kherson A couple, their 23-day-old daughter, and another man were killed in the village of Shyroka Balka, said Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The couple’s previously critically wounded 12-year-old son later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, he added. Two people were killed and one person was wounded in the neighbouring village of Stanislav, said Klymenko, adding that the area was struck 12 times with artillery. “The terrorists will never willingly stop killing civilians,” said the Ukrainian minister. He added, “Terrorists must be stopped. They must be stopped by force. They don’t understand anything else.” This comes after Ukraine had managed to reclaim the western part of the Kherson region from Russian occupation last November, however, Moscow’s forces have continued regularly shelling the region from across the Dnipro River. Russian defence downs four Ukrainian drones over Russia Amid a spike in reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, the country’s defence ministry said that they shot at least three more drones over two regions, on Sunday (August 13). According to the Russian defence ministry, three drones were shot down over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region. This also comes a day after Russia claimed to have shot 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry, on Saturday (August 12). Ukraine is trying to pierce Russian lines in south: Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, on Sunday (August 13) said that the Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian official also reported intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka where Ukrainian troops are supposedly trying to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov. “The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” said Rogov. However, he also said that the Russian forces still controlled the southern part of Urozhaine, adding that Ukrainian forces were clearly aiming to take control of a town further south, Staromlynivka, reported Reuters. Ukraine launched its counteroffensive last month to retake territory captured by Russia in the south and east of the country. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces also said they had “partial success” near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea The Russian defence ministry, on Sunday (August 13), said that it fired warning shots with automatic weapons on a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea as it made its way to Ukraine. According to Russian officials, its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Sukru Okan vessel after it failed to respond to a halt for an inspection. The ship was said to be heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail. “To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter. “After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” said the Russian defence ministry. A report by Reuters citing Refinitiv shipping data said that the ship seemed to be headed north towards the coast of Bulgaria. The incident also comes a month after Russia formally backed out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal and stopped Ukraine from exporting its grain via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

At least 7, including baby killed in Ukraine after Russian shelling; Moscow downed 4 drones

At least one civilian was killed and six others were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, in Donetsk after an intense Ukrainian shelling and use of cluster munitions, said the Russian-installed official in the eastern Ukrainian region, on Saturday (August 12). This comes after much opposition to the United States sending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">cluster munitions</a> to Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk</h2>

Russian-appointed head of the region, Denis Pushilin took to Telegram and said that one civilian was killed in a district of the city of what Moscow calls Donetsk People’s Republic, since claiming to have annexed it. He added that six people were also wounded in Makiivka, which is in the east of Donetsk.&nbsp;

“In total, the enemy fired 127 rounds of ammunition at peaceful cities and regions in the republic,” said Pushilin. He also went on to claim cluster munitions were among the artillery used.&nbsp;

This comes amid reports of both sides using cluster munitions since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Washington sent cluster munitions to Kyiv amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nations-rights-groups-and-un-oppose-us-move-to-send-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-613459">protests and criticism</a> while Ukraine has since vowed to only use them against concentrations of enemy soldiers amid its counteroffensive.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine reports ‘partial success’ in south</h2>

In its daily update, the Ukrainian military, on Saturday (August 12), said that its forces had made progress near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;

Ukraine also reported that there were children among those killed or wounded following a day when Russians launched six rockets, and 36 air strikes and fired 32 rocket salvo fire systems at populated areas and Ukrainian troop positions, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that they had “partial success in the Robotyne area of the Zaporizhzhia region.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-eu-delivers-nearly-224000-shells-to-kyiv-as-part-of-ammo-plan-624845">Ukrainian forces</a> continued an offensive operation in Melitopol and Berdyansk directions, said the military in its update, adding that some 33 combat clashes had taken place.&nbsp;

<h2>Russia vows to retaliate for Ukraine’s attack on Crimea bridge</h2>

The Russian foreign ministry condemned what it called Ukraine’s “terrorist attack” on the Crimean Bridge, adding that they put civilians’ lives at risk. “There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered,” said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.&nbsp;

This comes after Russia claimed to have shot down <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-two-missiles-downed-over-crimea-bridge-claims-pro-russia-official-624842">two Ukrainian missiles</a> over a bridge connecting Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow back in 2014. The Russian-installed governor of the Crimean peninsula said “Air defence forces shot down two enemy missiles over the Kerch Strait. The Crimean bridge was not damaged.”&nbsp;

<h2>20 unmanned Ukrainian drones shot down</h2>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-defence-minister-inspects-military-preparedness-in-the-arctic-624854">Russia</a> on Saturday further claimed that 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones were shot down by his officials near the Crimean peninsula where attacks by Kyiv have appeared to step up.

Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry on the Telegram. There were no casualties or damage, it added.

Kaluga region Governor Vladislav Shapsha also said that they also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-odesa-opens-beaches-for-public-first-time-since-russian-invasion-624825">intercepted a drone</a> in the region, which is around 150 kilometres southwest of Moscow.&nbsp;

<h2>At least two killed in Russian shelling of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia</h2>

According to Ukrainian officials, an elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday after Russian shelling in the Kharkiv region and Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;

Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov reported the death of a 73-year-old woman and damage to a residential building.&nbsp;

In a separate attack on Orikhiv town in the Zaporizhzhia region, one police officer was killed and 12 people, including four police officers, were injured, reported Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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At least one civilian was killed and six others were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, in Donetsk after an intense Ukrainian shelling and use of cluster munitions, said the Russian-installed official in the eastern Ukrainian region, on Saturday (August 12).

At least one civilian was killed and six others were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, in Donetsk after an intense Ukrainian shelling and use of cluster munitions, said the Russian-installed official in the eastern Ukrainian region, on Saturday (August 12). This comes after much opposition to the United States sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk Russian-appointed head of the region, Denis Pushilin took to Telegram and said that one civilian was killed in a district of the city of what Moscow calls Donetsk People’s Republic, since claiming to have annexed it. He added that six people were also wounded in Makiivka, which is in the east of Donetsk. “In total, the enemy fired 127 rounds of ammunition at peaceful cities and regions in the republic,” said Pushilin. He also went on to claim cluster munitions were among the artillery used. This comes amid reports of both sides using cluster munitions since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Washington sent cluster munitions to Kyiv amid protests and criticism while Ukraine has since vowed to only use them against concentrations of enemy soldiers amid its counteroffensive. Ukraine reports ‘partial success’ in south In its daily update, the Ukrainian military, on Saturday (August 12), said that its forces had made progress near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukraine also reported that there were children among those killed or wounded following a day when Russians launched six rockets, and 36 air strikes and fired 32 rocket salvo fire systems at populated areas and Ukrainian troop positions, reported Reuters. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that they had “partial success in the Robotyne area of the Zaporizhzhia region.” Ukrainian forces continued an offensive operation in Melitopol and Berdyansk directions, said the military in its update, adding that some 33 combat clashes had taken place. Russia vows to retaliate for Ukraine’s attack on Crimea bridge The Russian foreign ministry condemned what it called Ukraine’s “terrorist attack” on the Crimean Bridge, adding that they put civilians’ lives at risk. “There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered,” said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. This comes after Russia claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles over a bridge connecting Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow back in 2014. The Russian-installed governor of the Crimean peninsula said “Air defence forces shot down two enemy missiles over the Kerch Strait. The Crimean bridge was not damaged.” 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones shot down Russia on Saturday further claimed that 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones were shot down by his officials near the Crimean peninsula where attacks by Kyiv have appeared to step up. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry on the Telegram. There were no casualties or damage, it added. Kaluga region Governor Vladislav Shapsha also said that they also intercepted a drone in the region, which is around 150 kilometres southwest of Moscow. At least two killed in Russian shelling of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia According to Ukrainian officials, an elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday after Russian shelling in the Kharkiv region and Zaporizhzhia. Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov reported the death of a 73-year-old woman and damage to a residential building. In a separate attack on Orikhiv town in the Zaporizhzhia region, one police officer was killed and 12 people, including four police officers, were injured, reported Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, 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.

