The United States is reportedly continuing discussions on allowing Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles despite President Donald Trump expressing concerns over sharing advanced military technology.

According to reports, US officials, defense manufacturers, and Ukrainian representatives are exploring multiple options, including manufacturing selected Patriot missile components in Ukraine for final assembly in Germany, integrating Kyiv into Lockheed Martin's European Patriot production network, or producing a lower-cost version of the PAC-3 interceptor.

President Trump acknowledged that discussions are ongoing but stressed the need to safeguard sensitive American defense technology, warning that such capabilities could one day be used against the United States.

US Continues Talks to Let Ukraine Build Patriot Missiles Despite Trump’s Concerns

Russia launched a devastating overnight ballistic missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least nine people and injuring 28 others, including children, according to Ukrainian officials. Multiple explosions rocked the city as missiles struck several districts, leaving damaged buildings, destroyed ambulances, and emergency responders searching through the rubble for survivors.

The strike comes amid an intensifying phase of the Russia-Ukraine war, with both sides increasingly targeting military and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials say the country's air defense systems are struggling to intercept Russia's growing use of ballistic missiles, while Kyiv continues to appeal for more Western air defense support.

The attack follows reports of Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia targeting logistics hubs, oil refineries, and military infrastructure, highlighting the continued escalation of the conflict.

Russia Launches Massive Missile Strike on Kyiv | 9 Dead, Emergency Services Hit

<p>Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ODAB-9000 is a 'vacuum bomb', considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the world. It packs a nasty punch, with an explosive power equivalent to 44,000 kilogrammes of TNT or Trinitrotoluene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It falls under the category of 'thermobaric' weapons that can create a wave of blasts by using oxygen from the air.&nbsp;This gives them the moniker 'vacuum bomb' and makes them capable of wreaking havoc in large swaths of territory while suffocating the living beings in the impact area.</p>

<p>Watch the explosion below:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot verify the authenticity of visuals shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A video has been posted online that allegedly shows the explosion of a powerful bomb in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region.<br />
<br />
Some Russian military experts write that this is the first use of the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, which is called the “Kuzkin's father” and “father of all bombs” and is… <a href="https://t.co/pvttxviKlp">pic.twitter.com/pvttxviKlp</a></p>
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) <a href="https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1841408889486463172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>If the reports are confirmed, this would be the first recorded use of ODAB-9000 in combat, but the jury is divided on this.</p>

<p>The internet seems to be on a guessing game whether Russia indeed used the superbomb ODAB-9000, or a less lethal variety of it, or something altogether different.</p>

<p>According to some reports, what was used in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region,&nbsp;maybe a smaller bomb, the ODAB-1500.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West</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/russia-ukraine-war-russian-president-putin-draws-a-nuclear-red-line-for-the-west-762362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-situation-in-russian-city-as-ukraine-hits-depots-housing-2000-tonnes-of-munitions-760786">Also read: ‘Emergency situation’ in Russian city as Ukraine hits depots housing ‘2,000 tonnes of munitions’</a></strong><br />
<br />
There were some who suggested that the weapon used could have been an FAB-3000.</p>

<p>FAB-3000, which is a Russian acronym that translates into “High-Explosive Aviation Bomb”, is no mean beast either. It's a powerful weapon that can engage in long-range precision strikes on fortified positions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-knew-about-ukraines-kursk-plans-was-preparing-for-months-report-760371">Also read: Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Designers of the ODAB-9000 had earlier said that the bomb may not be deployed in the ongoing Ukraine war.</p>

<p>Did Russia break that promise?</p>

<p>Whatever the bomb used, the strike on Vovchansk was very powerful as one could see from the visuals.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></p>


Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by.

Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by. ODAB-9000 is a 'vacuum bomb', considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the world. It packs a nasty punch, with an explosive power equivalent to 44,000 kilogrammes of TNT or Trinitrotoluene. It falls under the category of 'thermobaric' weapons that can create a wave of blasts by using oxygen from the air. This gives them the moniker 'vacuum bomb' and makes them capable of wreaking havoc in large swaths of territory while suffocating the living beings in the impact area. Watch the explosion below: Disclaimer: WION cannot verify the authenticity of visuals shared on social media. A video has been posted online that allegedly shows the explosion of a powerful bomb in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region. Some Russian military experts write that this is the first use of the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, which is called the “Kuzkin's father” and “father of all bombs” and is… pic.twitter.com/pvttxviKlp — WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) October 2, 2024 × If the reports are confirmed, this would be the first recorded use of ODAB-9000 in combat, but the jury is divided on this. The internet seems to be on a guessing game whether Russia indeed used the superbomb ODAB-9000, or a less lethal variety of it, or something altogether different. According to some reports, what was used in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region, maybe a smaller bomb, the ODAB-1500. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West × Also read: ‘Emergency situation’ in Russian city as Ukraine hits depots housing ‘2,000 tonnes of munitions’ There were some who suggested that the weapon used could have been an FAB-3000. FAB-3000, which is a Russian acronym that translates into “High-Explosive Aviation Bomb”, is no mean beast either. It's a powerful weapon that can engage in long-range precision strikes on fortified positions. Also read: Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report Designers of the ODAB-9000 had earlier said that the bomb may not be deployed in the ongoing Ukraine war. Did Russia break that promise? Whatever the bomb used, the strike on Vovchansk was very powerful as one could see from the visuals. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Watch: Did Russia use 'father of all bombs', the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, on Ukraine?

China's top diplomat Wang Yi is in Russia for security talks. His visit comes after Vladimir Putin's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Earlier this month, President Putin also said that he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China's FM Wang Yi in Russia for security talks, expected to discuss Ukraine conflict

<p>At the Saudi Arabia-hosted meeting aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasised the need for a solution acceptable to all relevant stakeholders.</p>

<p>The meeting, attended by representatives from over 40 countries, sought to find a just and enduring resolution to the crisis that has had significant repercussions on the global south, leading to soaring food, fuel, and fertiliser prices.</p>

<p>Russia was absent from the meeting, while participants from countries such as India, Brazil, and China showcased their united commitment to finding common ground and restoring stability in the region.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-attends-saudi-hosted-ukraine-peace-talks-without-russia-622630">India attends Saudi-hosted Ukraine peace talks, without Russia</a></p>

<p>While calling for an inclusive solution,&nbsp;NSA Ajit Doval reiterated India's commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, emphasising the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity among all nations.</p>

<p>India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy since the conflict erupted last year, viewing them as the most viable means to achieve lasting peace. The Saudi-led effort aimed to bring together nations from different regions, particularly those in the global south, to address the ongoing crisis.</p>

<p>The conflict has taken a heavy toll on countries in the global south, affecting economies and causing essential commodity prices to surge. NSA Doval underscored the challenges faced by these nations and stressed the importance of both resolving the conflict and mitigating its consequences.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure'</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-envoy-calls-ajit-doval-an-international-treasure-604505/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>India has been actively engaged with both Russia and Ukraine at the highest levels since the conflict's inception, demonstrating its focus on finding a comprehensive and lasting solution.&nbsp;The meeting confronted a dual challenge - resolving the conflict itself and alleviating its impact.</p>

<p>NSA Doval emphasised the importance of simultaneously directing efforts on both fronts. He noted that more groundwork is needed to make progress on these critical tasks.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<main>
<section>
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


At the Saudi Arabia-hosted meeting aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasised the need for a solution acceptable to all relevant stakeholders.

At the Saudi Arabia-hosted meeting aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval emphasised the need for a solution acceptable to all relevant stakeholders. The meeting, attended by representatives from over 40 countries, sought to find a just and enduring resolution to the crisis that has had significant repercussions on the global south, leading to soaring food, fuel, and fertiliser prices. Russia was absent from the meeting, while participants from countries such as India, Brazil, and China showcased their united commitment to finding common ground and restoring stability in the region. ALSO READ | India attends Saudi-hosted Ukraine peace talks, without Russia While calling for an inclusive solution, NSA Ajit Doval reiterated India's commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law, emphasising the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity among all nations. India has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomacy since the conflict erupted last year, viewing them as the most viable means to achieve lasting peace. The Saudi-led effort aimed to bring together nations from different regions, particularly those in the global south, to address the ongoing crisis. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on countries in the global south, affecting economies and causing essential commodity prices to surge. NSA Doval underscored the challenges faced by these nations and stressed the importance of both resolving the conflict and mitigating its consequences. WATCH | Gravitas: US Envoy calls Ajit Doval an 'International treasure' India has been actively engaged with both Russia and Ukraine at the highest levels since the conflict's inception, demonstrating its focus on finding a comprehensive and lasting solution. The meeting confronted a dual challenge - resolving the conflict itself and alleviating its impact. NSA Doval emphasised the importance of simultaneously directing efforts on both fronts. He noted that more groundwork is needed to make progress on these critical tasks. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

NSA Ajit Doval calls for inclusive solution to Ukraine conflict at Saudi meet

<p>Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the country's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed on Ukraine's territorial integrity in his meeting with China's special envoy Li Hui.</p>

<p>Dmytro Kuleba "explained the principles of restoring a stable and just peace in detail, based on the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", said a ministry statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's spcial envoy Li Hui arrived in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Tuesday (May 17) for two days of talks with authorities. He has come on a European tour to promote Beijing's plan to settle the Ukraine conflict with Russia.</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow in March, seeking to position China as a neutral mediator. Xi, however, has not visited Kyiv. China has not yet condemned Russian attack on Ukraine. It has also provided diplomatic cover to Russia on global platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine: Russian Kinzhal missiles cannot destroy patriot system</strong>&nbsp;</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/ukraine-russian-kinzhal-missiles-cannot-destroy-patriot-system-russia-ukraine-war-593322/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the meeting with Li, Kuleba "emphasised that Ukraine does not accept any proposals that would involve the loss of its territories or the freezing of the conflict".</p>

<p>He praised the "importance" of China's mediating role, including in the Black Sea Initiative that allowed for the resumption of grain exports through the Black Sea, and in nuclear safety.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two sides also agreed to "intensify dialogue on key issues."</p>

<h2><strong>Grain deal extended&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wednesday marked a positive development in a matter connected to Ukraine conflict. Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ukraine deal had been extended by two months.</p>

<p>“With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to prolong the Black Sea grain deal for two more months,” said the Turkish president, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine is often called the 'bread basket of the world'. After Russia attacked Ukraine, the grain exports stopped. This raised the specter of global food crisis. United Nations and Turkey then mediated a grain deal between Ukraine and Russia which gave safe passage to Ukrainian grain ships. Tensions between the two countries often put the deal in jeopardy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-eases-citizenship-process-for-foreigners-fighting-for-russia-in-ukraine-593240">Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest decision to extend the deal came after officials from Russia, Ukraine and the UN, part of Joint Co-ordination Centre (JCC) gathered in Istanbul last week to discuss extension of the deal.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Erdogan thanked Russian, Ukrainian leaders as well as UN General-Secretary Antonio Guterres. Russia has agreed not to block ships from leaving from two Ukrainian harbours.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the country's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed on Ukraine's territorial integrity in his meeting with China's special envoy Li Hui.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the country's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed on Ukraine's territorial integrity in his meeting with China's special envoy Li Hui. Dmytro Kuleba "explained the principles of restoring a stable and just peace in detail, based on the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", said a ministry statement. China's spcial envoy Li Hui arrived in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Tuesday (May 17) for two days of talks with authorities. He has come on a European tour to promote Beijing's plan to settle the Ukraine conflict with Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow in March, seeking to position China as a neutral mediator. Xi, however, has not visited Kyiv. China has not yet condemned Russian attack on Ukraine. It has also provided diplomatic cover to Russia on global platforms. Watch | Ukraine: Russian Kinzhal missiles cannot destroy patriot system × In the meeting with Li, Kuleba "emphasised that Ukraine does not accept any proposals that would involve the loss of its territories or the freezing of the conflict". He praised the "importance" of China's mediating role, including in the Black Sea Initiative that allowed for the resumption of grain exports through the Black Sea, and in nuclear safety. The two sides also agreed to "intensify dialogue on key issues." Grain deal extended Wednesday marked a positive development in a matter connected to Ukraine conflict. Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Ukraine deal had been extended by two months. “With the efforts of our country, the support of our Russian friends, the contribution of our Ukrainian friends, it was decided to prolong the Black Sea grain deal for two more months,” said the Turkish president, as quoted by news agency AFP. Ukraine is often called the 'bread basket of the world'. After Russia attacked Ukraine, the grain exports stopped. This raised the specter of global food crisis. United Nations and Turkey then mediated a grain deal between Ukraine and Russia which gave safe passage to Ukrainian grain ships. Tensions between the two countries often put the deal in jeopardy. Also Read | Putin eases citizenship process for foreigners fighting for Russia in Ukraine The latest decision to extend the deal came after officials from Russia, Ukraine and the UN, part of Joint Co-ordination Centre (JCC) gathered in Istanbul last week to discuss extension of the deal. On Wednesday, Erdogan thanked Russian, Ukrainian leaders as well as UN General-Secretary Antonio Guterres. Russia has agreed not to block ships from leaving from two Ukrainian harbours. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine insists on territorial integrity during talks with China envoy

<p>Russia's Wagner group may soon cease to exist, founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said in video remarks to a blogger on Friday. The Wagner group is a private militia group and Prigozhin, its founder, is known to be a close aide of President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear when Prigozhin had spoken and how serious he was being, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the Wagner group founder withdrew comments about the frontline he said had been a joke.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture'</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/russia-ukraine-war-russias-wagner-group-says-two-years-till-donetsk-capture-561240/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the past, the Wagner group has claimed that the regular Russian troops are not providing the required logistical support. Prigozhin has previously accused Moscow's regular armed forces of not giving his men the ammunition they need and sometimes accuses top brass of betrayal.</p>

<p>"Now, with regard to the need in general for shells at the front, what we want. Today we are coming to the point where Wagner is ending," he told Russian war blogger Semyon Pegov.</p>

<p>"Wagner, in a short period of time, will cease to exist. We will become history, nothing to worry about, things like this happen," he continued.</p>

<p>Pegov posted the clip on his Telegram channel, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin is known for his combative style in his media interviews. In one such interview, he said on Thursday that he was joking when he said his forces would stop shelling Bakhmut to allow Ukrainian forces to show the city to US journalists.</p>

<p>Prigozhin said this week his troops were suffering heavy casualties due to a lack of support from Moscow.</p>

<p>Wagner has in the past dispatched soldiers to fight in Syria and in conflicts across Africa.</p>

<p>In January, the United States formally designated Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation, freezing its assets in the United States for helping Russia's military in the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia captured four urban areas in the Bakhmut region, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov reported on Thursday. A day later, Russian missiles hit several Ukrainian cities in the central part of the East European country killing at least 25 people.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Russia's Wagner group may soon cease to exist, founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said in video remarks to a blogger on Friday. The Wagner group is a private militia group and Prigozhin, its founder, is known to be a close aide of President Vladimir Putin.

