Russia has abolished the upper age limit for military service in the country. The new law eliminated the age limit for both Russian citizens and foreigners of working age.

Russia scraps upper age limit for military recruits

The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that Moscow has successfully test-fired a hypersonic Zircon cruise missile over a distance of about 1,000 km (625 miles).

The missile, which hit a practice target in the White Sea, was fired from the Barents Sea according to a video released by the ministry.

Described as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems, Zircon is intended to arm Russian cruisers, frigates, and submarines.

The hypersonic missile can travel at nine times the speed of sound and Putin has emphasised that its deployment will significantly boost the capability of Russia’s military.

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Russia has increased its development of hypersonic missiles after its military has suffered heavy losses of men and equipment during its three-month invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special operation."&nbsp;

This is not the first time Russia has tested the Zircon missile. Admiral Gorshkov's frigate in the White Sea had launched the Zircon cruise missile last year.

The Kremlin, which has made modernising the country’s arsenals a top priority amid the tensions with the West, test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile, the Sarmat last month which is capable of carrying 10 or more warheads and striking the United States. 
&nbsp; 
Russia has continued to stage high-profile weapons tests to remind the world of its prowess in missile technology ever since it annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that Moscow has successfully test-fired a hypersonic Zircon cruise missile over a distance of about 1,000 km (625 miles).

The Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that Moscow has successfully test-fired a hypersonic Zircon cruise missile over a distance of about 1,000 km (625 miles). The missile, which hit a practice target in the White Sea, was fired from the Barents Sea according to a video released by the ministry. Described as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems, Zircon is intended to arm Russian cruisers, frigates, and submarines. The hypersonic missile can travel at nine times the speed of sound and Putin has emphasised that its deployment will significantly boost the capability of Russia’s military. Russia has increased its development of hypersonic missiles after its military has suffered heavy losses of men and equipment during its three-month invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special operation." This is not the first time Russia has tested the Zircon missile. Admiral Gorshkov's frigate in the White Sea had launched the Zircon cruise missile last year. The Kremlin, which has made modernising the country’s arsenals a top priority amid the tensions with the West, test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental missile, the Sarmat last month which is capable of carrying 10 or more warheads and striking the United States. Russia has continued to stage high-profile weapons tests to remind the world of its prowess in missile technology ever since it annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in 2014. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

Amid Ukraine war, Russia successfully test-fires Zircon hypersonic cruise missile

Russia is reportedly trying to bolster the manpower of its armed forces by considering allowing citizens over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military, even as the war against Ukraine drags on.

Russian Parliament’s lower house, State Duma, on Friday said that it is considering moving a bill that would allow the military to utilise the skills of older professionals.

“For the use of high-precision weapons, the operation of weapons and military equipment, highly professional specialists are needed. Experience shows that they become such by the age of 40–45," the website of the State Duma said, according to Reuters.

Currently, Russians aged 18-40 and foreigners aged 18-30 can enter into a first contract with the military.

The Duma said the proposed legislation would also make it easier to recruit civilian medics, engineers and operations and communications specialists.

The latest move comes in the wake of purported setbacks in the forms of Russian soldier casualties and loss of equipments in the two-and-a-half-month-old battle where Ukraine has able mobilised practically its entire adult male population.

Moreover, the Ukrainian forces have managed to retake large areas around Kyiv in early April after Russia abandoned its push towards the capital.

Ukrainian forces have been successful in repelling recent Russian advances around Izyum, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

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But Russian troops have made progress in the Luhansk region, taking control of Rubizhne and Popasna as they move towards their target of Severodonetsk.

The ISW reports that Russian troops withdrawn from around Kharkiv are now being redeployed to the Donetsk region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-exclusive-interview-to-wion-chechen-leader-says-russian-operations-end-depends-on-ukrainian-govt-480548" hreflang="en">In exclusive interview to WION, Chechen leader says Russian operation’s end depends on Ukrainian govt</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 in a bid to overthrow the Zelensky regime, which has been dubbed as “neo-Nazis” by the Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia is reportedly trying to bolster the manpower of its armed forces by considering allowing citizens over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military, even as the war against Ukraine drags on.

Russia is reportedly trying to bolster the manpower of its armed forces by considering allowing citizens over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military, even as the war against Ukraine drags on. Russian Parliament’s lower house, State Duma, on Friday said that it is considering moving a bill that would allow the military to utilise the skills of older professionals. “For the use of high-precision weapons, the operation of weapons and military equipment, highly professional specialists are needed. Experience shows that they become such by the age of 40–45," the website of the State Duma said, according to Reuters. Currently, Russians aged 18-40 and foreigners aged 18-30 can enter into a first contract with the military. The Duma said the proposed legislation would also make it easier to recruit civilian medics, engineers and operations and communications specialists. The latest move comes in the wake of purported setbacks in the forms of Russian soldier casualties and loss of equipments in the two-and-a-half-month-old battle where Ukraine has able mobilised practically its entire adult male population. Moreover, the Ukrainian forces have managed to retake large areas around Kyiv in early April after Russia abandoned its push towards the capital. Ukrainian forces have been successful in repelling recent Russian advances around Izyum, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Also read | 'Peresvet' and ‘Zadira': Russia unveils new laser weapons against Ukraine war But Russian troops have made progress in the Luhansk region, taking control of Rubizhne and Popasna as they move towards their target of Severodonetsk. The ISW reports that Russian troops withdrawn from around Kharkiv are now being redeployed to the Donetsk region. Also read | In exclusive interview to WION, Chechen leader says Russian operation’s end depends on Ukrainian govt Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 in a bid to overthrow the Zelensky regime, which has been dubbed as “neo-Nazis” by the Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia mulling to allow citizens above 40 and foreigners over 30 to join military

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), world military spending rose to $2113 billion with the United States, China, India, UK and Russia being the five largest spenders last year.

The total military expenditure rose 0.7 per cent in real terms, SIPRI informed as the US, China, India, UK and Russia accounted for 62 per cent of the expenditure.

"Even amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, world military spending hit record levels," SIPRI's Dr Diego Lopes da Silva said.

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The think tank said the US military spent $801 billion in 2021 which was a drop of 1.4 per cent from the previous year, however, its&nbsp;military research and development rose by 24 per cent between 2012 and 2021 as the US focuses on "next-generation technologies".

Russia which is currently at war with Ukraine had increased its military expenditure by 2.9 per cent last year to $65.9 billion. SIPRI said it was the third consecutive year of growth in Russia's military spending.

Watch:&nbsp;Europe sent weapons to Russia despite embargo on arms shipment

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SIPRI's Lucie Béraud-Sudreau said: "High oil and gas revenues helped Russia to boost its military spending in 2021."&nbsp;

Russia also increased its national defence budget line, it said even as Ukraine’s military spending rose 72 per cent since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

China's military budget rose 4.7 per cent as President Xi's regime allocated an estimated $293 billion in 2021. In fact, the Japanese government added $7 billion to military spending, the military watcher stated in its report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/arms-deal-in-2021-how-major-powers-realigned-the-military-landscape-434045">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Arms deal in 2021: How major powers realigned the military landscape</a>

"China’s growing assertiveness in and around the South and the East China seas have become a major driver of military spending in countries such as Australia and Japan," SIPRI said.

India spent $76.6 billion which was the third-highest in the world.

