<p>The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 30) agreed to ban most Russian oil imports, but not before some heavy haggling to strie compromise deal with Hungary which opposed the ban. Negotiations over banning Russian oil imports have been going on for weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total embargo was fiercely opposed by Hungary PM Viktor Orban.</p>

<p>EU leaders meeting in Brussels hatched a compromise deal to exempt deliveries by pipeline from the ban, after Budapest warned halting supplies would wreck its economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukrainian president Zelensky visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region</strong></p>

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<p>"Agreement to ban export of Russian oil to the EU. This immediately covers more than two thirds of oil imports from Russia, cutting a huge source of financing for its war machine," European Council chief Charles Michel tweeted during the summit. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Maximum pressure on Russia to end the war."</p>

<p>EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that the decision taken by the bloc "will effectively cut around 90 percent of oil imports from Russia to the EU by the end of the year" as Germany and Poland had committed to renounce deliveries via a pipeline to their territory.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-says-will-not-send-ukraine-rocket-systems-that-can-reach-russia-483621">Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>There have been five waves of unprecedented economic sanctions on Russia. Prolonged negotiations over sixth package of sanctions has rocked European unity.</p>

<p>Despite the gap in the embargo left by Hungary's opposition, the latest round of sanctions represents some of the most damaging measures taken by the EU so far.&nbsp;</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>

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The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 30) agreed to ban most Russian oil imports, but not before some heavy haggling to strie compromise deal with Hungary which opposed the ban.

The European Union (EU) on Monday (May 30) agreed to ban most Russian oil imports, but not before some heavy haggling to strie compromise deal with Hungary which opposed the ban. Negotiations over banning Russian oil imports have been going on for weeks. A total embargo was fiercely opposed by Hungary PM Viktor Orban. EU leaders meeting in Brussels hatched a compromise deal to exempt deliveries by pipeline from the ban, after Budapest warned halting supplies would wreck its economy. Watch | Ukrainian president Zelensky visits frontline soldiers in Kharkiv region × "Agreement to ban export of Russian oil to the EU. This immediately covers more than two thirds of oil imports from Russia, cutting a huge source of financing for its war machine," European Council chief Charles Michel tweeted during the summit. "Maximum pressure on Russia to end the war." EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said that the decision taken by the bloc "will effectively cut around 90 percent of oil imports from Russia to the EU by the end of the year" as Germany and Poland had committed to renounce deliveries via a pipeline to their territory. Also Read | Joe Biden says US will not send Ukraine rocket systems that can reach Russia There have been five waves of unprecedented economic sanctions on Russia. Prolonged negotiations over sixth package of sanctions has rocked European unity. Despite the gap in the embargo left by Hungary's opposition, the latest round of sanctions represents some of the most damaging measures taken by the EU so far. (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 agrees to ban 'more than two thirds' of Russian oil import

<p>In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases.</p>

<p>The irony went largely unnoticed. That’s hardly a surprise: For a long time, the Western world has turned a blind eye to Turkey’s heavy-handed treatment of the Kurds. Across decades, the Turkish state has persecuted the Kurdish minority — about 18 percent of the population — with devastating zeal. Thousands have perished and around a million have been displaced in a campaign of severe internal repression. But Western nations, except for a brief spell when Kurdish resistance was holding back an ascendant Islamic State, have rarely seemed to care.</p>

<p>Turkey’s treatment of the Kurds is now center stage — but not because allies have woken up to the injustice of Kurds’ systematic oppression. Instead, it’s because Turkey is effectively threatening to block the admittance of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless they agree to crack down on Kurdish militants. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeing an opportunity to further cement his nationalist agenda, it’s a bold gambit. The tepid response from NATO allies so far suggests he might be successful.</p>

<p>However the situation shakes out, it’s deeply revealing. For Turkey, it underlines once again the vigor with which Mr. Erdogan is keen to stamp out the Kurds while asserting the country as a regional power. For the alliance itself, the impasse brings to light facts currently obscured by its makeover as a purely defensive organization. NATO, which has long acquiesced in the persecution of the Kurds, is far from a force for peace. And Turkey, a member since 1952, proves it.</p>

<p>Turkey’s conflict with the Kurds goes back at least to the late 19th century, when Ottoman centralization led to tribal uprisings. The initial two decades of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923, involved the denial of Kurdish identity, autonomy and language, all of which were mainstays of the Ottoman Empire. Rebellions ensued but were forcibly put down. After remaining largely dormant in the 1940s and 1950s, Kurdish militancy then experienced a revival, under revolutionary banners. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., emerged in this atmosphere.</p>

<p>The organization is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union — and its methods are indeed violent. Across four decades of conflict, the P.K.K. has contributed to the bloodshed and is responsible for the deaths of civilians as well as security officials. Yet Turkey’s militaristic approach to the Kurdish issue has left little room for other, more conciliatory Kurdish organizations.</p>

<p>The country experienced a spring of Kurdish activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, when many left-wing Turkish movements and organizations also expressed solidarity with the Kurds. But a coup d’état in 1980 heavily crushed these forces, with the exception of the P.K.K., most of whose camps were already outside Turkey. In the years after the coup, the heavy torture suffered by Kurdish activists of various organizations swelled the ranks of the P.K.K. More embittered against the Turkish state than ever, many activists saw no other effective home for their struggle.</p>

<p>Things today aren’t much better: Peaceful forms of Kurdish activism — such as those organized by the legal Peoples’ Democratic Party, or H.D.P. — are under constant attack, accused of affiliation with the P.K.K. The government also claims that the P.K.K. is in cahoots with the Gulen movement, a former ally of the ruling party the government accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. It is members of these two groups who Mr. Erdogan is demanding Sweden and Finland give up.</p>

<p>Where was NATO in all of this? The 1980 military intervention, at least passively endorsed by the alliance, was led by Kenan Evren, a commander in NATO’s counter-guerilla forces. Western countries kept on providing ample support for campaigns against the Kurds in the following years, even during the exceptionally violent clashes of 1993-95. As hostilities resumed in the 2010s, the West largely neglected internal waves of repression and Turkey’s recurrent incursions into Syria and Iraq, where Kurds have long sought refuge.</p>

<p>If such enabling silence is so persistent, why did Mr. Erdogan choose this particular time to ramp up military adventures? The answer is simple: Elections are around the corner, and the government, overseeing the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, is counting on jingoism as a remedy for national ills. The ruling party has accordingly ratcheted up its moves against the Kurds, with imprisonment of politicians and journalists, military campaigns abroad and bans on concerts and plays at home.</p>

<p>Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has apparently further emboldened Mr. Erdogan. It has allowed Turkey to pose as a friend to the West, earning praise for its early blockade of the Black Sea while continuing to pursue its repressive agenda. What’s more, by pushing Sweden and Finland — perceived to be longtime harborers of Kurdish militants — toward NATO, the war has handed Turkey a golden opportunity.</p>

<p>If the United States were to pressure the two countries to accept Turkey’s demands, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested might happen, it would be more than a policing victory. It would be a rare symbolic triumph. Bombings and cultural bans would be nothing compared with an international admission, sealed by the world’s most powerful country, that Kurdish rights can be waved aside.</p>

<p>It’s tempting to see Turkey as an exceptionally bellicose state. Labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, the country now appears to be the continent’s belligerent man. But it’s wrong to look at the country in isolation. Mr. Erdogan’s aggression is not his alone. It is enabled, encouraged and buttressed by Western countries, as well as Russia.</p>

<p>In Turkey, this is a provocative claim: The authorities want their citizens, and the world, to believe that “foreigners” and “outside powers” have always supported Kurdish separatism. This quite popular but highly twisted perception of reality says nothing about the weapons, logistical support and consent other countries have abundantly provided in the killing of Kurds.</p>

<p>The United States supplied weapons to Syrian Kurds during their fight against the Islamic State, it’s true. But that’s dwarfed by the sophistication and amount of military equipment that Turkey, home to NATO’s second-largest military, secures thanks to being part of the Western alliance.</p>

<p>The truth is that Turkey’s aggression has gone hand in hand with NATO acceptance, even complicity. It’s no use Western countries lecturing Turkey, or Turkey complaining of Western hypocrisy: They are in it together. Whatever happens with the alliance’s expansion — whether the Kurds are sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency or not — this should be a moment of clarity. In a world of war, no country has a monopoly on violence.</p>

<p>You can now write for <strong>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>

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In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases.