One killed, six injured in Donetsk after Ukrainian shelling, use of cluster munition: Russian official

Over a fortnight after Russia killed the Black Sea grain deal which allowed safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, the United States has said Kremlin might be prepared to return to talks, according to Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US envoy to United Nations.&nbsp;

At a press conference on Tuesday Thomas-Greenfield said if Russia's demands are met, it could return to the grain deal.&nbsp;

"We have seen indications that they might be interested in returning to discussions. So we will wait to see whether that actually happens," said the ambassador.&nbsp;

<h2>Aftermath of the deal cancellation</h2>

Ever since Russia pulled out of the deal, the fighting between both sides has intensified. Russia initially pounded the port cities of Ukraine such as Odesa and Mykolaiv with missile attacks, killing several innocent civilians in the process. Moreover, Kremlin said it was&nbsp;keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels, and would consider them as&nbsp;potential military targets.

Last week, Russia's FSB security service turned away a cargo ship bound for the port of Rostov-on-Don after finding "traces of explosives" on it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kyiv returned the favour by targeting Moscow with indiscriminate drone attacks, which might have spurred the 'returning-to-table' talks.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-continues-to-pound-odesa-with-overnight-missile-attacks-kills-one-619886">Also read |&nbsp;Russia continues to pound Odesa with overnight missile attacks, kills one</a>

<h2>What is the Black Sea grain deal?</h2>

Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and has played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world.

After months of jeopardy, a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July last year lifted a Russian naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea cities and set terms for millions of tonnes of wheat and other grain to start flowing from Ukraine's filled silos and ports.

Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long

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However, despite multiple extensions to the deal, Moscow remained miffed that none of its demands were being met. Days before announcing the cancellation of the deal,&nbsp;Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the deal had no positive prospects for Moscow and that goodwill cannot be endless.&nbsp;

"Work is ongoing, but to be honest we don't see any particularly positive prospects. Everything that was agreed on regarding us has not been fulfilled. The extension of the grain deal was a goodwill gesture. Russia has repeatedly made such gestures," said Peskov.

On Tuesday (August 1), Peskov reiterated the stance and told the state news agency that conditions for Moscow's return to the deal were clear to the international community.&nbsp;

"Moscow is ready to return without delay to the grain deal. But after the conditions for Russia are fulfilled," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Over a fortnight after Russia killed the Black Sea grain deal which allowed safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, the United States has said Kremlin might be prepared to return to talks, according to Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US envoy to United Nations.

Over a fortnight after Russia killed the Black Sea grain deal which allowed safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, the United States has said Kremlin might be prepared to return to talks, according to Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US envoy to United Nations. At a press conference on Tuesday Thomas-Greenfield said if Russia's demands are met, it could return to the grain deal. "We have seen indications that they might be interested in returning to discussions. So we will wait to see whether that actually happens," said the ambassador. Aftermath of the deal cancellation Ever since Russia pulled out of the deal, the fighting between both sides has intensified. Russia initially pounded the port cities of Ukraine such as Odesa and Mykolaiv with missile attacks, killing several innocent civilians in the process. Moreover, Kremlin said it was keeping a close tab on the Ukrainian vessels, and would consider them as potential military targets. Last week, Russia's FSB security service turned away a cargo ship bound for the port of Rostov-on-Don after finding "traces of explosives" on it. Meanwhile, Kyiv returned the favour by targeting Moscow with indiscriminate drone attacks, which might have spurred the 'returning-to-table' talks. Also read | Russia continues to pound Odesa with overnight missile attacks, kills one What is the Black Sea grain deal? Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and has played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world. After months of jeopardy, a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July last year lifted a Russian naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea cities and set terms for millions of tonnes of wheat and other grain to start flowing from Ukraine's filled silos and ports. Watch: Ukrainian president aide admits counteroffensive will take long However, despite multiple extensions to the deal, Moscow remained miffed that none of its demands were being met. Days before announcing the cancellation of the deal, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the deal had no positive prospects for Moscow and that goodwill cannot be endless. "Work is ongoing, but to be honest we don't see any particularly positive prospects. Everything that was agreed on regarding us has not been fulfilled. The extension of the grain deal was a goodwill gesture. Russia has repeatedly made such gestures," said Peskov. On Tuesday (August 1), Peskov reiterated the stance and told the state news agency that conditions for Moscow's return to the deal were clear to the international community. "Moscow is ready to return without delay to the grain deal. But after the conditions for Russia are fulfilled," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US says Russia could be ready for resuming talks on Black Sea grain deal

Russian media reported another Ukrainian drone hit an office tower in Moscow Tuesday (August 1).

According to the city's mayor, several drones were shot down while attempting to fly into Moscow. One of the drones hit the same office tower in Moscow City that was struck earlier, causing damage to the facade on the 21st floor.&nbsp;

Media reports claimed the damaged portion of the building was&nbsp;allegedly used for housing officials from Russia's digital ministry.

“One (drone) flew into the same tower in (Moscow) City as last time. The facade on the 21st floor was damaged," Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a post on Telegram.

“There is no information on casualties”, he said, adding that emergency services were on the scene.

This incident followed a drone attack on Sunday, where Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow, damaging two office towers in Moscow City.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Putin claims that Russia has not rejected talks with Ukraine

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In response to the drone attack, Moscow's Vnukovo international airport briefly closed, but it later resumed normal operations.

"Vnukovo was temporarily closed for arrivals and departures, the planes are redirected to other airports," Russian news agency TASS quoted an emergency official as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-attacks-on-ukraine-strike-kills-four-in-kryvyi-rih-621035">Also read:&nbsp;Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine, fresh strike kills six in Kryvyi Rih</a>

<h2>Drone attacks becoming more frequent in Moscow</h2>

These drone attacks have become more frequent in the region, with Moscow and its surrounding areas being targeted despite their distance from the Ukrainian border.&nbsp;

This is the fourth time such attacks have occurred since May, when&nbsp;two drones were shot over the Kremlin.

Moscow has accused Kyiv of being behind these attacks, while the Kremlin views them as acts of desperation due to setbacks on the battlefield during Ukraine's counteroffensive in June.

<h2>Has Ukraine claimed responsibility?</h2>

Ukraine, despite often celebrating such attacks on Russia or Russian-annexed Crimea with cryptic or mocking remarks, typically refrains from claiming responsibility. However, in an unusually direct warning to Russia, President Zelensky&nbsp;hinted at the possibility of future attacks inside Russia during his overnight address on Sunday.

Earlier, on Monday, there was a Russian missile strike on a residential building in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in the death of six people and injuring 73 others. Ukrainian officials condemned this attack as an "act of Russian terror."

President Zelenskiy, who grew up in Kryvyi Rih and where his parents still reside, expressed strong concern over the strikes on his hometown.

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Russian media reported another Ukrainian drone hit an office tower in Moscow Tuesday (August 1). According to the city's mayor, several drones were shot down while attempting to fly into Moscow.

Russian media reported another Ukrainian drone hit an office tower in Moscow Tuesday (August 1). According to the city's mayor, several drones were shot down while attempting to fly into Moscow. One of the drones hit the same office tower in Moscow City that was struck earlier, causing damage to the facade on the 21st floor. Media reports claimed the damaged portion of the building was allegedly used for housing officials from Russia's digital ministry. “One (drone) flew into the same tower in (Moscow) City as last time. The facade on the 21st floor was damaged," Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a post on Telegram. “There is no information on casualties”, he said, adding that emergency services were on the scene. This incident followed a drone attack on Sunday, where Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow, damaging two office towers in Moscow City. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Putin claims that Russia has not rejected talks with Ukraine × In response to the drone attack, Moscow's Vnukovo international airport briefly closed, but it later resumed normal operations. "Vnukovo was temporarily closed for arrivals and departures, the planes are redirected to other airports," Russian news agency TASS quoted an emergency official as saying. Also read: Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine, fresh strike kills six in Kryvyi Rih Drone attacks becoming more frequent in Moscow These drone attacks have become more frequent in the region, with Moscow and its surrounding areas being targeted despite their distance from the Ukrainian border. This is the fourth time such attacks have occurred since May, when two drones were shot over the Kremlin. Moscow has accused Kyiv of being behind these attacks, while the Kremlin views them as acts of desperation due to setbacks on the battlefield during Ukraine's counteroffensive in June. Has Ukraine claimed responsibility? Ukraine, despite often celebrating such attacks on Russia or Russian-annexed Crimea with cryptic or mocking remarks, typically refrains from claiming responsibility. However, in an unusually direct warning to Russia, President Zelensky hinted at the possibility of future attacks inside Russia during his overnight address on Sunday. Earlier, on Monday, there was a Russian missile strike on a residential building in Kryvyi Rih, resulting in the death of six people and injuring 73 others. Ukrainian officials condemned this attack as an "act of Russian terror." President Zelenskiy, who grew up in Kryvyi Rih and where his parents still reside, expressed strong concern over the strikes on his hometown. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Another Ukrainian drone hits same high-rise office tower in Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday (July 30) warned that the “war” was coming to Russia after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. The statement comes hours after Russia claimed three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow, early Sunday. Meanwhile, Pope Francis called for Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky’s warning</h2>

Hours after the two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, Zelensky said, “Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks.”

