A two-day peace summit in Switzerland came to a close on Sunday after 90 countries attended- but Russia and China were missing.

Ukraine Peace Summit: Zelensky says will present peace plan to Russia once agreed

US Vice President Kamala Harris pledged America's unwavering support for Ukraine and announced more than $1.5 billion in aid for the country's energy sector and its humanitarian situation as a result of Russia's 27-month invasion.

Two-day Ukraine peace talks held in Switzerland, world leaders discuss peace roadmap for Ukraine

Russian special forces freed two prison guards and shot dead six inmates linked to the Islamic State militant group who had taken them hostage at a detention centre in the southern city of Rostov on Sunday, Russian media said.

Russian forces storm detention centre, free guards taken hostage

Headlines of the hour: - Zelensky calls for a 'just peace' - Zelensky greatest salesman: Trump - Eight Israeli soldiers killed in Rafah - Israelis rally for Gaza truce - Trudeau: Will work with India on key issues - US: More rules for Presidential debate - India: Heatwave in Delhi, UP - Monsoon advances in Indian states

Trudeau says, 'will work with India on key issues' | Zelensky greatest salesman: Trump

Putin lays out terms & conditions for ceasefire & peace talks Pakistan again playing agent provocateur in Jammu & Kashmir Argentina rocked by violent clashes between riot police & protesters opposing controversial economic reforms And Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic forces kill nearly 120 people in troubled North Kivu province in Eastern Congo. Jyotsna Kumar gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin lays out terms & conditions for ceasefire & peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Russia was "not ready" to discuss a just and lasting peace. "Russia does not want peace, that is a fact," Zelensky told a press conference at the end of a major diplomatic summit in Switzerland. "Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace, that's a fact," he added.

Ukraine Peace Summit: Zelensky says Putin not ready for peace, calls for full Russian withdrawal

Headlines of the hour: - Zelensky calls for a 'just peace' - US: More rules for Presidential debate - Houthi rebels attack another ship - Eight Israeli soldiers killed in Rafah - Israelis rally for Gaza truce - Sweden, Iran prisoner swap - Muslim pilgrims head to Muzdalifah

Zelensky calls for a 'just peace' | US: More rules for Presidential debate

Ukraine peace summit: Test of Kyiv's diplomatic clout, Pres Zelensky seeks show of support at summit

World leaders attend Ukraine Peace Summit to discuss peace roadmap for Ukraine

As the 27-month conflict drags on and fewer volunteers show up than in the early going, Ukraine is under pressure to mobilise additional forces. The draft age was recently decreased to 25 and mobilisation procedures were strengthened by the authorities. Men may be called up if they are 60 years of age or older.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine soldiers demand young compatriots to join war

In a shocking turn of events, Islamic State (IS) inmates took two prison officers hostage in a jail in southern Russia on Sunday (Jun 16). Prison authorities said chaos erupted at the detention centre 'Number One' in Rostov city as "the inmates took two prison officers hostage". The statement added that negotiations were underway with the inmates to secure the release of hostages.&nbsp;

Russia's state-backed TASS news agency reported that the inmates are due to appear in court and are held under terrorism charges.

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Prison authorities later said both prison officers were freed without harm and the IS inmates were "liquidated".

"During a special operation... the criminals were liquidated and the employees taken hostage were freed and were not wounded," the service said in a statement.

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Notably, Islamic State has sporadically targeted Russia over the past years. The terrorist group had attacked a concert hall near Moscow on March 22 this year, killing 144 people in what turned out to be the deadliest event on Russian soil in more than 20 years.

Russian authorities have since detained more than 20 people, including four suspected of carrying out the attack. All 20 people are believed to be from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a shocking turn of events, Islamic State (IS) inmates took two prison officers hostage in a jail in southern Russia on Sunday (Jun 16). Prison authorities said chaos erupted at the detention centre 'Number One' in Rostov city as "the inmates took two prison officers hostage".