Russia's Wagner group may soon cease to exist, founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said in video remarks to a blogger on Friday. The Wagner group is a private militia group and Prigozhin, its founder, is known to be a close aide of President Vladimir Putin. It was not immediately clear when Prigozhin had spoken and how serious he was being, Reuters reported. Earlier this week, the Wagner group founder withdrew comments about the frontline he said had been a joke. ALSO WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture' × In the past, the Wagner group has claimed that the regular Russian troops are not providing the required logistical support. Prigozhin has previously accused Moscow's regular armed forces of not giving his men the ammunition they need and sometimes accuses top brass of betrayal. "Now, with regard to the need in general for shells at the front, what we want. Today we are coming to the point where Wagner is ending," he told Russian war blogger Semyon Pegov. "Wagner, in a short period of time, will cease to exist. We will become history, nothing to worry about, things like this happen," he continued. Pegov posted the clip on his Telegram channel, Reuters reported. Prigozhin is known for his combative style in his media interviews. In one such interview, he said on Thursday that he was joking when he said his forces would stop shelling Bakhmut to allow Ukrainian forces to show the city to US journalists. Prigozhin said this week his troops were suffering heavy casualties due to a lack of support from Moscow. Wagner has in the past dispatched soldiers to fight in Syria and in conflicts across Africa. In January, the United States formally designated Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation, freezing its assets in the United States for helping Russia's military in the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Russia captured four urban areas in the Bakhmut region, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov reported on Thursday. A day later, Russian missiles hit several Ukrainian cities in the central part of the East European country killing at least 25 people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wagner group will soon cease to exist: Founder tells war blogger

<p>If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit&nbsp;to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.</p>

<p>This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine</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/biden-declares-kyiv-stands-in-surprise-visit-to-ukraine-564040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir.</p>

<p>Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. &nbsp;Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/biden-in-ukraine-a-perfect-photo-op-but-why-now-is-it-too-little-too-late-563977">Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late?</a></strong></p>

<p>The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. &nbsp;Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. &nbsp;India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge.</p>

<p>There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. &nbsp;India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus.</p>

<p>Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week. This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop. Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine × The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir. Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil. Also Read | Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late? The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado. Also Read | Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge. There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus. Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden gives war a chance in Kyiv, but it is time to talk peace in Ukraine

<p>The private arm of World Bank said on Thursday (December 15) that it was launching a USD 2 billion support package to help Ukrainian private sector and to prepare for reconstruction.</p>

<p>The International Finance Corp said the new Economic Resilience Action Program for Ukraine includes up to $1 billion from IFC’s own account, with additional financing contingent on guarantees from donor governments.</p>

<p>IFC's regional manager Lisa Kaestner had announced in a conference last month that this support would be extended over the next 18-24 months.</p>

<p>According to Ukraine's central bank, 11 per cent of businesses in the country have shut down because of war as of September 2022. The bank added that more than half were operating below capacity.</p>

<p>“The Ukrainian private sector has demonstrated unprecedented resilience in the face of this war,” said IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop.</p>

<p>“Supporting that resilience and continuing to build private sector capacity is a priority for us. Deploying capital during this extraordinary time is essential to keep businesses and vital services running, and, when the time is right, prepare for the massive reconstruction efforts to come,” Diop said.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February this year. The conflict has caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Ukraine. Before war, the private sector contribute up to 70 per cent of Ukraine's GDP.</p>

<p>IFC said at least 5 million jobs have been lost.</p>

<p>The program will provide emergency liquidity support for agribusiness and trade finance, including for fuel imports, IFC said. It will support agricultural trade routes and logistics and aid displaced people and affected municipalities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The private arm of World Bank said on Thursday (December 15) that it was launching a USD 2 billion support package to help Ukrainian private sector and to prepare for reconstruction.

The private arm of World Bank said on Thursday (December 15) that it was launching a USD 2 billion support package to help Ukrainian private sector and to prepare for reconstruction. The International Finance Corp said the new Economic Resilience Action Program for Ukraine includes up to $1 billion from IFC’s own account, with additional financing contingent on guarantees from donor governments. IFC's regional manager Lisa Kaestner had announced in a conference last month that this support would be extended over the next 18-24 months. According to Ukraine's central bank, 11 per cent of businesses in the country have shut down because of war as of September 2022. The bank added that more than half were operating below capacity. “The Ukrainian private sector has demonstrated unprecedented resilience in the face of this war,” said IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop. “Supporting that resilience and continuing to build private sector capacity is a priority for us. Deploying capital during this extraordinary time is essential to keep businesses and vital services running, and, when the time is right, prepare for the massive reconstruction efforts to come,” Diop said. Russia invaded Ukraine in February this year. The conflict has caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Ukraine. Before war, the private sector contribute up to 70 per cent of Ukraine's GDP. IFC said at least 5 million jobs have been lost. The program will provide emergency liquidity support for agribusiness and trade finance, including for fuel imports, IFC said. It will support agricultural trade routes and logistics and aid displaced people and affected municipalities. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Private arm of World Bank launches $2bn program to help Ukraine businesses

<p>After continuous setbacks to its military forces in Ukraine, Russia has appointed a new general to lead the offensive in the country.&nbsp;The Russian defence ministry said General Sergey Surovikin had been appointed as the "commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces in the areas of the special military operation", using the Kremlin's term for the offensive.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After sustained territorial gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ministry's website, Surovikin,&nbsp;55, born in Siberia's Novosibirsk,&nbsp;has combat experience in the 1990s conflicts in Tajikistan and Chechnya and, more recently, in Syria, where Moscow intervened in 2015 on the side of Bashar al-Assad's regime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Until now Surovikin led the "South" forces in Ukraine, according to a defence ministry report in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The name of his predecessor has never been officially revealed, but some Russian media said it was General Alexander Dvornikov &nbsp;-- also a general of the Second Chechen War and Russian commander in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian setbacks in Ukraine have led to growing criticism of senior leadership. The criticism has also come from the elite members in Russian political and military spheres.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-tank-ablaze-at-bridge-in-crimea-russian-news-agency-says-523506">Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe</a></strong></p>

<p>Russian troops were forced out of much of northeastern Kharkiv region in early September. Ukrainian forces captured thousands of square kilometres of its territory.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-mocks-kremlin-over-blast-on-key-bridge-crucial-to-russian-war-effort-523577">Ukraine mocks Kremlin over blast on 'key' bridge crucial to Russian war effort</a></strong></p>

<p>Russian troops also lost territory in the southern Kherson region as well as the Lyman transport hub in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The setbacks led to growing criticism of the military leadership, including from the elite.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


After continuous setbacks to its military forces in Ukraine, Russia has appointed a new general to lead the offensive in the country. The Russian defence ministry said General Sergey Surovikin had been appointed as the "commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces in the areas of the special military operation", using the Kremlin's term for the offensive.

After continuous setbacks to its military forces in Ukraine, Russia has appointed a new general to lead the offensive in the country. The Russian defence ministry said General Sergey Surovikin had been appointed as the "commander of the Joint Grouping of Forces in the areas of the special military operation", using the Kremlin's term for the offensive. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After sustained territorial gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive. According to the ministry's website, Surovikin, 55, born in Siberia's Novosibirsk, has combat experience in the 1990s conflicts in Tajikistan and Chechnya and, more recently, in Syria, where Moscow intervened in 2015 on the side of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Until now Surovikin led the "South" forces in Ukraine, according to a defence ministry report in July. The name of his predecessor has never been officially revealed, but some Russian media said it was General Alexander Dvornikov -- also a general of the Second Chechen War and Russian commander in Syria. Russian setbacks in Ukraine have led to growing criticism of senior leadership. The criticism has also come from the elite members in Russian political and military spheres. Also Read | Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe Russian troops were forced out of much of northeastern Kharkiv region in early September. Ukrainian forces captured thousands of square kilometres of its territory. Also Read | Ukraine mocks Kremlin over blast on 'key' bridge crucial to Russian war effort Russian troops also lost territory in the southern Kherson region as well as the Lyman transport hub in eastern Ukraine. The setbacks led to growing criticism of the military leadership, including from the elite. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

After repeated setbacks, Russia appoints new general to lead Ukraine invasion

<p>The Ukrainian army on Sunday (September 25)&nbsp;said that Odessa, Ukraine's port city in the south was again attacked by Iran-made drones. This attack has come just two days after a Russian drone attack claimed lives of two civilians.</p>

<p>"Odessa was attacked again by enemy kamikaze drones," said the Ukrainian army's Operational Command South.</p>

<p>"The enemy hit the administrative building in the city centre three times," it said in a Facebook message.</p>

<p>"One drone was shot down by (Ukrainian) air defence forces. No casualties (were) recorded," it said.</p>

<p>"These were Iranian drones," a Ukrainian South Command spokeswoman, Natalya Gumenyuk, later told AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia's Foreign Affairs minister Sergey Lavrov defends Russian actions at UNGA</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/russias-foreign-affairs-minister-sergey-lavrov-defends-russian-actions-at-unga-519476/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Two days ago, Russia carried out a similar attack with Iran-made drones in Odessa. Ukrainian armed forces had said that four Iran-made drones were shot down in the south of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesman had said on Friday that use of Iranian drones by Russia amounted to "steps taken by Iran against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state"</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-fires-deputy-defence-chief-after-supply-failures-in-ukraine-to-be-replaced-by-butcher-of-mariupol-519501">Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; to be replaced by 'Butcher of Mariupol'</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Russia calls its Ukraine invasion a 'special military operation'. After a sustained gain of territory in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have been forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation in Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Ukrainian army on Sunday (September 25) said that Odessa, Ukraine's port city in the south was again attacked by Iran-made drones. This attack has come just two days after a Russian drone attack claimed lives of two civilians.

The Ukrainian army on Sunday (September 25) said that Odessa, Ukraine's port city in the south was again attacked by Iran-made drones. This attack has come just two days after a Russian drone attack claimed lives of two civilians. "Odessa was attacked again by enemy kamikaze drones," said the Ukrainian army's Operational Command South. "The enemy hit the administrative building in the city centre three times," it said in a Facebook message. "One drone was shot down by (Ukrainian) air defence forces. No casualties (were) recorded," it said. "These were Iranian drones," a Ukrainian South Command spokeswoman, Natalya Gumenyuk, later told AFP. Watch | Russia's Foreign Affairs minister Sergey Lavrov defends Russian actions at UNGA × Two days ago, Russia carried out a similar attack with Iran-made drones in Odessa. Ukrainian armed forces had said that four Iran-made drones were shot down in the south of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's spokesman had said on Friday that use of Iranian drones by Russia amounted to "steps taken by Iran against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state" Also Read | Putin fires deputy defence chief after supply failures in Ukraine; to be replaced by 'Butcher of Mariupol' Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Russia calls its Ukraine invasion a 'special military operation'. After a sustained gain of territory in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces have been forced to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial military mobilisation in Russia. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine: Port city of Odessa again attacked by Iran-made kamikaze drones

Russian President Vladimir Putin's mobilisation orders have sparked protests. Over 1300 people have been arrested. There is a sharp rise in demand for flights and fares. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine conflict: Russians don't want to go to war

<p>The post-Second World War decadal confrontation between the former USSR and the West, known as the Cold War, spawned both the theory and practice of deterrence. Conceptually, and practically deterrence, in the context of almost nuclear parity between the two entities, meant Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). &nbsp;Broken down, and roughly it meant that if a nuclear threshold (not to be confused with nuclear break out) was breached by one party, the other would respond with ‘massive retaliation’ decimating this party. In a convoluted way, MAD held peace till the former USSR dissolved on account of mostly internal contradictions. Obiter dictum, nuclear deterrence could also be used by states to pursue other policies under its shield. Deterrence, as a security concept was then applied by most states (It also has/had pure military connotations). If deterrence became central to the security problematique, then what do&nbsp;military successes of Ukrainians against Russian forces mean? Will deterrence continue to hold? Will it obtain peace?</p>

<p>Admittedly speculative, Ukraine’s latest military advances, may not have occurred without some outside and superior advice. War and success or failure in the same, is to belabor the obvious, about strategy. Or, in other words, it's how you organize and use your forces – no matter how limited or superior these are- it is superior strategy and organization that determine both your tactical and strategic successes. If speculation about Ukrainian forces being offered superior advice on strategy and battlefield tactics is right, then it may be that Western strategists have offered it. The advice would naturally be predicated on a robust understanding of the posture -historical and contemporary – of Russian forces, their generalship and its reflex, factoring in of Russian’s strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. In other words, the Russian military approach would have been war-gamed and then presented to the Ukrainians who then may have incorporated these into their military maneuvers and tactics.</p>

<p>If this theory holds, then it would not be lost on Vladimir Putin. The Russian president’s ostensible premise for invading Ukraine – NATO expansion, regime change in Ukraine etc- appear to be just these: ostensible rationales. The real agenda does not appear to &nbsp;be to reclaim the former USSR but to create a Greater Russia- a Russia that is in Putin’s eyes redeemed and restored to its civilizational glory. There then is both prestige and maximalist inherent in Russia’s war aims. This is overlaid by the realignment of global politics and international relations – the kind that suggests a Cold War 2.0 is in the making. Against this larger backdrop and canvas, what lessons would Putin draw from his troops’ debacle?</p>

<p>That the West is serious and determined to thwart his agenda is the answer. Given that the war has dragged on for six months now and that yesterday’s military advance of the Ukrainians was not only a military debacle but also carried a demonstration and rhetorical effect that would boost Ukrainians morale(in effect shaping them as a nation and thus strengthening their resolve), Putin basically has two choices.</p>

<p>One is total war. This would call for all out mobilization of the Russian polity, society and the state. But this approach has clear limitations: it would not only exhaust Russia but leave it drained against the backdrop of unprecedented sanctions. Besides the obvious economic problems this poses, the approach is fraught with political risk for Russia.</p>

<p>The other , more dark and more ominous is that Putin may consider nuclear deterrence a dead letter, so to speak. This would entail not just the implied threat of nuclear weapons but their actual use. Of course, this is an apocalyptic measure but when zero sum thinking dominates, apocalypse now could in the minds of the leader of a state mean a better option than a retreat- something that could be very costly for Putin politically. The hope and the wish here is that good sense prevails and nukes are not used – either as a first or last resort.</p>

<p>But even if nukes are not used, what does all this mean for deterrence?</p>

<p>I think given the grand realignment and rejigg that is taking place in the chessboard of international politics, deterrence or more accurately nuclear deterrence, while not entirely dead, would lose its value in terms of nuclear weapons and the doctrines governing their use as the ultimate security guarantor. Yesterday’s Ukrainian advances and Russian losses are ominous. The hope, to repeat is, that none of this comes to pass. But states across the world would have taken notice and there would be paradigm shifts in the offing. But all said and done, if deterrence as the ultimate security guarantor will fail, then what governs relations between states in an anarchic world? What can lead to relative peace? What can prevent nuclear Armageddon?</p>

<p>To answer this question, I will hark back to the theory I have propounded in some of my essays: wars are not , necessarily and always a ‘continuation of state policy’ These , often times, begin &nbsp;in the minds of statesmen. This, of course , is a theory, but if it holds, then perhaps only statesmen can end it.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


The post-Second World War decadal confrontation between the former USSR and the West, known as the Cold War, spawned both the theory and practice of deterrence. Conceptually, and practically deterrence, in the context of almost nuclear parity between the two entities, meant Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD).