“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky, who was in the midst of a visit to the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, added.&nbsp;

“Ukraine is getting stronger,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

<h2>Russian attacks on Ukrainian power grids?</h2>

However, Zelensky also warned that Kyiv expects Moscow to resume its attacks on Ukraine’s energy system once cold weather returns later this year.&nbsp;

Nearly 40 per cent of the Ukrainian energy system was damaged in Russian missile and drone strikes over the past winter, according to a report by Reuters, the attacks had plunged Ukrainian cities into darkness and cold.&nbsp;

Kyiv has since alleged that the attacks targeting its energy grids were a deliberate strategy to harm civilians and called it a war crime. However, Moscow said that the attacks were launched to reduce Ukraine’s ability to fight.

“It is obvious that this fall and...in the winter the enemy will try to repeat the terror against the Ukrainian energy industry. We should be ready for this in any case,” said Zelensky, while addressing senior government, security, and regional officials.&nbsp;

“At the government and security level, we will do everything possible,” he added. The Ukrainian government security officials and energy workers were working to protect the energy system from physical damage, sabotage or cyberattacks, said Zelensky, as per Reuters.&nbsp; 
 
However, every city and town across Ukraine must prepare to handle energy sector emergencies, he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Drone attack on Moscow</h2>

The Russian defence ministry, early Sunday said that three Ukrainian drones were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-russia-does-not-reject-peace-talks-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-moscow-city-620699">downed</a> over Moscow after Kyiv’s “attempted terrorist attack,” adding that one was shot down and two, “suppressed by electronic warfare”, crashed into a building complex.

The attack damaged two office towers and briefly shut down an international airport. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to Telegram and said no one suffered injuries and reported “slight damage” to the facades of two city office towers.

<h2>Pope urges Russia to restore Black Sea grain deal</h2>

During his weekly Angelus message, on Sunday (July 30), Pope Francis called on Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal. This comes after Moscow, earlier this month, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637">formally backed out</a> of the deal which provided a safe passage to Ukraine through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war.&nbsp;

“I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, so that the Black Sea initiative may be resumed and grain may be transported safely,” said Francis. He also urged the crowd gathered at St Peter’s Square to continue praying “for martyred Ukraine, where war is destroying everything, even grain,” calling this “a grave insult to God.”&nbsp;

The pope also said that the “cry of millions of brothers and sisters who are suffering from hunger is rising up to the sky.” The Ukrainian president took to X, formerly known as Twitter and welcomed Francis’ remarks.&nbsp;

“The reaction of the world’s religious leaders to the Russian missile terror and destruction of Ukrainian agricultural products is extremely important to protect the whole world, and especially the peoples of Africa and Asia, who suffer the most from the threat of hunger, from a food crisis,” Zelensky wrote on the microblogging platform.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday (July 30) warned that the “war” was coming to Russia after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. The statement comes hours after Russia claimed three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow, early Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Sunday (July 30) warned that the “war” was coming to Russia after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. The statement comes hours after Russia claimed three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow, early Sunday. Meanwhile, Pope Francis called for Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal. Zelensky’s warning Hours after the two office blocks were damaged and one person was injured in a night-time Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, Zelensky said, “Today is the 522nd day of the so-called ‘Special Military Operation’, which the Russian leadership thought would last a couple of weeks.” “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky, who was in the midst of a visit to the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, added. “Ukraine is getting stronger,” said the Ukrainian president. Russian attacks on Ukrainian power grids? However, Zelensky also warned that Kyiv expects Moscow to resume its attacks on Ukraine’s energy system once cold weather returns later this year. Nearly 40 per cent of the Ukrainian energy system was damaged in Russian missile and drone strikes over the past winter, according to a report by Reuters, the attacks had plunged Ukrainian cities into darkness and cold. Kyiv has since alleged that the attacks targeting its energy grids were a deliberate strategy to harm civilians and called it a war crime. However, Moscow said that the attacks were launched to reduce Ukraine’s ability to fight. “It is obvious that this fall and...in the winter the enemy will try to repeat the terror against the Ukrainian energy industry. We should be ready for this in any case,” said Zelensky, while addressing senior government, security, and regional officials. “At the government and security level, we will do everything possible,” he added. The Ukrainian government security officials and energy workers were working to protect the energy system from physical damage, sabotage or cyberattacks, said Zelensky, as per Reuters. However, every city and town across Ukraine must prepare to handle energy sector emergencies, he added. Drone attack on Moscow The Russian defence ministry, early Sunday said that three Ukrainian drones were downed over Moscow after Kyiv’s “attempted terrorist attack,” adding that one was shot down and two, “suppressed by electronic warfare”, crashed into a building complex. The attack damaged two office towers and briefly shut down an international airport. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to Telegram and said no one suffered injuries and reported “slight damage” to the facades of two city office towers. Pope urges Russia to restore Black Sea grain deal During his weekly Angelus message, on Sunday (July 30), Pope Francis called on Russia to reverse its decision on the Black Sea grain deal. This comes after Moscow, earlier this month, formally backed out of the deal which provided a safe passage to Ukraine through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war. “I appeal to my brothers, the authorities of the Russian Federation, so that the Black Sea initiative may be resumed and grain may be transported safely,” said Francis. He also urged the crowd gathered at St Peter’s Square to continue praying “for martyred Ukraine, where war is destroying everything, even grain,” calling this “a grave insult to God.” The pope also said that the “cry of millions of brothers and sisters who are suffering from hunger is rising up to the sky.” The Ukrainian president took to X, formerly known as Twitter and welcomed Francis’ remarks. “The reaction of the world’s religious leaders to the Russian missile terror and destruction of Ukrainian agricultural products is extremely important to protect the whole world, and especially the peoples of Africa and Asia, who suffer the most from the threat of hunger, from a food crisis,” Zelensky wrote on the microblogging platform. (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.

‘War’ is coming to Russia, says Ukraine’s Zelensky after Moscow drone attack

President Vladimir Putin reviewed the country’s warships and nuclear submarines in St Petersburg, on Sunday (July 30), and praised the Russian navy in an address at the annual warship parade which he attended with several African leaders. Meanwhile, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow would have to use a nuclear weapon if Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive was a success.

