The battle for Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian military now pulling back to new positions. Russian missile strikes destroyed buildings in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky admits situation 'extremely difficult'

Russia has begun one of the most significant ground attacks on Ukraine. In the last six days, Russian troops have managed to capture at least 12 new Ukrainian settlements. While Kharkiv is the new flashpoint, Russia has also captured at least one settlement in Southern Zaporizhzhia, Russian troops are also bombing towns and villages across Ukraine. Is Zelensky staring at a defeat?

Gravitas | Ukraine war: Is Zelensky facing defeat in face of Russian ground assault?

Russian President Vladimir Putin was greeted by Xi Jinping in a grand welcome ceremony at the square outside the Great Hall of the People. Xi then led Putin on a walk around the square, after which the duo had meeting in the Great Hall. Watch in for more details!

China's Xi Jinping greets Russian President Putin in grand welcome

Russia shut down a military base in Azerbaijan. Nearly 2,000 of its troops had been deployed in the military base in Karabakh. This move came after Azeri forces recaptured the area last year.

Russian troops leave Karabakh, now back under Azerbaijan's control

Russia-Ukraine war: Will Ukraine strike deeper into Russia?

Russia's President Vladimir Putin landed in Beijing on Thursday for a two-day state visit to China, in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies as Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russian President Putin arrives in China for state visit in a show of unity

Watch top headlines of the hour: - New Caledonia: France sends troops - Xi & Putin condemn US - UK to ban gender identity teaching - Microsoft asks some China staff to relocate - Toshiba to cut up to 4,000 jobs in Japan

New Caledonia: France send troops | Xi & Putin condemn US

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the China on his first foreign visit after being re-elected and sworn in as Russia’s president. The Russian president has brought a large delegation consisting of five deputy prime ministers, heads of economic, diplomatic and security agencies - along with a number of CEO's. There will also be a closed door meeting with Xi - in the ‘1+4 format’ - what to expect? What's on the cards?

Putin's China visit: Putin in Beijing, Xi hails ties with Russia

Putin visits China: Ukraine war & bilateral trade dominate talks

Russian troops are pressing ahead with a new offensive in northeastern Ukraine in one of the most significant ground attacks since Moscow's full-scale invasion.

Russia-Ukraine war: Blinken offers new US aid as Kyiv reels from Russia attacks

<p>During talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both leaders concurred on the imperative for a "political solution" to the conflict in Ukraine. Meeting in Beijing during the Russian president's visit, the two heads of state also signed a joint declaration.</p>

<p>In a press conference aired by Russian media, Xi said,&nbsp;"Both sides agree that a political solution to the Ukraine crisis is the correct direction."&nbsp;This comes as West is concerned that China is bolstering Russia's economy and supplying weapons components for the conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (May 16) said that closed military-political partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region were "harmful".&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a press briefing, Putin said,&nbsp;"It is necessary to work towards building a reliable and appropriate security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, in which there is no place for closed military-political alliances. We believe they are very harmful and the creation of such alliances is counterproductive."&nbsp;Putin is currently on a two-day state visit.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-arrives-in-china-in-first-overseas-trip-since-russia-re-elects-him-in-march-721897">Russia-China ties 'conducive to peace': Xi tells Putin</a></p>

<p>This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China. "Rising economic ties between Russia, China exemplify mutual&nbsp;development," Xi said.</p>

<p>The Chinese President also commented on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and endorsed the need for an Independent&nbsp;Palestine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today's world still suffers from cold War mentality, threats&nbsp;to&nbsp;peace... War in Gaza must be resolved with recognition of Independent&nbsp;Palestine," Xi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slovak-pm-robert-fico-not-in-life-threatening-situation-dy-pm-gives-update-721901">Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update</a></p>

<p>While Putin, in a statement that demonstrates close Russia-China relationship, said that he remains in constant contact with Xi to discuss and control "difficult matters".</p>

<h2><strong>China-Russia expanding ties&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Putin said that Rosatom, Russia's nuclear energy company, is collaborating with China to develop units and enhance&nbsp;China's energy infrastructure. Russia and China are also jointly working on international transport corridors to strengthen connectivity. The two nations continuously&nbsp;hold cultural exchange programs to deepen ties, while educational and scientific partnerships are also expanding between the two nations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netherlands-set-for-right-wing-government-after-wilders-strikes-deal-722023">Netherlands set for right-wing government after Wilders strikes deal</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netherlands-set-for-right-wing-government-after-wilders-strikes-deal-722023/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Xi said the China-Russia ties are 'conducive to peace', while, in a similar statement, Putin stated that the ties between the two nations are 'stabilising' for world."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both leaders concurred on the imperative for a "political solution" to the conflict in Ukraine.