The post-Second World War decadal confrontation between the former USSR and the West, known as the Cold War, spawned both the theory and practice of deterrence. Conceptually, and practically deterrence, in the context of almost nuclear parity between the two entities, meant Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Broken down, and roughly it meant that if a nuclear threshold (not to be confused with nuclear break out) was breached by one party, the other would respond with ‘massive retaliation’ decimating this party. In a convoluted way, MAD held peace till the former USSR dissolved on account of mostly internal contradictions. Obiter dictum, nuclear deterrence could also be used by states to pursue other policies under its shield. Deterrence, as a security concept was then applied by most states (It also has/had pure military connotations). If deterrence became central to the security problematique, then what do military successes of Ukrainians against Russian forces mean? Will deterrence continue to hold? Will it obtain peace? Admittedly speculative, Ukraine’s latest military advances, may not have occurred without some outside and superior advice. War and success or failure in the same, is to belabor the obvious, about strategy. Or, in other words, it's how you organize and use your forces – no matter how limited or superior these are- it is superior strategy and organization that determine both your tactical and strategic successes. If speculation about Ukrainian forces being offered superior advice on strategy and battlefield tactics is right, then it may be that Western strategists have offered it. The advice would naturally be predicated on a robust understanding of the posture -historical and contemporary – of Russian forces, their generalship and its reflex, factoring in of Russian’s strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. In other words, the Russian military approach would have been war-gamed and then presented to the Ukrainians who then may have incorporated these into their military maneuvers and tactics. If this theory holds, then it would not be lost on Vladimir Putin. The Russian president’s ostensible premise for invading Ukraine – NATO expansion, regime change in Ukraine etc- appear to be just these: ostensible rationales. The real agenda does not appear to be to reclaim the former USSR but to create a Greater Russia- a Russia that is in Putin’s eyes redeemed and restored to its civilizational glory. There then is both prestige and maximalist inherent in Russia’s war aims. This is overlaid by the realignment of global politics and international relations – the kind that suggests a Cold War 2.0 is in the making. Against this larger backdrop and canvas, what lessons would Putin draw from his troops’ debacle? That the West is serious and determined to thwart his agenda is the answer. Given that the war has dragged on for six months now and that yesterday’s military advance of the Ukrainians was not only a military debacle but also carried a demonstration and rhetorical effect that would boost Ukrainians morale(in effect shaping them as a nation and thus strengthening their resolve), Putin basically has two choices. One is total war. This would call for all out mobilization of the Russian polity, society and the state. But this approach has clear limitations: it would not only exhaust Russia but leave it drained against the backdrop of unprecedented sanctions. Besides the obvious economic problems this poses, the approach is fraught with political risk for Russia. The other , more dark and more ominous is that Putin may consider nuclear deterrence a dead letter, so to speak. This would entail not just the implied threat of nuclear weapons but their actual use. Of course, this is an apocalyptic measure but when zero sum thinking dominates, apocalypse now could in the minds of the leader of a state mean a better option than a retreat- something that could be very costly for Putin politically. The hope and the wish here is that good sense prevails and nukes are not used – either as a first or last resort. But even if nukes are not used, what does all this mean for deterrence? I think given the grand realignment and rejigg that is taking place in the chessboard of international politics, deterrence or more accurately nuclear deterrence, while not entirely dead, would lose its value in terms of nuclear weapons and the doctrines governing their use as the ultimate security guarantor. Yesterday’s Ukrainian advances and Russian losses are ominous. The hope, to repeat is, that none of this comes to pass. But states across the world would have taken notice and there would be paradigm shifts in the offing. But all said and done, if deterrence as the ultimate security guarantor will fail, then what governs relations between states in an anarchic world? What can lead to relative peace? What can prevent nuclear Armageddon? To answer this question, I will hark back to the theory I have propounded in some of my essays: wars are not , necessarily and always a ‘continuation of state policy’ These , often times, begin in the minds of statesmen. This, of course , is a theory, but if it holds, then perhaps only statesmen can end it. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Will Ukrainian battlefield successes kill nuclear deterrence?

<p>The military-industrial complex is perhaps more complex than it sounds. Companies in this circle are ultimately owned by the same people. These companies own shares in one another in a way that doesn't even look illegal (as legal as it may be).</p>

<p>It is interesting that some of these companies even transcend different territories. Recently the main reaction of the western countries has been to ship weapons to Ukraine no matter how much it made sense to make peace rather than war. While Ukraine continues to be turned into a wasteland, the continuation of war is profitable to the companies that manufacture weapons for the US, the UK and even Poland,&nbsp;who have been active in this direction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I thought to share a few of these companies and how they relate to one another so that we at least have an idea of the real winners in the continuation of the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>Let us take the number one weapons manufacturer for the US being Lockheed Martin company for instance. Lockheed manufactures the famous anti-tank Javeline missiles that have been donated by the US to Ukraine. Around March this year Lockheed Martin was faced with increasing production of these in-demand weapons. The shareholders of this Lockheed include the following investors;</p>

<p>BlackRock Inc</p>

<p>Vanguard Group</p>

<p>But then who owns BlackRock? The shareholders of Blackrock include Vanguard Group. Well, who owns Vanguard Group you ask? The shareholders of Vanguard group include Blackrock Inc. Quite a matrix.</p>

<p>Interestingly also the number one weapon manufacturer in the UK is BAE Systems Plc whose shareholders also include BlackRock above, Capital Group company etc.</p>

<p>Other shareholders of Vanguard include JP Morgan, Apple, Microsoft, Wellington Management etc. These companies, therefore, have an indirect financial interest in the US supply of weapons to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By the way Wellington Management's shareholders include Temasek Company which solely belongs to the Singapore Government (Ministry of Finance). So far being among two public entities that I have come across in this complex the second being UK government with 30% stake in Leonardo UK Ltd which also manufactures weapons for the UK. By the way, Temasek also owns shares in Blackrock Inc and is the fifth highest shareholder. So whether the UK sends weapons to Ukraine or the US sends weapons to Ukraine Temasek (Singapore Government) still makes profit. Holdings companies for Wellington Management include Apple Inc, Microsoft, Pfizer etc. Yes you read&nbsp;right, Pfizer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Did you know that Coca-Cola company belongs to both Vanguard Co (8.1%) and Blackrock Inc (6.4%) who are heavy investors in weapons manufacturing?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Well as was always the case,&nbsp;any opportunity to supply weapons is a profitable&nbsp;to the military-industrial complex. 2022 alone has seen revenue in this business of up to $19.5 billion. So we can only hope that is not enough incentive to perpetuate the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)</strong></p>

<p><strong>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The military-industrial complex is perhaps more complex than it sounds. Companies in this circle are ultimately owned by the same people. These companies own shares in one another in a way that doesn't even look illegal (as legal as it may be).

The military-industrial complex is perhaps more complex than it sounds. Companies in this circle are ultimately owned by the same people. These companies own shares in one another in a way that doesn't even look illegal (as legal as it may be). It is interesting that some of these companies even transcend different territories. Recently the main reaction of the western countries has been to ship weapons to Ukraine no matter how much it made sense to make peace rather than war. While Ukraine continues to be turned into a wasteland, the continuation of war is profitable to the companies that manufacture weapons for the US, the UK and even Poland, who have been active in this direction. I thought to share a few of these companies and how they relate to one another so that we at least have an idea of the real winners in the continuation of the Ukraine war. Let us take the number one weapons manufacturer for the US being Lockheed Martin company for instance. Lockheed manufactures the famous anti-tank Javeline missiles that have been donated by the US to Ukraine. Around March this year Lockheed Martin was faced with increasing production of these in-demand weapons. The shareholders of this Lockheed include the following investors; BlackRock Inc Vanguard Group But then who owns BlackRock? The shareholders of Blackrock include Vanguard Group. Well, who owns Vanguard Group you ask? The shareholders of Vanguard group include Blackrock Inc. Quite a matrix. Interestingly also the number one weapon manufacturer in the UK is BAE Systems Plc whose shareholders also include BlackRock above, Capital Group company etc. Other shareholders of Vanguard include JP Morgan, Apple, Microsoft, Wellington Management etc. These companies, therefore, have an indirect financial interest in the US supply of weapons to Ukraine. By the way Wellington Management's shareholders include Temasek Company which solely belongs to the Singapore Government (Ministry of Finance). So far being among two public entities that I have come across in this complex the second being UK government with 30% stake in Leonardo UK Ltd which also manufactures weapons for the UK. By the way, Temasek also owns shares in Blackrock Inc and is the fifth highest shareholder. So whether the UK sends weapons to Ukraine or the US sends weapons to Ukraine Temasek (Singapore Government) still makes profit. Holdings companies for Wellington Management include Apple Inc, Microsoft, Pfizer etc. Yes you read right, Pfizer. Did you know that Coca-Cola company belongs to both Vanguard Co (8.1%) and Blackrock Inc (6.4%) who are heavy investors in weapons manufacturing? Well as was always the case, any opportunity to supply weapons is a profitable to the military-industrial complex. 2022 alone has seen revenue in this business of up to $19.5 billion. So we can only hope that is not enough incentive to perpetuate the Ukraine conflict. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Military-industrial complex, the ultimate beneficiary of Ukraine conflict arms supply

<p>The European Commission on Wednesday urged the EU countries to cut demand for natural gas by 15 per cent over coming months. This step is being recommended to secure winter stocks and fight Russian "blackmail". EU commissioners have announced an emergency plan and has urged member states to give Brussels powers to impose compulsory energy rationing in case Russia cuts Europe's gas.</p>

<p>Last year Russia provided 40 per cent of Europe's total consumption of natural gas. However, in the wake of Ukraine conflict and EU imposing sanctions on Russia, it is widely expected that Russia would significantly reduce gas supply as a retaliatory measure. It has already started to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Any further disruption to supply would also push consumer prices higher and raise the risk of a deep recession.</p>

<p>"Russia is blackmailing us," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Russia is using energy as a weapon and therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial major cut off of Russian gas or total cut off... Europe needs to be ready."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Europe is eagerly watching whether Russia will resume gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline on Thursday when scheduled maintenance is due to be completed.</p>

<p>German pipeline manager Gascade said it expected Russian gas deliveries to resume at 40 percent of capacity, the level of supplies before maintenance work.</p>

<p>On Wednesday evening, the president of Germany's Federal Network Agency Klaus Mueller estimated on Twitter that the delivery on Thursday might only be "around 30 percent" of the capacity, after updating the data.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The European Commission on Wednesday urged the EU countries to cut demand for natural gas by 15 per cent over coming months. This step is being recommended to secure winter stocks and fight Russian "blackmail".

The European Commission on Wednesday urged the EU countries to cut demand for natural gas by 15 per cent over coming months. This step is being recommended to secure winter stocks and fight Russian "blackmail". EU commissioners have announced an emergency plan and has urged member states to give Brussels powers to impose compulsory energy rationing in case Russia cuts Europe's gas. Last year Russia provided 40 per cent of Europe's total consumption of natural gas. However, in the wake of Ukraine conflict and EU imposing sanctions on Russia, it is widely expected that Russia would significantly reduce gas supply as a retaliatory measure. It has already started to do so. Any further disruption to supply would also push consumer prices higher and raise the risk of a deep recession. "Russia is blackmailing us," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters. "Russia is using energy as a weapon and therefore, in any event, whether it's a partial major cut off of Russian gas or total cut off... Europe needs to be ready." Europe is eagerly watching whether Russia will resume gas supplies via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline on Thursday when scheduled maintenance is due to be completed. German pipeline manager Gascade said it expected Russian gas deliveries to resume at 40 percent of capacity, the level of supplies before maintenance work. On Wednesday evening, the president of Germany's Federal Network Agency Klaus Mueller estimated on Twitter that the delivery on Thursday might only be "around 30 percent" of the capacity, after updating the data. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU asks countries to cut gas use to tackle Russian 'blackmail'

<p>Russian state news agency TASS said that at least seven people were dead in an attack carried out by Ukrainian armed forces on Monday (July 12). As per the report, the attack took place in Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine's southern Kherson region.</p>

<p>"There are already seven dead for sure and about 60 wounded," TASS quoted Vladimir Leontyev, head of the Russia-installed Kakhovka District military-civilian administration in the Kherson region.</p>

<p>"There are still many people under the rubble - the injured are being taken to the hospital, but many people are blocked in their apartments and houses," Leontyev added.</p>

<p>TASS said that the attack damaged buildings and also led to explosions at fertiliser warehouses in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-says-iran-planning-to-supply-russians-with-uavs-for-ukraine-was-496518">Ukraine war: US says Iran planning to supply Russians with drones</a></strong></p>

<p>The site contained various goods, including grain, fertilisers, food stuffs and saltpetre, RIA Novosti quotes Leontyev as saying.</p>

<p>Reuters said that it could not immediately verify the reports.</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials said their forces had destroyed an ammunition depot in Nova Kakhovka. Serhiy Bratchuk, Odesa administration spokesperson, wrote on his Telegram channel that Nova Kakhovka was now "minus" its ammunition warehouse.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Russian President Vladmir Putin calls the invasion a "special military operation'. It said that it wanted to demilitarise Ukraine and get rid of dangerous nationalist elements. Ukraine and the West regards the invasion as an imperial land grab.</p>

<p>Ukraine says Russian forces have targeted civilians since the start of what Moscow calls its "special military operation" leaving cities, towns and villages in ruins, but Moscow rejects the charge and in turn says Ukrainians are responsible for civilians' deaths.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian state news agency TASS said that at least seven people were dead in an attack carried out by Ukrainian armed forces on Monday (July 12). As per the report, the attack took place in Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine's southern Kherson region.