India's military expenditure rose 0.9 per cent compared to&nbsp;2020. India's military expenditure rose 33 per cent from 2012 with 64 per cent capital outlay in the military budget last year earmarked for domestically produced arms. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), world military spending rose to $2113 billion with the United States, China, India, UK and Russia being the five largest spenders last year.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI), world military spending rose to $2113 billion with the United States, China, India, UK and Russia being the five largest spenders last year. The total military expenditure rose 0.7 per cent in real terms, SIPRI informed as the US, China, India, UK and Russia accounted for 62 per cent of the expenditure. "Even amid the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, world military spending hit record levels," SIPRI's Dr Diego Lopes da Silva said. Also Read in Pics: US joins hypersonic arms race in space: Is it a gamechanger? The think tank said the US military spent $801 billion in 2021 which was a drop of 1.4 per cent from the previous year, however, its military research and development rose by 24 per cent between 2012 and 2021 as the US focuses on "next-generation technologies". Russia which is currently at war with Ukraine had increased its military expenditure by 2.9 per cent last year to $65.9 billion. SIPRI said it was the third consecutive year of growth in Russia's military spending. Watch: Europe sent weapons to Russia despite embargo on arms shipment SIPRI's Lucie Béraud-Sudreau said: "High oil and gas revenues helped Russia to boost its military spending in 2021." Russia also increased its national defence budget line, it said even as Ukraine’s military spending rose 72 per cent since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. China's military budget rose 4.7 per cent as President Xi's regime allocated an estimated $293 billion in 2021. In fact, the Japanese government added $7 billion to military spending, the military watcher stated in its report. Also Read in Pics | Arms deal in 2021: How major powers realigned the military landscape "China’s growing assertiveness in and around the South and the East China seas have become a major driver of military spending in countries such as Australia and Japan," SIPRI said. India spent $76.6 billion which was the third-highest in the world. India's military expenditure rose 0.9 per cent compared to 2020. India's military expenditure rose 33 per cent from 2012 with 64 per cent capital outlay in the military budget last year earmarked for domestically produced arms. (With inputs from Agencies)

World military expenditure at over $2 trillion; US, China, India, UK & Russia top spenders: Think tank

A Russian military strike on barracks at southern Mykolaiv city of Ukraine claimed 50 lives, while 50 more are feared to be dead, AFP reported quoting officials and witnesses on the ground.

According to reports, six rockets hit the site which originally had served as a young officers' academy around 6 am on Friday.

"An enormous explosion," one resident, Nikolai told AFP. The blast reduced to rubble several buildings in the district.

“No less than 200 soldiers were sleeping in the&nbsp;barracks," said Maxim, 22, who had been stationed nearby and looks on aghast at the scale of the destruction.

"At least 50 bodies have been pulled out, but we don't know how many remain under the debris," he added.

Another soldier, Yevgeny, says as many as 100 people could have been killed, in the attack. So far, no official statement has been issued on the number of casualties.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Mykolaiv, which has been described as&nbsp;a “shield” to the key strategic&nbsp;military&nbsp;port of Odessa, had been resisting the Russian assaults.

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Meanwhile, on the 24th day of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military stepped its attack on several cities, primarily targeting arm&nbsp;depots in Ukraine.

Moscow acknowledged that it had been using hypersonic missiles to break Ukrainian defences.

Russia's announcement came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again appealed for peace, urging Russia to accept "meaningful" talks in his latest Facebook video.

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The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Saturday said that at least 847 civilians had been killed and 1,399 wounded in Ukraine as of March 18.

More than 3.3 million refugees have now fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the United Nations said Saturday, while nearly 6.5 million are thought to be internally displaced within the country.

Watch |&nbsp;Day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Fighting continues across Ukraine

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(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian military strike on barracks at southern Mykolaiv city of Ukraine claimed 50 lives, while 50 more are feared to be dead, AFP reported quoting officials and witnesses on the ground.

A Russian military strike on barracks at southern Mykolaiv city of Ukraine claimed 50 lives, while 50 more are feared to be dead, AFP reported quoting officials and witnesses on the ground. According to reports, six rockets hit the site which originally had served as a young officers' academy around 6 am on Friday. "An enormous explosion," one resident, Nikolai told AFP. The blast reduced to rubble several buildings in the district. “No less than 200 soldiers were sleeping in the barracks," said Maxim, 22, who had been stationed nearby and looks on aghast at the scale of the destruction. "At least 50 bodies have been pulled out, but we don't know how many remain under the debris," he added. Another soldier, Yevgeny, says as many as 100 people could have been killed, in the attack. So far, no official statement has been issued on the number of casualties. According to Ukrainian authorities, Mykolaiv, which has been described as a “shield” to the key strategic military port of Odessa, had been resisting the Russian assaults. Also read | Chinese vlogger in Ukraine branded ‘national traitor’ for siding with Kyiv in Russian war Meanwhile, on the 24th day of the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian military stepped its attack on several cities, primarily targeting arm depots in Ukraine. Moscow acknowledged that it had been using hypersonic missiles to break Ukrainian defences. Russia's announcement came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky again appealed for peace, urging Russia to accept "meaningful" talks in his latest Facebook video. Also read | Telegram emerges as frontrunner amid Russia’s crackdown on Facebook, Instagram The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Saturday said that at least 847 civilians had been killed and 1,399 wounded in Ukraine as of March 18. More than 3.3 million refugees have now fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the United Nations said Saturday, while nearly 6.5 million are thought to be internally displaced within the country. Watch | Day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Fighting continues across Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Around 100 feared dead in Russian attack on military barracks in southern Ukraine: Report

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, the British Army said a "small number" of its soldiers have "disobeyed orders" and may have travelled to Ukraine "in a personal capacity".

"We are strongly encouraging them to return to the UK," the British Army said.

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UK's defence ministry has banned all service personnel from travelling to the UK. The ministry said those travelling to Ukraine would face disciplinary action.

UK defence secretary Ben Wallace while taking a harder line had said soldiers who had gone to Ukraine would face court martial. The minister also urged Britons not to travel to the war-hit country.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine fail to reach deal on ceasefire

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"The Ukrainians are very clear: you turn up, you are in it for the whole game. You are not in it for a selfie and six weeks, you are in it for real," the minister said in Parliament.

Kyiv's mayor said on Thursday that half of the population in the capital had left with the city turned into a fortress as reports claimed Russian forces have encircled&nbsp;at least four major cities and were heading towards the capital.

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Kharkiv has come under intense bombing, reports say with the Russian offensive continuing in the separatist Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Reports say Sumy city has been encircled by Russian forces even as Kyiv has been heavily bombed.

Ukrainian forces have retained control over Chernihiv town, however, it has reported heavy civilian casualties in recent days.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, the British Army said a "small number" of its soldiers have "disobeyed orders" and may have travelled to Ukraine "in a personal capacity".