In April, as the world was occupied with Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, a NATO member launched an attack on two of its neighboring territories. In a bombing campaign, Turkey targeted the camps of Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria, inflicting damage on shelters, ammunition depots and bases. The irony went largely unnoticed. That’s hardly a surprise: For a long time, the Western world has turned a blind eye to Turkey’s heavy-handed treatment of the Kurds. Across decades, the Turkish state has persecuted the Kurdish minority — about 18 percent of the population — with devastating zeal. Thousands have perished and around a million have been displaced in a campaign of severe internal repression. But Western nations, except for a brief spell when Kurdish resistance was holding back an ascendant Islamic State, have rarely seemed to care. Turkey’s treatment of the Kurds is now center stage — but not because allies have woken up to the injustice of Kurds’ systematic oppression. Instead, it’s because Turkey is effectively threatening to block the admittance of Finland and Sweden to NATO unless they agree to crack down on Kurdish militants. For President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, seeing an opportunity to further cement his nationalist agenda, it’s a bold gambit. The tepid response from NATO allies so far suggests he might be successful. However the situation shakes out, it’s deeply revealing. For Turkey, it underlines once again the vigor with which Mr. Erdogan is keen to stamp out the Kurds while asserting the country as a regional power. For the alliance itself, the impasse brings to light facts currently obscured by its makeover as a purely defensive organization. NATO, which has long acquiesced in the persecution of the Kurds, is far from a force for peace. And Turkey, a member since 1952, proves it. Turkey’s conflict with the Kurds goes back at least to the late 19th century, when Ottoman centralization led to tribal uprisings. The initial two decades of the Turkish Republic, founded in 1923, involved the denial of Kurdish identity, autonomy and language, all of which were mainstays of the Ottoman Empire. Rebellions ensued but were forcibly put down. After remaining largely dormant in the 1940s and 1950s, Kurdish militancy then experienced a revival, under revolutionary banners. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or P.K.K., emerged in this atmosphere. The organization is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union — and its methods are indeed violent. Across four decades of conflict, the P.K.K. has contributed to the bloodshed and is responsible for the deaths of civilians as well as security officials. Yet Turkey’s militaristic approach to the Kurdish issue has left little room for other, more conciliatory Kurdish organizations. The country experienced a spring of Kurdish activism in the late 1960s and 1970s, when many left-wing Turkish movements and organizations also expressed solidarity with the Kurds. But a coup d’état in 1980 heavily crushed these forces, with the exception of the P.K.K., most of whose camps were already outside Turkey. In the years after the coup, the heavy torture suffered by Kurdish activists of various organizations swelled the ranks of the P.K.K. More embittered against the Turkish state than ever, many activists saw no other effective home for their struggle. Things today aren’t much better: Peaceful forms of Kurdish activism — such as those organized by the legal Peoples’ Democratic Party, or H.D.P. — are under constant attack, accused of affiliation with the P.K.K. The government also claims that the P.K.K. is in cahoots with the Gulen movement, a former ally of the ruling party the government accuses of orchestrating a failed coup attempt in 2016. It is members of these two groups who Mr. Erdogan is demanding Sweden and Finland give up. Where was NATO in all of this? The 1980 military intervention, at least passively endorsed by the alliance, was led by Kenan Evren, a commander in NATO’s counter-guerilla forces. Western countries kept on providing ample support for campaigns against the Kurds in the following years, even during the exceptionally violent clashes of 1993-95. As hostilities resumed in the 2010s, the West largely neglected internal waves of repression and Turkey’s recurrent incursions into Syria and Iraq, where Kurds have long sought refuge. If such enabling silence is so persistent, why did Mr. Erdogan choose this particular time to ramp up military adventures? The answer is simple: Elections are around the corner, and the government, overseeing the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, is counting on jingoism as a remedy for national ills. The ruling party has accordingly ratcheted up its moves against the Kurds, with imprisonment of politicians and journalists, military campaigns abroad and bans on concerts and plays at home. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has apparently further emboldened Mr. Erdogan. It has allowed Turkey to pose as a friend to the West, earning praise for its early blockade of the Black Sea while continuing to pursue its repressive agenda. What’s more, by pushing Sweden and Finland — perceived to be longtime harborers of Kurdish militants — toward NATO, the war has handed Turkey a golden opportunity. If the United States were to pressure the two countries to accept Turkey’s demands, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken has suggested might happen, it would be more than a policing victory. It would be a rare symbolic triumph. Bombings and cultural bans would be nothing compared with an international admission, sealed by the world’s most powerful country, that Kurdish rights can be waved aside. It’s tempting to see Turkey as an exceptionally bellicose state. Labeled the “sick man of Europe” in the final days of the Ottoman Empire, the country now appears to be the continent’s belligerent man. But it’s wrong to look at the country in isolation. Mr. Erdogan’s aggression is not his alone. It is enabled, encouraged and buttressed by Western countries, as well as Russia. In Turkey, this is a provocative claim: The authorities want their citizens, and the world, to believe that “foreigners” and “outside powers” have always supported Kurdish separatism. This quite popular but highly twisted perception of reality says nothing about the weapons, logistical support and consent other countries have abundantly provided in the killing of Kurds. The United States supplied weapons to Syrian Kurds during their fight against the Islamic State, it’s true. But that’s dwarfed by the sophistication and amount of military equipment that Turkey, home to NATO’s second-largest military, secures thanks to being part of the Western alliance. The truth is that Turkey’s aggression has gone hand in hand with NATO acceptance, even complicity. It’s no use Western countries lecturing Turkey, or Turkey complaining of Western hypocrisy: They are in it together. Whatever happens with the alliance’s expansion — whether the Kurds are sacrificed on the altar of geopolitical expediency or not — this should be a moment of clarity. In a world of war, no country has a monopoly on violence. 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 ×

Turkey shows what NATO really is

Satellite images of Ukraine conflict show devastation of the battle

<p>Ukraine on Sunday ruled out ceasefire saying that if fighting stops temporarily, Russia would attack harder after the break. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Kyiv cannot accept any deal with Moscow that sees it cedeing territory to Russia.</p>

<p>"The war will not stop (after concessions). It will just be put on pause for some time," Podolyak, Ukraine's lead negotiator, told Reuters in an interview in the heavily guarded presidential office. "They'll start a new offensive, even more bloody and large-scale."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia intensified offensive in Donbas region. A major offensive has been launched in Luhansk, one of the two provinces in Donbas. Such a movement from Russia has come after the end of weeks of resistance by Ukrainian fighters in the port city of Mariupol.</p>

<p><strong>World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war</strong></p>

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<p>Russian-backed separatists already controlled swathes of territory in Luhansk and the neighbouring Donetsk province before the Feb. 24 invasion, but Moscow wants to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Donbas.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-approves-40-billion-in-aid-for-ukraine-armoured-vehicles-air-defences-in-package-481055">Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles &amp; air defences in package</a></strong></p>

<p>"The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly address. The Russian army was trying to attack the cities of Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk, but Ukrainian forces were holding off their advance, he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Zelensky told local television that although the fighting would be bloody, the end would come only through diplomacy and that the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory would be temporary.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine on Sunday ruled out ceasefire saying that if fighting stops temporarily, Russia would attack harder after the break. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Kyiv cannot accept any deal with Moscow that sees it cedeing territory to Russia.

Ukraine on Sunday ruled out ceasefire saying that if fighting stops temporarily, Russia would attack harder after the break. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Kyiv cannot accept any deal with Moscow that sees it cedeing territory to Russia. "The war will not stop (after concessions). It will just be put on pause for some time," Podolyak, Ukraine's lead negotiator, told Reuters in an interview in the heavily guarded presidential office. "They'll start a new offensive, even more bloody and large-scale." Meanwhile, Russia intensified offensive in Donbas region. A major offensive has been launched in Luhansk, one of the two provinces in Donbas. Such a movement from Russia has come after the end of weeks of resistance by Ukrainian fighters in the port city of Mariupol. World at War: Russia captures Mariupol, the biggest battlefield of the Ukraine war × Russian-backed separatists already controlled swathes of territory in Luhansk and the neighbouring Donetsk province before the Feb. 24 invasion, but Moscow wants to seize the last remaining Ukrainian-held territory in Donbas. Also Read | Biden approves $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: Armoured vehicles & air defences in package "The situation in Donbas is extremely difficult," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly address. The Russian army was trying to attack the cities of Sloviansk and Sievierodonetsk, but Ukrainian forces were holding off their advance, he said. Earlier, Zelensky told local television that although the fighting would be bloody, the end would come only through diplomacy and that the Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory would be temporary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine rules out ceasefire, says Russia might hit harder after break

<p>Twitter said on Thursday (May 20) that it will start placing warning notices on some misleading content about Ukraine conflict and also limit spread of claims debunked by humanitarian groups and other credible sources.</p>

<p>The step taken by Twitter is part of its new policy that outlines how the social media giant will approach misinformation during crisis.</p>

<p>Social media platforms have faced increasing scrutiny over how they determine and handle misinformation. Twitter has agreed to sell itself to Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who has said he believes the site should be a platform for free speech.</p>

<p>With its new step, Twitter will flash warning notices alerting users if a tweet violates the platform's rules. However, it will still allow users to view the tweet and comment on it. The platform will not amplify or recommend such tweets and retweeting will also be disabled.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/commies-as-f-musk-reacts-to-twitter-staffers-video-480112">Musk reacts to purported clip of Twitter staff saying: 'we're commies as f***'</a></strong></p>

<p>The approach could be "a more effective way to intervene to prevent harm, while still preserving and protecting speech on Twitter," said Yoel Roth, head of safety and integrity at Twitter, during a call with reporters.</p>

<p>Twitter is going to prioritise adding such labels to tweets from high-profile accounts if they are found to be misleading. Such high-profile accounts include verified users or official government profiles. It will also prioritise content that could cause harm to people on the ground.</p>

<p>Twitter said it defines crises as situations where there is a widespread threat to life, physical safety, health or basic subsistence. It said the policy would initially focus on international armed conflicts but is also intended for events like mass shootings or natural disasters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Twitter said on Thursday (May 20) that it will start placing warning notices on some misleading content about Ukraine conflict and also limit spread of claims debunked by humanitarian groups and other credible sources.

Twitter said on Thursday (May 20) that it will start placing warning notices on some misleading content about Ukraine conflict and also limit spread of claims debunked by humanitarian groups and other credible sources. The step taken by Twitter is part of its new policy that outlines how the social media giant will approach misinformation during crisis. Social media platforms have faced increasing scrutiny over how they determine and handle misinformation. Twitter has agreed to sell itself to Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who has said he believes the site should be a platform for free speech. With its new step, Twitter will flash warning notices alerting users if a tweet violates the platform's rules. However, it will still allow users to view the tweet and comment on it. The platform will not amplify or recommend such tweets and retweeting will also be disabled. Also Read | Musk reacts to purported clip of Twitter staff saying: 'we're commies as f***' The approach could be "a more effective way to intervene to prevent harm, while still preserving and protecting speech on Twitter," said Yoel Roth, head of safety and integrity at Twitter, during a call with reporters. Twitter is going to prioritise adding such labels to tweets from high-profile accounts if they are found to be misleading. Such high-profile accounts include verified users or official government profiles. It will also prioritise content that could cause harm to people on the ground. Twitter said it defines crises as situations where there is a widespread threat to life, physical safety, health or basic subsistence. It said the policy would initially focus on international armed conflicts but is also intended for events like mass shootings or natural disasters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Twitter to introduce warning labels to tackle misinformation on Ukraine conflict

<p>Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"An agreement has been reached on the removal of the wounded," the Moscow defence ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>"A humanitarian corridor has been opened through which wounded Ukrainian servicemen are being taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk."</p>

<p>Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television: "Any information can harm the processes that are taking place ... Inasmuch as the process is underway, we can't say what's happening right now."</p>

<p>Russian forces have battered Mariupol for almost two months. The last pocket of Ukrainian resistance is Azovstal factory. It is a huge Soviet-era plant that was built during Josef Stalin's time. The factory has labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels underneath to withstand external attack.</p>

<p>Civillians along with Ukrainian soldiers have been holed up inside the steel plant. Most civillians have been evacuated from the plant after a deal brokered by the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross.</p>

<p>But Ukrainian fighters remain at the plant. Videos and pictures posted online have shown some with serious injuries.</p>

<p>Relatives appealed on Monday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to help extract the defenders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town.