Russian state news agency TASS said that at least seven people were dead in an attack carried out by Ukrainian armed forces on Monday (July 12). As per the report, the attack took place in Russian-held town of Nova Kakhovka in Ukraine's southern Kherson region. "There are already seven dead for sure and about 60 wounded," TASS quoted Vladimir Leontyev, head of the Russia-installed Kakhovka District military-civilian administration in the Kherson region. "There are still many people under the rubble - the injured are being taken to the hospital, but many people are blocked in their apartments and houses," Leontyev added. TASS said that the attack damaged buildings and also led to explosions at fertiliser warehouses in the region. Also Read | Ukraine war: US says Iran planning to supply Russians with drones The site contained various goods, including grain, fertilisers, food stuffs and saltpetre, RIA Novosti quotes Leontyev as saying. Reuters said that it could not immediately verify the reports. Ukrainian officials said their forces had destroyed an ammunition depot in Nova Kakhovka. Serhiy Bratchuk, Odesa administration spokesperson, wrote on his Telegram channel that Nova Kakhovka was now "minus" its ammunition warehouse. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. Russian President Vladmir Putin calls the invasion a "special military operation'. It said that it wanted to demilitarise Ukraine and get rid of dangerous nationalist elements. Ukraine and the West regards the invasion as an imperial land grab. Ukraine says Russian forces have targeted civilians since the start of what Moscow calls its "special military operation" leaving cities, towns and villages in ruins, but Moscow rejects the charge and in turn says Ukrainians are responsible for civilians' deaths. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine strike on Russian-held town kills seven: Russian news agency

<p>France has not received any Russian natural gas through pipeline since June 15, said GRTgaz, a network operator. The development has followed Russian gas giant Gazprom's warning earlier this week about cutting delivery of gas to Europe. Gazprom maintains that reduction in supply is due to repair work, but the move is widely perceived to be a political one.</p>

<p>Experts have been quoted in media reports saying that Russia is seeking to put pressure on allies of Ukraine.</p>

<p>France is dependent on Russia for 17 per cent of its natural gas.</p>

<p>Supplies had already been reduced by 60 percent since the beginning of this year, sending prices soaring.</p>

<p>But GRTgaz said there was no risk to French supplies currently, with reserves at 56 percent capacity compared with 50 percent in June normally.</p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday returned from Ukraine. This was his first visit to Ukraine since Russian invasion. Macron was accompanied by Italian PM Mario Draghi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Commission on Friday (June 17) recommended a 'candidate' status for Ukraine in the European Union. Russia is fiercely opposed to co-operation between Ukraine and Europe.</p>

<p>In the run-up to the invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


France has not received any Russian natural gas through pipeline since June 15, said GRTgaz, a network operator. The development has followed Russian gas giant Gazprom's warning earlier this week about cutting delivery of gas to Europe.

France has not received any Russian natural gas through pipeline since June 15, said GRTgaz, a network operator. The development has followed Russian gas giant Gazprom's warning earlier this week about cutting delivery of gas to Europe. Gazprom maintains that reduction in supply is due to repair work, but the move is widely perceived to be a political one. Experts have been quoted in media reports saying that Russia is seeking to put pressure on allies of Ukraine. France is dependent on Russia for 17 per cent of its natural gas. Supplies had already been reduced by 60 percent since the beginning of this year, sending prices soaring. But GRTgaz said there was no risk to French supplies currently, with reserves at 56 percent capacity compared with 50 percent in June normally. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday returned from Ukraine. This was his first visit to Ukraine since Russian invasion. Macron was accompanied by Italian PM Mario Draghi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The European Commission on Friday (June 17) recommended a 'candidate' status for Ukraine in the European Union. Russia is fiercely opposed to co-operation between Ukraine and Europe. In the run-up to the invasion Russian President Vladimir Putin had expressed his opposition to Ukraine joining NATO. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France no longer receiving Russian gas via pipelines, says network operator 

<p>The US President Joe Biden has announced another USD 1 billion assistance to Ukraine in weapons which include anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and round of howitzers; this was announced following a call between President Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine, who has been demanding additional and more sophisticated military assistance to defend his country from the Russian aggression; this is the 12th military package from the USA since the launch of “ Special Military Operation” by Russia in Ukraine on 24th February 2022. It is thus abundantly clear that the West remains committed to continued augmenting of Ukraine’s defence capacities in the latter’s conflict with Russia on the one hand and punishing Russia through severe economic sanctions on the other. One can therefore foresee a prolonged conflict unless Russia and Ukraine surprise the rest of the world by entering into a compromise deal, chances of which appear remote at the moment.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, even though is Ukraine under fire, the heat is being felt all over the world in one way or the other. In short, the impact of the war has assumed global dimensions and is reflected in physical security, energy security, food security, disruptions in supply chains and resultant high inflation rates, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Russia-Ukraine crisis | 500 front-line soldiers injured daily: Ambulance teams</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/russia-ukraine-crisis-500-front-line-soldiers-injured-daily-ambulance-teams-488817/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In terms of physical proximity, the European continent is closest to the war zone. For the first time since WWII, Europe is witnessing a conflict of massive dimensions which is posing a serious threat to its physical security. As a result, one can see a change in the mindset. Germany has revised its traditional policy and decided to supply arms to Ukraine during wartime. Finland and Sweden have decided to give up their traditional neutrality and are seeking NATO membership as a security guarantee from any possible aggression by Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-italy-romania-leaders-back-ukraine-membership-bid-during-crucial-kyiv-visit-488906">France, Germany, Italy, Romania back Ukraine's EU membership bid during crucial Kyiv visit</a></strong></p>

<p>The strong punitive measures by the US and allies against Russia have further strengthened the emerging alliance between Russia and China who, pushed by the USA in any case were moving closer to each other for some time now and their relations had evolved to reach by 2019 a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for new era”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The partnership covers a wide range of spheres for the promotion of bilateral ties, besides adopting a coordinated approach on regional and global issues.</p>

<p>The Indo-Pacific region is one fine example of their coordinated approach. Both Russia and China describe the region differently as Asia-Pacific and are on the same page as far as the revival of Quad, creation of Aukus and NATO’s eastwards expansion are concerned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During President Putin’s visit to China in February this year Russia and China, in an implied reference to Quad, declared that they “stand against the formation of closed bloc structures and opposing camps in the Asia-Pacific region and remain highly vigilant about the negative impact of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy on peace and stability in the region”. The two of them went on to claim in this regard that they have “made consistent efforts to build an equitable, open and inclusive security system in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) that is not directed against third countries and that promotes peace, stability and prosperity”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also expressed concern over the “formation of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS)”, alleging that “such actions are contrary to the objectives of security and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region---“. Opposing the “further enlargement of NATO” Russia and China called on the NATO “to abandon its ideologised cold war approaches---“&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative</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/countering-chinas-influence-in-the-pacific-the-us-promises-a-new-pacific-initiative-489005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>From the &nbsp;US perspective, China is a key factor and Taiwan is a potential flash point in the Indo-Pacific region. The USA has repeatedly warned China against any military action in Taiwan. It remains to be seen whether China will be emboldened by Russia’s military action in Ukraine and embark on any adventure to integrate Taiwan with mainland by use of force or will it be deterred by the resolute, concerted and united stand taken by the US and allies in support of Ukraine and to isolate and weaken Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-boost-china-launches-most-advanced-aircraft-carrier-called-fujian-find-out-why-it-is-special-489015">China launches 'most advanced' aircraft carrier called Fujian. Find out why it is special</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides the international geopolitical and strategic affairs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is also causing an adverse impact in areas of energy and food security. The punitive sanctions on imports of Russian oil and gas have pushed the energy prices worldwide creating a difficult situation particularly in poor and developing countries which are witnessing high inflation as a cascading effect of costlier energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Europe depends heavily on Russia for its requirements of energy resources, particularly natural gas. Any interruption in supplies will have a serious impact on gas-operated industries and in turn on economy. While EU has followed the USA in imposing sanctions on Russia in many other areas, the energy sector is one where Europe is finding itself in a tight spot. After prolonged deliberations, the EU decided (30th May) on some partial measures when it announced its decision to cut its 90% oil imports from Russia by end of the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat accounting for 30% of global needs. In addition, the two countries also are major suppliers of edible oil and fertilisers. The war has created serious disruptions in supplies to global markets as a result of which the food prices have soared and the world is facing a serious food crisis. Several countries, including India, have imposed full or partial ban on food exports keeping in mind their own food security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an alarming statement, the UN Secretary-General said last month that the shortages of grain and fertilisers due to war could cause “mass hunger and famine” and these shortages threaten to “tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity” He warned that the global food crisis could last for years unless checked. In this context, the World Bank is reported to have announced an additional $12bn in funding to mitigate its “devastating effects”</p>

<p>When the armed conflict broke out on 24th February, most experts thought it will be over in a week or so but has already crossed 100 days mark and there are no signs of any breakthrough. More importantly, the USA doesn’t seem to be interested in early resolution of the conflict. Russia has gone too far and unlikely to retract unless its bottom-line objectives of gaining control over east Ukraine is achieved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a matter of speculation at this point of time how long and how much the rest of the world, particularly poor and developing countries, will have to bear the short and long-term adverse impact due to big-powers rivalry.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The US President Joe Biden has announced another USD 1 billion assistance to Ukraine in weapons which include anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and round of howitzers; this was announced following a call between President Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine, who has been demanding additional and more sophisticated military assistance to defend his country from the Russian aggression; this is the 12th military package from the USA since the launch of “ Special Military Operation” by Russia in Ukraine on 24th February 2022.

The US President Joe Biden has announced another USD 1 billion assistance to Ukraine in weapons which include anti-ship systems, artillery rockets and round of howitzers; this was announced following a call between President Biden and President Zelensky of Ukraine, who has been demanding additional and more sophisticated military assistance to defend his country from the Russian aggression; this is the 12th military package from the USA since the launch of “ Special Military Operation” by Russia in Ukraine on 24th February 2022. It is thus abundantly clear that the West remains committed to continued augmenting of Ukraine’s defence capacities in the latter’s conflict with Russia on the one hand and punishing Russia through severe economic sanctions on the other. One can therefore foresee a prolonged conflict unless Russia and Ukraine surprise the rest of the world by entering into a compromise deal, chances of which appear remote at the moment. Meanwhile, even though is Ukraine under fire, the heat is being felt all over the world in one way or the other. In short, the impact of the war has assumed global dimensions and is reflected in physical security, energy security, food security, disruptions in supply chains and resultant high inflation rates, etc. Watch: Russia-Ukraine crisis | 500 front-line soldiers injured daily: Ambulance teams × In terms of physical proximity, the European continent is closest to the war zone. For the first time since WWII, Europe is witnessing a conflict of massive dimensions which is posing a serious threat to its physical security. As a result, one can see a change in the mindset. Germany has revised its traditional policy and decided to supply arms to Ukraine during wartime. Finland and Sweden have decided to give up their traditional neutrality and are seeking NATO membership as a security guarantee from any possible aggression by Russia. Also Read | France, Germany, Italy, Romania back Ukraine's EU membership bid during crucial Kyiv visit The strong punitive measures by the US and allies against Russia have further strengthened the emerging alliance between Russia and China who, pushed by the USA in any case were moving closer to each other for some time now and their relations had evolved to reach by 2019 a “comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for new era”. The partnership covers a wide range of spheres for the promotion of bilateral ties, besides adopting a coordinated approach on regional and global issues. The Indo-Pacific region is one fine example of their coordinated approach. Both Russia and China describe the region differently as Asia-Pacific and are on the same page as far as the revival of Quad, creation of Aukus and NATO’s eastwards expansion are concerned. During President Putin’s visit to China in February this year Russia and China, in an implied reference to Quad, declared that they “stand against the formation of closed bloc structures and opposing camps in the Asia-Pacific region and remain highly vigilant about the negative impact of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy on peace and stability in the region”. The two of them went on to claim in this regard that they have “made consistent efforts to build an equitable, open and inclusive security system in the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) that is not directed against third countries and that promotes peace, stability and prosperity”. They also expressed concern over the “formation of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom (AUKUS)”, alleging that “such actions are contrary to the objectives of security and sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region---“. Opposing the “further enlargement of NATO” Russia and China called on the NATO “to abandon its ideologised cold war approaches---“ Watch | Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative × From the US perspective, China is a key factor and Taiwan is a potential flash point in the Indo-Pacific region. The USA has repeatedly warned China against any military action in Taiwan. It remains to be seen whether China will be emboldened by Russia’s military action in Ukraine and embark on any adventure to integrate Taiwan with mainland by use of force or will it be deterred by the resolute, concerted and united stand taken by the US and allies in support of Ukraine and to isolate and weaken Russia. Also Read | China launches 'most advanced' aircraft carrier called Fujian. Find out why it is special Besides the international geopolitical and strategic affairs, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is also causing an adverse impact in areas of energy and food security. The punitive sanctions on imports of Russian oil and gas have pushed the energy prices worldwide creating a difficult situation particularly in poor and developing countries which are witnessing high inflation as a cascading effect of costlier energy. Europe depends heavily on Russia for its requirements of energy resources, particularly natural gas. Any interruption in supplies will have a serious impact on gas-operated industries and in turn on economy. While EU has followed the USA in imposing sanctions on Russia in many other areas, the energy sector is one where Europe is finding itself in a tight spot. After prolonged deliberations, the EU decided (30th May) on some partial measures when it announced its decision to cut its 90% oil imports from Russia by end of the year. Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat accounting for 30% of global needs. In addition, the two countries also are major suppliers of edible oil and fertilisers. The war has created serious disruptions in supplies to global markets as a result of which the food prices have soared and the world is facing a serious food crisis. Several countries, including India, have imposed full or partial ban on food exports keeping in mind their own food security. In an alarming statement, the UN Secretary-General said last month that the shortages of grain and fertilisers due to war could cause “mass hunger and famine” and these shortages threaten to “tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity” He warned that the global food crisis could last for years unless checked. In this context, the World Bank is reported to have announced an additional $12bn in funding to mitigate its “devastating effects” When the armed conflict broke out on 24th February, most experts thought it will be over in a week or so but has already crossed 100 days mark and there are no signs of any breakthrough. More importantly, the USA doesn’t seem to be interested in early resolution of the conflict. Russia has gone too far and unlikely to retract unless its bottom-line objectives of gaining control over east Ukraine is achieved. It is a matter of speculation at this point of time how long and how much the rest of the world, particularly poor and developing countries, will have to bear the short and long-term adverse impact due to big-powers rivalry. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia-Ukraine: Brace for a prolonged conflict and big power rivalries

<p>The interior minister of Ukraine said on Thursday that there was 'no danger' of a Russian attack on Kyiv but preparations were on for defence.</p>

<p>"There is no danger of an attack on Kyiv today," Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said.</p>

<p>"There is no concentration of troops near the Belarusian border, but we understand that any scenarios are possible tomorrow," he told AFP, dressed in a black military sweater, a Ukrainian flag on its right sleeve.</p>

<p>"Therefore, serious training is under way -- preparation of the line of defence, training of troops who will remain" in Kyiv and around the city.</p>

<p>However, the minister noted that danger of Russian air strikes was present.</p>

<p>"Any place in Ukraine can be a target for rocket fire, including Kyiv," he said.</p>

<p><img alt="Minister" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a87e0ac3-079e-4f42-9662-a371e7644635" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32C79C8.jpg" /></p>

<p>He further said that the targets can include "the government quarter" and "historic centre of the capital.</p>

<p>Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24. Initially, Russia had set its eye on the Ukrainian capital. They had even captured several towns around the city. However, Russian forces withdrew a month later. Russia has since concentrated its firepower in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Monastyrsky said Ukraine would continue to prosecute captured Russian soldiers for alleged war crimes.</p>

<p>"These crimes have no statute of limitations. Whenever these monsters are found, they will be held accountable," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Up to "288 people have been suspected so far."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-britons-one-moroccan-fighter-in-ukraine-sentenced-to-death-by-russian-separatist-court-486680">Two Britons, Moroccan fighter in Ukraine sentenced to death by Russian separatist court</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that negotiations were underway to bring home Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia or Moscow-backed separatists.</p>

<p>"It is vital to bring them back here today, to save the boys from imminent death," he said.</p>

<p>"We are working to return the wounded first."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The interior minister of Ukraine said on Thursday that there was 'no danger' of a Russian attack on Kyiv but preparations were on for defence. "There is no danger of an attack on Kyiv today," Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said.