In a shocking turn of events, Islamic State (IS) inmates took two prison officers hostage in a jail in southern Russia on Sunday (Jun 16). Prison authorities said chaos erupted at the detention centre 'Number One' in Rostov city as "the inmates took two prison officers hostage". The statement added that negotiations were underway with the inmates to secure the release of hostages. Russia's state-backed TASS news agency reported that the inmates are due to appear in court and are held under terrorism charges. Also read: Russia kills own soldier over alleged terrorism ties to ISIS Prison authorities later said both prison officers were freed without harm and the IS inmates were "liquidated". "During a special operation... the criminals were liquidated and the employees taken hostage were freed and were not wounded," the service said in a statement. Also read: Eight Tajikistan men detained in NYC, LA and Philadelphia over possible ISIS ties: Sources Notably, Islamic State has sporadically targeted Russia over the past years. The terrorist group had attacked a concert hall near Moscow on March 22 this year, killing 144 people in what turned out to be the deadliest event on Russian soil in more than 20 years. Russian authorities have since detained more than 20 people, including four suspected of carrying out the attack. All 20 people are believed to be from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan. (With inputs from agencies)

ISIS inmates 'liquidated' after they took two prison officers hostage in Russia's Rostov

Ukraine Peace Summit: Russia's absence overshadows Ukraine summit

Britain has imposed its first sanctions targeting vessels in President Putin's "shadow fleet." These ships are suspected of circumventing western sanctions on Russian oil exports.

New sanctions by UK hit Russian military suppliers

A conference is underway in Switzerland aimed at establishing a framework for peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Swiss Peace Summit drew leaders and representatives from over 100 countries and international organisations. Notably absent from the discussions at the luxury Burgenstock resort near Lucerne was delegation from Moscow.

Swiss President Viola Amherd opened the summit while expressing hope for future summits that might include Russia.

"We will not be able to negotiate or even proclaim peace for Ukraine here on the Bürgenstock, but we wish to inspire a process for a just and lasting peace, and we wish to take concrete steps in this direction," she noted. "We can prepare the ground for direct talks between the warring parties: that is what we are here for."

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The summit, attended by more than 50 heads of states and governments, was held against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to rally support for his 10-point peace plan that he announced at the G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022. It included food and energy security, release of all prisoners and deportees, restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity among others.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Everything that will be agreed upon at the summit today will be a part of the peace-making process that we all need,” Zelensky said at a news conference alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd ahead of the conference.

"﻿I believe that we will witness history being made here.”

US Vice President Kamala Harris has already announced that the United States would provide over $1.5 billion to assist Ukraine. Harris is also attending the conference.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-su-24-bomber-briefly-violates-swedish-airspace-732057">Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violates Swedish airspace</a>

China declined to participate in the peace summit arguing that any meaningful discussion&nbsp;should involve both Russia and Ukraine.

<h2>What is Moscow's peace proposal?&nbsp;</h2>

The summit comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated&nbsp;Kremlin's peace proposal, which calls for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from four regions claimed by Moscow and for Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations.

Zelensky firmly rejected this plan and compared Putin’s demands to those of Adolf Hitler.&nbsp;

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the discussions at the peace summit as foundational for future negotiations. "This is a diplomatic seedling that we are watering so that it can grow," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A conference is underway in Switzerland aimed at establishing a framework for peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Swiss Peace Summit drew leaders and representatives from over 100 countries and international organisations.

A conference is underway in Switzerland aimed at establishing a framework for peace between Ukraine and Russia. The Swiss Peace Summit drew leaders and representatives from over 100 countries and international organisations. Notably absent from the discussions at the luxury Burgenstock resort near Lucerne was delegation from Moscow. Swiss President Viola Amherd opened the summit while expressing hope for future summits that might include Russia. "We will not be able to negotiate or even proclaim peace for Ukraine here on the Bürgenstock, but we wish to inspire a process for a just and lasting peace, and we wish to take concrete steps in this direction," she noted. "We can prepare the ground for direct talks between the warring parties: that is what we are here for." Also Read | 'Deaths happen within 48 hours': Rare flesh-eating bacteria spreads in Japan The summit, attended by more than 50 heads of states and governments, was held against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sought to rally support for his 10-point peace plan that he announced at the G20 summit in Indonesia in November 2022. It included food and energy security, release of all prisoners and deportees, restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity among others. “Everything that will be agreed upon at the summit today will be a part of the peace-making process that we all need,” Zelensky said at a news conference alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd ahead of the conference. "﻿I believe that we will witness history being made here.” US Vice President Kamala Harris has already announced that the United States would provide over $1.5 billion to assist Ukraine. Harris is also attending the conference. Also Read | Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violates Swedish airspace China declined to participate in the peace summit arguing that any meaningful discussion should involve both Russia and Ukraine. What is Moscow's peace proposal? The summit comes a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Kremlin's peace proposal, which calls for Ukrainian troops to withdraw from four regions claimed by Moscow and for Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations. Zelensky firmly rejected this plan and compared Putin’s demands to those of Adolf Hitler. Watch | US Supreme Court rejects federal ban on gun 'bump stocks' × German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the discussions at the peace summit as foundational for future negotiations. "This is a diplomatic seedling that we are watering so that it can grow," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Global leaders gather in Switzerland to pave way for Russia-Ukraine peace