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, the British Army said a "small number" of its soldiers have "disobeyed orders" and may have travelled to Ukraine "in a personal capacity". "We are strongly encouraging them to return to the UK," the British Army said. In Pics | Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion UK's defence ministry has banned all service personnel from travelling to the UK. The ministry said those travelling to Ukraine would face disciplinary action. UK defence secretary Ben Wallace while taking a harder line had said soldiers who had gone to Ukraine would face court martial. The minister also urged Britons not to travel to the war-hit country. Watch: Russia-Ukraine fail to reach deal on ceasefire "The Ukrainians are very clear: you turn up, you are in it for the whole game. You are not in it for a selfie and six weeks, you are in it for real," the minister said in Parliament. Kyiv's mayor said on Thursday that half of the population in the capital had left with the city turned into a fortress as reports claimed Russian forces have encircled at least four major cities and were heading towards the capital. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Kharkiv has come under intense bombing, reports say with the Russian offensive continuing in the separatist Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Reports say Sumy city has been encircled by Russian forces even as Kyiv has been heavily bombed. Ukrainian forces have retained control over Chernihiv town, however, it has reported heavy civilian casualties in recent days. (With inputs from Agencies)

Small number of British soldiers disobeyed orders, may have travelled to Ukraine: UK Army

Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed several lives. Many people have lost their loved ones or homes in the bombardment. While others have been forced to flee, take shelter or fight the invading troops. &nbsp;

One such person is weaver Olena Shevtsova, who used to sell handmade Slavic and Ukrainian patterned belts, scarves, sashes, etc before the conflict began. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But now, she has been making concerted efforts to help Ukrainian troops fight Russian forces by employing her skills to come up with camouflage webbing. &nbsp;

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In an email to CNN, Shevtsova, while describing her fellow volunteers, said, "I call us the spider women." &nbsp;

Some people hang up the webbing, while others make the braiding, and kids also come to help, she said. &nbsp;

"The process reminds me of rug weaving. The hands are busy and it feels better. Last time when I was there, we also sang Ukrainian songs, and it was so cool to uplift the spirit!" Shevtsova. &nbsp;

In the Dnipropetrovsk region in southeastern Ukraine, Shevtsova lives in a small town with her 10-year-old son and her dog and cat.&nbsp;

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Several people around the world are helping Ukrainians by buying their products without even actually asking for them.&nbsp;

Shevtsova has also got support from international buyers in this way. Many people have purchased her products and told her not to worry about shipping them during the conflict. &nbsp;

"I never thought so many people, who don't know me, would like to help me and my family," Shevtsova added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed several lives. Many people have lost their loved ones or homes in the bombardment. While others have been forced to flee, take shelter or fight the invading troops.

Russia-Ukraine conflict has changed several lives. Many people have lost their loved ones or homes in the bombardment. While others have been forced to flee, take shelter or fight the invading troops. One such person is weaver Olena Shevtsova, who used to sell handmade Slavic and Ukrainian patterned belts, scarves, sashes, etc before the conflict began. But now, she has been making concerted efforts to help Ukrainian troops fight Russian forces by employing her skills to come up with camouflage webbing. Also Read: Defying Ukraine's plea, two US senators share Zelensky’s pics on social media In an email to CNN, Shevtsova, while describing her fellow volunteers, said, "I call us the spider women." Some people hang up the webbing, while others make the braiding, and kids also come to help, she said. "The process reminds me of rug weaving. The hands are busy and it feels better. Last time when I was there, we also sang Ukrainian songs, and it was so cool to uplift the spirit!" Shevtsova. In the Dnipropetrovsk region in southeastern Ukraine, Shevtsova lives in a small town with her 10-year-old son and her dog and cat. Also Read | 3,000 Americans volunteer to fight invading Russian forces in Ukraine: Report Several people around the world are helping Ukrainians by buying their products without even actually asking for them. Shevtsova has also got support from international buyers in this way. Many people have purchased her products and told her not to worry about shipping them during the conflict. "I never thought so many people, who don't know me, would like to help me and my family," Shevtsova added. (With inputs from agencies)

Invading Russian military forces belt-maker to weave camouflage webbing for Ukrainian troops

Russian forces are closing in on the capital of Ukraine. To make a decisive assault, Russia is sending a huge amount of force. &nbsp;

A Russian military convoy, which stretches for about 40 miles (64 km), is currently heading towards Kyiv, showed satellite images taken by a US private company on Monday. It is way larger than the 17 miles (27 km) reported earlier in the day. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The convoy comprises hundreds of tanks and other vehicles. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-using-brutal-cluster-explosives-vacuum-bombs-in-ukraine-say-rights-groups-ukraines-envoy-to-us-457658">'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine'</a>

Additional ground forces deployments and ground attack helicopter units could also be seen in southern Belarus, which is less than 20 miles (32 km) north of the Ukraine border, Maxar Technologies also said. &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1eb198f5-8cb4-4ec8-a6e8-c5f0b3accb90" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ukraine%20s2.jpg" />

On Monday, Russian forces also shelled second-largest city of Ukraine, Kharkiv. It rocked a residential neighbourhood. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In Kharkiv, authorities said that at least seven people had been killed and dozens injured. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-plan-second-round-of-conflict-talks-457449">Russia, Ukraine plan 'second round' of conflict talks</a>

In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late on Monday, "I believe Russia is trying to put pressure (on Ukraine) with this simple method." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Kyiv was not prepared to make concessions "when one side is hitting each other with rocket artillery”, said Zelenskyy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"They want to break our nationhood, that's why the capital is constantly under threat," Zelenskyy said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian forces are closing in on the capital of Ukraine. To make a decisive assault, Russia is sending a huge amount of force. A Russian military convoy, which stretches for about 40 miles (64 km), is currently heading towards Kyiv, showed satellite images taken by a US private company on Monday.

Russian forces are closing in on the capital of Ukraine. To make a decisive assault, Russia is sending a huge amount of force. A Russian military convoy, which stretches for about 40 miles (64 km), is currently heading towards Kyiv, showed satellite images taken by a US private company on Monday. It is way larger than the 17 miles (27 km) reported earlier in the day. The convoy comprises hundreds of tanks and other vehicles. Also Read: 'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine' Additional ground forces deployments and ground attack helicopter units could also be seen in southern Belarus, which is less than 20 miles (32 km) north of the Ukraine border, Maxar Technologies also said. On Monday, Russian forces also shelled second-largest city of Ukraine, Kharkiv. It rocked a residential neighbourhood. In Kharkiv, authorities said that at least seven people had been killed and dozens injured. Also Read: Russia, Ukraine plan 'second round' of conflict talks In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late on Monday, "I believe Russia is trying to put pressure (on Ukraine) with this simple method." Kyiv was not prepared to make concessions "when one side is hitting each other with rocket artillery”, said Zelenskyy. "They want to break our nationhood, that's why the capital is constantly under threat," Zelenskyy said. (With inputs from agencies)

64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images

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. A disturbing video that went viral on social media forums showed a fast-moving military combat vehicle crushing a car in Ukraine. However, the driver who was sitting in the car was saved miraculously. In the video, the speeding military vehicle - that looked like a tank - can be seen running over a civilian's car in the outskirts of Kyiv after Russia announced "military operations" in Ukraine. As per a report by The Sun, the tank looked like Strela-10, which is used by both the Russian and Ukrainian armies. The report added that the vehicle visible in the video was apparently driven by pro-Russian "saboteurs". There's no official statement yet. ALSO READ | Amid Russia-Ukraine chaos, here's how an Indo-Ukrainian couple had a narrow escape The video of the incident has been circulating on social media since February 25 and a report by Sky News stated that the chilling incident took place a few kilometres away from the parliament building. The media outlet also noted that it identified the place and surroundings in the video by matching building and road markings on Google Maps. The publication mentioned that after the military vehicle left, people came forward to help the driver, who was trapped inside the car that was destroyed. WATCH | Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv People who were trying to rescue the driver had to break open one of the gates to pull him out as the car was torn and the gates were jammed. While some said that it looked like a tank, but some of the media reports have claimed that the vehicle was Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) or CVR(T). In case it was CVR(T), its ground clearance might have saved the man as it is high. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Lucky driver. He is alive! pic.twitter.com/Ry99BX375D — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) February 25, 2022 × Meanwhile, the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Monday said it will seek court approval to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Video: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car

After Ukraine refused to hold talks in Belarus, Russia said it has given orders to its army “to broaden its offensive” against its neighbour “from all directions”.

Russia’s defence ministry in a statement on Saturday, said, “After the Ukrainian side rejected the negotiation process, today all units were given orders to develop the advance from all directions in accordance with the operation's plans.”