Russia on Monday said it had agreed to evacuate wounded Ukrainian soldiers from besieged Azovstal steelworks in port city in Mariupol. Russian defense ministry said that the wounded soldiers will be taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk, a Russian controlled town. "An agreement has been reached on the removal of the wounded," the Moscow defence ministry said in a statement. "A humanitarian corridor has been opened through which wounded Ukrainian servicemen are being taken to a medical facility in Novoazovsk." Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian television: "Any information can harm the processes that are taking place ... Inasmuch as the process is underway, we can't say what's happening right now." Russian forces have battered Mariupol for almost two months. The last pocket of Ukrainian resistance is Azovstal factory. It is a huge Soviet-era plant that was built during Josef Stalin's time. The factory has labyrinth of bunkers and tunnels underneath to withstand external attack. Civillians along with Ukrainian soldiers have been holed up inside the steel plant. Most civillians have been evacuated from the plant after a deal brokered by the UN and International Committee of the Red Cross. But Ukrainian fighters remain at the plant. Videos and pictures posted online have shown some with serious injuries. Relatives appealed on Monday to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to help extract the defenders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Mariupol: Russia offers to evacuate wounded Ukrainian troops from steel plant

<p>Ukrainian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces near Izium, a Russian-held town in eastern Ukraine. This can be a serious setback for Russian plans to assume control of entire Donbas region.</p>

<p>After it failed to reach Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas region. Russian forces enjoy support from separatist elements in this region of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been retaking territory in its northeast. Ukrainian forces are driving Russians away from Kharkiv. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine. This has kept up pressure on Izium and Russian supply lines. This means that Russia may find it tough to encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbas.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine under attack: Defenders of Mariupol reject Russian offer to surrender</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's defence ministry said its forces hit a series of military sites, including in the Donbas, killing at least 100 Ukrainian "nationalists."</p>

<p>Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US Republican Senator paid unannounced visit to Kyiv in show of solidarity. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the senators discussed further strengthening sanctions on Russia.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-senate-republican-meets-zelensky-ukraine-calls-for-recognition-of-russia-as-terrorist-state-478994">Top Senate Republican meets Zelensky; Ukraine calls for recognition of Russia as 'terrorist state'</a></strong><br />
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Western analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to anticipate the fierce Ukrainian resistance - and the forceful global response - when he ordered the Feb. 24 invasion.</p>

<p>As well as losing large numbers of men and much military equipment, Russia has been hit by economic sanctions. The Group of Seven leading Western economies pledged in a statement on Saturday to "further increase economic and political pressure on Russia" and to supply more weapons to Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces near Izium, a Russian-held town in eastern Ukraine. This can be a serious setback for Russian plans to assume control of entire Donbas region.

Ukrainian armed forces have launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces near Izium, a Russian-held town in eastern Ukraine. This can be a serious setback for Russian plans to assume control of entire Donbas region. After it failed to reach Ukrainian capital Kyiv, Russia has focussed its firepower on Donbas region. Russian forces enjoy support from separatist elements in this region of Ukraine. Ukraine has been retaking territory in its northeast. Ukrainian forces are driving Russians away from Kharkiv. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine. This has kept up pressure on Izium and Russian supply lines. This means that Russia may find it tough to encircle Ukrainian troops in Donbas. Watch | Ukraine under attack: Defenders of Mariupol reject Russian offer to surrender × Russia's defence ministry said its forces hit a series of military sites, including in the Donbas, killing at least 100 Ukrainian "nationalists." Reuters said it could not independently verify the report. Meanwhile, US Republican Senator paid unannounced visit to Kyiv in show of solidarity. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the senators discussed further strengthening sanctions on Russia. Also Read | Top Senate Republican meets Zelensky; Ukraine calls for recognition of Russia as 'terrorist state' Western analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to anticipate the fierce Ukrainian resistance - and the forceful global response - when he ordered the Feb. 24 invasion. As well as losing large numbers of men and much military equipment, Russia has been hit by economic sanctions. The Group of Seven leading Western economies pledged in a statement on Saturday to "further increase economic and political pressure on Russia" and to supply more weapons to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukrainian forces launch counteroffensive against Russia in east

<p>A Russian soldier appeared in a court in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday in a first war crimes trial. The soldier faces charges of killing a civillian. Vadim Shishimarin (21), the Russian soldier, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing.</p>

<p>He is accused of killing an unarmed 62-year-old civillian.</p>

<p>He faces possible life imprisonment on charges of war crimes and premeditated murder.</p>

<p>The trial marks a significant moment for Ukraine, where Russian forces have been accused of killing hundreds of civilians since the war began on February 24. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | The first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine on a 21-year-old Russian soldier</strong></p>

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<p>It is accused that Shishimarin fired an automatic rifle from a car window and killed the civillian. This was allegedly done to ensure that there was no witness to the carjacking.</p>

<p>Prosecutor Yaroslav Ushchapivskiy told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that Shishimarin had admitted his guilt and agreed to cooperate with the investigation.</p>

<p>After his convoy was hit in northern Ukraine on February 28, Shishimarin joined four other fleeing soldiers and stole a car from outside the village of Chupakhivka, officials say.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-does-not-have-positive-opinion-on-sweden-finland-joining-nato-478762">Erdogan says Turkey does not have 'positive opinion' on Sweden, Finland joining NATO</a></strong></p>

<p>The civilian, who was not named, was riding his bicycle on the side of the road not far from his home when the alleged theft took place, according to prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One of the military servicemen ordered the accused to kill a civilian so that he would not report them," according to a statement from the prosecutor general's office Thursday.</p>

<p>"The man died on the spot just a few dozen metres (yards) from his home," it added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Russian soldier appeared in a court in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday in a first war crimes trial. The soldier faces charges of killing a civillian. Vadim Shishimarin (21), the Russian soldier, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing.

A Russian soldier appeared in a court in Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Friday in a first war crimes trial. The soldier faces charges of killing a civillian. Vadim Shishimarin (21), the Russian soldier, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing. He is accused of killing an unarmed 62-year-old civillian. He faces possible life imprisonment on charges of war crimes and premeditated murder. The trial marks a significant moment for Ukraine, where Russian forces have been accused of killing hundreds of civilians since the war began on February 24. Watch | The first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine on a 21-year-old Russian soldier × It is accused that Shishimarin fired an automatic rifle from a car window and killed the civillian. This was allegedly done to ensure that there was no witness to the carjacking. Prosecutor Yaroslav Ushchapivskiy told the Ukrainska Pravda news website that Shishimarin had admitted his guilt and agreed to cooperate with the investigation. After his convoy was hit in northern Ukraine on February 28, Shishimarin joined four other fleeing soldiers and stole a car from outside the village of Chupakhivka, officials say. Also Read | Erdogan says Turkey does not have 'positive opinion' on Sweden, Finland joining NATO The civilian, who was not named, was riding his bicycle on the side of the road not far from his home when the alleged theft took place, according to prosecutors. "One of the military servicemen ordered the accused to kill a civilian so that he would not report them," according to a statement from the prosecutor general's office Thursday. "The man died on the spot just a few dozen metres (yards) from his home," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

First Russian soldier appears in Ukraine court for war crimes trial

<p>US lawmakers on Tuesday were set to begin debate on USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine amid Russian invasion. The US warned that Russia was likely preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>It is expected that defense, humanitarian and economic funding will be passed comfortably.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"This is a large package but the need is great and time is of the essence... The president has called on both chambers of Congress to act quickly on the Ukrainian aid package, so act quickly we must," Chuck Schumer, who leads the Senate Democratic majority, said on the floor.</p>

<p>Leaders in US Congress on Monday struck a deal to release $6.8 billion more than the $33 billion previously requested by the White House to help the Eastern European nation ward off Moscow's invasion.</p>

<p>The financial boost will include extra USD 3.4 billion for military and humanitarian assistance.</p>

<p>If the package passes as planned, US spending to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russia's invasion and address the ensuing humanitarian crisis will soar to around $54 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-intends-to-achieve-goals-beyond-donbas-may-impose-martial-law-us-intelligence-chief-477931">Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief</a></strong></p>

<p>The action comes as a top US official warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war that may not end with Russian victory in the east.</p>

<p>"We assess President Putin is preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said at a hearing on Capitol Hill.</p>

<p>She added that Putin was counting on US and EU resolve to weaken as the conflict continues to cause food shortages and inflation, including spiraling energy prices.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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US lawmakers on Tuesday were set to begin debate on USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine amid Russian invasion. The US warned that Russia was likely preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine.