The interior minister of Ukraine said on Thursday that there was 'no danger' of a Russian attack on Kyiv but preparations were on for defence. "There is no danger of an attack on Kyiv today," Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said. "There is no concentration of troops near the Belarusian border, but we understand that any scenarios are possible tomorrow," he told AFP, dressed in a black military sweater, a Ukrainian flag on its right sleeve. "Therefore, serious training is under way -- preparation of the line of defence, training of troops who will remain" in Kyiv and around the city. However, the minister noted that danger of Russian air strikes was present. "Any place in Ukraine can be a target for rocket fire, including Kyiv," he said. He further said that the targets can include "the government quarter" and "historic centre of the capital. Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24. Initially, Russia had set its eye on the Ukrainian capital. They had even captured several towns around the city. However, Russian forces withdrew a month later. Russia has since concentrated its firepower in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. Monastyrsky said Ukraine would continue to prosecute captured Russian soldiers for alleged war crimes. "These crimes have no statute of limitations. Whenever these monsters are found, they will be held accountable," he said. Up to "288 people have been suspected so far." Also Read | Two Britons, Moroccan fighter in Ukraine sentenced to death by Russian separatist court He added that negotiations were underway to bring home Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia or Moscow-backed separatists. "It is vital to bring them back here today, to save the boys from imminent death," he said. "We are working to return the wounded first." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kyiv in 'no danger', but we are preparing: Ukraine minister

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests</p>

<p>Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725. His conquest of the Baltic coast from Sweden made Russia an important player in European affairs.</p>

<p>Putin was visiting an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th birthday of tsar. After the the visit, Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs that "you get the impression that by fighting Sweden he was grabbing something. He wasn't taking anything, he was taking it back".</p>

<p>"It is our responsibility also to take back and strengthen," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia began invading the country on February 24 this year.</p>

<p>When Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg and declared it the Russian capital "none of the countries in Europe recognised this territory as belonging to Russia," Putin said.</p>

<p>"Everyone considered it to be part of Sweden. But from time immemorial, Slavs had lived there alongside Finno-Ugric peoples," the Russian leader added.</p>

<p>Russia is currently facing isolation globally with major western countries have imposed sanctions on it following Ukraine invasion.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday compared Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests Peter I, or Peter the Great reigned first as tsar and then as emperor from 1682 until his death in 1725. His conquest of the Baltic coast from Sweden made Russia an important player in European affairs. Putin was visiting an exhibition in Moscow dedicated to the 350th birthday of tsar. After the the visit, Putin told a group of young entrepreneurs that "you get the impression that by fighting Sweden he was grabbing something. He wasn't taking anything, he was taking it back". "It is our responsibility also to take back and strengthen," Putin said, in an apparent reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Russia began invading the country on February 24 this year. When Peter the Great founded Saint Petersburg and declared it the Russian capital "none of the countries in Europe recognised this territory as belonging to Russia," Putin said. "Everyone considered it to be part of Sweden. But from time immemorial, Slavs had lived there alongside Finno-Ugric peoples," the Russian leader added. Russia is currently facing isolation globally with major western countries have imposed sanctions on it following Ukraine invasion. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin compares Ukraine invasion to Peter the Great's conquests

<p>Russia claimed on Tuesday that it had taken control of residential neighbourhoods in Severodonetsk, a flashpoint city in eastern Ukraine. The city is a key hub in the eastern Donbas region.</p>

<p>Russian and Ukrainian forces have fought for weeks for the city but the battle grinds on. Civilians have been fleeing and about 800 have taken refuge in a chemical factory.</p>

<p>"The residential areas of the city of Severodonetsk have been fully liberated," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said.</p>

<p>The Russian army was still seeking to establish control over the city's "industrial zone and the nearest settlements," he added.</p>

<p><strong>'Heroic' defence underway, says Zelensky</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Donbas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="028948c3-39f9-4246-89bc-a3293ba7c191" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32C23TE.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p><em>(Ukrainian troops repair a tank in this picture taken on June 7, 2022 in Donbas. Image: AFP)</em></p>

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a 'heroic' is going on in the Donbas region.</p>

<p>“The situation on the front lines hasn’t changed much over the last 24 hours. The absolutely heroic defence of Donbas is ongoing, the hot spots remain the same. First of all, Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Popasna. It is absolutely felt that the occupiers didn’t believe the resistance of our military would be so strong and now they are trying to bring in new resources towards the Donbas. It is the same in Kherson - they are bringing in new units to stifle our actions," he said. He was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>After failing to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas region. Separatist elements in the region have long enjoyed support from Russia.</p>

<p><strong>World Bank okays fresh funds for Ukraine</strong></p>

<p>The executive board of the World Bank on Tuesday approved USD 1.49 billion of additional funds for Ukraine to help the country pay wages for government and social workers. These fresh funds have expanded the bank's total pledged support to over $4 billion</p>

<p>The World Bank said in a statement that the latest funding is supported by financing guarantees from Britain, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Latvia. The project is also being supported by parallel financing from Italy and contributions from a new Multi-Donor Trust Fund.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russia claimed on Tuesday that it had taken control of residential neighbourhoods in Severodonetsk, a flashpoint city in eastern Ukraine. The city is a key hub in the eastern Donbas region.

Russia claimed on Tuesday that it had taken control of residential neighbourhoods in Severodonetsk, a flashpoint city in eastern Ukraine. The city is a key hub in the eastern Donbas region. Russian and Ukrainian forces have fought for weeks for the city but the battle grinds on. Civilians have been fleeing and about 800 have taken refuge in a chemical factory. "The residential areas of the city of Severodonetsk have been fully liberated," Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said. The Russian army was still seeking to establish control over the city's "industrial zone and the nearest settlements," he added. 'Heroic' defence underway, says Zelensky (Ukrainian troops repair a tank in this picture taken on June 7, 2022 in Donbas. Image: AFP) Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a 'heroic' is going on in the Donbas region. “The situation on the front lines hasn’t changed much over the last 24 hours. The absolutely heroic defence of Donbas is ongoing, the hot spots remain the same. First of all, Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Popasna. It is absolutely felt that the occupiers didn’t believe the resistance of our military would be so strong and now they are trying to bring in new resources towards the Donbas. It is the same in Kherson - they are bringing in new units to stifle our actions," he said. He was quoted by Reuters. After failing to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas region. Separatist elements in the region have long enjoyed support from Russia. World Bank okays fresh funds for Ukraine The executive board of the World Bank on Tuesday approved USD 1.49 billion of additional funds for Ukraine to help the country pay wages for government and social workers. These fresh funds have expanded the bank's total pledged support to over $4 billion The World Bank said in a statement that the latest funding is supported by financing guarantees from Britain, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Latvia. The project is also being supported by parallel financing from Italy and contributions from a new Multi-Donor Trust Fund. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia claims progress, Zelensky says 'heroic' defence underway in Donbas

<p>US and European acquiescence in Turkey's long-standing refusal to honour Kurdish ethnic, cultural, and political rights has come home to roost with Turkish opposition to Finnish and Swedish NATO membership.</p>

<p>The opposition has sparked debates about Turkey's controversial place in the North Atlantic defense alliance.</p>

<p>Turkey’s detractors point to its problematic military intervention in Syria, relations with Russia, refusal to sanction Moscow, and alleged fuelling of tension in the eastern Mediterranean, calling the country’s NATO membership into question.</p>

<p>Its defenders note that Turkey, NATO’s second-largest standing military, is key to maintaining the alliance’s southern flank. Also, Turkey’s geography, population size, economy, military power, and cultural links to a Turkic world make it a critical link between Europe and Asia. In addition, Turkish drones have been vital in Ukraine's war with Russia, while Turkey has been a mediator in the conflict, albeit with limited success.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-foreign-minister-visits-turkey-to-discuss-ukraine-grain-exports-486080">Russian foreign minister visits Turkey to discuss Ukraine grain exports</a></strong></p>

<p>Kurdish rights hardly figure in the debates, and if they do, only as a prop for taking Turkey to task for its slide into authoritarianism.</p>

<p>An ethnic group spread across southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northern Syria, and western Iran, Kurds are seen at best as assets in the fight against the Islamic State and at worst a threat to Turkish security and territorial integrity. Turkey's estimated 16 million Kurds account for up to 20 per cent of the country's population.</p>

<p>Turkey, or Turkiye as it wants to be known going forward, has used the security argument to make its agreement to Swedish and Finnish NATO membership dependent on the two Nordic countries effectively accepting its definition of terrorism as including any national expression of Kurdish identity.</p>

<p>Turkey has demanded that Sweden and Finland extradite 33 people, some of whom are Swedish or Finnish nationals, because of their alleged support for the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) or exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds responsible for a failed military coup in 2016.</p>

<p>Turkey accuses the two Nordic countries of allowing the PKK to organize on their territory. Alongside the United States and the European Union, Turkey has designated the PKK as a terrorist organisation. The PKK has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey in which tens of thousands have been killed.</p>

<p>Turkey also wants Sweden and Finland to support its military operation against the People's Protection Units (YPG), a US-backed Syrian Kurdish group that played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State. Turkey asserts that the YPG is an extension of the PKK.</p>

<p>Mr. Erdogan recently announced that Turkey would launch a new military operation to extend the Turkish armed forces' areas of control in Syria to a 30-kilometer swath of land along the two countries shared border. The offensive would target the YPG in the towns of Tel Rifaat and Manbij and possibly Kobani, Ain Issa, and Tell Tamer.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ankara renews military offensive threats; Russia warns Turkiye against Syrian offensive</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/ankara-renews-military-offensive-threats-russia-warns-turkiye-against-syrian-offensive-485094/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Past US and European failure to stand up for Kurdish rights, as part of Turkey's need to meet the criteria for NATO membership that include "fair treatment of minority populations," has complicated the fight against the Islamic State, stymied Kurdish aspirations beyond Turkey's borders and enabled repression of Kurdish rights in Turkey.</p>

<p>More immediately, the failure to hold Turkey accountable for its repression of Kurdish ethnic and political rights within the framework of the Turkish state has enabled Ankara to establish Turkish policies as a condition for NATO membership even if they violate NATO membership criteria.</p>

<p>Those policies include defining the peaceful expression of Kurdish identity as terrorism and the rolling back of Kurdish language and cultural rights since the collapse in 2015 of peace talks with the PKK. Turkey lifted the ban on Kurdish languages and the word Kurd in 1991. Until then, Kurds were referred to as ‘mountain Turks.’</p>

<p>The governor of the southeastern Turkish province of Diyarbakir, widely seen as a hub of Kurdish cultural and political activity, forced this writer under treat of death to leave the region for using the word Kurd rather than mountain Turk in interviews in the 1980s.</p>

<p>Kurdish language programs in universities have dwindled in recent years amid administrative hurdles, while Kurdish parents complain of pressure not to enroll their children in elective Kurdish courses.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-walks-out-of-security-council-meeting-after-eu-blames-kremlin-for-looming-food-crisis-485958">Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>Most Kurdish-language services and activities created by local administrations were terminated by government-appointed trustees who replaced dozens of Kurdish mayors ousted by Ankara for alleged links to the PKK. Many of the ousted mayors and other leading Kurdish politicians remain behind bars.</p>

<p>The failure to take Turkey to task early on takes on added significance at a time when NATO casts the war in Ukraine as a battle of values and of democracy versus autocracy that will shape the contours of a 21st-century world order.</p>

<p>For his part, US President Joe Biden has sought to regain the moral high ground in the wake of the Trump presidency that broke with American liberalism by declaring “America is back” in the struggle for democratic and human rights.</p>

<p>Mr. Biden and Europe’s problem is that their credibility rides on cleaning up at home and ensuring that they are seen as sincere rather than hypocritical.</p>

<p>That’s a tall order amid assertions of structural racism on both sides of the Atlantic; controversy over gun ownership in the United States; preferential arrangements for Ukrainian refugees as opposed to non-Europeans and non-whites fleeing war, persecution, and destruction; and foreign policies that treat violations of human and political rights differently depending on who commits them.</p>

<p>The obvious place to start is at home. Kurds could be another starting point, with Finnish and Swedish NATO membership on the front burner. Meeting Turkish demands regarding perpetrators of political violence is one thing; acquiescing in the criminalization of legitimate Kurdish political and cultural expression is another.</p>

<p>That may be a tough bargain to drive home in Ankara. However, it would offer a compromise formula that could serve everyone’s interest and help Turkey solve a problem that promises to be one of the Middle East’s multiple exploding powder kegs.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

<p>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US and European acquiescence in Turkey's long-standing refusal to honour Kurdish ethnic, cultural, and political rights has come home to roost with Turkish opposition to Finnish and Swedish NATO membership.