On Friday, the Kremlin had said that Putin was ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukraine, but the Kyiv leadership wanted talks in Warsaw instead.

The announcement came on the same day US President Joe Biden signed a memorandum to provide up to $600 million in "immediate military assistance" to Ukraine.

Earlier, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced that their force thwarted the Kremlin’s advancement to capture Kyiv.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weve-derailed-their-plan-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-in-video-message-456786">&nbsp;'We've derailed their plan,' says Ukraine President Zelensky in video message</a>

Speaking in a new video address, the 44-year-old leader said, "We've derailed their plan."

But the Russian troops continued to march on with their coordinated attacks. They launched missile and artillery attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv.

They also reportedly took over the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant north of the capital, the Interfax news agency said, citing Ukraine’s energy ministry.

According to the United Kingdom’s defence ministry, the bulk of Russian forces involved in the advance on Kyiv were now 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-approves-military-aid-for-ukraine-worth-350-million-456773">US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million</a>

As of Saturday, at least 198 civilians, including three children, had been killed since Moscow launched the attack, Ukraine said.

Russia has not said how many of its soldiers have been killed in the invasion, which it calls a "special military operation."

Moscow has said that its goal is to "de-Nazify" Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Countries shut their airspace amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/countries-shut-their-airspace-amid-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-456850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

After Ukraine refused to hold talks in Belarus, Russia said it has given orders to its army “to broaden its offensive” against its neighbour “from all directions”.

After Ukraine refused to hold talks in Belarus, Russia said it has given orders to its army “to broaden its offensive” against its neighbour “from all directions”. Russia’s defence ministry in a statement on Saturday, said, “After the Ukrainian side rejected the negotiation process, today all units were given orders to develop the advance from all directions in accordance with the operation's plans.” On Friday, the Kremlin had said that Putin was ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukraine, but the Kyiv leadership wanted talks in Warsaw instead. The announcement came on the same day US President Joe Biden signed a memorandum to provide up to $600 million in "immediate military assistance" to Ukraine. Earlier, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced that their force thwarted the Kremlin’s advancement to capture Kyiv. Also read | 'We've derailed their plan,' says Ukraine President Zelensky in video message Speaking in a new video address, the 44-year-old leader said, "We've derailed their plan." But the Russian troops continued to march on with their coordinated attacks. They launched missile and artillery attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. They also reportedly took over the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant north of the capital, the Interfax news agency said, citing Ukraine’s energy ministry. According to the United Kingdom’s defence ministry, the bulk of Russian forces involved in the advance on Kyiv were now 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre. Also read | US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million As of Saturday, at least 198 civilians, including three children, had been killed since Moscow launched the attack, Ukraine said. Russia has not said how many of its soldiers have been killed in the invasion, which it calls a "special military operation." Moscow has said that its goal is to "de-Nazify" Ukraine. Watch | Countries shut their airspace amid Russian invasion of Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Russian army to broaden offensive ‘from all sides’ against Ukraine, says Kremlin

Senior Biden administration officials told lawmakers this past week that they believed the Russian military had assembled 70% of the forces it would need to mount a full invasion of Ukraine, painting the most ominous picture yet of the options that Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has created for himself in recent weeks.

During six hours of closed meetings with House and Senate lawmakers Thursday, the officials warned that if Putin chose the most aggressive of his options, he could quickly surround or capture Kyiv, the capital, and remove the country’s democratically elected president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also warned that the invasion could prompt an enormous refugee crisis on the European continent, sending millions fleeing.

The officials stressed that U.S. intelligence analysts still did not assess that Putin had made a final decision to invade. But satellite imagery, communications among Russian forces and images of Russian equipment on the move show that he has assembled everything he would need to undertake what the officials said would constitute the largest military operation on land in Europe since 1945.

They also warned of enormous possible human costs if Putin went ahead with a full invasion, including the potential deaths of 25,000 to 50,000 civilians, 5,000 to 25,000 members of the Ukrainian military and 3,000 to 10,000 members of the Russian military. The invasion, they said, could also result in 1 million to 5 million refugees, with many of them pouring into Poland.

Should Putin decide to invade, U.S. officials believe he is not likely to move until the second half of February. By that point, more ground will have frozen, making it easier to move heavy vehicles and equipment, and the Winter Olympics in Beijing will have ended or be winding down, which could help Putin avoid antagonizing President Xi Jinping of China, a critical ally for the Russian president.

The grim briefings were the latest salvo in weeks of grave messaging from the Biden administration about Putin’s plans. On the same day as the briefings, the administration also publicly warned that Russia may try to stage a false-flag operation suggesting that Russian-speaking populations are being attacked, which could create a pretext for an overt military operation. The drumbeat of warnings is part of a concerted campaign by the administration to expose Putin’s maneuvers in an attempt to build international pressure on him and make clear to him the risks to Russia of escalating the situation further.

Whether Putin decides to go through with a maximalist approach or a more scaled-down version is the question with which American, European and Ukrainian officials are all grappling.

For example, European officials, examining the same evidence, suggest that Putin could start smaller and test the reaction — with cyberattacks to paralyze Ukraine’s electric grid and communications, an invasion limited to the Russian-speaking territory in eastern Ukraine or an effort to cut the country in half, roughly along the Dnieper River. U.S. officials have acknowledged the possibility, especially if Putin wants to see if a smaller military action would create more divisions within Europe over whether to impose the most crushing economic sanctions.

Western intelligence officials also say they have picked up chatter suggesting Russian military leaders are confident they could take Ukraine in a blitzkrieg attack, but worry that they may not be able to hold on to the country, especially if the invasion sets off a significant insurgency. That has prompted speculation inside the NATO alliance that Putin might invade, seek to change the Ukrainian government and then partly withdraw his forces.

The briefings to Congress on Thursday were led by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin; Secretary of State Antony Blinken; Avril Haines, director of national intelligence; and Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The U.S. officials described to lawmakers five options that Putin could take, depending on the scope of his ambitions and his calculations about whether he would rather try to take the whole country quickly, no matter the human and economic cost to Russia, or attack it in pieces, in hopes of dividing Europe and NATO allies.

The options include a coup that would depose Zelenskyy; a limited incursion into eastern Ukraine similar to what Putin did when he annexed Crimea in 2014; an incursion into the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine accompanied by a Russian declaration of Donbas as an independent republic; or a Donbas incursion followed by an invasion and annexation of all of the eastern part of the country.

The worst-case assessment is that Putin is preparing to take the entire country — the scenario that would most likely produce the greatest casualties and, presumably, prompt the harshest sanctions from the United States and Europe.

Putin, Milley told lawmakers, is putting in the “military capability to do any and all, building himself a set of options.”

The unclassified parts of the briefings to lawmakers were described to The New York Times by officials in the room, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Diplomats and intelligence officials from three other countries involved in seeking to deter a Russian invasion confirmed the broad outlines of the status of Russian forces, although they disagreed about the importance of certain elements.

After hearing from administration officials, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told reporters that a Russian invasion was a “near certainty.” He added that “if we now live in an era where someone can move into a country and just take it over and claim it as their own, I don’t think it’s going to stop at Ukraine,” echoing the fear that Putin may be trying to redraw the map of the continent to return to the days of the Soviet Union.

Increased planning in Russia’s military apparatus began last fall, Biden administration officials told lawmakers. The expansiveness of the effort alarmed intelligence analysts, who assessed that Putin had concluded that he would need some 150,000 troops from 110 battalion tactical groups to conquer Ukraine, which the Russian president views as a part of Russia.