US lawmakers on Tuesday were set to begin debate on USD 40 billion aid package for Ukraine amid Russian invasion. The US warned that Russia was likely preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine. It is expected that defense, humanitarian and economic funding will be passed comfortably. "This is a large package but the need is great and time is of the essence... The president has called on both chambers of Congress to act quickly on the Ukrainian aid package, so act quickly we must," Chuck Schumer, who leads the Senate Democratic majority, said on the floor. Leaders in US Congress on Monday struck a deal to release $6.8 billion more than the $33 billion previously requested by the White House to help the Eastern European nation ward off Moscow's invasion. The financial boost will include extra USD 3.4 billion for military and humanitarian assistance. If the package passes as planned, US spending to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russia's invasion and address the ensuing humanitarian crisis will soar to around $54 billion. Also Read | Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief The action comes as a top US official warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war that may not end with Russian victory in the east. "We assess President Putin is preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas," Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said at a hearing on Capitol Hill. She added that Putin was counting on US and EU resolve to weaken as the conflict continues to cause food shortages and inflation, including spiraling energy prices. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US mulls USD 40 billion for Ukraine

<p>EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that Europe stands behind Ukraine, slamming Russia for waging a "atrocious war" and directing "senseless aggression" in the nation, which has suffered massive damage and continues to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her message, delivered via video, comes as the continent commemorates Europe Day, which began with the premise that "conflict should be unthinkable" between European nations.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/victory-will-be-ours-says-putin-on-ukraine-war-ahead-of-may-9-celebrations-477367">Also Read:&nbsp;Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>In the two minute and 20 second video shared on Twitter, the European Union chief is heard saying "Today our continent encounters shadows of the past we thought we had left behind long back. An atrocious war, senseless aggression and destroyed cities. Millions of innocents fleeing their homes. A people desperately struggling to determine its own future,".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us why we are celebrating Europe Day tomorrow.<br />
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The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born.<br />
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72 years later, Europe is united in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends, who aspire to a future of freedom.<br />
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A European future. <a href="https://t.co/xHAhD94rCr">pic.twitter.com/xHAhD94rCr</a></p>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1523272621743345664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"At the same time, the Kremlin's invasion reminds us why we’re celebrating Europe Day. The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born. 72 years later, Europe is stronger and more united than ever."</p>

<p>Her message arrived on the same day as a blast in Ukraine that killed more than 60 people, more than two months after the conflict began over Russia's "denazification" of the country.</p>

<p>"We are recovering from the COVID crisis. Member states have already received 100 billion euros from our recovery fund. Vast investments are securing millions of jobs and creating new jobs every day. We are working hard to protect the climate."</p>

<p>The 'Schuman Declaration' was signed on May 9, 1950, on Europe Day. It is being commemorated this year while the continent is witnessing one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II.</p>

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EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that Europe stands behind Ukraine, slamming Russia for waging a "atrocious war" and directing "senseless aggression" in the nation, which has suffered massive damage and continues to do so.

EU leader Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that Europe stands behind Ukraine, slamming Russia for waging a "atrocious war" and directing "senseless aggression" in the nation, which has suffered massive damage and continues to do so. Her message, delivered via video, comes as the continent commemorates Europe Day, which began with the premise that "conflict should be unthinkable" between European nations. Also Read: Victory will be ours, says Putin on Ukraine war In the two minute and 20 second video shared on Twitter, the European Union chief is heard saying "Today our continent encounters shadows of the past we thought we had left behind long back. An atrocious war, senseless aggression and destroyed cities. Millions of innocents fleeing their homes. A people desperately struggling to determine its own future,". The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us why we are celebrating Europe Day tomorrow. The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born. 72 years later, Europe is united in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends, who aspire to a future of freedom. A European future. pic.twitter.com/xHAhD94rCr — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 8, 2022 × "At the same time, the Kremlin's invasion reminds us why we’re celebrating Europe Day. The day when a peaceful, prosperous Europe was born. 72 years later, Europe is stronger and more united than ever." Her message arrived on the same day as a blast in Ukraine that killed more than 60 people, more than two months after the conflict began over Russia's "denazification" of the country. "We are recovering from the COVID crisis. Member states have already received 100 billion euros from our recovery fund. Vast investments are securing millions of jobs and creating new jobs every day. We are working hard to protect the climate." The 'Schuman Declaration' was signed on May 9, 1950, on Europe Day. It is being commemorated this year while the continent is witnessing one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Why we are celebrating Europe Day': EU chief criticises Russia over Ukraine conflict

<p>Russian bombing of a school in Ukraine's village of Bilohorivka has claim two lives and 60 trapped in the debris are feared dead, said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the Luhansk region.</p>

<p>The governor said that Russia dropped a bomb on the school on Saturday afternoon. About 90 people were sheltering in the school. The bombing caused a fire in the building. Thirty people have been rescued.</p>

<p>"The fire was extinguished after nearly four hours, then the rubble was cleared, and, unfortunately, the bodies of two people were found," Gaidai wrote on wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app. "Sixty people were likely to have died under the rubble of buildings."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine crisis: China rejects America's claim, says countries distorting our position</strong><br />
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Separately, Gaidai said that according to preliminary information, shelling in the village of Shypilovo destroyed a house and 11 people remained under the building's debris.</p>

<p>News agency Reuters said that it could not immediately verify the reports.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-300-people-evacuated-from-azovstal-steel-plant-says-ukrainian-president-zelensky-477243">Over 300 civilians evacuated from Azovstal steel plant, says Ukrainian President Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that over 300 people (civilians) have been evacuated from Mariupol steel plant. Ukrainian soldiers are still holed-up inside the Azovstal steel factory. It is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the key port city. Russia has already declared that Mariupol is under its control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian bombing of a school in Ukraine's village of Bilohorivka has claim two lives and 60 trapped in the debris are feared dead, said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the Luhansk region.

Russian bombing of a school in Ukraine's village of Bilohorivka has claim two lives and 60 trapped in the debris are feared dead, said Serhiy Gaidai, governor of the Luhansk region. The governor said that Russia dropped a bomb on the school on Saturday afternoon. About 90 people were sheltering in the school. The bombing caused a fire in the building. Thirty people have been rescued. "The fire was extinguished after nearly four hours, then the rubble was cleared, and, unfortunately, the bodies of two people were found," Gaidai wrote on wrote in a post on the Telegram messaging app. "Sixty people were likely to have died under the rubble of buildings." Watch | Russia-Ukraine crisis: China rejects America's claim, says countries distorting our position × Separately, Gaidai said that according to preliminary information, shelling in the village of Shypilovo destroyed a house and 11 people remained under the building's debris. News agency Reuters said that it could not immediately verify the reports. Also Read | Over 300 civilians evacuated from Azovstal steel plant, says Ukrainian President Zelensky Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that over 300 people (civilians) have been evacuated from Mariupol steel plant. Ukrainian soldiers are still holed-up inside the Azovstal steel factory. It is the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in the key port city. Russia has already declared that Mariupol is under its control. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian bombing of Ukrainian school kills 2, sixty trapped under rubble: Governor

<p>Pentagon on Thursday (May 5) denied providing intelligence on Russian generals' location on the battlefield to help Ukraine kill them. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US provided military intelligence to Ukraine "to help Ukrainians defend their country". He was reacting to an explosive New York Times report.</p>

<p>US media reported later on Thursday that the US had helped Ukraine sink Russian warship Moskva by providing intelligence.</p>

<p>AFP quoted an unnamed US official who said that the US does not "provide specific targeting information on ships."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | 'Zelensky acting at behest of US,' Belarusian President openly supports Russian invasion</strong></p>

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<p>The story about Moskva was first published by NBC. The story said that Ukraine had asked the US about a ship sailing in Black Sea. The US then helped confirm location of the ship and identified that the ship is Moskva.</p>

<p>However, the United States did not know that Ukraine would target the flagship vessel, the officials cited by NBC said.</p>

<p>Ukraine has been particularly successful in attacking Russian command positions, and, according to reports, came close last week to striking a location near the front lines in the Donbas region where Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, was believed to be visiting troops.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-destroyed-400-hospitals-leaving-patients-in-extreme-difficulties-zelensky-476697">Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukraine forces may have shelled the location just a few hours after Gerasimov had left, the unconfirmed reports said.</p>

<p>The New York Times article said that Ukraine had killed "many" of about dozen dead Russian generals with the help of US intelligence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.</strong></p>

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Pentagon on Thursday (May 5) denied providing intelligence on Russian generals' location on the battlefield to help Ukraine kill them. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US provided military intelligence to Ukraine "to help Ukrainians defend their country".

Pentagon on Thursday (May 5) denied providing intelligence on Russian generals' location on the battlefield to help Ukraine kill them. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby said that the US provided military intelligence to Ukraine "to help Ukrainians defend their country". He was reacting to an explosive New York Times report. US media reported later on Thursday that the US had helped Ukraine sink Russian warship Moskva by providing intelligence. AFP quoted an unnamed US official who said that the US does not "provide specific targeting information on ships." Watch | 'Zelensky acting at behest of US,' Belarusian President openly supports Russian invasion × The story about Moskva was first published by NBC. The story said that Ukraine had asked the US about a ship sailing in Black Sea. The US then helped confirm location of the ship and identified that the ship is Moskva. However, the United States did not know that Ukraine would target the flagship vessel, the officials cited by NBC said. Ukraine has been particularly successful in attacking Russian command positions, and, according to reports, came close last week to striking a location near the front lines in the Donbas region where Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, was believed to be visiting troops. Also Read | Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky Ukraine forces may have shelled the location just a few hours after Gerasimov had left, the unconfirmed reports said. The New York Times article said that Ukraine had killed "many" of about dozen dead Russian generals with the help of US intelligence. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon

<p>Russian forces on Wednesday were fighting for control of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, as per Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian soldiers are currently holed up inside Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. There are civilians inside along with the soldiers.</p>

<p>As per Mariupol authorities, 200 civilians along with soldiers are inside the network of underground bunkers in the steel plant.</p>

<p>Civilians who were evacuated to safety this week under a United Nations-led deal voiced fear for those still trapped inside.</p>

<p>"God forbid more shells hit near the bunkers where the civilians are," said evacuee Tetyana Trotsak, who was among dozens of Ukrainians who reached the Ukraine-controlled town of Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Russian State TV issues a chilling warning</strong></p>

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<p>Mariupol is important to Russia as it connected territories controlled by Russia in the south and east. Russia was not able to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv after its invasion of the country commenced on February 24. After this, Russia has concentrated its fire on Mariupol which is largely under Russian control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia`s military said it would pause military activity at Azovstal during Thursday daytime and the following two days to allow civilians to evacuate.</p>

<p>Humanitarian corridors will be opened "for the evacuation of civilians (working personnel, women and children) whose presence in the underground facilities of the plant (has) been announced by the Kyiv authorities," Russia`s military said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-modi-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-russia-ukraine-war-reports-476410">Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help rescue more people from the plant.</p>

<p>"The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them," Zelenskiy said.</p>

<p>Over 300 civilians were evacuated from Mariupol and other areas in southern Ukraine as part of a joint U.N.-Red Cross operation that concluded on Wednesday, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine Osnat Lubrani said.</p>

<p>"While this second evacuation of civilians from areas in Mariupol and beyond is significant, much more must be done to make sure all civilians caught up in fighting can leave, in the direction they wish," Lubrani said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.</em></strong></p>

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Russian forces on Wednesday were fighting for control of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, as per Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian soldiers are currently holed up inside Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol.