Prior to now, the RF Government added more land and water areas to the Pevek Seaport's boundaries in the Chaunskaya Bay, close to Cape Nagleynyn. As per Glavgosexpertiza's statement, the new terminal is scheduled to start operations in 2026 and is expected to play a significant role in advancing the year-round cargo transit along the Northern Sea Route.

Russia's Pevek: Town in Russia's far east, home to world's first floating nuclear power plant

Headlines of the hour: - Rivals not ready to govern: Macron - Houthi attacks damage bulk carrier - Six killed in Belgorod attack - Heatwave conditions continues in North India - Giant Maga cake for Trump's birthday - PM Modi puts G7 focus on global South

Houthi attacks damage bulk carrier | PM Modi puts focus on global South

Ukraine Peace Summit Day 1: US gives $1.5 Billion aid to Ukraine | Meloni slams Putin's demands

Western leaders are in Italy to explore ways to help Ukraine and punish Russia. Ahead of a Swiss Summit to forge peace in Ukraine, Moscow is closely watching all these developments on the eve of the Switzerland conference to which Russia has not been invited. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war | Zelensky on Putin's peace demands: Putin's proposals offensive to common sense

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Putin's ceasefire offer 'cannot be trusted'

Ukraine dismisses Putin's demand for peace, calls them 'absurd'

Sweden's military said on Saturday (Jun 15) that a Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violated Swedish airspace on Friday near the strategic Baltic Sea island of Gotland, which is located less&nbsp;than 350 kilometres (217 miles) from the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;exclave of Kaliningrad.

The incident forced Sweden to force two JAS-39 fighter jets to intercept the aircraft.&nbsp;The incident occurred three months after Sweden became a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), dropping two centuries of military non-alliance.&nbsp;

"On Friday afternoon, a Russian SU-24 jet fighter violated Swedish airspace east of Gotland's southern tip. The Swedish air combat command warned the Russian aircraft with a verbal call," the Swedish armed forces said.&nbsp;

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"When this was not heeded and the aircraft did not deviate from its route, it was dismissed from Swedish airspace by two JAS-39 Gripens," it said, further adding that the military said that the violation was "brief".&nbsp;

Jonas Wikman, the head of Sweden's air force, said that the Russian actions are not "acceptable and demonstrate" a lack of respect for Sweden's territorial integrity.&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine Peace Summit: Putin demands more Ukrainian land to end war; Kyiv rejects 'ultimatum'

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While the&nbsp;Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom called the airspace violation "unacceptable". He said officials from the Russian Embassy in Stockholm would be summoned to his ministry over the incident.&nbsp;

"We are in close contact with allies and partners about the events in our immediate area," Billstrom told the news agency Reuters in an email.