<h2>Russia to get 30 new vessels this year: Putin</h2>

The Russian president reviewed 45 ships, submarines and other vessels that took part in the annual Navy Day parade, which is said to be a traditional show of military might that takes place in the Gulf of Finland and on the River Neva in Putin’s native St Petersburg.&nbsp;

Putin, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Navy Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, inspected some ships from a launch boat on the Neva before making a speech, as per media reports.&nbsp;

The event took place amid Russia’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine while Moscow also claimed to have downed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-claims-russia-does-not-reject-peace-talks-amid-ukrainian-drone-attack-on-moscow-city-620699">three Ukrainian</a> drones in the Russian capital city, early on Sunday.&nbsp;

Notably, the Russian Navy has played a significant role in the Ukraine war by pummelling the Western-backed country with ship and submarine-launched cruise missiles.&nbsp;

According to the Kremlin, some 3,000 navy personnel took part in the parade on land. During his speech, Putin said that the Russian Navy would receive 30 new vessels “of different classes” this year and hailed the “brave crews of ships and submarines,” without mentioning Ukraine.&nbsp;

“In the name of Russia, our sailors give all their strength, show true heroism and fight valiantly, like our great ancestors,” said Putin. He added, “Today, Russia is confidently implementing major elements of its national maritime policy and is consistently building up the power of its navy.”&nbsp;

The African heads of state and representatives from other countries who were present for the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg which concluded on Friday, also accompanied the Russian president for the event, said the Kremlin.&nbsp;

<h2>Ex-Russian president about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine</h2>

While the incumbent president did not address the war in Ukraine in St Petersburg, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to his official social media accounts, on Sunday, and said Moscow would be forced to fall back on its own nuclear doctrine if Kyiv’s counteroffensive was successful.&nbsp;

“Imagine if the..offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia,” said Medvedev.&nbsp;

He added, “There would simply be no other option. So our enemies should pray for our warriors’ (success). They are making sure that a global nuclear fire is not ignited.” The former Russian president has previously been accused by Kremlin critics of making extreme statements in a bid to stop the West from supplying arms to Ukraine.&nbsp;

In his statement, Medvedev seemed to be referring to the part of the Russian nuclear doctrine that says that nuclear weapons can be used in response to aggression against Moscow carried out using conventional weapons which threatens the existence of the Russian state, according to Reuters.&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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President Vladimir Putin reviewed the country’s warships and nuclear submarines in St Petersburg, on Sunday (July 30), and praised the Russian navy in an address at the annual warship parade which he attended with several African leaders.

President Vladimir Putin reviewed the country’s warships and nuclear submarines in St Petersburg, on Sunday (July 30), and praised the Russian navy in an address at the annual warship parade which he attended with several African leaders. Meanwhile, Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow would have to use a nuclear weapon if Kyiv’s ongoing counteroffensive was a success. Russia to get 30 new vessels this year: Putin The Russian president reviewed 45 ships, submarines and other vessels that took part in the annual Navy Day parade, which is said to be a traditional show of military might that takes place in the Gulf of Finland and on the River Neva in Putin’s native St Petersburg. Putin, who was accompanied by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Navy Chief Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, inspected some ships from a launch boat on the Neva before making a speech, as per media reports. The event took place amid Russia’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine while Moscow also claimed to have downed three Ukrainian drones in the Russian capital city, early on Sunday. Notably, the Russian Navy has played a significant role in the Ukraine war by pummelling the Western-backed country with ship and submarine-launched cruise missiles. According to the Kremlin, some 3,000 navy personnel took part in the parade on land. During his speech, Putin said that the Russian Navy would receive 30 new vessels “of different classes” this year and hailed the “brave crews of ships and submarines,” without mentioning Ukraine. “In the name of Russia, our sailors give all their strength, show true heroism and fight valiantly, like our great ancestors,” said Putin. He added, “Today, Russia is confidently implementing major elements of its national maritime policy and is consistently building up the power of its navy.” The African heads of state and representatives from other countries who were present for the Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg which concluded on Friday, also accompanied the Russian president for the event, said the Kremlin. Ex-Russian president about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine While the incumbent president did not address the war in Ukraine in St Petersburg, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev took to his official social media accounts, on Sunday, and said Moscow would be forced to fall back on its own nuclear doctrine if Kyiv’s counteroffensive was successful. “Imagine if the..offensive, which is backed by NATO, was a success and they tore off a part of our land then we would be forced to use a nuclear weapon according to the rules of a decree from the president of Russia,” said Medvedev. He added, “There would simply be no other option. So our enemies should pray for our warriors’ (success). They are making sure that a global nuclear fire is not ignited.” The former Russian president has previously been accused by Kremlin critics of making extreme statements in a bid to stop the West from supplying arms to Ukraine. In his statement, Medvedev seemed to be referring to the part of the Russian nuclear doctrine that says that nuclear weapons can be used in response to aggression against Moscow carried out using conventional weapons which threatens the existence of the Russian state, according to Reuters. (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.

Putin reviews Russian warships and nuclear subs, says navy to receive 30 new vessels this year

The Russian military claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles, on Friday (July 28), over the southwestern city of Taganrog near the border with Ukraine and a second one near the city of Azov. Over a dozen people were reported injured in Taganrog, said the regional governor, which Moscow claimed was after it intercepted a missile over the city.&nbsp;

<h2>Over a dozen injured in Taganrog</h2>

Addressing the incident, the Russian defence ministry said, it was the fragments of the Ukrainian missile that injured civilians and damaged buildings in the city of Taganrog.&nbsp;

“Russian air defence equipment detected the Ukrainian missile and intercepted it in the air. The debris of the downed Ukrainian missile fell on the territory of Taganrog,” claimed the Russian military.&nbsp;

It also alleged that the modified “Soviet-made S-200 missile”&nbsp;was aimed at the “residential infrastructure” of the city which is 40 kilometres from the border with Ukraine and home to around 250,000 people.&nbsp;

Rostov region governor Vasily Golubev reported that some 12&nbsp;people suffered “light injuries” due to the blast which took place near the “Chekhov Garden” cafe in the centre of the city.&nbsp;

He had previously also said that the “rescuers are at the scene. There are no dead. There are several injured to whom ambulances have been dispatched.” Nine people have been taken to the hospital, said Golubev.&nbsp;One of the victims suffered a “traumatic brain injury,” and had surgery, he added.

The Russian official also said that the Taganrog Art Museum was the “epicentre of the explosion” which is a few hundred metres away from the cafe, and its roof and buildings were destroyed. Additionally, a nearby three-storey residential building was also damaged due to the explosion.&nbsp;

Images and videos from the site of the blast show rubble and a damaged building with multiple emergency service personnel present. Ukraine is yet to comment on the incident and respond to the allegations but it rarely addresses attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory.

<h2>Second Ukrainian missile near Azov</h2>

It was not long after the first alleged attack was reported by the Russian military that it claimed to have shot another Ukrainian missile over the southwestern part of the country, but this time the debris reportedly fell in a “deserted area.”&nbsp;

“Russian air defence systems intercepted a Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov in the Rostov region. Fragments of the downed Ukrainian missile fell in a deserted area,” said the defence ministry.

<h2>Another blast reported in Samara</h2>

In a separate incident, Member of parliament Alexander Khinshtein reported an explosion at a refinery owned by Rosneft in Russia’s Samara region which appeared to have been caused by a bomb.

“Fortunately there is no serious damage and no casualties,” said the Russian official on Telegram.&nbsp;

Russian state media had earlier&nbsp;reported&nbsp;that a person believed to have been responsible for the Samara blast has been arrested.&nbsp;RIA news agency, citing Rosneft, said the incident occurred at a non-operational old building and that no one was injured and no equipment was damaged.

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. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Russian military claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles, on Friday (July 28), over the southwestern city of Taganrog near the border with Ukraine and a second one near the city of Azov.

The Russian military claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles, on Friday (July 28), over the southwestern city of Taganrog near the border with Ukraine and a second one near the city of Azov. Over a dozen people were reported injured in Taganrog, said the regional governor, which Moscow claimed was after it intercepted a missile over the city. Over a dozen injured in Taganrog Addressing the incident, the Russian defence ministry said, it was the fragments of the Ukrainian missile that injured civilians and damaged buildings in the city of Taganrog. “Russian air defence equipment detected the Ukrainian missile and intercepted it in the air. The debris of the downed Ukrainian missile fell on the territory of Taganrog,” claimed the Russian military. It also alleged that the modified “Soviet-made S-200 missile” was aimed at the “residential infrastructure” of the city which is 40 kilometres from the border with Ukraine and home to around 250,000 people. Rostov region governor Vasily Golubev reported that some 12 people suffered “light injuries” due to the blast which took place near the “Chekhov Garden” cafe in the centre of the city. He had previously also said that the “rescuers are at the scene. There are no dead. There are several injured to whom ambulances have been dispatched.” Nine people have been taken to the hospital, said Golubev. One of the victims suffered a “traumatic brain injury,” and had surgery, he added. The Russian official also said that the Taganrog Art Museum was the “epicentre of the explosion” which is a few hundred metres away from the cafe, and its roof and buildings were destroyed. Additionally, a nearby three-storey residential building was also damaged due to the explosion. Images and videos from the site of the blast show rubble and a damaged building with multiple emergency service personnel present. Ukraine is yet to comment on the incident and respond to the allegations but it rarely addresses attacks inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory. Second Ukrainian missile near Azov It was not long after the first alleged attack was reported by the Russian military that it claimed to have shot another Ukrainian missile over the southwestern part of the country, but this time the debris reportedly fell in a “deserted area.” “Russian air defence systems intercepted a Ukrainian missile near the city of Azov in the Rostov region. Fragments of the downed Ukrainian missile fell in a deserted area,” said the defence ministry. Another blast reported in Samara In a separate incident, Member of parliament Alexander Khinshtein reported an explosion at a refinery owned by Rosneft in Russia’s Samara region which appeared to have been caused by a bomb. “Fortunately there is no serious damage and no casualties,” said the Russian official on Telegram. Russian state media had earlier reported that a person believed to have been responsible for the Samara blast has been arrested. RIA news agency, citing Rosneft, said the incident occurred at a non-operational old building and that no one was injured and no equipment was damaged. 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. (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.