Russian forces on Wednesday were fighting for control of the last pocket of Ukrainian resistance in Mariupol, as per Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian soldiers are currently holed up inside Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol. There are civilians inside along with the soldiers. As per Mariupol authorities, 200 civilians along with soldiers are inside the network of underground bunkers in the steel plant. Civilians who were evacuated to safety this week under a United Nations-led deal voiced fear for those still trapped inside. "God forbid more shells hit near the bunkers where the civilians are," said evacuee Tetyana Trotsak, who was among dozens of Ukrainians who reached the Ukraine-controlled town of Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday. Gravitas: Russian State TV issues a chilling warning × Mariupol is important to Russia as it connected territories controlled by Russia in the south and east. Russia was not able to capture Ukrainian capital Kyiv after its invasion of the country commenced on February 24. After this, Russia has concentrated its fire on Mariupol which is largely under Russian control. Russia`s military said it would pause military activity at Azovstal during Thursday daytime and the following two days to allow civilians to evacuate. Humanitarian corridors will be opened "for the evacuation of civilians (working personnel, women and children) whose presence in the underground facilities of the plant (has) been announced by the Kyiv authorities," Russia`s military said. Also Read | Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help rescue more people from the plant. "The lives of the people who remain there are in danger. Everyone is important to us. We ask for your help in saving them," Zelenskiy said. Over 300 civilians were evacuated from Mariupol and other areas in southern Ukraine as part of a joint U.N.-Red Cross operation that concluded on Wednesday, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine Osnat Lubrani said. "While this second evacuation of civilians from areas in Mariupol and beyond is significant, much more must be done to make sure all civilians caught up in fighting can leave, in the direction they wish," Lubrani said. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol

<p>United Nations and Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday (May 4) that Russian soldiers were allegedly raping men and boys in Ukraine.</p>

<p>“I have received reports, not yet verified… about sexual violence cases against men and boys in Ukraine.” said Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.</p>

<p>She underlined challenges male survivors of rape would face in reporting the crime. She said that while it was hard for women to report sexual violence due to the social stigma, it may be even harder for men to admit and openly report that they had been sexually assaulted.</p>

<p><strong>'Bloody battles' continue inside Azovstal steel plant, at least 200 civilians trapped</strong></p>

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<p>“I am working with the different UN agencies to ensure that there are services adapted to the needs of men and boys, because everywhere in many conflict situations, I have observed that there is a lack of services adapted to the needs of men and boys,” she added.</p>

<p>Patten said that cases of sexual assault against men reported and under investigation till now were just "tip of the iceberg". &nbsp;</p>

<p>She urged survivors of sexual violence to come forward and report the cases to the authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-fight-for-control-of-last-ukrainian-stronghold-in-mariupol-476439">Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol</a></strong></p>

<p>“My promise to you is that international law will not be an empty promise. Today’s documentation will be tomorrow’s prosecution. And I want you to know that your rights don’t end when wars begin,” she said.</p>

<p>Pramila Patten was speaking at a press conference in Kyiv. With her was Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.</p>

<p>She described sexual violence in war as “one of the most silent types of crime”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.</em></strong></p>

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United Nations and Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday (May 4) that Russian soldiers were allegedly raping men and boys in Ukraine. “I have received reports, not yet verified… about sexual violence cases against men and boys in Ukraine.

United Nations and Ukrainian officials said on Wednesday (May 4) that Russian soldiers were allegedly raping men and boys in Ukraine. “I have received reports, not yet verified… about sexual violence cases against men and boys in Ukraine.” said Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. She underlined challenges male survivors of rape would face in reporting the crime. She said that while it was hard for women to report sexual violence due to the social stigma, it may be even harder for men to admit and openly report that they had been sexually assaulted. 'Bloody battles' continue inside Azovstal steel plant, at least 200 civilians trapped × “I am working with the different UN agencies to ensure that there are services adapted to the needs of men and boys, because everywhere in many conflict situations, I have observed that there is a lack of services adapted to the needs of men and boys,” she added. Patten said that cases of sexual assault against men reported and under investigation till now were just "tip of the iceberg". She urged survivors of sexual violence to come forward and report the cases to the authorities. Also Read | Russian troops fight for control of last Ukrainian stronghold in Mariupol “My promise to you is that international law will not be an empty promise. Today’s documentation will be tomorrow’s prosecution. And I want you to know that your rights don’t end when wars begin,” she said. Pramila Patten was speaking at a press conference in Kyiv. With her was Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. She described sexual violence in war as “one of the most silent types of crime”. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian soldiers are raping men and boys in Ukraine, says UN official

<p>'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fight pilot known to have shot down nearly 40 Russian fighter jets has died in battle, as per a report in The Times of London. The Ukrainian pilot who gained fame for his bravery in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24 this year.</p>

<p>The identity of 'Ghost of Kyiv' has also been revealed in the report. The Times of London reported tha Major Stepan Tarabalka.</p>

<p>Media reports say that Major Tarabalka's fighter jet was shot down on March 13 when he was tackling overwhelming number of enemy forces. Major Tarabalka's goggles and helmet are now going to be auctioned.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-says-russia-using-troll-farms-to-spread-disinformation-about-the-ukraine-conflict-475306">Britain says Russia using 'troll farms' to spread disinformation about the Ukraine conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>"People call him the Ghost of Kyiv. And rightly so — this UAF ace dominates the skies over our capital and country, and has already become a nightmare for invading Russian aircrafts," tweeted official account of Ukraine government on February 22 this year, highlighting the bravery of Major Traabalka.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">People call him the Ghost of Kyiv. And rightly so — this UAF ace dominates the skies over our capital and country, and has already become a nightmare for invading Russian aircrafts. <a href="https://t.co/lngfaMN01I">pic.twitter.com/lngfaMN01I</a></p>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1497834538843660291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Major Tarabalka was declared to have shot down 6 Russian fighter jets on the first day of the war.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>The Times reported that Stepan Tarabalka was born in Korolivka, a small village in western Ukraine. He hailed froma working class family. It was his dream to become a fighter pilot since his childhood.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fight pilot known to have shot down nearly 40 Russian fighter jets has died in battle, as per a report in The Times of London. The Ukrainian pilot who gained fame for his bravery in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24 this year.

'Ghost of Kyiv', a Ukrainian fight pilot known to have shot down nearly 40 Russian fighter jets has died in battle, as per a report in The Times of London. The Ukrainian pilot who gained fame for his bravery in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24 this year. The identity of 'Ghost of Kyiv' has also been revealed in the report. The Times of London reported tha Major Stepan Tarabalka. Media reports say that Major Tarabalka's fighter jet was shot down on March 13 when he was tackling overwhelming number of enemy forces. Major Tarabalka's goggles and helmet are now going to be auctioned. Also Read | Britain says Russia using 'troll farms' to spread disinformation about the Ukraine conflict "People call him the Ghost of Kyiv. And rightly so — this UAF ace dominates the skies over our capital and country, and has already become a nightmare for invading Russian aircrafts," tweeted official account of Ukraine government on February 22 this year, highlighting the bravery of Major Traabalka. People call him the Ghost of Kyiv. And rightly so — this UAF ace dominates the skies over our capital and country, and has already become a nightmare for invading Russian aircrafts. pic.twitter.com/lngfaMN01I — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) February 27, 2022 × Major Tarabalka was declared to have shot down 6 Russian fighter jets on the first day of the war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The Times reported that Stepan Tarabalka was born in Korolivka, a small village in western Ukraine. He hailed froma working class family. It was his dream to become a fighter pilot since his childhood. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'Ghost of Kyiv' killed in fighting, has shot down 40 Russian jets

<p>A Pentagon official said on Friday that Russian campaign to seize Donbas in Eastern Ukraine was behind schedule and was moving slowly. The official, quoted by Reuters, said that stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers and Russia's failure to capture Kyiv resulted in "slow and uneven progress" in Donbas.</p>

<p>"We believe that essentially what they're doing is continuing to set conditions for a sustained and larger and longer offensive," the official said.</p>

<p>The official said that this included a "doctrinal" approach of launching airstrikes and then artillery strikes at Ukraine positions, and only then attempting to move forward on the ground.</p>

<p>However, such strikes have not been as successful as Russians had hoped, according to the official. And this in turn has led to slow progress on ground.</p>

<p>In addition, "they're still a little wary of getting out ahead of their supply lines. They don't want to make the same mistakes that they've made in Kyiv," the official said.</p>

<p>Consequently, the official said, "We do believe in the sense that they're behind schedule and what they were trying to accomplish in the Donbas."</p>

<p>The official said the Pentagon believes the Russians "are at least several days behind where they wanted to be."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cruelty-and-depravity-us-blasts-putin-as-russia-carries-out-airstrikes-against-kyiv-475068">'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv</a></strong></p>

<p>In their short-term goals, the Russians aim to capture territory to the east of an imaginary line between Kharkiv and Donetsk, battlefield analysts believe.</p>

<p>The Russians have 92 battalion tactical groups in the east and south of Ukraine now, with more poised on the Russian side of the border, according to the Pentagon.</p>

<p>But those BTGs are not necessarily full-strength after significant setbacks in the first weeks of the two-month-old war, the official said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>The US and European allies are rushing heavy artillery into Ukraine to help with the defense, but given the logistics of moving scores of howitzers and the need for training of Ukraine forces to operate them, the new equipment is still mostly not at the front and engaged in the fight.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Pentagon official said on Friday that Russian campaign to seize Donbas in Eastern Ukraine was behind schedule and was moving slowly. The official, quoted by Reuters, said that stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers and Russia's failure to capture Kyiv resulted in "slow and uneven progress" in Donbas.