Russia hasn't responded to the incident yet.&nbsp;

The Swedish military said similar violations by Russian aircraft last occurred in 2022 when two SU-27 and two SU-24 planes&nbsp;violated its airspace near Gotland.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Sweden's military said on Saturday (Jun 15) that a Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violated Swedish airspace on Friday near the strategic Baltic Sea island of Gotland, which is located less than 350 kilometres (217 miles) from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Sweden's military said on Saturday (Jun 15) that a Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violated Swedish airspace on Friday near the strategic Baltic Sea island of Gotland, which is located less than 350 kilometres (217 miles) from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. The incident forced Sweden to force two JAS-39 fighter jets to intercept the aircraft. The incident occurred three months after Sweden became a full member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), dropping two centuries of military non-alliance. "On Friday afternoon, a Russian SU-24 jet fighter violated Swedish airspace east of Gotland's southern tip. The Swedish air combat command warned the Russian aircraft with a verbal call," the Swedish armed forces said. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: US announces over $1.5bn more US energy, humanitarian aid for Kyiv "When this was not heeded and the aircraft did not deviate from its route, it was dismissed from Swedish airspace by two JAS-39 Gripens," it said, further adding that the military said that the violation was "brief". Jonas Wikman, the head of Sweden's air force, said that the Russian actions are not "acceptable and demonstrate" a lack of respect for Sweden's territorial integrity. Also read: G7 blames China for enabling Ukraine war, threatens sanctions Watch: Ukraine Peace Summit: Putin demands more Ukrainian land to end war; Kyiv rejects 'ultimatum' × While the Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom called the airspace violation "unacceptable". He said officials from the Russian Embassy in Stockholm would be summoned to his ministry over the incident. "We are in close contact with allies and partners about the events in our immediate area," Billstrom told the news agency Reuters in an email. Russia hasn't responded to the incident yet. The Swedish military said similar violations by Russian aircraft last occurred in 2022 when two SU-27 and two SU-24 planes violated its airspace near Gotland. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian SU-24 bomber briefly violates Swedish airspace

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine’ under pressure to call more troops as older recruits await young help

A total of 14 Russian and 11 Belarusian athletes were included on Saturday by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on an initial list of "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs) eligible to compete in the Paris Games.&nbsp;

The athletes had to qualify for the Games and pass a double check, first by the international sports federations and then by the IOC, to prove they did not actively support the war in Ukraine or have any links with their countries' armies.&nbsp;

The athletes named on Saturday compete in four disciplines.

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Sixteen are wrestlers. The IOC has also approved two weightlifters, three trampoline gymnasts and four road cyclists, including Aleksandr Vlasov, who was fourth in the 2021 Giro.&nbsp;

"Our cyclists passed the 'test'," Vyacheslav Ekimov, the President of the Russian Cycling Federation told Russia's state-run TASS news agency.

"The IOC allowed us to the Olympics, although I did not expect a different development. As for Vlasov, despite all his past statements, I think he will participate in the Olympics. And with great pleasure." Ekimov said.

The President of the Russian Trampolining Federation, Nikolai Makarov told TASS he was not entirely happy.

"The fact that the IOC has decided to admit Angela Bladtseva to the Olympics is very good news," he said.

"But I don't understand why another one of our contenders for the only ticket - Yana Lebedeva - is not on the list. I hope that her name will be on the next list."

Saturday's IOC statement also listed taekwondo, but that section included no names.&nbsp;

"It is absolutely true - none of our taekwondists will perform at the Olympic Games in Paris," Vadim Ivanov, Russia's taekwondo head coach told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.

After initially banning the two countries' athletes from world sport following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC adjusted their regulations to allow their participation, under a neutral banner, subject to strict conditions and excluding team events.&nbsp;

Last March, the IOC said it was expecting 36 Russians and 22 Belarussians at the Paris Games "according to the most probable scenario", and a "maximum" of 55 and 28 respectively.&nbsp;

That would be far fewer than the 330 Russians and 104 Belarusians that took part in the last Games in Tokyo in 2021.

The IOC will update its list as the final qualifying results come in.

There will be no track and field athletes. World Athletics has banned all Russians and Belarusians.

Other sports have reinstated them so late that their presence is uncertain.&nbsp;

<h2>- Opening ceremony -</h2>

On Friday, Yuliya Efimova, who has three Olympic breaststroke medals, became the first Russian swimmer to be granted neutral status for the Games although she has not yet swum a qualifying time. She also said she did not yet have a visa to travel to France.

While Moscow has finally decided not to boycott the Paris Games, some athletes may opt to. Russia's gymnasts have said they will refuse to take part.