Moscow claims to have shot down Ukrainian missiles over Russian cities Taganrog, Azov

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of&nbsp;his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries. The move is aimed at resuscitating&nbsp;the country's defence industry where research and development has become unprofitable due to the export ban.&nbsp;

During the address, Kishida called on the coalition to find an acceptable way around the unwritten rules or the guidelines that control the country's defence exports. He also informed that the government will soon present its view on the matter.&nbsp;

<h2>Three principles&nbsp;</h2>

According to three principles adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, Japan banned the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargoes and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-military-expansion-raises-concern-over-regional-stability-616936">Watch |&nbsp;China's military expansion raises concern over regional stability</a>

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LDP and Kometio on July 5 presented a working report, reviewing the 'three principles'. The report argued that Japan would agree to export defence equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters.&nbsp;

Japanese media reports state that the&nbsp;government is heavily leaning towards abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports as the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by ally countries, such as Britain and Italy, to third nations regardless of Japan's policies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-considering-exporting-weapons-to-countries-under-invasion-report-570482">Also read |&nbsp;Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report</a>

<h2>Russia-Ukraine war</h2>

However, the most prominent reason to revisit the principles might be the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Seeing the&nbsp;allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports.&nbsp;

While the government mulls its stance, a poll published by Nikkie earlier this year showed that only 16 per cent&nbsp;of the respondents supported Japan sending arms to Ukraine while 76 per cent&nbsp;were against it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday held a meeting with a panel of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, its minor partner in the government to consider supplying defence equipment and technology to other countries. The move is aimed at resuscitating the country's defence industry where research and development has become unprofitable due to the export ban. During the address, Kishida called on the coalition to find an acceptable way around the unwritten rules or the guidelines that control the country's defence exports. He also informed that the government will soon present its view on the matter. Three principles According to three principles adopted on exports of weapons in 1967, Japan banned the sales of weapons to communist nations, those under United Nations embargoes and countries currently or about to be engaged in an armed conflict. Watch | China's military expansion raises concern over regional stability × LDP and Kometio on July 5 presented a working report, reviewing the 'three principles'. The report argued that Japan would agree to export defence equipment with lethal weaponry, including non-combat vehicles and ships to nations with which Tokyo collaborates on security matters. Japanese media reports state that the government is heavily leaning towards abolishing the prohibition on weapons exports as the next-generation fighters are sure to be shipped by ally countries, such as Britain and Italy, to third nations regardless of Japan's policies. Also read | Japan considering exporting weapons to countries under invasion: Report Russia-Ukraine war However, the most prominent reason to revisit the principles might be the Russia-Ukraine war. Several countries have militarily aided Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive on February 24 last year. Japan also offered help to Ukraine. But Tokyo has only sent bulletproof vests, helmets, and medical kits due to Tokyo's pacifist laws forbidding sending weapons to the war-torn country. Seeing the allies and their military industries making huge profits, Tokyo may have been charmed into loosening its position. Lifting the ban could suddenly make the Japanese defence sector lucrative once again, bring in a tax windfall and create more jobs while reducing reliance on expensive defence imports. While the government mulls its stance, a poll published by Nikkie earlier this year showed that only 16 per cent of the respondents supported Japan sending arms to Ukraine while 76 per cent were against it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Is Japan looking to supply lethal arms to Ukraine?

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.

The Biden administration has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of war crimes committed in Ukraine by initiating the sharing of evidence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

“I can confirm that the US will share evidence with the ICC,” a US official told the Guardian.

This decision comes after months of internal debate within the administration, with the National Security Council (NSC) and the state department advocating cooperation with the ICC, while the Pentagon resisted, citing concerns about the potential prosecution of US soldiers by an international court.

<h2>Biden's position emerges</h2>

After a delay of approximately four months, President Joe Biden appears to have taken a clear stance in the debate. A US official confirmed that the administration would share evidence with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan regarding Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-directed-multi-decade-secret-ufo-programme-ex-intelligence-official-tells-congress-619740">US govt is in possession of UFOs and non-human bodies, ex-intelligence official tells Congress</a>

<h2>Seeking accountability for perpetrators</h2>

The administration supports various international investigations to identify and hold these perpetrators accountable.

Apart from the ICC, other bodies involved include the Office of the Ukraine Prosecutor General, the Joint Investigative Team through Eurojust, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission, and the Expert Missions established under the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) 'Moscow Mechanism'.

<h2>Confidential cooperation with ICC</h2>

While the administration is sharing evidence with the ICC, it maintains confidentiality in its cooperation, respecting the court's standard practice in handling requests for collaboration.

Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russian war reporter dead after alleged use of cluster munitions by Ukraine

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<h2>Notification to Congress</h2>

The decision was first reported by The New York Times, which revealed that the administration began notifying members of Congress about this new policy on Tuesday (July 25).

The Biden administration's move to share evidence on war crimes in Ukraine with the ICC signals a willingness to seek accountability for the perpetrators and enablers of these heinous acts. The decision ends a prolonged internal dispute and highlights the administration's commitment to supporting various international efforts aimed at addressing the atrocities committed during Russia's assault on Ukraine.

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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.

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. The Biden administration has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of war crimes committed in Ukraine by initiating the sharing of evidence with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. “I can confirm that the US will share evidence with the ICC,” a US official told the Guardian. This decision comes after months of internal debate within the administration, with the National Security Council (NSC) and the state department advocating cooperation with the ICC, while the Pentagon resisted, citing concerns about the potential prosecution of US soldiers by an international court. Biden's position emerges After a delay of approximately four months, President Joe Biden appears to have taken a clear stance in the debate. A US official confirmed that the administration would share evidence with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan regarding Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Also read | US govt is in possession of UFOs and non-human bodies, ex-intelligence official tells Congress Seeking accountability for perpetrators The administration supports various international investigations to identify and hold these perpetrators accountable. Apart from the ICC, other bodies involved include the Office of the Ukraine Prosecutor General, the Joint Investigative Team through Eurojust, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission, and the Expert Missions established under the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) 'Moscow Mechanism'. Confidential cooperation with ICC While the administration is sharing evidence with the ICC, it maintains confidentiality in its cooperation, respecting the court's standard practice in handling requests for collaboration. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russian war reporter dead after alleged use of cluster munitions by Ukraine Notification to Congress The decision was first reported by The New York Times, which revealed that the administration began notifying members of Congress about this new policy on Tuesday (July 25). The Biden administration's move to share evidence on war crimes in Ukraine with the ICC signals a willingness to seek accountability for the perpetrators and enablers of these heinous acts. The decision ends a prolonged internal dispute and highlights the administration's commitment to supporting various international efforts aimed at addressing the atrocities committed during Russia's assault on Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US initiates sharing evidence of Russian war crimes with Hague court