During talks between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both leaders concurred on the imperative for a "political solution" to the conflict in Ukraine. Meeting in Beijing during the Russian president's visit, the two heads of state also signed a joint declaration. In a press conference aired by Russian media, Xi said, "Both sides agree that a political solution to the Ukraine crisis is the correct direction." This comes as West is concerned that China is bolstering Russia's economy and supplying weapons components for the conflict in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (May 16) said that closed military-political partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region were "harmful". During a press briefing, Putin said, "It is necessary to work towards building a reliable and appropriate security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, in which there is no place for closed military-political alliances. We believe they are very harmful and the creation of such alliances is counterproductive." Putin is currently on a two-day state visit. Also Read | Russia-China ties 'conducive to peace': Xi tells Putin This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China. "Rising economic ties between Russia, China exemplify mutual development," Xi said. The Chinese President also commented on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and endorsed the need for an Independent Palestine. "Today's world still suffers from cold War mentality, threats to peace... War in Gaza must be resolved with recognition of Independent Palestine," Xi said. Also Read | Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update While Putin, in a statement that demonstrates close Russia-China relationship, said that he remains in constant contact with Xi to discuss and control "difficult matters". China-Russia expanding ties Meanwhile, Putin said that Rosatom, Russia's nuclear energy company, is collaborating with China to develop units and enhance China's energy infrastructure. Russia and China are also jointly working on international transport corridors to strengthen connectivity. The two nations continuously hold cultural exchange programs to deepen ties, while educational and scientific partnerships are also expanding between the two nations. Watch | Netherlands set for right-wing government after Wilders strikes deal × Xi said the China-Russia ties are 'conducive to peace', while, in a similar statement, Putin stated that the ties between the two nations are 'stabilising' for world." (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping, Putin advocate 'political solution' to Ukraine war

Xi Jinping hails ties with Russia as conducive to peace, says 'China ready to work with Russia'

Russia President Putin on a two-day state visit to China, Ukraine war & trade dominate talks

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Beijing: Xi and Putin 'rejuvenate' ties - Charles' 'Blood Red' portrait divides internet - UK eyes financial reforms - Russia makes biggest Ukraine gains - 'China-Russia ties stabilising for world'

Russia makes biggest Ukraine gains | 'China-Russia ties stabilising for world'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky postponed all his foreign trips. The move comes as Ukraine's battlefield situation continues to deteriorate. Watch this video for all details.

Russia-Ukraine war: Why has Zelensky postponed foreign trips?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the China on his first foreign visit after being re-elected and sworn in as Russia’s president. The Russian president has brought a large delegation consisting of five deputy prime ministers, heads of economic, diplomatic and security agencies - along with a number of CEO's. There will also be a closed door meeting with Xi - in the ‘1+4 format’ - what to expect? What's on the cards? WION's Shivan Chanana discusses with Dr. Gilbert Doctorow Historian, Author and Political Commentator from Brussels.

Putin Meets Xi in China | Tactical nuclear deployment being discussed in closed door meet?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledges unwavering support for Ukraine on Tuesday in a visit to Kyiv, following the approval of a $61 billion financial aid package by Congress. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Blinken says, 'will back Ukraine until its security is guaranteed'

The battle for Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian military now pulling back to new positions. Russian missile strike destroyed buildings in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia sharpens attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday oversaw a tactical missile weapons system that will be newly installed at missile units of its army. Watch in for more details!

North Korea: Kim Jong Un oversees tactical missile system

Russia claims to have carried out several missile strikes on Ukrainian positions. Moscow says its artillery strikes destroyed buildings fortifications hardware and Manpower on the Right Bank on the Dnipro River in Kherson region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia unleashes new attacks on Ukraine's Kherson

The US Treasury Department has exposed an alleged scheme by a sanctioned Russian oligarch to evade sanctions. The scheme involved a complex web of companies designed to disguise ownership of a $1.5 billion industrial stake.