US and European acquiescence in Turkey's long-standing refusal to honour Kurdish ethnic, cultural, and political rights has come home to roost with Turkish opposition to Finnish and Swedish NATO membership. The opposition has sparked debates about Turkey's controversial place in the North Atlantic defense alliance. Turkey’s detractors point to its problematic military intervention in Syria, relations with Russia, refusal to sanction Moscow, and alleged fuelling of tension in the eastern Mediterranean, calling the country’s NATO membership into question. Its defenders note that Turkey, NATO’s second-largest standing military, is key to maintaining the alliance’s southern flank. Also, Turkey’s geography, population size, economy, military power, and cultural links to a Turkic world make it a critical link between Europe and Asia. In addition, Turkish drones have been vital in Ukraine's war with Russia, while Turkey has been a mediator in the conflict, albeit with limited success. Also Read | Russian foreign minister visits Turkey to discuss Ukraine grain exports Kurdish rights hardly figure in the debates, and if they do, only as a prop for taking Turkey to task for its slide into authoritarianism. An ethnic group spread across southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq, northern Syria, and western Iran, Kurds are seen at best as assets in the fight against the Islamic State and at worst a threat to Turkish security and territorial integrity. Turkey's estimated 16 million Kurds account for up to 20 per cent of the country's population. Turkey, or Turkiye as it wants to be known going forward, has used the security argument to make its agreement to Swedish and Finnish NATO membership dependent on the two Nordic countries effectively accepting its definition of terrorism as including any national expression of Kurdish identity. Turkey has demanded that Sweden and Finland extradite 33 people, some of whom are Swedish or Finnish nationals, because of their alleged support for the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) or exiled preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holds responsible for a failed military coup in 2016. Turkey accuses the two Nordic countries of allowing the PKK to organize on their territory. Alongside the United States and the European Union, Turkey has designated the PKK as a terrorist organisation. The PKK has waged a decades-long insurgency against Turkey in which tens of thousands have been killed. Turkey also wants Sweden and Finland to support its military operation against the People's Protection Units (YPG), a US-backed Syrian Kurdish group that played a crucial role in defeating the Islamic State. Turkey asserts that the YPG is an extension of the PKK. Mr. Erdogan recently announced that Turkey would launch a new military operation to extend the Turkish armed forces' areas of control in Syria to a 30-kilometer swath of land along the two countries shared border. The offensive would target the YPG in the towns of Tel Rifaat and Manbij and possibly Kobani, Ain Issa, and Tell Tamer. Watch | Ankara renews military offensive threats; Russia warns Turkiye against Syrian offensive × Past US and European failure to stand up for Kurdish rights, as part of Turkey's need to meet the criteria for NATO membership that include "fair treatment of minority populations," has complicated the fight against the Islamic State, stymied Kurdish aspirations beyond Turkey's borders and enabled repression of Kurdish rights in Turkey. More immediately, the failure to hold Turkey accountable for its repression of Kurdish ethnic and political rights within the framework of the Turkish state has enabled Ankara to establish Turkish policies as a condition for NATO membership even if they violate NATO membership criteria. Those policies include defining the peaceful expression of Kurdish identity as terrorism and the rolling back of Kurdish language and cultural rights since the collapse in 2015 of peace talks with the PKK. Turkey lifted the ban on Kurdish languages and the word Kurd in 1991. Until then, Kurds were referred to as ‘mountain Turks.’ The governor of the southeastern Turkish province of Diyarbakir, widely seen as a hub of Kurdish cultural and political activity, forced this writer under treat of death to leave the region for using the word Kurd rather than mountain Turk in interviews in the 1980s. Kurdish language programs in universities have dwindled in recent years amid administrative hurdles, while Kurdish parents complain of pressure not to enroll their children in elective Kurdish courses. Also Read | Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis Most Kurdish-language services and activities created by local administrations were terminated by government-appointed trustees who replaced dozens of Kurdish mayors ousted by Ankara for alleged links to the PKK. Many of the ousted mayors and other leading Kurdish politicians remain behind bars. The failure to take Turkey to task early on takes on added significance at a time when NATO casts the war in Ukraine as a battle of values and of democracy versus autocracy that will shape the contours of a 21st-century world order. For his part, US President Joe Biden has sought to regain the moral high ground in the wake of the Trump presidency that broke with American liberalism by declaring “America is back” in the struggle for democratic and human rights. Mr. Biden and Europe’s problem is that their credibility rides on cleaning up at home and ensuring that they are seen as sincere rather than hypocritical. That’s a tall order amid assertions of structural racism on both sides of the Atlantic; controversy over gun ownership in the United States; preferential arrangements for Ukrainian refugees as opposed to non-Europeans and non-whites fleeing war, persecution, and destruction; and foreign policies that treat violations of human and political rights differently depending on who commits them. The obvious place to start is at home. Kurds could be another starting point, with Finnish and Swedish NATO membership on the front burner. Meeting Turkish demands regarding perpetrators of political violence is one thing; acquiescing in the criminalization of legitimate Kurdish political and cultural expression is another. That may be a tough bargain to drive home in Ankara. However, it would offer a compromise formula that could serve everyone’s interest and help Turkey solve a problem that promises to be one of the Middle East’s multiple exploding powder kegs. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tueday began his two-day visit to Turkey for talks over unblocking grain export from Ukraine. Food grain exports from Ukraine are currently facing hurdles due to ongoing Russian invasion. Ukraine is often called 'breadbasket of Europe' and stalled grain exports are likely to cause a wider food crisis in the world.</p>

<p>Lavrov was forced to cancel a visit to Serbia on Monday after several of its neighbours prevented his plane from passing through their airspace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the request of United Nations, Turkey has agreed to provide services to escort maritime convoys from ports of Ukraine. There are mines in the waterways. Some of them have been detected near the Turkish coast.</p>

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergeo Lavrov is accompanied by a military delegation and he is due to meet his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday.</p>

<p>This is Lavrov's second Turkey visit. On March 10, he met Cavusoglu and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.</p>

<p>Negotiations will mainly circle around opening of a security corridor in order to ship grains from Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-walks-out-of-security-council-meeting-after-eu-blames-kremlin-for-looming-food-crisis-485958">Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>An agreement between Ankara and Kyiv was hinted by Turkish Agriculture Minister Vahit Kirisci, said local media.</p>

<p>"But they (Ukrainians) have a dilemma about security and export. They want us to be the arbitrator here as Turkey. Negotiations continue under the auspices of the UN," he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>"Both Russia and Ukraine trust us."</p>

<p>The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it "appreciates Turkey's efforts aimed at unblocking Ukrainian ports" but added that "for the moment there is no agreement on this point between Ukraine, Turkey and Russia."</p>

<p>"Decisions must be taken with the participation of all parties concerned", the ministry said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tueday began his two-day visit to Turkey for talks over unblocking grain export from Ukraine. Food grain exports from Ukraine are currently facing hurdles due to ongoing Russian invasion.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tueday began his two-day visit to Turkey for talks over unblocking grain export from Ukraine. Food grain exports from Ukraine are currently facing hurdles due to ongoing Russian invasion. Ukraine is often called 'breadbasket of Europe' and stalled grain exports are likely to cause a wider food crisis in the world. Lavrov was forced to cancel a visit to Serbia on Monday after several of its neighbours prevented his plane from passing through their airspace. Following the request of United Nations, Turkey has agreed to provide services to escort maritime convoys from ports of Ukraine. There are mines in the waterways. Some of them have been detected near the Turkish coast. Russian Foreign Minister Sergeo Lavrov is accompanied by a military delegation and he is due to meet his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday. This is Lavrov's second Turkey visit. On March 10, he met Cavusoglu and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Negotiations will mainly circle around opening of a security corridor in order to ship grains from Ukraine. Also Read | Russia walks out of Security Council meeting after EU blames Kremlin for looming food crisis An agreement between Ankara and Kyiv was hinted by Turkish Agriculture Minister Vahit Kirisci, said local media. "But they (Ukrainians) have a dilemma about security and export. They want us to be the arbitrator here as Turkey. Negotiations continue under the auspices of the UN," he was quoted as saying. "Both Russia and Ukraine trust us." The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement it "appreciates Turkey's efforts aimed at unblocking Ukrainian ports" but added that "for the moment there is no agreement on this point between Ukraine, Turkey and Russia." "Decisions must be taken with the participation of all parties concerned", the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian foreign minister visits Turkey to discuss Ukraine grain exports

<p>Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkiye&nbsp;Vasyl Bodnar on Friday alleged that Russia was stealing Ukrainian grain and sending it abroad including to Turkey.</p>

<p>"Russia shamelessly steals Ukrainian grain and sends it overseas from Crimea, including to Turkey," said Ambassador Bodnar. He was quoted by AFP.</p>

<p>"We have asked for Turkey's help to resolve the issue," he added in a message on Twitter.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been a major exporter of wheat and sunflower oil. However, Russian invasion of the country has disrupted the export leading many to predict a global food crisis. Russian invasion started on February 24. The conflict has completed 100 days.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 100 days of the Russia-Ukraine war: No end in sight</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/100-days-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-no-end-in-sight-for-the-ukraine-war-484888/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Turkiye&nbsp;has been doing a careful balancing act between Ukraine and Russia, it has cordial ties with both countries.</p>

<p>NATO member Turkiye&nbsp;has delivered combat drones to Ukraine and sought to act as mediator in the conflict, but has refrained from slapping sanctions on Russia on which it relies for grain and energy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-will-be-ours-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-on-100th-day-of-fight-with-russia-484883">'Victory will be ours,' says Ukraine President Zelensky on 100th day of fight with Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>At the request of United Nations, Turkiye&nbsp;has offered to to help secure maritime corridors for the export of Ukrainian grain.</p>

<p>Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to visit Turkiye&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-eu-bans-most-russian-oil-targets-putins-alleged-girlfriend-with-sanctions-484812">Ukraine war: EU bans most Russian oil, targets Putin's alleged girlfriend with sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>Food prices have soared since the war began, with countries in Africa and the Middle East particularly at risk since grain cannot be delivered because of the Russian navy blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkiye Vasyl Bodnar on Friday alleged that Russia was stealing Ukrainian grain and sending it abroad including to Turkey. "Russia shamelessly steals Ukrainian grain and sends it overseas from Crimea, including to Turkey," said Ambassador Bodnar.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Turkiye Vasyl Bodnar on Friday alleged that Russia was stealing Ukrainian grain and sending it abroad including to Turkey. "Russia shamelessly steals Ukrainian grain and sends it overseas from Crimea, including to Turkey," said Ambassador Bodnar. He was quoted by AFP. "We have asked for Turkey's help to resolve the issue," he added in a message on Twitter. Ukraine has been a major exporter of wheat and sunflower oil. However, Russian invasion of the country has disrupted the export leading many to predict a global food crisis. Russian invasion started on February 24. The conflict has completed 100 days. Watch | 100 days of the Russia-Ukraine war: No end in sight × Turkiye has been doing a careful balancing act between Ukraine and Russia, it has cordial ties with both countries. NATO member Turkiye has delivered combat drones to Ukraine and sought to act as mediator in the conflict, but has refrained from slapping sanctions on Russia on which it relies for grain and energy. Also Read | 'Victory will be ours,' says Ukraine President Zelensky on 100th day of fight with Russia At the request of United Nations, Turkiye has offered to to help secure maritime corridors for the export of Ukrainian grain. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to visit Turkiye on Wednesday. Also Read | Ukraine war: EU bans most Russian oil, targets Putin's alleged girlfriend with sanctions Food prices have soared since the war began, with countries in Africa and the Middle East particularly at risk since grain cannot be delivered because of the Russian navy blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine envoy to Turkiye accuses Russia of stealing Ukrainian grain

<p>Ukraine jacked up its main interest rate to a seven-year-high of 25% from 10% on Thursday, tightening policy for the first time since the Russian invasion to tackle double-digit inflation and protect the hryvnia as some business activity returns.</p>

<p>The Feb. 24 invasion has devastated the economy, which could shrink by at least a third this year as the war has forced 40% of businesses to close, destroyed infrastructure, blocked shipping routes and reduced whole towns to rubble.</p>

<p>Speaking at a briefing, Central Bank Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko called for talks with the International Monetary Fund on a new aid programme.</p>

<p>The rate increase was criticised by an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, who said the rate was too high and dangerous to the economy during wartime. It was not clear whether he was speaking in a personal capacity.</p>

<p>The prime minister's office and the finance ministry declined immediate comment.</p>

<p>The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) had frozen its main rate 10% at the start of the invasion, but last week it signalled it could resume regular monetary policy reviews as business activity partially recovered in safer parts of the country.</p>

<p>It is betting that a sharp rate hike will also nudge the government to raise the yield on domestic bonds, making hryvnia assets more attractive and preventing household incomes and savings from being eroded by inflation.</p>

<p>The central bank has fixed the hryvnia exchange rate, which has forced it to sell billions of dollars in forex reserves since the start of the invasion. It aims to let the currency float freely eventually once conditions allow.</p>

<p>"The NBU expects that a significant rise in the key policy rate, to 25%, will be sufficient to ease pressures on the FX market and stabilize inflation expectations, which in the future will lay the foundations for a monetary policy easing cycle," it said.</p>

<p>"If yields on hryvnia assets do not rise sufficiently, international reserves will keep depleting rapidly and imbalances will build up in the economy," it said.</p>

<p>Inflation was already in double digits before the conflict began and climbed further to around 17% in May from 16.4% in April, according to NBU estimates.</p>

<p>The central bank said inflation could double in 2022 from 10% in 2021, pushed up by rising global prices and the damage of the war on domestic production and supply chains.</p>

<p>"A decisive rise in the key policy rate will spur investors’ interest in hryvnia assets, while also easing pressures on international reserves and reining in inflation," the NBU said.</p>

<p>The number of small businesses that had suspended operations in April fell to 26% from 73% in March, according to a survey by the European Business Association, the union of businesses operating in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Thursday's move takes the main interest rate to its highest level since 2015, when Ukraine's economy was reeling from Russia's annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p>"The NBU raised the rate to 25%. That's too much. Abrupt movements during the war, when the economy is in a fragile state - are dangerous," presidential adviser Tymofiy Mylovanov wrote on Facebook.</p>

<p>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukraine jacked up its main interest rate to a seven-year-high of 25% from 10% on Thursday, tightening policy for the first time since the Russian invasion to tackle double-digit inflation and protect the hryvnia as some business activity returns.