A Pentagon official said on Friday that Russian campaign to seize Donbas in Eastern Ukraine was behind schedule and was moving slowly. The official, quoted by Reuters, said that stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers and Russia's failure to capture Kyiv resulted in "slow and uneven progress" in Donbas. "We believe that essentially what they're doing is continuing to set conditions for a sustained and larger and longer offensive," the official said. The official said that this included a "doctrinal" approach of launching airstrikes and then artillery strikes at Ukraine positions, and only then attempting to move forward on the ground. However, such strikes have not been as successful as Russians had hoped, according to the official. And this in turn has led to slow progress on ground. In addition, "they're still a little wary of getting out ahead of their supply lines. They don't want to make the same mistakes that they've made in Kyiv," the official said. Consequently, the official said, "We do believe in the sense that they're behind schedule and what they were trying to accomplish in the Donbas." The official said the Pentagon believes the Russians "are at least several days behind where they wanted to be." Also Read | 'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv In their short-term goals, the Russians aim to capture territory to the east of an imaginary line between Kharkiv and Donetsk, battlefield analysts believe. The Russians have 92 battalion tactical groups in the east and south of Ukraine now, with more poised on the Russian side of the border, according to the Pentagon. But those BTGs are not necessarily full-strength after significant setbacks in the first weeks of the two-month-old war, the official said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The US and European allies are rushing heavy artillery into Ukraine to help with the defense, but given the logistics of moving scores of howitzers and the need for training of Ukraine forces to operate them, the new equipment is still mostly not at the front and engaged in the fight. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russia is 'behind schedule' in Donbas, says Pentagon official

<p>A British military update said on Saturday that Russia has been forced to merge and redeploy depleted units from failed advances in northeast Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Shortcomings in Russian tactical coordination remain. A lack of unit-level skills and inconsistent air support have left Russia unable to fully leverage its combat mass, despite localised improvements," the military tweeted.</p>

<p>"Russia hopes to rectify issues that have previously constrained its invasion by geographically concentrating combat power, shortening supply lines and simplifying command and control," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Euro zone inflation rises to 7.5%</strong></p>

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<p>Russia launched invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The forces advanced rapidly but the initial momentum did not sustain and Russia could not capture a single major Ukrainian city for a long time. Russian forces advansed towards Ukraine's capital Kyiv but did not capture it. Currently Russia only control of Mariupol in the south but even that city has a pocket defended by Ukrainian soldiers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cruelty-and-depravity-us-blasts-putin-as-russia-carries-out-airstrikes-against-kyiv-475068">'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv</a></strong></p>

<p>Western aid including weapons are arriving in Ukraine.</p>

<p>On Saturday (April 30) Russia said that its artillery had struck 389 Ukrainian targets overnight. These, said Russia included 35 control points, 15 arms and ammunition depots and more areas where Ukrainian troops and equipments were concentrated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Russia's defence ministry said that its missiles had hit four ammunition and fuel depots.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A British military update said on Saturday that Russia has been forced to merge and redeploy depleted units from failed advances in northeast Ukraine. "Shortcomings in Russian tactical coordination remain.

A British military update said on Saturday that Russia has been forced to merge and redeploy depleted units from failed advances in northeast Ukraine. "Shortcomings in Russian tactical coordination remain. A lack of unit-level skills and inconsistent air support have left Russia unable to fully leverage its combat mass, despite localised improvements," the military tweeted. "Russia hopes to rectify issues that have previously constrained its invasion by geographically concentrating combat power, shortening supply lines and simplifying command and control," it said. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Euro zone inflation rises to 7.5% × Russia launched invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The forces advanced rapidly but the initial momentum did not sustain and Russia could not capture a single major Ukrainian city for a long time. Russian forces advansed towards Ukraine's capital Kyiv but did not capture it. Currently Russia only control of Mariupol in the south but even that city has a pocket defended by Ukrainian soldiers. Also Read | 'Cruelty and depravity': US blasts Putin as Russia carries out airstrikes against Kyiv Western aid including weapons are arriving in Ukraine. On Saturday (April 30) Russia said that its artillery had struck 389 Ukrainian targets overnight. These, said Russia included 35 control points, 15 arms and ammunition depots and more areas where Ukrainian troops and equipments were concentrated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Russia's defence ministry said that its missiles had hit four ammunition and fuel depots. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine: Russia forced to rearrange troop deployment, says British update

<p>Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century.</p>

<p>The strikes took place in western part of the city wounding at least three people. The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes.</p>

<p>Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases.</p>

<p>Prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova has told a German TV channel that these cases include "killing civilians, bombing of civilian infrastructure, torture" and "sexual crimes".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-21st-century-war-is-an-absurdity-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visits-destroyed-ukrainian-towns-474656">'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers in the US to approve the huge aid package worth USD 33 billion for Ukraine.</p>

<p>"The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's proposal as an "important step" and "necessary."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century.

Russia struck Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (April 28) during United Nations Sectretary General Antonio Guterres' visit to the city. During his visit, Guterres spoke of and denounced 'absurdity' of war in 21st century. The strikes took place in western part of the city wounding at least three people. The strikes were first in the capital in nearly two weeks. They were carried out after Guterres toured Bucha and other suburbs in which Russia faces allegations to have committed war crimes. Ukrainian prosecutors said they were investigating 10 Russian soldiers for suspected atrocities in Bucha, where dozens of bodies in civilian clothes were found after Moscow's retreat, and had identified more than 8,000 alleged war crimes cases. Prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova has told a German TV channel that these cases include "killing civilians, bombing of civilian infrastructure, torture" and "sexual crimes". Also Read | 'In 21st century, war is an absurdity': UN chief Antonio Guterres visits destroyed Ukrainian towns Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers in the US to approve the huge aid package worth USD 33 billion for Ukraine. "The cost of this fight is not cheap. But caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen," Biden said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed Biden's proposal as an "important step" and "necessary." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit

<p>Canadian lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously voted to call Russian attacks in Ukraine a "genocide". Members of the parliament said that there was "ample evidence of systemic and massive war crimes against humanity" being committed by Moscow.</p>

<p>The motion in Canada's House of Commons' said war crimes by Russia include mass atrocities, systematic instances of willful killing of Ukrainian civilians, the desecration of corpses, forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, torture, physical harm, mental harm, and rape.</p>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this month that it was "absolutely right" for more and more people to describe Russia`s actions in Ukraine as genocide. His words came just a day after US President Joe Biden made the same accusation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland &amp; Bulgaria</strong></p>

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<p>Biden had said earlier in April that the Ukraine invasion amounted to genocide but had added that lawyers internationally would have to decide whether or not the invasion met the criteria for genocide.</p>

<p>Russia has been denying accusations of genocide. It terms its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation". Russia has claimed that the special military operation was necessary as the US was using Ukraine to threaten Russia. Russia makes a counter-claim that Ukraine has carried out genocide of Russian-speaking people. Ukraine dismisses this charge.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-russian-move-to-cut-gas-a-blackmail-474482">EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail'</a></strong></p>

<p>Canada is among a number of countries to have imposed sanctions on Russia after it invaded Ukraine on February&nbsp;24. On Wednesday, it imposed further sanctions on 203 individuals whom it says are complicit in Russia`s attempted annexation of certain areas of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Late on Wednesday, Canada also updated its travel advice for Moldova, citing the risk of armed conflict in Transnistria, a breakaway Russian-occupied part of Moldova in the west.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Canadian lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously voted to call Russian attacks in Ukraine a "genocide". Members of the parliament said that there was "ample evidence of systemic and massive war crimes against humanity" being committed by Moscow.

Canadian lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously voted to call Russian attacks in Ukraine a "genocide". Members of the parliament said that there was "ample evidence of systemic and massive war crimes against humanity" being committed by Moscow. The motion in Canada's House of Commons' said war crimes by Russia include mass atrocities, systematic instances of willful killing of Ukrainian civilians, the desecration of corpses, forcible transfer of Ukrainian children, torture, physical harm, mental harm, and rape. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this month that it was "absolutely right" for more and more people to describe Russia`s actions in Ukraine as genocide. His words came just a day after US President Joe Biden made the same accusation. Gravitas: Russia stops exporting gas to Poland & Bulgaria × Biden had said earlier in April that the Ukraine invasion amounted to genocide but had added that lawyers internationally would have to decide whether or not the invasion met the criteria for genocide. Russia has been denying accusations of genocide. It terms its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation". Russia has claimed that the special military operation was necessary as the US was using Ukraine to threaten Russia. Russia makes a counter-claim that Ukraine has carried out genocide of Russian-speaking people. Ukraine dismisses this charge. Also Read | EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail' Canada is among a number of countries to have imposed sanctions on Russia after it invaded Ukraine on February 24. On Wednesday, it imposed further sanctions on 203 individuals whom it says are complicit in Russia`s attempted annexation of certain areas of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Late on Wednesday, Canada also updated its travel advice for Moldova, citing the risk of armed conflict in Transnistria, a breakaway Russian-occupied part of Moldova in the west. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine Conflict: Canadian House of Commons unanimously declares Russian acts 'genocide'

<p>The World Bank has warned that price shocks in food and fuel prices due to Russian invasion of Ukraine will be felt at least till the end of year 2024. This, said that bank, raises the risk of stagflation. The World Bank has expressed its observation in its latest Commodities Market Outlook report.</p>

<p>The report is World Bank's first comprehensive analysis of the war's impact on commodity market. The bank has said that the world is facing biggest commodity price shock since the 1970s.</p>

<p>It is being aggravated, it said, by restrictions in food, fuel and fertiliser trade that are exacerbating already elevated inflationary pressures around the world.</p>

<p>"Policymakers should take every opportunity to increase economic growth at home and avoid actions that bring harm to the global economy," said Indermit Gill, the World Bank’s Vice President for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions.</p>

<p>Russia is the world's largest natural gas and fertiliser exporter, and second largest crude oil exporter. Together with Ukraine, it accounts for nearly a third of global wheat exports, 19% of corn exports and 80% of exports of sunflower oil exports.</p>

<p>There has been a disruption in export and production of natural gas, fertilisers, crude oil and other commodities since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 this year.</p>

<p>The bank said commodity prices will only retreat slightly and stay well above the most recent five-year average for the medium term.</p>

<p>"In the event of a prolonged war, or additional (Western) sanctions on Russia, prices could be even higher and more volatile than currently projected," it said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>In terms of policy responses to the crisis, the bank singled out tax cuts and subsidies that it said tend to exacerbate supply shortfalls and price hikes, calling instead for school feeding programmes as well as cash transfers and public employment programmes for disadvantaged groups.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The World Bank has warned that price shocks in food and fuel prices due to Russian invasion of Ukraine will be felt at least till the end of year 2024. This, said that bank, raises the risk of stagflation.