US sanctions target Russian schemes to evade sanctions

Georgia has passed a law that brands NGOs and Media companies that recieve over 20% of its funding from abroad as agents of foreign influence. Critics say the law symbolises Georgia's drift closer to Russia. The government pressed ahead with the law despite mass protest and opposition from the country's President.

Gravitas: How Georgia has become Russia's newest ally

<p>The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment&nbsp;to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian offensive in Ukraine's northeast, especially in the Kharkiv region has forced thousands to flee their homes. On Tuesday (May 14), it hit the centre of Kharkiv with airstrikes. Kharkiv is Ukraine's second biggest city after Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We know this is a challenging time," Blinken said before meeting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. "The assistance is now on the way, some of it has already arrived and more of it will be arriving … And that’s going to make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Ukraine war: Blinken in Kyiv to reassure Ukraine of US support</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-war-blinken-in-kyiv-to-reassure-ukraine-of-us-support-721473/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Zelensky thanked Blinken for the US assistance but said air defence remained the "biggest problem" and asked for two new Patriot batteries for the Kharkiv region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours later, central Kharkiv was hit with airstrikes. Officials said 20 people had been injured, including three children. One of the sites hit with airstrikes was a 20-storey building in the city centre, emergency services said.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Antony Blinken's Kyiv visit came three weeks after Joe Biden signed a $60bn aid package for Ukraine. That aid package in itself came months after Republicans blocked it in the US Congress.</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials say that the delay in US weapons made a difficult situation at the front even worse.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-blinken-makes-sudden-visit-to-ukraine-to-show-solidarity-721229">US Secretary of State Blinken assures Zelensky military aid 'now on its way'</a></strong></p>

<p>"The delay in passing the supplemental aid package did have an effect on the battlefield," according to an official US Department of Defense readout.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's Kharkiv offensive</strong></h2>

<p>For the first time since February 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a 'special military operation' against Ukraine, Kharkiv is back in the Russian artillery range. The Russian forces have seized a number of villages in recent days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian push in the Kharkiv region has stretched Ukraine's forces further. Ukraine has launched a new mobilisation drive to fill the depleted ranks at the frontline.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months. Russian offensive in Ukraine's northeast, especially in the Kharkiv region has forced thousands to flee their homes. On Tuesday (May 14), it hit the centre of Kharkiv with airstrikes. Kharkiv is Ukraine's second biggest city after Kyiv. "We know this is a challenging time," Blinken said before meeting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. "The assistance is now on the way, some of it has already arrived and more of it will be arriving … And that’s going to make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield." Also watch | Gravitas | Ukraine war: Blinken in Kyiv to reassure Ukraine of US support × Zelensky thanked Blinken for the US assistance but said air defence remained the "biggest problem" and asked for two new Patriot batteries for the Kharkiv region. Hours later, central Kharkiv was hit with airstrikes. Officials said 20 people had been injured, including three children. One of the sites hit with airstrikes was a 20-storey building in the city centre, emergency services said. What does it mean? Antony Blinken's Kyiv visit came three weeks after Joe Biden signed a $60bn aid package for Ukraine. That aid package in itself came months after Republicans blocked it in the US Congress. Ukrainian officials say that the delay in US weapons made a difficult situation at the front even worse. Also read | US Secretary of State Blinken assures Zelensky military aid 'now on its way' "The delay in passing the supplemental aid package did have an effect on the battlefield," according to an official US Department of Defense readout. Russia's Kharkiv offensive For the first time since February 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a 'special military operation' against Ukraine, Kharkiv is back in the Russian artillery range. The Russian forces have seized a number of villages in recent days. The Russian push in the Kharkiv region has stretched Ukraine's forces further. Ukraine has launched a new mobilisation drive to fill the depleted ranks at the frontline. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky flags 'biggest problem' to Blinken as Russians advance in Kharkiv

The Russia-Ukraine war has taken a complicated turn with recent events escalating tensions and raising concerns about potential retaliation from Moscow. This as Russia said thwarted a massive attack on Crimea by intercepting American missiles.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims downing American missiles

russia

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