Ukraine jacked up its main interest rate to a seven-year-high of 25% from 10% on Thursday, tightening policy for the first time since the Russian invasion to tackle double-digit inflation and protect the hryvnia as some business activity returns. The Feb. 24 invasion has devastated the economy, which could shrink by at least a third this year as the war has forced 40% of businesses to close, destroyed infrastructure, blocked shipping routes and reduced whole towns to rubble. Speaking at a briefing, Central Bank Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko called for talks with the International Monetary Fund on a new aid programme. The rate increase was criticised by an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, who said the rate was too high and dangerous to the economy during wartime. It was not clear whether he was speaking in a personal capacity. The prime minister's office and the finance ministry declined immediate comment. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) had frozen its main rate 10% at the start of the invasion, but last week it signalled it could resume regular monetary policy reviews as business activity partially recovered in safer parts of the country. It is betting that a sharp rate hike will also nudge the government to raise the yield on domestic bonds, making hryvnia assets more attractive and preventing household incomes and savings from being eroded by inflation. The central bank has fixed the hryvnia exchange rate, which has forced it to sell billions of dollars in forex reserves since the start of the invasion. It aims to let the currency float freely eventually once conditions allow. "The NBU expects that a significant rise in the key policy rate, to 25%, will be sufficient to ease pressures on the FX market and stabilize inflation expectations, which in the future will lay the foundations for a monetary policy easing cycle," it said. "If yields on hryvnia assets do not rise sufficiently, international reserves will keep depleting rapidly and imbalances will build up in the economy," it said. Inflation was already in double digits before the conflict began and climbed further to around 17% in May from 16.4% in April, according to NBU estimates. The central bank said inflation could double in 2022 from 10% in 2021, pushed up by rising global prices and the damage of the war on domestic production and supply chains. "A decisive rise in the key policy rate will spur investors’ interest in hryvnia assets, while also easing pressures on international reserves and reining in inflation," the NBU said. The number of small businesses that had suspended operations in April fell to 26% from 73% in March, according to a survey by the European Business Association, the union of businesses operating in Ukraine. Thursday's move takes the main interest rate to its highest level since 2015, when Ukraine's economy was reeling from Russia's annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed forces in eastern Ukraine. "The NBU raised the rate to 25%. That's too much. Abrupt movements during the war, when the economy is in a fragile state - are dangerous," presidential adviser Tymofiy Mylovanov wrote on Facebook. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine jacks up key rate to 25% in first hike since Russian invasion

<p>Friday, June 3, was the 100th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the day by vowing victory in the conflict. His confident assertion came even as Russian forces pounded eastern Donbas region.</p>

<p>Russian invasion of Ukraine started on February 24. Thousands of people have been killed and millions have been displaced till now in Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Victory will be ours," Zelensky said in a video address similar to one he posted at the onset of the war outside government buildings in Kyiv.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 100 days of the Russia-Ukraine war: Global food &amp; fuel crisis worsen</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/100-days-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-global-food-fuel-crisis-worsen-484868/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's advance has been slowed by a fierce Ukrainian resistance which repelled them from around the capital and forced Moscow to shift its aims towards capturing the east.</p>

<p>In spite of Russia's slow advance, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Pescov said, "certain results have been achieved". He pointed at "liberation" &nbsp;of some areas from what he called the "pro-Nazi armed forces of Ukraine".</p>

<p>Western countries including the US have continued sending potent weapons to Ukraine. They have also imposed stringent sanctions on Russia. The European Union on Friday, formally adopted a ban on most Russian oil imports.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-eu-bans-most-russian-oil-targets-putins-alleged-girlfriend-with-sanctions-484812">Ukraine war: EU bans most Russian oil, targets Putin's alleged girlfriend with sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>Putin's alleged girlfriend, former gymnast Alina Kabaeva, was also added to an assets freeze and visa-ban blacklist, along with Russian army personnel suspected of war crimes.</p>

<p>Amid the unfolding situation, the United Nations has said that it is leading intense negotiations with Russia to allow Ukranian grain to leave country's ports in order to avoid food crisis.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Friday, June 3, was the 100th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the day by vowing victory in the conflict. His confident assertion came even as Russian forces pounded eastern Donbas region.

Friday, June 3, was the 100th day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky marked the day by vowing victory in the conflict. His confident assertion came even as Russian forces pounded eastern Donbas region. Russian invasion of Ukraine started on February 24. Thousands of people have been killed and millions have been displaced till now in Ukraine conflict. "Victory will be ours," Zelensky said in a video address similar to one he posted at the onset of the war outside government buildings in Kyiv. Watch | 100 days of the Russia-Ukraine war: Global food & fuel crisis worsen × Russia's advance has been slowed by a fierce Ukrainian resistance which repelled them from around the capital and forced Moscow to shift its aims towards capturing the east. In spite of Russia's slow advance, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Pescov said, "certain results have been achieved". He pointed at "liberation" of some areas from what he called the "pro-Nazi armed forces of Ukraine". Western countries including the US have continued sending potent weapons to Ukraine. They have also imposed stringent sanctions on Russia. The European Union on Friday, formally adopted a ban on most Russian oil imports. Also Read | Ukraine war: EU bans most Russian oil, targets Putin's alleged girlfriend with sanctions Putin's alleged girlfriend, former gymnast Alina Kabaeva, was also added to an assets freeze and visa-ban blacklist, along with Russian army personnel suspected of war crimes. Amid the unfolding situation, the United Nations has said that it is leading intense negotiations with Russia to allow Ukranian grain to leave country's ports in order to avoid food crisis. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Victory will be ours,' says Ukraine President Zelensky on 100th day of fight with Russia

<p>The conflict in Ukraine entered 100th day on Friday (June 3) with Russian forces continuing to push for control of Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Less than 24 hours ago, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia now controlled 20 per cent of Ukraine.</p>

<p>After invading Ukraine on February 24, Russian forces rushed in the direction of Kyiv. However, their plans to capture the Ukrainian capital did not come to fruition. After being repelled from Ukraine and the surrounding region, Russia concentrated its firepower at Donbas region. Separatist elements in the region have long enjoyed support from Russia.</p>

<p>North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) chief Jens Stoltenberg met US President Joe Biden on Thursday. Following the talks, Stoltenberg said that Ukraine's allies needed to brace for a "war of attrition".</p>

<p>"Today, about 20 percent of our territory is under the control of the occupiers," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address to Luxembourg lawmakers.</p>

<p>Thousands of people have been killed and millions have been forced to flee since February 24.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-controls-about-20-per-cent-of-ukraine-says-president-volodymyr-zelensky-484449">Russia controls 'about 20 per cent' of Ukraine, says president Volodymyr Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Zelensky has said that up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers were getting killed in eastern part of the country which is under Russian attack.</p>

<p>On the ground, street battles were raging in the industrial hub of Severodonetsk in Lugansk, part of the Donbas.</p>

<p>The strategic city is a key target for Moscow, which already controls 80 percent of the area, but Lugansk regional governor Sergiy Gaiday vowed Ukrainian forces would fight "until the end".</p>

<p>Severodonetsk's Azot factory, one of Europe's biggest chemical plants, was targeted by Russian soldiers who fired on one of its administrative buildings and a warehouse where methanol was stored.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The conflict in Ukraine entered 100th day on Friday (June 3) with Russian forces continuing to push for control of Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Less than 24 hours ago, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia now controlled 20 per cent of Ukraine.

The conflict in Ukraine entered 100th day on Friday (June 3) with Russian forces continuing to push for control of Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. Less than 24 hours ago, Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia now controlled 20 per cent of Ukraine. After invading Ukraine on February 24, Russian forces rushed in the direction of Kyiv. However, their plans to capture the Ukrainian capital did not come to fruition. After being repelled from Ukraine and the surrounding region, Russia concentrated its firepower at Donbas region. Separatist elements in the region have long enjoyed support from Russia. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) chief Jens Stoltenberg met US President Joe Biden on Thursday. Following the talks, Stoltenberg said that Ukraine's allies needed to brace for a "war of attrition". "Today, about 20 percent of our territory is under the control of the occupiers," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an address to Luxembourg lawmakers. Thousands of people have been killed and millions have been forced to flee since February 24. Also Read | Russia controls 'about 20 per cent' of Ukraine, says president Volodymyr Zelensky Zelensky has said that up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers were getting killed in eastern part of the country which is under Russian attack. On the ground, street battles were raging in the industrial hub of Severodonetsk in Lugansk, part of the Donbas. The strategic city is a key target for Moscow, which already controls 80 percent of the area, but Lugansk regional governor Sergiy Gaiday vowed Ukrainian forces would fight "until the end". Severodonetsk's Azot factory, one of Europe's biggest chemical plants, was targeted by Russian soldiers who fired on one of its administrative buildings and a warehouse where methanol was stored. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine conflict enters 100th day, battle rages in Severodonetsk

<p>Russian troops on Wednesday made progress towards gaining control of Severodonetsk, a major city in Ukraine's Luhansk province. Luhansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said that Russians had taken control of 70 per cent of the city and Ukrainian forces are withdrawing to prepared positions.</p>

<p>"If in two or three days, the Russians take control of Severodonetsk, they will install artillery and mortars and will bombard more intensely Lysychansk," the Ukrainian-held city across the river, he said on Telegram.</p>

<p>After failing to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on the eastern Donbas region where Russia supports proxy separatist elements. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that eastern campaign has had high cost with 60 to 100 soldiers dying each day.</p>

<p>"The situation in the east is very difficult," Zelensky told US newsgroup Newsmax.</p>

<p>With only Lysychansk remaining a pocket of resistance in the eastern Lugansk region, Severodonetsk has become a target of massive Russian firepower.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-expects-many-months-of-russia-ukraine-conflict-484243">Antony Blinken expects 'many months' of Russia-Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>Oleksander Motuzianyk, spokesman for Ukraine's defence ministry, said there was fighting in the streets in Severodonetsk and the Russians had reached the city centre.</p>

<p>"The Ukrainian armed forces are actively resisting them," he said.</p>

<p>In a boost for the outgunned Ukrainian military, President Joe Biden confirmed that longer-range weapons were on the way.</p>

<p>The new weapon is the Himars multiple launch rocket system, or MLRS, a mobile unit that can simultaneously launch multiple precision-guided missiles up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) away.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian troops on Wednesday made progress towards gaining control of Severodonetsk, a major city in Ukraine's Luhansk province. Luhansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said that Russians had taken control of 70 per cent of the city and Ukrainian forces are withdrawing to prepared positions.

Russian troops on Wednesday made progress towards gaining control of Severodonetsk, a major city in Ukraine's Luhansk province. Luhansk governor Sergiy Gaiday said that Russians had taken control of 70 per cent of the city and Ukrainian forces are withdrawing to prepared positions. "If in two or three days, the Russians take control of Severodonetsk, they will install artillery and mortars and will bombard more intensely Lysychansk," the Ukrainian-held city across the river, he said on Telegram. After failing to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on the eastern Donbas region where Russia supports proxy separatist elements. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that eastern campaign has had high cost with 60 to 100 soldiers dying each day. "The situation in the east is very difficult," Zelensky told US newsgroup Newsmax. With only Lysychansk remaining a pocket of resistance in the eastern Lugansk region, Severodonetsk has become a target of massive Russian firepower. Also Read | Antony Blinken expects 'many months' of Russia-Ukraine war Oleksander Motuzianyk, spokesman for Ukraine's defence ministry, said there was fighting in the streets in Severodonetsk and the Russians had reached the city centre. "The Ukrainian armed forces are actively resisting them," he said. In a boost for the outgunned Ukrainian military, President Joe Biden confirmed that longer-range weapons were on the way. The new weapon is the Himars multiple launch rocket system, or MLRS, a mobile unit that can simultaneously launch multiple precision-guided missiles up to 80 kilometres (50 miles) away. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia advances on Severodonetsk, troops fight in streets

<p>In the Paris daily Le Figaro this month, Henri Guaino, a top adviser to Nicolas Sarkozy when he was president of France, warned that Europe’s countries, under the shortsighted leadership of the United States, were “sleepwalking” into war with Russia. Mr. Guaino was borrowing a metaphor that the historian Christopher Clark used to describe the origins of World War I.</p>

<p>Naturally, Mr. Guaino understands that Russia is most directly to blame for the present conflict in Ukraine. It was Russia that massed its troops on the frontier last fall and winter and — having demanded from NATO a number of Ukraine-related security guarantees that NATO rejected — began the shelling and killing on Feb. 24.</p>

<p>But the United States has helped turn this tragic, local and ambiguous conflict into a potential world conflagration. By misunderstanding the war’s logic, Mr. Guaino argues, the West, led by the Biden administration, is giving the conflict a momentum that may be impossible to stop.</p>

<p>He is right.</p>

<p>In 2014 the United States backed an uprising — in its final stages a violent uprising — against the legitimately elected Ukrainian government of Viktor Yanukovych, which was pro-Russian. (The corruption of Mr. Yanukovych’s government has been much adduced by the rebellion’s defenders, but corruption is a perennial Ukrainian problem, even today.) Russia, in turn, annexed Crimea, a historically Russian-speaking part of Ukraine that since the 18th century had been home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.</p>

<p>One can argue about Russian claims to Crimea, but Russians take them seriously. Hundreds of thousands of Russian and Soviet fighters died defending the Crimean city of Sevastopol from European forces during two sieges — one during the Crimean War and one during World War II. In recent years, Russian control of Crimea has seemed to provide a stable regional arrangement: Russia’s European neighbors, at least, have let sleeping dogs lie.</p>

<p>But the United States never accepted the arrangement. On Nov. 10, 2021, the United States and Ukraine signed a “charter on strategic partnership” that called for Ukraine to join NATO, condemned “ongoing Russian aggression” and affirmed an “unwavering commitment” to the reintegration of Crimea into Ukraine.</p>

<p>That charter “convinced Russia that it must attack or be attacked,” Mr. Guaino wrote. “It is the ineluctable process of 1914 in all its terrifying purity.”</p>

<p>This is a faithful account of the war that President Vladimir Putin has claimed to be fighting. “There were constant supplies of the most modern military equipment,” Mr. Putin said at Russia’s annual Victory Parade on May 9, referring to the foreign arming of Ukraine. “The danger was growing every day.”</p>

<p>Whether he was right to worry about Russia’s security depends on one’s perspective. Western news reports tend to belittle him.</p>

<p>The rocky course of the war in Ukraine thus far has vindicated Mr. Putin’s diagnosis, if not his conduct. Though Ukraine’s military industry was important in Soviet times, by 2014 the country barely had a modern military at all. Oligarchs, not the state, armed and funded some of the militias sent to fight Russian-supported separatists in the east. The United States started arming and training Ukraine’s military, hesitantly at first under President Barack Obama. Modern hardware began flowing during the Trump administration, though, and today the country is armed to the teeth.</p>

<p>Since 2018, Ukraine has received U.S.-built Javelin antitank missiles, Czech artillery and Turkish Bayraktar drones and other NATO-interoperable weaponry. The United States and Canada have lately sent up-to-date British-designed M777 howitzers that fire GPS-guided Excalibur shells. President Biden just signed into law a $40 billion military aid package.</p>

<p>In this light, mockery of Russia’s battlefield performance is misplaced. Russia is not being stymied by a plucky agricultural country a third its size; it is holding its own, at least for now, against NATO’s advanced economic, cyber and battlefield weapons.</p>

<p>And this is where Mr. Guaino is correct to accuse the West of sleepwalking. The United States is trying to maintain the fiction that arming one’s allies is not the same thing as participating in combat.</p>

<p>In the information age, this distinction is growing more and more artificial. The United States has provided intelligence used to kill Russian generals. It obtained targeting information that helped to sink the Russian Black Sea missile cruiser the Moskva, an incident in which about 40 seamen were killed.</p>

<p>And the United States may be playing an even more direct role. There are thousands of foreign fighters in Ukraine. One volunteer spoke to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation this month of fighting alongside “friends” who “come from the Marines, from the States.” Just as it is easy to cross the line between being a weapons supplier and being a combatant, it is easy to cross the line from waging a proxy war to waging a secret war.</p>

<p>In a subtler way, a country trying to fight such a war risks being drawn from partial into full involvement by force of moral reasoning. Perhaps American officials justify exporting weaponry the way they justify budgeting it: It is so powerful that it is dissuasive. The money is well spent because it buys peace. Should bigger guns fail to dissuade, however, they lead to bigger wars.</p>