The World Bank has warned that price shocks in food and fuel prices due to Russian invasion of Ukraine will be felt at least till the end of year 2024. This, said that bank, raises the risk of stagflation. The World Bank has expressed its observation in its latest Commodities Market Outlook report. The report is World Bank's first comprehensive analysis of the war's impact on commodity market. The bank has said that the world is facing biggest commodity price shock since the 1970s. It is being aggravated, it said, by restrictions in food, fuel and fertiliser trade that are exacerbating already elevated inflationary pressures around the world. "Policymakers should take every opportunity to increase economic growth at home and avoid actions that bring harm to the global economy," said Indermit Gill, the World Bank’s Vice President for Equitable Growth, Finance, and Institutions. Russia is the world's largest natural gas and fertiliser exporter, and second largest crude oil exporter. Together with Ukraine, it accounts for nearly a third of global wheat exports, 19% of corn exports and 80% of exports of sunflower oil exports. There has been a disruption in export and production of natural gas, fertilisers, crude oil and other commodities since Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 this year. The bank said commodity prices will only retreat slightly and stay well above the most recent five-year average for the medium term. "In the event of a prolonged war, or additional (Western) sanctions on Russia, prices could be even higher and more volatile than currently projected," it said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × In terms of policy responses to the crisis, the bank singled out tax cuts and subsidies that it said tend to exacerbate supply shortfalls and price hikes, calling instead for school feeding programmes as well as cash transfers and public employment programmes for disadvantaged groups. (With inputs from agencies)

World Bank warns of stagflation due to Russia's Ukraine invasion

<p>USA's stinger missiles, which cn be fired by a single soldier have been in demand in Ukraine as they have successfully stopped Russian air assaults. But US supplies have dwindled and there are hurdles in the way of producing anti-aircraft weapons.</p>

<p>Challenges include complications related to ramping up production, reluctance by the U.S. to redirect valuable manufacturing capacity to decades-old technology, and fears among defense firms that they would be stuck with unwanted arms when the Ukraine war winds down, according to Reuters interviews with US officials and defense firms.</p>

<p>While US troops themselves have limited use for the current supply of Stingers - a lightweight, self-contained weapon that can be deployed quickly to defend against helicopters, airplanes, drones and even cruise missiles - the US needs to maintain its supply on hand while it develops the next generation of a "man-portable air defense system."</p>

<p>"Right before Ukraine hit, we were going to divest ourselves of Stingers," a congressional source said. The source was quoted by Reuters. Still, Pentagon officials are concerned about a "dwindling" surplus, according to a Pentagon official and the congressional source.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danger-of-world-war-iii-is-real-warns-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-473854">Danger of World War III is 'real', warns Russian foreign minister Lavrov</a></strong></p>

<p>In the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian soldiers have shot at least 6 targets. These targets were struck by Ukraine soldiers with the help of Lithuanian-provided Stinger missiles.</p>

<p>Since February, the U.S. has shipped 1,400 Stingers to Ukraine, according to an administration official. But sourcing more will be difficult.</p>

<p>The Stinger production line was closed in December 2020, said Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell. Since then, Raytheon Technologies won a contract in July 2021 to manufacture more Stingers, but mainly for international governments, according to the U.S. Army. The sole Stinger facility, in Arizona, only produces at a low rate.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>The Pentagon has not ordered new Stingers for many years, but has ordered parts or made other efforts to increase its supply. For example, the Army is in the midst of a "service life extension plan" for some of its Stingers that were to become obsolete in 2023 and is extending what the military calls their "useful life" until 2030.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


USA's stinger missiles, which cn be fired by a single soldier have been in demand in Ukraine as they have successfully stopped Russian air assaults. But US supplies have dwindled and there are hurdles in the way of producing anti-aircraft weapons.

USA's stinger missiles, which cn be fired by a single soldier have been in demand in Ukraine as they have successfully stopped Russian air assaults. But US supplies have dwindled and there are hurdles in the way of producing anti-aircraft weapons. Challenges include complications related to ramping up production, reluctance by the U.S. to redirect valuable manufacturing capacity to decades-old technology, and fears among defense firms that they would be stuck with unwanted arms when the Ukraine war winds down, according to Reuters interviews with US officials and defense firms. While US troops themselves have limited use for the current supply of Stingers - a lightweight, self-contained weapon that can be deployed quickly to defend against helicopters, airplanes, drones and even cruise missiles - the US needs to maintain its supply on hand while it develops the next generation of a "man-portable air defense system." "Right before Ukraine hit, we were going to divest ourselves of Stingers," a congressional source said. The source was quoted by Reuters. Still, Pentagon officials are concerned about a "dwindling" surplus, according to a Pentagon official and the congressional source. Also Read | Danger of World War III is 'real', warns Russian foreign minister Lavrov In the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian soldiers have shot at least 6 targets. These targets were struck by Ukraine soldiers with the help of Lithuanian-provided Stinger missiles. Since February, the U.S. has shipped 1,400 Stingers to Ukraine, according to an administration official. But sourcing more will be difficult. The Stinger production line was closed in December 2020, said Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell. Since then, Raytheon Technologies won a contract in July 2021 to manufacture more Stingers, but mainly for international governments, according to the U.S. Army. The sole Stinger facility, in Arizona, only produces at a low rate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The Pentagon has not ordered new Stingers for many years, but has ordered parts or made other efforts to increase its supply. For example, the Army is in the midst of a "service life extension plan" for some of its Stingers that were to become obsolete in 2023 and is extending what the military calls their "useful life" until 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

Dwindling supply of US Stinger missiles creates problems for Ukraine soldiers

<p>German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said on Tuesday that the country will authorise delivery of tanks to Ukraine. This is being seen as a clear switch in Germany's cautious policy in Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Lambrecht told an international meeting of defence ministers at US Ramstein airbase, said AFP.</p>

<p>Forty countries are holding emergency talks at the airbase in southwestern Germany on bolstering the defence capabilities of Ukraine.</p>

<p>The meeting, held at the invitation of the United States, is "focused on doing things to generate additional capability and capacity for the Ukrainian forces", according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.</p>

<p>France is providing Caesar cannons with 40 kilometre range. Britain has provided Starstreak anti-air missiles and tanks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-defence-ministry-investigating-russian-hack-targeting-its-army-recruits-473963">United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits</a></strong></p>

<p>The Gepard tanks will not come from the German army but from stocks held by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) arms group, government sources told AFP.</p>

<p>They were taken out of service 10 years ago and need to be technically upgraded, the sources said.</p>

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has come under fire for refusing to directly send heavy weapons to Ukraine, despite announcing a "turning point" in German defence policy in response to the war.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>Critics have accused Scholz of weak leadership and say his Social Democrats (SPD) are too reluctant to break from their historic policy of detente towards Moscow.</p>

<p>Scholz has even faced criticism from within his own coalition government, a partnership between the SPD, the Greens and the liberal FDP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said on Tuesday that the country will authorise delivery of tanks to Ukraine. This is being seen as a clear switch in Germany's cautious policy in Russia-Ukraine conflict.

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said on Tuesday that the country will authorise delivery of tanks to Ukraine. This is being seen as a clear switch in Germany's cautious policy in Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Lambrecht told an international meeting of defence ministers at US Ramstein airbase, said AFP. Forty countries are holding emergency talks at the airbase in southwestern Germany on bolstering the defence capabilities of Ukraine. The meeting, held at the invitation of the United States, is "focused on doing things to generate additional capability and capacity for the Ukrainian forces", according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. France is providing Caesar cannons with 40 kilometre range. Britain has provided Starstreak anti-air missiles and tanks. Also Read | United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits The Gepard tanks will not come from the German army but from stocks held by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) arms group, government sources told AFP. They were taken out of service 10 years ago and need to be technically upgraded, the sources said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has come under fire for refusing to directly send heavy weapons to Ukraine, despite announcing a "turning point" in German defence policy in response to the war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Critics have accused Scholz of weak leadership and say his Social Democrats (SPD) are too reluctant to break from their historic policy of detente towards Moscow. Scholz has even faced criticism from within his own coalition government, a partnership between the SPD, the Greens and the liberal FDP. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany to provide tanks to Ukraine, says minister

<p>As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines.</p>

<p>Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out.</p>

<p>After sanctions and logistical bottlenecks curtailed imports from Europe and China, Russia is now looking to India for more medical equipment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fundamental cause of the current drug shortage is that Russian banks have been cut off from the international banking system as a result of the sanctions, leaving pharmacies in the country unable to pay for deliveries.</p>

<p>There are also logistical issues, since certain shipping companies, including the market leader Maersk, have halted all cargo transports into and out of Russia.</p>

<p>According to a survey of 3,317 doctors conducted by members of the Vrachi.rf professional community, Russian doctors are facing a shortage of more than 80 medicines.</p>

<p>According to Bloomberg, India is expecting to increase exports to Russia as the two countries work out a payment scheme in local currencies similar to one used during the Cold War to keep bilateral trade going while Moscow is subjected to harsh international sanctions.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a></strong></p>

<p>The US and its allies have chastised New Delhi for buying more Russian oil after attempting to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>India is now a minor player in the Russian market, but it intends to nearly double its exports this year to Rs 2 billion &nbsp;($26.2 million).</p>

<p><strong>Watch | West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion</strong></p>

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As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines. Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out.