Russia condemned the Ukrainian drone attack on non-residential buildings in the capital city of Moscow on Monday (July 24) and vowed retaliatory measures, after Kyiv claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Russia condemned the Ukrainian drone attack on non-residential buildings in the capital city of Moscow on Monday (July 24) and vowed retaliatory measures, after Kyiv claimed responsibility for the strikes. “We regard what happened as another use of terrorist methods by the military-political leadership of Ukraine, intimidation of the civilian population. These attacks had no military meaning,” Russia's foreign ministry was quoted as saying by CNN. “The Russian side reserves the right to take tough retaliatory measures,” the ministry said, adding that the Investigative Committee of Russia had opened criminal cases in response to these incidents and that those involved would be brought to justice. The ministry also urged "international organisations" to give the attack a "proper assessment". Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia talks of retaliation after 'Ukrainian drone strike' near Moscow army HQ × On Monday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to Telegram to first break the news that "drone strikes" had hit two "non-residential buildings" in the Russian capital at night. "Today around 4 am (0100 GMT), drone strikes on two non-residential buildings were reported. There is no serious destruction or casualties," he wrote. According to Russian news agency TASS, one of the drones fell in Komsomolsky Prospekt, close to Russia's defence ministry while another hit a business centre on Likhacheva Street, near one of the main ring roads. Moscow managed to thwart the attacks from causing major human and property damage but termed the strikes as a 'terrorist act'. "A Kyiv regime attempt to carry out a terrorist act using two drones on objects on the territory of the city of Moscow was stopped," Russia's defence ministry said. "Two Ukrainian drones were suppressed and crashed. There are no casualties." Kyiv accepts responsibility Later in the day, the Ukrainian side accepted responsibility for the attack, saying there might be more such strikes in the future. “Drones attacked the orc (Russian) capital and Crimea last night. Electronic warfare and air defence are becoming less and less capable of protecting the occupiers' skies,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation, in a Telegram post on Monday. “Whatever happens, there will be more of it,” he added. Previous instances of drone attacks This is not the first instance when Russia has accused Ukraine of targetting the capital city using drones. In May, Kremlin claimed it was attacked by Ukrainian drones which it deemed was an attempt on Russian President Vladimir Putin's life. Also read | Drone strikes hit two buildings in Moscow, Russia calls it a 'terrorist act' At the time, Kremlin described the incident as a "planned terrorist attack" and an "assassination attempt on the president of Russia". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia vows 'retaliatory' action after Kyiv's drones  strike near defence HQ in Moscow

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Tuesday (July 25) slightly raised the outlook for global growth this year given the resilient economy, particularly, service sector activity in the first quarter of 2023. However, the global lender also warned about the persistent challenges which are dampening the medium-term outlook. Meanwhile, India’s projection of economic growth is at 6.1 per cent in this year.&nbsp;

<h2>IMF about the growth forecast</h2>

In its latest, World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF projected global real GDP growth of 3.0 per cent for this year, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than its April forecast. But the global growth is expected to stay there and the forecast for 2024 remained unchanged at 3.0 per cent, amid weak growth among the world’s advanced economies.&nbsp;

The growth forecast was slightly raised as the IMF noted ease in soaring inflation as well as the acute stress that the banking sector witnessed. “We’re not out of the woods yet and growth remains on the low side,” IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told AFP, in an interview.&nbsp;

“What we are seeing when we look five years out is actually close to 3.0%, maybe a little bit above 3.0%. This is a significant slowdown compared to what we had pre-COVID,” the IMF chief economist told Reuters.&nbsp;

The global economic growth is nearly half of what it was in two years with 6.3 per cent and also lower than 3.5 per cent in 2022, the WEO noted. Gourinchas told Reuters how the lowered growth is also related to the ageing of the global population, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Germany.

<h2>Lower inflation</h2>

According to the IMF, the global headline inflation may fall to 6.8 per cent this year, from 8.7 per cent in 2022 and may witness a further drop to 5.2 per cent next year. On the other hand, core inflation would decline more gradually, with 6.0 per cent in 2023 from 6.5 per cent, last year to 4.7 per cent in 2024.&nbsp;

Gourinchas told Reuters we might have to wait until the end of 2024 or early 2025 to see the drop in inflation which the central bankers have targeted and the current cycle of monetary tightening would end.

However, the IMF notes that if the war in Ukraine were to intensify, given Russia’s backing out of the Black Sea grain deal, and the world witnesses a rise in extreme weather events due to the El Nino weather pattern, it could raise the prices of commodities. This in turn could trigger further rate hikes.

The IMF has said the world is a better place than it was and also hailed the World Health Organization’s decision to end the global health emergency due to COVID-19, which has reduced shipping costs and delivery times to pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Broadly stable’ outlook for EMDEs</h2>

In the emerging markets developing economies (EMDEs), a growth of 4.0 per cent is expected in 2023 and 4.1 per cent in 2024, while the overall outlook is “broadly stable,” said the IMF. Additionally, the WEO also noted that much of the global growth this year will be contributed by EMDEs like India and China, with substantially slow economic activity in advanced economies.&nbsp;

The report noted that China’s growth forecast for this year remained unchanged at 5.2 per cent. Meanwhile, advanced economies are expected to grow 1.5 per cent in 2023, which was raised by 0.2 percentage points from April and 1.4 percent in 2024.&nbsp;

<h2>What about India?</h2>

India’s growth is projected to be 6.1 per cent this year, which is up by 0.2 percentage points since the previous forecast in April. The report attributed this growth to “momentum from stronger-than-expected growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 as a result of stronger domestic investment.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Tuesday (July 25) slightly raised the outlook for global growth this year given the resilient economy, particularly, service sector activity in the first quarter of 2023.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Tuesday (July 25) slightly raised the outlook for global growth this year given the resilient economy, particularly, service sector activity in the first quarter of 2023. However, the global lender also warned about the persistent challenges which are dampening the medium-term outlook. Meanwhile, India’s projection of economic growth is at 6.1 per cent in this year. IMF about the growth forecast In its latest, World Economic Outlook (WEO), the IMF projected global real GDP growth of 3.0 per cent for this year, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than its April forecast. But the global growth is expected to stay there and the forecast for 2024 remained unchanged at 3.0 per cent, amid weak growth among the world’s advanced economies. The growth forecast was slightly raised as the IMF noted ease in soaring inflation as well as the acute stress that the banking sector witnessed. “We’re not out of the woods yet and growth remains on the low side,” IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas told AFP, in an interview. “What we are seeing when we look five years out is actually close to 3.0%, maybe a little bit above 3.0%. This is a significant slowdown compared to what we had pre-COVID,” the IMF chief economist told Reuters. The global economic growth is nearly half of what it was in two years with 6.3 per cent and also lower than 3.5 per cent in 2022, the WEO noted. Gourinchas told Reuters how the lowered growth is also related to the ageing of the global population, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Germany. Lower inflation According to the IMF, the global headline inflation may fall to 6.8 per cent this year, from 8.7 per cent in 2022 and may witness a further drop to 5.2 per cent next year. On the other hand, core inflation would decline more gradually, with 6.0 per cent in 2023 from 6.5 per cent, last year to 4.7 per cent in 2024. Gourinchas told Reuters we might have to wait until the end of 2024 or early 2025 to see the drop in inflation which the central bankers have targeted and the current cycle of monetary tightening would end. However, the IMF notes that if the war in Ukraine were to intensify, given Russia’s backing out of the Black Sea grain deal, and the world witnesses a rise in extreme weather events due to the El Nino weather pattern, it could raise the prices of commodities. This in turn could trigger further rate hikes. The IMF has said the world is a better place than it was and also hailed the World Health Organization’s decision to end the global health emergency due to COVID-19, which has reduced shipping costs and delivery times to pre-pandemic levels. ‘Broadly stable’ outlook for EMDEs In the emerging markets developing economies (EMDEs), a growth of 4.0 per cent is expected in 2023 and 4.1 per cent in 2024, while the overall outlook is “broadly stable,” said the IMF. Additionally, the WEO also noted that much of the global growth this year will be contributed by EMDEs like India and China, with substantially slow economic activity in advanced economies. The report noted that China’s growth forecast for this year remained unchanged at 5.2 per cent. Meanwhile, advanced economies are expected to grow 1.5 per cent in 2023, which was raised by 0.2 percentage points from April and 1.4 percent in 2024. What about India? India’s growth is projected to be 6.1 per cent this year, which is up by 0.2 percentage points since the previous forecast in April. The report attributed this growth to “momentum from stronger-than-expected growth in the fourth quarter of 2022 as a result of stronger domestic investment.” (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.