The officials said that, as of this past week, Putin had amassed about 70% of the forces he would need to pull off a large-scale invasion to take the entire country, with more than 110,000 troops at the border with Ukraine from 83 battalion tactical groups. Some 14 additional groups were in transit to the border, the officials said.

They said Russian troops had been positioned in a manner that suggested a pincer movement, in which Russia would invade the country from three sides. Thirty thousand troops, according to U.S. and NATO estimates, are now in Belarus, which borders Ukraine to the north.

Ballistic missiles in Belarus, and to the east inside Russian territory, have captured British and Ukrainian attention in recent days. The Iskander-M missiles are mounted on mobile launchers, meaning they can be rolled closer to the border in short order, and they have a range of about 300 miles. That suggests that Putin, if he chose, could begin attacking cities and military emplacements before he moved any troops over the border.

Austin and Milley described to lawmakers a bristling array of additional Russian military assets that have encircled Ukraine. They include 11 amphibious assault ships, in the Black Sea and in the Mediterranean, with the capacity to carry five battalions of Russian marines who could land in Ukraine from the south, the officials said. In addition, Putin has deployed a number of submarines to the Black Sea, the defense officials told lawmakers.

Putin has also deployed Special Operations forces — about 1,500 troops — near and even inside the Ukrainian border, the officials told lawmakers. Those troops, they said, work closely with the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU, which has in the past directed cyber and other attacks on foes.

European officials tend to be more skeptical that Putin would try to take the country in a large-scale invasion. Some believe that he would seek to take the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where a grinding proxy war has been underway since 2014.

Another theory is that Putin could expand that operation in an effort to annex all of eastern Ukraine, up to the Dnieper River. Along the way he could try to decimate Ukrainian troops in that part of the country, roughly half of the Ukrainian military. That could incite panic in the western part of Ukraine — where resistance to Russia might be highest — and prompt people to flee the country. Over time, that could lead top government officials to flee or to try to rule from exile.

U.S. and European officials have made clear that a physical attack over the borders of Ukraine would lead to enormous sanctions on Russia’s banks, trade restrictions on semiconductors and other high-tech items and the freezing of the accounts of Russian oligarchs and leaders. But there is far less unanimity, as President Joe Biden himself has acknowledged, about how to respond to a “minor incursion.” Or even what a minor incursion might be.

European and U.S. officials worry that Putin might try to stage a coup in Kyiv. Another possibility is a cyberattack devised by Russia that tries to bring down parts or all of Ukraine’s electric and communications infrastructure, similar to the 2015 and 2016 attacks on parts of the country’s electric grid.

European officials say it is unclear how the Western allies would respond to such an attack. If they believed that the cyberoperations were a face-saving way for Putin to act and then retreat, they note, there might be a temptation to de-escalate and not seek to impose major sanctions, especially if there were few human casualties. On the other hand, a cyberattack could be a prelude to a full invasion, essentially cutting off Ukraine’s ability to communicate or track where Russian forces were coming from.

Senior Biden administration officials told lawmakers this past week that they believed the Russian military had assembled 70% of the forces it would need to mount a full invasion of Ukraine, painting the most ominous picture yet of the options that Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has created for himself in recent weeks.

Senior Biden administration officials told lawmakers this past week that they believed the Russian military had assembled 70% of the forces it would need to mount a full invasion of Ukraine, painting the most ominous picture yet of the options that Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, has created for himself in recent weeks. During six hours of closed meetings with House and Senate lawmakers Thursday, the officials warned that if Putin chose the most aggressive of his options, he could quickly surround or capture Kyiv, the capital, and remove the country’s democratically elected president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They also warned that the invasion could prompt an enormous refugee crisis on the European continent, sending millions fleeing. The officials stressed that U.S. intelligence analysts still did not assess that Putin had made a final decision to invade. But satellite imagery, communications among Russian forces and images of Russian equipment on the move show that he has assembled everything he would need to undertake what the officials said would constitute the largest military operation on land in Europe since 1945. They also warned of enormous possible human costs if Putin went ahead with a full invasion, including the potential deaths of 25,000 to 50,000 civilians, 5,000 to 25,000 members of the Ukrainian military and 3,000 to 10,000 members of the Russian military. The invasion, they said, could also result in 1 million to 5 million refugees, with many of them pouring into Poland. Should Putin decide to invade, U.S. officials believe he is not likely to move until the second half of February. By that point, more ground will have frozen, making it easier to move heavy vehicles and equipment, and the Winter Olympics in Beijing will have ended or be winding down, which could help Putin avoid antagonizing President Xi Jinping of China, a critical ally for the Russian president. The grim briefings were the latest salvo in weeks of grave messaging from the Biden administration about Putin’s plans. On the same day as the briefings, the administration also publicly warned that Russia may try to stage a false-flag operation suggesting that Russian-speaking populations are being attacked, which could create a pretext for an overt military operation. The drumbeat of warnings is part of a concerted campaign by the administration to expose Putin’s maneuvers in an attempt to build international pressure on him and make clear to him the risks to Russia of escalating the situation further. Whether Putin decides to go through with a maximalist approach or a more scaled-down version is the question with which American, European and Ukrainian officials are all grappling. For example, European officials, examining the same evidence, suggest that Putin could start smaller and test the reaction — with cyberattacks to paralyze Ukraine’s electric grid and communications, an invasion limited to the Russian-speaking territory in eastern Ukraine or an effort to cut the country in half, roughly along the Dnieper River. U.S. officials have acknowledged the possibility, especially if Putin wants to see if a smaller military action would create more divisions within Europe over whether to impose the most crushing economic sanctions. Western intelligence officials also say they have picked up chatter suggesting Russian military leaders are confident they could take Ukraine in a blitzkrieg attack, but worry that they may not be able to hold on to the country, especially if the invasion sets off a significant insurgency. That has prompted speculation inside the NATO alliance that Putin might invade, seek to change the Ukrainian government and then partly withdraw his forces. The briefings to Congress on Thursday were led by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin; Secretary of State Antony Blinken; Avril Haines, director of national intelligence; and Gen. Mark Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The U.S. officials described to lawmakers five options that Putin could take, depending on the scope of his ambitions and his calculations about whether he would rather try to take the whole country quickly, no matter the human and economic cost to Russia, or attack it in pieces, in hopes of dividing Europe and NATO allies. The options include a coup that would depose Zelenskyy; a limited incursion into eastern Ukraine similar to what Putin did when he annexed Crimea in 2014; an incursion into the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine accompanied by a Russian declaration of Donbas as an independent republic; or a Donbas incursion followed by an invasion and annexation of all of the eastern part of the country. The worst-case assessment is that Putin is preparing to take the entire country — the scenario that would most likely produce the greatest casualties and, presumably, prompt the harshest sanctions from the United States and Europe. Putin, Milley told lawmakers, is putting in the “military capability to do any and all, building himself a set of options.” The unclassified parts of the briefings to lawmakers were described to The New York Times by officials in the room, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Diplomats and intelligence officials from three other countries involved in seeking to deter a Russian invasion confirmed the broad outlines of the status of Russian forces, although they disagreed about the importance of certain elements. After hearing from administration officials, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told reporters that a Russian invasion was a “near certainty.” He added that “if we now live in an era where someone can move into a country and just take it over and claim it as their own, I don’t think it’s going to stop at Ukraine,” echoing the fear that Putin may be trying to redraw the map of the continent to return to the days of the Soviet Union. Increased planning in Russia’s military apparatus began last fall, Biden administration officials told lawmakers. The expansiveness of the effort alarmed intelligence analysts, who assessed that Putin had concluded that he would need some 150,000 troops from 110 battalion tactical groups to conquer Ukraine, which the Russian president views as a part of Russia. The officials said that, as of this past week, Putin had amassed about 70% of the forces he would need to pull off a large-scale invasion to take the entire country, with more than 110,000 troops at the border with Ukraine from 83 battalion tactical groups. Some 14 additional groups were in transit to the border, the officials said. They said Russian troops had been positioned in a manner that suggested a pincer movement, in which Russia would invade the country from three sides. Thirty thousand troops, according to U.S. and NATO estimates, are now in Belarus, which borders Ukraine to the north. Ballistic missiles in Belarus, and to the east inside Russian territory, have captured British and Ukrainian attention in recent days. The Iskander-M missiles are mounted on mobile launchers, meaning they can be rolled closer to the border in short order, and they have a range of about 300 miles. That suggests that Putin, if he chose, could begin attacking cities and military emplacements before he moved any troops over the border. Austin and Milley described to lawmakers a bristling array of additional Russian military assets that have encircled Ukraine. They include 11 amphibious assault ships, in the Black Sea and in the Mediterranean, with the capacity to carry five battalions of Russian marines who could land in Ukraine from the south, the officials said. In addition, Putin has deployed a number of submarines to the Black Sea, the defense officials told lawmakers. Putin has also deployed Special Operations forces — about 1,500 troops — near and even inside the Ukrainian border, the officials told lawmakers. Those troops, they said, work closely with the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU, which has in the past directed cyber and other attacks on foes. European officials tend to be more skeptical that Putin would try to take the country in a large-scale invasion. Some believe that he would seek to take the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, where a grinding proxy war has been underway since 2014. Another theory is that Putin could expand that operation in an effort to annex all of eastern Ukraine, up to the Dnieper River. Along the way he could try to decimate Ukrainian troops in that part of the country, roughly half of the Ukrainian military. That could incite panic in the western part of Ukraine — where resistance to Russia might be highest — and prompt people to flee the country. Over time, that could lead top government officials to flee or to try to rule from exile. U.S. and European officials have made clear that a physical attack over the borders of Ukraine would lead to enormous sanctions on Russia’s banks, trade restrictions on semiconductors and other high-tech items and the freezing of the accounts of Russian oligarchs and leaders. But there is far less unanimity, as President Joe Biden himself has acknowledged, about how to respond to a “minor incursion.” Or even what a minor incursion might be. European and U.S. officials worry that Putin might try to stage a coup in Kyiv. Another possibility is a cyberattack devised by Russia that tries to bring down parts or all of Ukraine’s electric and communications infrastructure, similar to the 2015 and 2016 attacks on parts of the country’s electric grid. European officials say it is unclear how the Western allies would respond to such an attack. If they believed that the cyberoperations were a face-saving way for Putin to act and then retreat, they note, there might be a temptation to de-escalate and not seek to impose major sanctions, especially if there were few human casualties. On the other hand, a cyberattack could be a prelude to a full invasion, essentially cutting off Ukraine’s ability to communicate or track where Russian forces were coming from.