The neutral athletes will neither take part in the opening ceremony on the Seine nor appear in the official medal table.&nbsp;

In March, the IOC awarded them a dedicated flag, stamped with the letters "AIN" on an apple-green background, as well as a short composition without words, which will serve as their anthem if they win an Olympic title.&nbsp;

At the same time, the IOC &nbsp;set up the Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP) to help decide which athletes to invite.

The expert panel "has been able to benefit from new information from various sources, in particular official lists of athletes affiliated to sports clubs of the armed and security forces, published on official websites in Russia and Belarus", said the IOC.&nbsp;

A total of 14 Russian and 11 Belarusian athletes were included on Saturday by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on an initial list of "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs) eligible to compete in the Paris Games.

A total of 14 Russian and 11 Belarusian athletes were included on Saturday by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on an initial list of "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs) eligible to compete in the Paris Games. The athletes had to qualify for the Games and pass a double check, first by the international sports federations and then by the IOC, to prove they did not actively support the war in Ukraine or have any links with their countries' armies. The athletes named on Saturday compete in four disciplines. Also Read: Lionel Messi hits brace in Argentina’s 4-1 win over Guatemala in Copa America friendly Sixteen are wrestlers. The IOC has also approved two weightlifters, three trampoline gymnasts and four road cyclists, including Aleksandr Vlasov, who was fourth in the 2021 Giro. "Our cyclists passed the 'test'," Vyacheslav Ekimov, the President of the Russian Cycling Federation told Russia's state-run TASS news agency. "The IOC allowed us to the Olympics, although I did not expect a different development. As for Vlasov, despite all his past statements, I think he will participate in the Olympics. And with great pleasure." Ekimov said. The President of the Russian Trampolining Federation, Nikolai Makarov told TASS he was not entirely happy. "The fact that the IOC has decided to admit Angela Bladtseva to the Olympics is very good news," he said. "But I don't understand why another one of our contenders for the only ticket - Yana Lebedeva - is not on the list. I hope that her name will be on the next list." Saturday's IOC statement also listed taekwondo, but that section included no names. "It is absolutely true - none of our taekwondists will perform at the Olympic Games in Paris," Vadim Ivanov, Russia's taekwondo head coach told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency. After initially banning the two countries' athletes from world sport following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC adjusted their regulations to allow their participation, under a neutral banner, subject to strict conditions and excluding team events. Last March, the IOC said it was expecting 36 Russians and 22 Belarussians at the Paris Games "according to the most probable scenario", and a "maximum" of 55 and 28 respectively. That would be far fewer than the 330 Russians and 104 Belarusians that took part in the last Games in Tokyo in 2021. The IOC will update its list as the final qualifying results come in. There will be no track and field athletes. World Athletics has banned all Russians and Belarusians. Other sports have reinstated them so late that their presence is uncertain. - Opening ceremony - On Friday, Yuliya Efimova, who has three Olympic breaststroke medals, became the first Russian swimmer to be granted neutral status for the Games although she has not yet swum a qualifying time. She also said she did not yet have a visa to travel to France. While Moscow has finally decided not to boycott the Paris Games, some athletes may opt to. Russia's gymnasts have said they will refuse to take part. The neutral athletes will neither take part in the opening ceremony on the Seine nor appear in the official medal table. In March, the IOC awarded them a dedicated flag, stamped with the letters "AIN" on an apple-green background, as well as a short composition without words, which will serve as their anthem if they win an Olympic title. At the same time, the IOC set up the Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP) to help decide which athletes to invite. The expert panel "has been able to benefit from new information from various sources, in particular official lists of athletes affiliated to sports clubs of the armed and security forces, published on official websites in Russia and Belarus", said the IOC.

Paris Olympics 2024: IOC issues list of 14 Russian and 11 Belarusian athletes eligible for games

Amidst persistent tensions resulting from Russia's 27-month-long invasion of Ukraine, US Vice President Kamala Harris has committed over USD 1.5 billion in aid for the country's energy industry and humanitarian relief. The annoucnement was made while Harris was in Lucerne, Switzerland for a summit on peace with Ukraine.

US Vice President Kamala Harris announces 1.5 billion dollar aid for Ukraine during Ukraine Peace Summit

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