IMF raises 2023 global economic growth forecast to 3 per cent; India remains bright spot

The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said on Monday it had found anti-personnel mines in an area of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and complained for the second month running that this violated safety procedures.

The plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, was seized in the first days of Russia's invasion last year. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling around the station and the International Atomic Energy Agency has been trying to set up a safety mechanism to prevent accidents.

Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director general, said agency inspectors stationed at the plant had noted mines in a buffer zone between the site’s internal and external perimeter barriers and had also observed mines during previous checks.

"But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff," Grossi said in a statement on the agency's website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iaea-team-to-inspect-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-ukraine-seeks-control-over-nuke-plant-511611">WATCH |&nbsp;IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant</a>

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Grossi had issued a similar warning about mines last month and on both occasions, he suggested they posed no risk to the plant's security.

In Monday's note, he said his agency's initial assessment was that even if they exploded, "these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems".

The mines, he said, were in areas inaccessible to staff and inspectors were told "that it is a military decision, and in an area controlled by military".

Grossi has visited the plant three times since it was taken over by Russian forces but has been unable to clinch an agreement with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to set up a safety regime to prevent accidents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-zaporizhzhia-plant-can-become-a-nuclear-flashpoint-in-russia-ukraine-war-590674">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: How Zaporizhzhia plant can become a nuclear flashpoint in Russia-Ukraine war</a>

Tensions have frequently risen over the plant. Each side accused the other this month of plotting an attack on it. 
Moscow says the plant will eventually be connected to Russia's power grid. None of the plant's six reactors has been producing electricity.

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The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said on Monday it had found anti-personnel mines in an area of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and complained for the second month running that this violated safety procedures.

The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog said on Monday it had found anti-personnel mines in an area of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and complained for the second month running that this violated safety procedures. The plant, Europe's largest nuclear facility, was seized in the first days of Russia's invasion last year. Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of shelling around the station and the International Atomic Energy Agency has been trying to set up a safety mechanism to prevent accidents. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director general, said agency inspectors stationed at the plant had noted mines in a buffer zone between the site’s internal and external perimeter barriers and had also observed mines during previous checks. "But having such explosives on the site is inconsistent with the IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and creates additional psychological pressure on plant staff," Grossi said in a statement on the agency's website. WATCH | IAEA team to inspect Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant; Ukraine seeks control over nuke plant × Grossi had issued a similar warning about mines last month and on both occasions, he suggested they posed no risk to the plant's security. In Monday's note, he said his agency's initial assessment was that even if they exploded, "these mines should not affect the site's nuclear safety and security systems". The mines, he said, were in areas inaccessible to staff and inspectors were told "that it is a military decision, and in an area controlled by military". Grossi has visited the plant three times since it was taken over by Russian forces but has been unable to clinch an agreement with Russian and Ukrainian authorities to set up a safety regime to prevent accidents. Also read | Explained: How Zaporizhzhia plant can become a nuclear flashpoint in Russia-Ukraine war Tensions have frequently risen over the plant. Each side accused the other this month of plotting an attack on it. Moscow says the plant will eventually be connected to Russia's power grid. None of the plant's six reactors has been producing electricity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mines found at Russia-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant: UN watchdog

After killing the Black Sea grain deal which allowed&nbsp;safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Moscow will replace the supplies to&nbsp;Africa.&nbsp;

"Russia will continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilisers and other goods to Africa," Putin said in a statement published on the Kremlin's website.

"I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing the Ukrainian grain both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis.

Ever since the deal was scrapped, wheat prices have shot up exponentially in the global markets.&nbsp;Additionally,&nbsp; millions of tonnes of wheat that was bound for Africa and West Asia has been stranded as Moscow has warned it would consider Ukrainian cargo ships in the region, potential military targets.

Russia, which has been increasingly vying for influence in Africa, in competition with the West is seemingly using the opportunity to get closer to the continent. Later this week, Moscow is scheduled to host&nbsp;the second Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, making it the perfect time to announce such a move, experts said.&nbsp;

Even last year, during a UN vote to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine, 25 African nations voted to abstain or did not vote at all - suggesting Kremlin had their support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-russia-formally-backs-out-of-black-sea-grain-deal-what-happens-now-616637" target="_blank">Explained | Russia formally backs out of Black Sea grain deal. What happens now?</a>

<h2>What is the Black Sea grain deal?</h2>

Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and has played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world.

After months of jeopardy, a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July last year lifted a Russian naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea cities and set terms for millions of tonnes of wheat and other grain to start flowing from Ukraine's filled silos and ports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-withdraws-from-ukraine-grain-deal-can-zelensky-bank-on-eu-617063" target="_blank">WATCH | Russia withdraws from Ukraine grain deal, can Zelensky bank on EU</a>

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Since then, the deal's expiration date has been extended multiple times with Moscow waiting till the eleventh hour to grant an extension. However, it has done so reluctantly as the demands set by Putin have not been met by the Western nations.&nbsp;

Putin justified pulling out of the grain deal, saying the agreement had lost its meaning.&nbsp;

"The continuation of the 'grain deal' - which did not justify its humanitarian purpose - has lost its meaning," said Putin.&nbsp;

Prior to calling off the deal last week, Moscow wanted its Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system after it was cut off due to sanctions by the European Union in June 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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After killing the Black Sea grain deal which allowed safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Moscow will replace the supplies to Africa.

After killing the Black Sea grain deal which allowed safe passage to Ukrainian ships carrying grain shipments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that Moscow will replace the supplies to Africa. "Russia will continue its energetic efforts to provide supplies of grain, food products, fertilisers and other goods to Africa," Putin said in a statement published on the Kremlin's website. "I want to give assurances that our country is capable of replacing the Ukrainian grain both on a commercial and free-of-charge basis. Ever since the deal was scrapped, wheat prices have shot up exponentially in the global markets. Additionally, millions of tonnes of wheat that was bound for Africa and West Asia has been stranded as Moscow has warned it would consider Ukrainian cargo ships in the region, potential military targets. Russia, which has been increasingly vying for influence in Africa, in competition with the West is seemingly using the opportunity to get closer to the continent. Later this week, Moscow is scheduled to host the second Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, making it the perfect time to announce such a move, experts said. Even last year, during a UN vote to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine, 25 African nations voted to abstain or did not vote at all - suggesting Kremlin had their support. Explained | Russia formally backs out of Black Sea grain deal. What happens now? What is the Black Sea grain deal? Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and has played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world. After months of jeopardy, a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in July last year lifted a Russian naval blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea cities and set terms for millions of tonnes of wheat and other grain to start flowing from Ukraine's filled silos and ports. WATCH | Russia withdraws from Ukraine grain deal, can Zelensky bank on EU Since then, the deal's expiration date has been extended multiple times with Moscow waiting till the eleventh hour to grant an extension. However, it has done so reluctantly as the demands set by Putin have not been met by the Western nations. Putin justified pulling out of the grain deal, saying the agreement had lost its meaning. "The continuation of the 'grain deal' - which did not justify its humanitarian purpose - has lost its meaning," said Putin. Prior to calling off the deal last week, Moscow wanted its Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system after it was cut off due to sanctions by the European Union in June 2022. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'I want to...': Putin says Moscow will replace Ukrainian grain shipments to Africa

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-wont-arrest-vladimir-putin-to-provide-diplomatic-immunity-during-brics-event-598357">BRICS summit</a> which is to be hosted in Johannesburg next month, the South African presidency said on Wednesday (July 19). &nbsp;This comes a day after court papers revealed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said arresting Putin, who is under an international warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, would amount to a declaration of war. The summit will be hosted in Johannesburg on August 22-24.

<h2>‘Mutual agreement’</h2>

The South African government said in a statement that “by mutual agreement” between the two countries, the Russian president “will not attend” the summit, adding that Moscow will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead.&nbsp;

This comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-putin-be-arrested-heres-what-happened-to-earlier-icc-arrest-warrant-599686">arrest warrant</a> against the Russian president earlier this year, and South Africa, as a member state of the world court, would be obligated to arrest Putin if he were to set foot on its territory.