US warns of grim toll if Putin pursues full invasion of Ukraine

For several months now since November, the leaders of the west, Russia, and indeed the United States have been engaged in an escalating war of words. The political shadow boxing has been over a possible Russian incursion into Ukraine, in the aftermath of Russia having amassed almost over a hundred thousand troops along the borders with eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine Conflict: First US reinforcement troops for EU arrive in Germany

Russia on Saturday denied reports which claimed Putin's regime was ready to launch an attack on Ukraine with 175,000 troops.

The Washington Post citing US officials reported that Russia was preparing an assault on Ukraine with 100 battalion tactical groups. The report claimed Moscow was planning a multi-front offensive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

The Russian foreign ministry dismissed the report blaming the US for aggravating the situation around Ukraine even as the Pentagon called for de-escalation.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia's military activity near Ukraine a worry, says General Milley

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-military-activity-near-ukraine-triggers-worry-says-us-general-mark-milley-433859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The current crisis comes as US President Biden prepares to speak to Russian President Putin over the phone on Tuesday.

The US president had said on Friday that his administration was preparing a plan to make it "very, very difficult for Mr Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do."&nbsp;Biden however did not go into the specifics of the plan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-in-ukraine-as-putin-marks-russias-unity-day-in-crimea-426813">Also Read:&nbsp;Protests in Ukraine as Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea</a>

Ukraine's defence minister had warned earlier that Russia was preparing to invade in January amid large scale build-up of troops at the border.

On Friday, Putin had hit out against Ukraine's deployment of Turkish drones in a phone call to President Erdogan.

Amid tensions on the Ukrainian border, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had asked US secretary of state Antony Blinken to provide "security guarantees" that NATO will not extend its borders to Russia even as Ukraine said it won't abandon plans to join the European military alliance.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Saturday denied reports which claimed Putin's regime was ready to launch an attack on Ukraine with 175,000 troops. The Washington Post citing US officials reported that Russia was preparing an assault on Ukraine with 100 battalion tactical groups.

Russia on Saturday denied reports which claimed Putin's regime was ready to launch an attack on Ukraine with 175,000 troops. The Washington Post citing US officials reported that Russia was preparing an assault on Ukraine with 100 battalion tactical groups. The report claimed Moscow was planning a multi-front offensive. Also Read: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? The Russian foreign ministry dismissed the report blaming the US for aggravating the situation around Ukraine even as the Pentagon called for de-escalation. Watch: Russia's military activity near Ukraine a worry, says General Milley The current crisis comes as US President Biden prepares to speak to Russian President Putin over the phone on Tuesday. The US president had said on Friday that his administration was preparing a plan to make it "very, very difficult for Mr Putin to go ahead and do what people are worried he may do." Biden however did not go into the specifics of the plan. Also Read: Protests in Ukraine as Putin marks Russia's Unity Day in Crimea Ukraine's defence minister had warned earlier that Russia was preparing to invade in January amid large scale build-up of troops at the border. On Friday, Putin had hit out against Ukraine's deployment of Turkish drones in a phone call to President Erdogan. Amid tensions on the Ukrainian border, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had asked US secretary of state Antony Blinken to provide "security guarantees" that NATO will not extend its borders to Russia even as Ukraine said it won't abandon plans to join the European military alliance. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia planning to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops: Report

The "Rapid Trident" military international military drills continued in Ukraine with fifteen countries gathered for the joint exercises.

One of the first drills included the simulation of the liberation of a captured town from hybrid extremist groups.

The joint multinational unit of the armed forces of Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are involved in the exercise with over 6,000 servicemen including around 150 representatives from the US armed forces taking part in the drills.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-engaged-in-new-cold-war-with-rivals-china-and-russia-say-most-europeans-in-poll-414905">Also Read:&nbsp;US engaged in new cold war with rivals China and Russia, say most Europeans in poll &nbsp;</a>

Ukraine which is at war with Russia-backed separatists since 2014 began hosting the joint military exercises with the US and other NATO troops on Monday.&nbsp;

Ukraine has been seeking integration with NATO in order to thwart Russia's military power on its border. The relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the edge since 2014 when the Russian military annexed Crimea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-spotted-near-ukraine-border-after-us-warning-376922">Also Read: Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning</a>

The drills are set to last until October 1. The US said the exercise was meant to "enhance interoperability among allied and partner nations".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-review-russian-military-might-as-tensions-with-west-soar-383768">Also Read:&nbsp;Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar&nbsp;</a>

The exercise comes after Russia staged a drill near EU borders of Russia and Belarus recently which Moscow said involved at least 200,000 troops even as nearly 20 Russian warships began large-scale live-fire exercises in the Black Sea on Monday.