<p>A handful of people died in the Russian takeover of Crimea in 2014. But this time around, matched in weaponry — and even outmatched in some cases — Russia has reverted to a war of bombardment that looks more like World War II.</p>

<p>Even if we don’t accept Mr. Putin’s claim that America’s arming of Ukraine is the reason the war happened in the first place, it is certainly the reason the war has taken the kinetic, explosive, deadly form it has. Our role in this is not passive or incidental. We have given Ukrainians cause to believe they can prevail in a war of escalation.</p>

<p>Thousands of Ukrainians have died who likely would not have if the United States had stood aside. That naturally may create among American policymakers a sense of moral and political obligation — to stay the course, to escalate the conflict, to match any excess.</p>

<p>The United States has shown itself not just liable to escalate but also inclined to. In March, Mr. Biden invoked God before insisting that Mr. Putin “cannot remain in power.” In April, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s explained that the United States seeks to “see Russia weakened.”</p>

<p>Noam Chomsky warned against the paradoxical incentives of such “heroic pronouncements” in an April interview. “It may feel like Winston Churchill impersonations, very exciting,” he said. “But what they translate into is: Destroy Ukraine.”</p>

<p>For similar reasons Mr. Biden’s suggestion that Mr. Putin be tried for war crimes is an act of consummate irresponsibility. The charge is so serious that, once leveled, it discourages restraint; after all, a leader who commits one atrocity is no less a war criminal than one who commits a thousand. The effect, intended or not, is to foreclose any recourse to peace negotiations.</p>

<p>The situation on the battlefield in Ukraine has evolved to an awkward stage. Both Russia and Ukraine have suffered heavy losses. But each has made gains, too. Russia has a land bridge to Crimea and control of some of Ukraine’s most fertile agricultural lands and energy deposits, and in recent days has held the battlefield momentum. Ukraine, after a robust defense of its cities, can expect further NATO support, know-how and weaponry — a powerful incentive not to end the war anytime soon.</p>

<p>But if the war does not end soon, its dangers will increase. “Negotiations need to begin in the next two months,” the former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger warned last week, “before it creates upheavals and tensions that will not be easily overcome.” Calling for a return to the status quo ante bellum, he added, “Pursuing the war beyond that point would not be about the freedom of Ukraine but a new war against Russia itself.”</p>

<p>In this, Mr. Kissinger is on the same page as Mr. Guaino. “To make concessions to Russia would be submitting to aggression,” Mr. Guaino warned. “To make none would be submitting to insanity.”</p>

<p>The United States is making no concessions. That would be to lose face. There’s an election coming. So the administration is closing off avenues of negotiation and working to intensify the war. We’re in it to win it. With time, the huge import of deadly weaponry, including that from the newly authorized $40 billion allocation, could take the war to a different level. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine warned in an address to students this month that the bloodiest days of the war were coming.</p>


In the Paris daily Le Figaro this month, Henri Guaino, a top adviser to Nicolas Sarkozy when he was president of France, warned that Europe’s countries, under the shortsighted leadership of the United States, were “sleepwalking” into war with Russia.

In the Paris daily Le Figaro this month, Henri Guaino, a top adviser to Nicolas Sarkozy when he was president of France, warned that Europe’s countries, under the shortsighted leadership of the United States, were “sleepwalking” into war with Russia. Mr. Guaino was borrowing a metaphor that the historian Christopher Clark used to describe the origins of World War I. Naturally, Mr. Guaino understands that Russia is most directly to blame for the present conflict in Ukraine. It was Russia that massed its troops on the frontier last fall and winter and — having demanded from NATO a number of Ukraine-related security guarantees that NATO rejected — began the shelling and killing on Feb. 24. But the United States has helped turn this tragic, local and ambiguous conflict into a potential world conflagration. By misunderstanding the war’s logic, Mr. Guaino argues, the West, led by the Biden administration, is giving the conflict a momentum that may be impossible to stop. He is right. In 2014 the United States backed an uprising — in its final stages a violent uprising — against the legitimately elected Ukrainian government of Viktor Yanukovych, which was pro-Russian. (The corruption of Mr. Yanukovych’s government has been much adduced by the rebellion’s defenders, but corruption is a perennial Ukrainian problem, even today.) Russia, in turn, annexed Crimea, a historically Russian-speaking part of Ukraine that since the 18th century had been home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. One can argue about Russian claims to Crimea, but Russians take them seriously. Hundreds of thousands of Russian and Soviet fighters died defending the Crimean city of Sevastopol from European forces during two sieges — one during the Crimean War and one during World War II. In recent years, Russian control of Crimea has seemed to provide a stable regional arrangement: Russia’s European neighbors, at least, have let sleeping dogs lie. But the United States never accepted the arrangement. On Nov. 10, 2021, the United States and Ukraine signed a “charter on strategic partnership” that called for Ukraine to join NATO, condemned “ongoing Russian aggression” and affirmed an “unwavering commitment” to the reintegration of Crimea into Ukraine. That charter “convinced Russia that it must attack or be attacked,” Mr. Guaino wrote. “It is the ineluctable process of 1914 in all its terrifying purity.” This is a faithful account of the war that President Vladimir Putin has claimed to be fighting. “There were constant supplies of the most modern military equipment,” Mr. Putin said at Russia’s annual Victory Parade on May 9, referring to the foreign arming of Ukraine. “The danger was growing every day.” Whether he was right to worry about Russia’s security depends on one’s perspective. Western news reports tend to belittle him. The rocky course of the war in Ukraine thus far has vindicated Mr. Putin’s diagnosis, if not his conduct. Though Ukraine’s military industry was important in Soviet times, by 2014 the country barely had a modern military at all. Oligarchs, not the state, armed and funded some of the militias sent to fight Russian-supported separatists in the east. The United States started arming and training Ukraine’s military, hesitantly at first under President Barack Obama. Modern hardware began flowing during the Trump administration, though, and today the country is armed to the teeth. Since 2018, Ukraine has received U.S.-built Javelin antitank missiles, Czech artillery and Turkish Bayraktar drones and other NATO-interoperable weaponry. The United States and Canada have lately sent up-to-date British-designed M777 howitzers that fire GPS-guided Excalibur shells. President Biden just signed into law a $40 billion military aid package. In this light, mockery of Russia’s battlefield performance is misplaced. Russia is not being stymied by a plucky agricultural country a third its size; it is holding its own, at least for now, against NATO’s advanced economic, cyber and battlefield weapons. And this is where Mr. Guaino is correct to accuse the West of sleepwalking. The United States is trying to maintain the fiction that arming one’s allies is not the same thing as participating in combat. In the information age, this distinction is growing more and more artificial. The United States has provided intelligence used to kill Russian generals. It obtained targeting information that helped to sink the Russian Black Sea missile cruiser the Moskva, an incident in which about 40 seamen were killed. And the United States may be playing an even more direct role. There are thousands of foreign fighters in Ukraine. One volunteer spoke to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation this month of fighting alongside “friends” who “come from the Marines, from the States.” Just as it is easy to cross the line between being a weapons supplier and being a combatant, it is easy to cross the line from waging a proxy war to waging a secret war. In a subtler way, a country trying to fight such a war risks being drawn from partial into full involvement by force of moral reasoning. Perhaps American officials justify exporting weaponry the way they justify budgeting it: It is so powerful that it is dissuasive. The money is well spent because it buys peace. Should bigger guns fail to dissuade, however, they lead to bigger wars. A handful of people died in the Russian takeover of Crimea in 2014. But this time around, matched in weaponry — and even outmatched in some cases — Russia has reverted to a war of bombardment that looks more like World War II. Even if we don’t accept Mr. Putin’s claim that America’s arming of Ukraine is the reason the war happened in the first place, it is certainly the reason the war has taken the kinetic, explosive, deadly form it has. Our role in this is not passive or incidental. We have given Ukrainians cause to believe they can prevail in a war of escalation. Thousands of Ukrainians have died who likely would not have if the United States had stood aside. That naturally may create among American policymakers a sense of moral and political obligation — to stay the course, to escalate the conflict, to match any excess. The United States has shown itself not just liable to escalate but also inclined to. In March, Mr. Biden invoked God before insisting that Mr. Putin “cannot remain in power.” In April, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s explained that the United States seeks to “see Russia weakened.” Noam Chomsky warned against the paradoxical incentives of such “heroic pronouncements” in an April interview. “It may feel like Winston Churchill impersonations, very exciting,” he said. “But what they translate into is: Destroy Ukraine.” For similar reasons Mr. Biden’s suggestion that Mr. Putin be tried for war crimes is an act of consummate irresponsibility. The charge is so serious that, once leveled, it discourages restraint; after all, a leader who commits one atrocity is no less a war criminal than one who commits a thousand. The effect, intended or not, is to foreclose any recourse to peace negotiations. The situation on the battlefield in Ukraine has evolved to an awkward stage. Both Russia and Ukraine have suffered heavy losses. But each has made gains, too. Russia has a land bridge to Crimea and control of some of Ukraine’s most fertile agricultural lands and energy deposits, and in recent days has held the battlefield momentum. Ukraine, after a robust defense of its cities, can expect further NATO support, know-how and weaponry — a powerful incentive not to end the war anytime soon. But if the war does not end soon, its dangers will increase. “Negotiations need to begin in the next two months,” the former U.S. secretary of state Henry Kissinger warned last week, “before it creates upheavals and tensions that will not be easily overcome.” Calling for a return to the status quo ante bellum, he added, “Pursuing the war beyond that point would not be about the freedom of Ukraine but a new war against Russia itself.” In this, Mr. Kissinger is on the same page as Mr. Guaino. “To make concessions to Russia would be submitting to aggression,” Mr. Guaino warned. “To make none would be submitting to insanity.” The United States is making no concessions. That would be to lose face. There’s an election coming. So the administration is closing off avenues of negotiation and working to intensify the war. We’re in it to win it. With time, the huge import of deadly weaponry, including that from the newly authorized $40 billion allocation, could take the war to a different level. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine warned in an address to students this month that the bloodiest days of the war were coming.

The war in Ukraine may be impossible to stop. And the US deserves much of the blame

<p>US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that US will provide more advanced rocket systems to Ukraine to strike "key targets" of Russian forces invading the country. He made the confirmation in an opinion piece in the New York Times on Tuesday.</p>

<p>"We have moved quickly to send Ukraine a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition so it can fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table," he wrote.</p>

<p>"We will provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine,"</p>

<p>Though he mentioned provision of more advanced rocket systems, he did not exactly say which rocket systems will be provided.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Can EU find alternative to Russian oil and gas?</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/can-eu-find-alternate-to-russian-oil-and-gas-sources-483911/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP reported quoting a US official that Himar multiple rocket systems will be provided to Ukraine. This, said the news agency,&nbsp;<br />
as ended days of speculation over the latest upgrade of military aid to Kyiv in its fight against Russia.</p>

<p>The Himars use precision-guided munitions, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters. The range is about 50 miles (80 kilometers), with Washington deciding against sending munitions with a far longer range.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-struck-nitric-acid-tank-in-ukraines-severodonetsk-governor-483956">Russia struck 'nitric acid tank' in Ukraine's Severodonetsk: Governor</a></strong></p>

<p>"These systems will be used by the Ukrainians to repel Russian advances on Ukrainian territory but they will not be used against Russia," the official said, as quoted by AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that US will provide more advanced rocket systems to Ukraine to strike "key targets" of Russian forces invading the country.

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that US will provide more advanced rocket systems to Ukraine to strike "key targets" of Russian forces invading the country. He made the confirmation in an opinion piece in the New York Times on Tuesday. "We have moved quickly to send Ukraine a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition so it can fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table," he wrote. "We will provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine," Though he mentioned provision of more advanced rocket systems, he did not exactly say which rocket systems will be provided. Watch | Can EU find alternative to Russian oil and gas? × AFP reported quoting a US official that Himar multiple rocket systems will be provided to Ukraine. This, said the news agency, as ended days of speculation over the latest upgrade of military aid to Kyiv in its fight against Russia. The Himars use precision-guided munitions, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters. The range is about 50 miles (80 kilometers), with Washington deciding against sending munitions with a far longer range. Also Read | Russia struck 'nitric acid tank' in Ukraine's Severodonetsk: Governor "These systems will be used by the Ukrainians to repel Russian advances on Ukrainian territory but they will not be used against Russia," the official said, as quoted by AFP. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US to provide more advanced rocket systems to Ukraine, says Biden

<p>Russia struck a nitric acid tank at a chemical plant in Severodonetsk, a city in Ukraine's Luhansk region, said local governor. Sergiy Gaiday, the governor urged people to stay inside shelters.</p>

<p>Nitric acid is dangerous if inhaled, swallowed or even if it comes in contact with the skin.</p>

<p>The governor said on Telegram that air strike by Russian forces "hit a tank with nitric acid at a chemical plant".</p>

<p>"Do not come out of shelters!" Gaiday said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Severodonetsk has seen fierce battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces.</p>

<p>The governor has urged people in the city to "prepare protective face masks impregnated with soda solution".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia's air strike at a chemical plant in Severodonetsk was "just crazy".</p>

<p>But it is "no longer surprising that for the Russian military, for Russian commanders, for Russian soldiers, any madness is absolutely acceptable", Zelensky said in an evening video address on Telegram.</p>

<p>AFP quoted pro-Moscow separatists as saying that the tank had "exploded" on territory controlled by Ukrainian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the Azot chemical plant, a container with chemicals was blown up. Preliminarily, it is nitric acid," Rodion Mironchik, a representative of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic, said on Telegram. &nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>You can now <strong>write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russia struck a nitric acid tank at a chemical plant in Severodonetsk, a city in Ukraine's Luhansk region, said local governor. Sergiy Gaiday, the governor urged people to stay inside shelters.

Russia struck a nitric acid tank at a chemical plant in Severodonetsk, a city in Ukraine's Luhansk region, said local governor. Sergiy Gaiday, the governor urged people to stay inside shelters. Nitric acid is dangerous if inhaled, swallowed or even if it comes in contact with the skin. The governor said on Telegram that air strike by Russian forces "hit a tank with nitric acid at a chemical plant". "Do not come out of shelters!" Gaiday said. Severodonetsk has seen fierce battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces. The governor has urged people in the city to "prepare protective face masks impregnated with soda solution". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia's air strike at a chemical plant in Severodonetsk was "just crazy". But it is "no longer surprising that for the Russian military, for Russian commanders, for Russian soldiers, any madness is absolutely acceptable", Zelensky said in an evening video address on Telegram. AFP quoted pro-Moscow separatists as saying that the tank had "exploded" on territory controlled by Ukrainian forces. "At the Azot chemical plant, a container with chemicals was blown up. Preliminarily, it is nitric acid," Rodion Mironchik, a representative of the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic, said on Telegram. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia struck 'nitric acid tank' in Ukraine's Severodonetsk: Governor

ukraine-conflict

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

ukraine conflict