The arrest warrant against Putin was issued after the ICC accused him of war crimes after he reportedly deported Ukrainian children to Russia. Moscow has since dismissed the order as “outrageous” and legally void since Russia is not a member of the world court.&nbsp;

<h2>Kremlin responds to Ramaphosa’s statement</h2>

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that Moscow did not say that Putin’s arrest would mean “war,” adding that everyone understood – without having it explained to them – what an attempt to infringe on Putin’s rights would mean. &nbsp;

“No, no such formulations were uttered, no one gave anyone to understand that,” said Peskov, when asked if any warning was given by Moscow about the possibility of war if Putin were to get arrested.&nbsp;

The developments come as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-discusses-ukraine-grain-deal-brics-summit-with-south-africas-ramaphosa-616065">South African president</a>&nbsp; was facing the diplomatic dilemma for months on dealing with the issue.&nbsp;

The opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) tried to force its hand on the incumbent government to ensure that Putin was arrested and handed over to the ICC.&nbsp;

However, in a responding affidavit, Ramaphosa said that the DA’s application is “irresponsible,” adding “Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting president would be a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arresting-putin-would-be-declaration-of-war-says-south-african-president-ramaphosa-617163">declaration of war.</a>”&nbsp;

<h2>South African presidency about the BRICS summit</h2>

BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

“The Summit will be attended by the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa,” said the country’s presidency ahead of the upcoming summit which will be hosted in Johannesburg.&nbsp;

This is the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in person since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the upcoming BRICS summit which is to be hosted in Johannesburg next month, the South African presidency said on Wednesday (July 19).

Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the upcoming BRICS summit which is to be hosted in Johannesburg next month, the South African presidency said on Wednesday (July 19). This comes a day after court papers revealed that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said arresting Putin, who is under an international warrant over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, would amount to a declaration of war. The summit will be hosted in Johannesburg on August 22-24. ‘Mutual agreement’ The South African government said in a statement that “by mutual agreement” between the two countries, the Russian president “will not attend” the summit, adding that Moscow will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov instead. This comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant against the Russian president earlier this year, and South Africa, as a member state of the world court, would be obligated to arrest Putin if he were to set foot on its territory. The arrest warrant against Putin was issued after the ICC accused him of war crimes after he reportedly deported Ukrainian children to Russia. Moscow has since dismissed the order as “outrageous” and legally void since Russia is not a member of the world court. Kremlin responds to Ramaphosa’s statement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that Moscow did not say that Putin’s arrest would mean “war,” adding that everyone understood – without having it explained to them – what an attempt to infringe on Putin’s rights would mean. “No, no such formulations were uttered, no one gave anyone to understand that,” said Peskov, when asked if any warning was given by Moscow about the possibility of war if Putin were to get arrested. The developments come as the South African president was facing the diplomatic dilemma for months on dealing with the issue. The opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) tried to force its hand on the incumbent government to ensure that Putin was arrested and handed over to the ICC. However, in a responding affidavit, Ramaphosa said that the DA’s application is “irresponsible,” adding “Russia has made it clear that arresting its sitting president would be a declaration of war.” South African presidency about the BRICS summit BRICS is a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. “The Summit will be attended by the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa,” said the country’s presidency ahead of the upcoming summit which will be hosted in Johannesburg. This is the first BRICS Summit to be hosted in person since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. (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, facing international arrest warrant, will not attend upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg

Worsening the relations, Kremlin on Thursday announced restrictions on the movement of British diplomats working in Russia. Moscow said the British workers&nbsp;will have to notify authorities about their movements in advance, according to an AFP report.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry summoned&nbsp;Britain's charge d'affaires Tom Dodd and informed&nbsp;him of a "notification procedure for the movement of employees of British diplomatic missions".

The procedure will be imposed on&nbsp;"accredited personnel" of the British embassy in Moscow and the consulate general in Yekaterinburg, in the Urals.&nbsp;

The diplomats will need to provide information of at least&nbsp;five working days of travel outside the "120-kilometre (75-mile) free movement zone". Additionally, the information provided should contain "the timings, purpose, type of trip, planned business contacts, accompanying persons, mode of transport, places of visit and accommodation as well as the route of the trip".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-kyiv-used-missiles-from-uk-to-attack-luhansk-says-russia-592157">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Kyiv used missiles from UK to attack Luhansk, claims Russia</a>

Moscow defended the decision saying it was introduced to counter the&nbsp;"hostile actions" of London, a key ally of Ukraine. It added the caveat that measures will not apply to the British ambassador and several other diplomats.&nbsp;

<h2>Britain continues to impose sanctions&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier in the day, the British government imposed sanctions on&nbsp;13 individuals and businesses in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan that had alleged links to Russia's now-disbanded&nbsp;Wagner Group.&nbsp;

"Wherever Wagner operates, it has a catastrophic effect on communities, worsens existing conflicts and damages the reputations of countries that host them," said Britain's minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-war-exposes-the-weaknesses-in-uk-military-617070">Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war exposes the weaknesses in UK military</a>

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On Monday (July 17), Russian Education Minister&nbsp;Sergey Kravtsov was also placed on the sanctions list by the Rishi Sunak administration for hatching the forced deportation of Ukrainian children programme. Overall, 13 new sanctions were imposed, in response to&nbsp;"Russia's attempts to destroy Ukrainian national identity".&nbsp;

"In his chilling programme of forced child deportation, and the hate-filled propaganda spewed by his lackeys, we see (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's true intention - to wipe Ukraine from the map," said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Moscow informed it had brought over 700,00 children from the conflict zones in Ukraine into Russian territory for protection. However, the Western world reacted sharply to the announcement saying Russia was sending these kids to "re-education camps" where they were being exposed to&nbsp;Russia-centric academic, cultural, patriotic, and military education.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Worsening the relations, Kremlin on Thursday announced restrictions on the movement of British diplomats working in Russia. Moscow said the British workers will have to notify authorities about their movements in advance, according to an AFP report.

Worsening the relations, Kremlin on Thursday announced restrictions on the movement of British diplomats working in Russia. Moscow said the British workers will have to notify authorities about their movements in advance, according to an AFP report. The Russian foreign ministry summoned Britain's charge d'affaires Tom Dodd and informed him of a "notification procedure for the movement of employees of British diplomatic missions". The procedure will be imposed on "accredited personnel" of the British embassy in Moscow and the consulate general in Yekaterinburg, in the Urals. The diplomats will need to provide information of at least five working days of travel outside the "120-kilometre (75-mile) free movement zone". Additionally, the information provided should contain "the timings, purpose, type of trip, planned business contacts, accompanying persons, mode of transport, places of visit and accommodation as well as the route of the trip". Also read | Ukraine war: Kyiv used missiles from UK to attack Luhansk, claims Russia Moscow defended the decision saying it was introduced to counter the "hostile actions" of London, a key ally of Ukraine. It added the caveat that measures will not apply to the British ambassador and several other diplomats. Britain continues to impose sanctions Earlier in the day, the British government imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and businesses in the Central African Republic, Mali and Sudan that had alleged links to Russia's now-disbanded Wagner Group. "Wherever Wagner operates, it has a catastrophic effect on communities, worsens existing conflicts and damages the reputations of countries that host them," said Britain's minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell. Watch | Ukraine war exposes the weaknesses in UK military × On Monday (July 17), Russian Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov was also placed on the sanctions list by the Rishi Sunak administration for hatching the forced deportation of Ukrainian children programme. Overall, 13 new sanctions were imposed, in response to "Russia's attempts to destroy Ukrainian national identity". "In his chilling programme of forced child deportation, and the hate-filled propaganda spewed by his lackeys, we see (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's true intention - to wipe Ukraine from the map," said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly. Earlier this month, Moscow informed it had brought over 700,00 children from the conflict zones in Ukraine into Russian territory for protection. However, the Western world reacted sharply to the announcement saying Russia was sending these kids to "re-education camps" where they were being exposed to Russia-centric academic, cultural, patriotic, and military education. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moscow restricts movement of British diplomats in Russia. Know why

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