The drills have become a major point of friction between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow&nbsp;gathered thousands of troops on Ukraine's border in April as tensions escalated in the region. Putin's regime however pulled back troops later.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

The "Rapid Trident" military international military drills continued in Ukraine with fifteen countries gathered for the joint exercises. One of the first drills included the simulation of the liberation of a captured town from hybrid extremist groups.

The "Rapid Trident" military international military drills continued in Ukraine with fifteen countries gathered for the joint exercises. One of the first drills included the simulation of the liberation of a captured town from hybrid extremist groups. The joint multinational unit of the armed forces of Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland are involved in the exercise with over 6,000 servicemen including around 150 representatives from the US armed forces taking part in the drills. Also Read: US engaged in new cold war with rivals China and Russia, say most Europeans in poll Ukraine which is at war with Russia-backed separatists since 2014 began hosting the joint military exercises with the US and other NATO troops on Monday. Ukraine has been seeking integration with NATO in order to thwart Russia's military power on its border. The relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the edge since 2014 when the Russian military annexed Crimea. Also Read: Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning The drills are set to last until October 1. The US said the exercise was meant to "enhance interoperability among allied and partner nations". Also Read: Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar The exercise comes after Russia staged a drill near EU borders of Russia and Belarus recently which Moscow said involved at least 200,000 troops even as nearly 20 Russian warships began large-scale live-fire exercises in the Black Sea on Monday. The drills have become a major point of friction between Ukraine and Russia as Moscow gathered thousands of troops on Ukraine's border in April as tensions escalated in the region. Putin's regime however pulled back troops later. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine conducts international military excercise amid tensions with Russia

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, it has been reported that more than 10,000 Russian troops have been returning to their permanent bases.&nbsp;

Interfax news agency stated&nbsp;on Saturday (December 25), citing the Russian military that the troops are returning after month-long drills near the Ukraine border.&nbsp;

The reported withdrawal of troops comes amid speculations by the West that Moscow has been plotting to invade Ukraine.&nbsp;

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"A stage of combat coordination of divisions, combat crews, squads at motorised units...has been completed," Interfax news quoted the army as saying.

"More than 10,000 military servicemen... will march to their permanent deployment from the territory of the combined arms' area of drills," it added.

It has been understood that drills were held in several regions near Ukraine, including in Crimea, as well as in the southern Russian regions of Rostov and Kuban.

Heavy deployment of troops by Russia to the north, east and south of Ukraine had fuelled fears in Kyiv and Western capitals that Moscow was planning an attack.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-website-of-protest-monitoring-group-for-allegedly-promoting-terrorism-and-extremism-439910">Russia blocks website of protest monitoring group for allegedly promoting 'terrorism and extremism'</a>

Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly declined the reports as it says that it can deploy its troops on its territory as it sees fit.&nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, an estimated number of Russian troops recently moved closer to Ukraine vary from 60,000 to 90,000.&nbsp;

Although, one US intelligence document indicated that the number could be ramped up as high as 175,000.&nbsp;

WATCH | French warship visits Ukrainian port amid escalating tensions with Russia

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Recently, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss concerns about Russia's military build-up on the borders of Ukraine.

"They discussed NATO's dual-track approach to Russia, noting the alliance remains ready for meaningful dialogue with Russia, while standing united to defend and protect allies," the US State Department said.

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, it has been reported that more than 10,000 Russian troops have been returning to their permanent bases. Interfax news agency stated on Saturday (December 25), citing the Russian military that the troops are returning after month-long drills near the Ukraine border.

Amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, it has been reported that more than 10,000 Russian troops have been returning to their permanent bases. Interfax news agency stated on Saturday (December 25), citing the Russian military that the troops are returning after month-long drills near the Ukraine border. The reported withdrawal of troops comes amid speculations by the West that Moscow has been plotting to invade Ukraine. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin says Soviet Santa is 'real force' behind his rapid rise "A stage of combat coordination of divisions, combat crews, squads at motorised units...has been completed," Interfax news quoted the army as saying. "More than 10,000 military servicemen... will march to their permanent deployment from the territory of the combined arms' area of drills," it added. It has been understood that drills were held in several regions near Ukraine, including in Crimea, as well as in the southern Russian regions of Rostov and Kuban. Heavy deployment of troops by Russia to the north, east and south of Ukraine had fuelled fears in Kyiv and Western capitals that Moscow was planning an attack. ALSO READ | Russia blocks website of protest monitoring group for allegedly promoting 'terrorism and extremism' Meanwhile, Russia has repeatedly declined the reports as it says that it can deploy its troops on its territory as it sees fit. If reports are to be believed, an estimated number of Russian troops recently moved closer to Ukraine vary from 60,000 to 90,000. Although, one US intelligence document indicated that the number could be ramped up as high as 175,000. WATCH | French warship visits Ukrainian port amid escalating tensions with Russia × Recently, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss concerns about Russia's military build-up on the borders of Ukraine. "They discussed NATO's dual-track approach to Russia, noting the alliance remains ready for meaningful dialogue with Russia, while standing united to defend and protect allies," the US State Department said.

Thousands of Russian troops returning to bases after drills near Ukraine: Report

The Russian president Vladimir Putin's apparent obsession with Ukraine has brought in a new cold war-like situation. Russia's increasing military buildup along the Ukrainian border and also the latter's repeated warning of a possible retaliation have triggered fears of possible full-fledged conflict.

Vladimir Putin's Ukraine obsession escalates conflict

Tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine over the military buildup near the border, NATO Chief has issued a stern warning to Russia over its military aggression towards its neighbor.

Tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine

Ukraine: Army ready to repel any attack by Russia

Russian and Tajik troops on Friday held a joint exercise near Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan as part of efforts to prepare for potential security threats from Afghanistan.

Russian and Tajik troops hold joint drills at the Momirak firing range in Tajikistan

Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry on Monday evening announced that it has accidentally shot down Russian military Mi-24 helicopter over Armenia border, killing two crew members.

The Ministry explained that the error occurred because the helicopter flew close to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, at the time when active military clashes are going on in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

"The flight took place in the dark, at low altitude, outside the air defence radar detection zone, the Russian Air Force helicopters have not previously been seen in the specified area. In the context of these factors and in light of the tense situation in the region and increased combat readiness in connection with possible provocations of the Armenian side, the duty combat crew made a decision to shoot to kill. The Azerbaijani side apologizes to the Russian side in connection with this tragic incident, which is accidental and was not directed against the Russian side," the ministry said. 
 
"The Azerbaijani side expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. The Azerbaijani side declares its readiness to pay appropriate compensation," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

The crash occurred at 6:00 p.m. local time as the helicopter was escorting a motorcade to the Russian military base. Two of the helicopter’s flight crew members were killed and one was evacuated with moderate injuries.

.Earlier in a statement, the&nbsp;Russian defence ministry said that&nbsp;"On November 9, at about 17.30 Moscow time, while escorting a convoy of the 102nd Russian military base through the territory of the Republic of Armenia in the airspace near the Armenian settlement of Yeraskh near the border of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic (Republic of Azerbaijan), Russian helicopter Mi-24 was subjected to fire from the ground from MANPADS. As a result of the missile hit, the helicopter lost control and fell in a mountainous area on the territory of Armenia,".

The helicopter was subjected to fire from the ground from a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

The videos of the crash shot by locals in the area started doing rounds on Twitter.

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Video of Russian Mi-24 being shot down by Azerbaijani MANPAD <a href="https://t.co/7xz0z2kl8t">pic.twitter.com/7xz0z2kl8t</a>
— Vinod DX9 (@VinodDX9) <a href="https://twitter.com/VinodDX9/status/1325857134039293952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Russian Mi-24 shot down over Armenia. Details are being clarified. <a href="https://t.co/UYGUfErUc0">pic.twitter.com/UYGUfErUc0</a>
— ZOKA (@200_zoka) <a href="https://twitter.com/200_zoka/status/1325835111280087042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry on Monday evening announced that it has accidentally shot down Russian military Mi-24 helicopter over Armenia border, killing two crew members.

Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry on Monday evening announced that it has accidentally shot down Russian military Mi-24 helicopter over Armenia border, killing two crew members. The Ministry explained that the error occurred because the helicopter flew close to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, at the time when active military clashes are going on in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. "The flight took place in the dark, at low altitude, outside the air defence radar detection zone, the Russian Air Force helicopters have not previously been seen in the specified area. In the context of these factors and in light of the tense situation in the region and increased combat readiness in connection with possible provocations of the Armenian side, the duty combat crew made a decision to shoot to kill. The Azerbaijani side apologizes to the Russian side in connection with this tragic incident, which is accidental and was not directed against the Russian side," the ministry said. "The Azerbaijani side expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased crew members and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. The Azerbaijani side declares its readiness to pay appropriate compensation," the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said. The crash occurred at 6:00 p.m. local time as the helicopter was escorting a motorcade to the Russian military base. Two of the helicopter’s flight crew members were killed and one was evacuated with moderate injuries. .Earlier in a statement, the Russian defence ministry said that "On November 9, at about 17.30 Moscow time, while escorting a convoy of the 102nd Russian military base through the territory of the Republic of Armenia in the airspace near the Armenian settlement of Yeraskh near the border of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic (Republic of Azerbaijan), Russian helicopter Mi-24 was subjected to fire from the ground from MANPADS. As a result of the missile hit, the helicopter lost control and fell in a mountainous area on the territory of Armenia,". The helicopter was subjected to fire from the ground from a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. The videos of the crash shot by locals in the area started doing rounds on Twitter. Video of Russian Mi-24 being shot down by Azerbaijani MANPAD pic.twitter.com/7xz0z2kl8t — Vinod DX9 (@VinodDX9) November 9, 2020 × Russian Mi-24 shot down over Armenia. Details are being clarified. pic.twitter.com/UYGUfErUc0 — ZOKA (@200_zoka) November 9, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan admits accidentally shooting down the Russian helicopter, offers apology

The Russian Military's Mi-24 helicopter was shot down on Monday in Armenia, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said.

The incident took place near the border with Azerbaijan.

The ministry said in a statement that the Mi-24 helicopter was hit by a man-portable air defence system close to the border with Azerbaijan, whose forces are fighting Armenian-backed separatists in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The crash occurred in the evening&nbsp;at 18:00 local time as the helicopter was escorting a motorcade to the Russian military base. Two of the helicopter’s flight crew members were killed and one was evacuated with moderate injuries. 
 
Russia’s military base in Armenia is investigating to determine who was responsible for the downing of the helicopter, the statement said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian Military's Mi-24 helicopter was shot down on Monday in Armenia, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said. The incident took place near the border with Azerbaijan.

The Russian Military's Mi-24 helicopter was shot down on Monday in Armenia, the Defense Ministry in Moscow said. The incident took place near the border with Azerbaijan. The ministry said in a statement that the Mi-24 helicopter was hit by a man-portable air defence system close to the border with Azerbaijan, whose forces are fighting Armenian-backed separatists in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The crash occurred in the evening at 18:00 local time as the helicopter was escorting a motorcade to the Russian military base. Two of the helicopter’s flight crew members were killed and one was evacuated with moderate injuries. Russia’s military base in Armenia is investigating to determine who was responsible for the downing of the helicopter, the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian military's Mi-24 helicopter shot down in Armenia, 2 killed

A&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;serviceman killed three colleagues in a shooting Monday on a base near the southern city of Voronezh, news agencies reported citing the military.

"Three servicemen sustained lethal injuries as a result of the attack," Russia's Western Military District said in a statement carried by Interfax.

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"The command of the military unit, acting together with law enforcement agencies, is working to track down and detain the assailant," it added.&nbsp;

The statement said the attack began in the early hours of Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-six-russian-military-intelligence-officers-with-cyberattacks-336532">US charges six Russian military intelligence officers with cyberattacks</a>

An unnamed Interfax source said the shooting was sparked when an altercation broke out between the soldier and an officer during an inspection.

The soldier "grabbed a handgun" from the officer's holster and fired, the source said, with three colleagues reported dead.

Authorities on the military base were negotiating with the suspect who had locked himself in a building, Interfax reported.

Shootings at military facilities in Russia are not uncommon and rights groups have sounded the alarm over brutal hazing rituals that were routine in the 1990s but have improved in recent years.

In October last year, a&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;soldier opened fire on troops at a military base in Siberia, killing eight and injuring two in an attack he blamed on hazing that made his life "hell".

Military service is compulsory in Russia for men aged between 18 and 27, but many people use loopholes to evade conscription.

A Russian serviceman killed three colleagues in a shooting Monday on a base near the southern city of Voronezh, news agencies reported citing the military. "Three servicemen sustained lethal injuries as a result of the attack," Russia's Western Military District said in a statement carried by Interfax.

A Russian serviceman killed three colleagues in a shooting Monday on a base near the southern city of Voronezh, news agencies reported citing the military. "Three servicemen sustained lethal injuries as a result of the attack," Russia's Western Military District said in a statement carried by Interfax. "The command of the military unit, acting together with law enforcement agencies, is working to track down and detain the assailant," it added. The statement said the attack began in the early hours of Monday. Also read: US charges six Russian military intelligence officers with cyberattacks An unnamed Interfax source said the shooting was sparked when an altercation broke out between the soldier and an officer during an inspection. The soldier "grabbed a handgun" from the officer's holster and fired, the source said, with three colleagues reported dead. Authorities on the military base were negotiating with the suspect who had locked himself in a building, Interfax reported. Shootings at military facilities in Russia are not uncommon and rights groups have sounded the alarm over brutal hazing rituals that were routine in the 1990s but have improved in recent years. In October last year, a Russian soldier opened fire on troops at a military base in Siberia, killing eight and injuring two in an attack he blamed on hazing that made his life "hell". Military service is compulsory in Russia for men aged between 18 and 27, but many people use loopholes to evade conscription.

Three dead in axe and gun attack at Russian military base

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his&nbsp;Azerbaijan counterpart&nbsp;Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises.

The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">Also read:&nbsp;UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased&nbsp;clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations.

Armenia has accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan&nbsp;warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russia conducts 'routine' military exercise amid rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said.

It is learnt that notwithstanding the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation due to India's decades-old military ties with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-pushes-idea-of-russian-backed-summit-to-stabilise-world-307122">Also read|&nbsp;Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world</a>

The defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation, the sources said.

India is sending a tri-services contingent to participate in the military parade at Red Square in Moscow.

The Indian parade will be led by a colonel rank officer. The 75-member Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.&nbsp;

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said.

Russia has invited Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to attend a grand military parade in Moscow on June 24 marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second World War, diplomatic sources said. It is learnt that notwithstanding the escalating tension between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, the defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation due to India's decades-old military ties with Russia. Also read| Putin pushes idea of Russian-backed summit to stabilise world The defence minister's office is positively considering the invitation, the sources said. India is sending a tri-services contingent to participate in the military parade at Red Square in Moscow. The Indian parade will be led by a colonel rank officer. The 75-member Indian team will participate in the parade alongside armed forces personnel from at least 11 countries including China.

Rajnath Singh invited to grand military parade in Moscow on June 24

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