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines. Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out. After sanctions and logistical bottlenecks curtailed imports from Europe and China, Russia is now looking to India for more medical equipment. The fundamental cause of the current drug shortage is that Russian banks have been cut off from the international banking system as a result of the sanctions, leaving pharmacies in the country unable to pay for deliveries. There are also logistical issues, since certain shipping companies, including the market leader Maersk, have halted all cargo transports into and out of Russia. According to a survey of 3,317 doctors conducted by members of the Vrachi.rf professional community, Russian doctors are facing a shortage of more than 80 medicines. According to Bloomberg, India is expecting to increase exports to Russia as the two countries work out a payment scheme in local currencies similar to one used during the Cold War to keep bilateral trade going while Moscow is subjected to harsh international sanctions. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister The US and its allies have chastised New Delhi for buying more Russian oil after attempting to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine. India is now a minor player in the Russian market, but it intends to nearly double its exports this year to Rs 2 billion ($26.2 million). Watch | West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion

Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions

<p>Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend the Azov Sea port but they have been pushed back due to Russian attacks. What importance does the port have for Vladimir Putin? Why is Russia hell-bent on capturing Mariupol? Here are some of the reasons.</p>

<p><strong>1. Land connect with Crimea and Donbass</strong></p>

<p>Russia already has control over Crimean peninsula which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia faces allegations of supporting secessionist elements in Ukraine's Donbass region. Mariupol is a major city situated between these two regions.</p>

<p>If Russia captures Mariupol, its forces in Crimea and Donbass will be able to have a greater connect with each other. This may prove useful for Russia to stage attacks deeper in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>2. Cornering Ukraine's economy</strong></p>

<p>Mariupol is a major Ukrainian port on the Azov Sea. Russian control on Mariupol will make Ukraine unable to carry out vital international trade from the port. This may create problems for Ukrainian economy potentially affecting country's capacity to resist Russian influence and invasion in future.</p>

<p>Losing Mariupol would mean Ukraine would lose sufficient access to up to 80 per cent of its coastline on the Black Sea.</p>

<p><strong>3. The PR value!</strong></p>

<p>World was taken aback when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was expected by some that Russian forces would sweep across Ukraine and will be able to score a swift victory.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a></strong></p>

<p>However, after nearly two months. Russian forces have been unable to capture a major city. Though Russian forces launched attacks of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, soldiers on ground were soon diverted to other regions.</p>

<p>In such a scenario, victory in Mariupol would be a big PR boost for Russia as they will have captured a major urban area.</p>

<p><strong>4. Morale booster</strong></p>

<p>Fall of Mariupol can be a morale booster for Russian troops and citizens. Media reports have hinted at low morale of Russian forces in a conflict that has not yielded a major win till now.</p>

<p>If Mariupol falls into Russian hands, Kremlin may publicise the victory as indication that Russian forces were achieving their objectives in the Ukraine conflict.</p>


Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city.

Russia has been attacking Ukraine's port city of Mariupol for weeks. After Russian forces entered Ukraine on February 24, Mariupol has received a near-constant battering from Russia with strikes destroying large part of the city. Ukrainian forces have been trying to defend the Azov Sea port but they have been pushed back due to Russian attacks. What importance does the port have for Vladimir Putin? Why is Russia hell-bent on capturing Mariupol? Here are some of the reasons. 1. Land connect with Crimea and Donbass Russia already has control over Crimean peninsula which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. Russia faces allegations of supporting secessionist elements in Ukraine's Donbass region. Mariupol is a major city situated between these two regions. If Russia captures Mariupol, its forces in Crimea and Donbass will be able to have a greater connect with each other. This may prove useful for Russia to stage attacks deeper in Ukraine. 2. Cornering Ukraine's economy Mariupol is a major Ukrainian port on the Azov Sea. Russian control on Mariupol will make Ukraine unable to carry out vital international trade from the port. This may create problems for Ukrainian economy potentially affecting country's capacity to resist Russian influence and invasion in future. Losing Mariupol would mean Ukraine would lose sufficient access to up to 80 per cent of its coastline on the Black Sea. 3. The PR value! World was taken aback when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. It was expected by some that Russian forces would sweep across Ukraine and will be able to score a swift victory. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister However, after nearly two months. Russian forces have been unable to capture a major city. Though Russian forces launched attacks of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, soldiers on ground were soon diverted to other regions. In such a scenario, victory in Mariupol would be a big PR boost for Russia as they will have captured a major urban area. 4. Morale booster Fall of Mariupol can be a morale booster for Russian troops and citizens. Media reports have hinted at low morale of Russian forces in a conflict that has not yielded a major win till now. If Mariupol falls into Russian hands, Kremlin may publicise the victory as indication that Russian forces were achieving their objectives in the Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine Conflict: Why a victory in Mariupol is important to Russia

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">On Tuesday, Russia's defence minister claimed Moscow was attempting to "liberate" east Ukraine, but accused the West of prolonging the military action by supplying armaments to Kyiv.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">"We are gradually implementing our strategy to free the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics," Sergei Shoigu stated, adding that the US and its allies were attempting to "drag out" the campaign by supplying weaponry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a Ukrainian military spokesman reported that street fights have begun in Kreminna, and that escape is difficult.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-more-than-49-million-ukrainians-flee-war-says-un-471910">Ukraine war: More than 4.9 million Ukrainians flee war, says UN</a></strong></p>

<p>That's one of only two places along a hundreds-mile-long front where the Ukrainians claim the Russians managed to break through on Monday.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-what-panzerfaust-3-weapons-can-do-against-russian-tanks-466330">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks</a></strong></p>

<p>Serhiy Haidai, the regional military administrator for Luhansk, claimed heavy artillery shelled the town overnight, setting seven residential buildings on fire, and that the Olympus sports complex, where the nation's Olympic team trains, was also hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/moskva-attack-why-ukraines-anti-ship-missile-neptune-is-a-gamechanger-471637">Pictures:&nbsp;Why Ukraine's anti-ship missile Neptune is a gamechanger</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>


On Tuesday, Russia's defence minister claimed Moscow was attempting to "liberate" east Ukraine, but accused the West of prolonging the military action by supplying armaments to Kyiv.

On Tuesday, Russia's defence minister claimed Moscow was attempting to "liberate" east Ukraine, but accused the West of prolonging the military action by supplying armaments to Kyiv. "We are gradually implementing our strategy to free the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics," Sergei Shoigu stated, adding that the US and its allies were attempting to "drag out" the campaign by supplying weaponry. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian military spokesman reported that street fights have begun in Kreminna, and that escape is difficult. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: More than 4.9 million Ukrainians flee war, says UN That's one of only two places along a hundreds-mile-long front where the Ukrainians claim the Russians managed to break through on Monday. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks Serhiy Haidai, the regional military administrator for Luhansk, claimed heavy artillery shelled the town overnight, setting seven residential buildings on fire, and that the Olympus sports complex, where the nation's Olympic team trains, was also hit. Pictures: Why Ukraine's anti-ship missile Neptune is a gamechanger

West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister

<p>Ukrainian officials said on Friday that the country's troops had pushed back Russian forces around Kyiv and had retaken control of some areas near the capital.</p>

<p>Russia said during negotiations on Tuesday that it would scale down operations in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, both of which are in northern Ukraine, but officials in both regions say fighting has continued in some areas.</p>

<p>"Our troops are chasing them both to the northwest and northeast (of Kyiv), pushing the enemy away from Kyiv," said Oleksiy Arestovych, a political adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky.</p>

<p>Arestovych said Russia was also carrying out a partial troop rotation and sending some of its forces to fight in eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>Global Leadership Series: In conversation with Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko</strong></p>

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<p>Later, local officials said the northern Kyiv region towns of Bucha and Ivankiv had been retaken by Ukrainian forces and Ukraine's armed forces said the nearby town of Borodyanka had also been liberated, sharing a photo of Ukrainian troops they said was taken in the town.</p>

<p>"March 31 will go down in the history of our town... as the day of its liberation from Russian (forces)," Bucha Mayor Anatolii Fedoruk said in a video which appeared to be filmed outside the town hall.</p>

<p>Reuters said it was unable to verify immediately the information about recaptured settlements, military movements or fighting in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian officials said on Friday that the country's troops had pushed back Russian forces around Kyiv and had retaken control of some areas near the capital. Russia said during negotiations on Tuesday that it would scale down operations in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, both of which are in northern Ukraine, but officials in both regions say fighting has continued in some areas.

Ukrainian officials said on Friday that the country's troops had pushed back Russian forces around Kyiv and had retaken control of some areas near the capital. Russia said during negotiations on Tuesday that it would scale down operations in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, both of which are in northern Ukraine, but officials in both regions say fighting has continued in some areas. "Our troops are chasing them both to the northwest and northeast (of Kyiv), pushing the enemy away from Kyiv," said Oleksiy Arestovych, a political adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Arestovych said Russia was also carrying out a partial troop rotation and sending some of its forces to fight in eastern Ukraine. Global Leadership Series: In conversation with Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko × Later, local officials said the northern Kyiv region towns of Bucha and Ivankiv had been retaken by Ukrainian forces and Ukraine's armed forces said the nearby town of Borodyanka had also been liberated, sharing a photo of Ukrainian troops they said was taken in the town. "March 31 will go down in the history of our town... as the day of its liberation from Russian (forces)," Bucha Mayor Anatolii Fedoruk said in a video which appeared to be filmed outside the town hall. Reuters said it was unable to verify immediately the information about recaptured settlements, military movements or fighting in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russian troops pushed back around Kyiv, say Ukrainian officials

<p>A study revealed that Facebook failed to label 80 per cent of the posts spreading disinformation about biological weapons theory. A conspiracy theory taking root online and being discussed even in America says that the US is funding use of bioweapons in Ukraine. US government has denied the speculations.</p>

<p>However, a study carried out by a nonprofit disinformation research group revealed that Facebook failed to declare 80 per cent of posts with labels like “missing context”, containing “partly false information” or “false information”.</p>

<p>The study carried out by the group Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) sampled Facebook posts made between February 24 and March 14. These posts reportedly led to external articles that contained disinformation about bioweapons.</p>

<p>Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of CCDH was quoted in media reports as saying that if researchers from the group were able to easily spot the posts, it was within Meta's capabilities to spot and label them.</p>

<p>The US government has strongly refuted the allegations raised because of the conspiracy theory. The US has said that the conspiracy theory may be part of Russian efforts to spread disinformation so that a potential use of chemical weapons against Ukraine can be justified in the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Russia’s propaganda campaigns have benefited for years from Meta turning a blind eye to disinformation,” Ahmed said as quoted by The Guardian “Despite taking action against state channels under enormous pressure, Meta is failing badly to contain major disinformation narratives that benefit Putin’s regime.”</p>


A study revealed that Facebook failed to label 80 per cent of the posts spreading disinformation about biological weapons theory. A conspiracy theory taking root online and being discussed even in America says that the US is funding use of bioweapons in Ukraine.

A study revealed that Facebook failed to label 80 per cent of the posts spreading disinformation about biological weapons theory. A conspiracy theory taking root online and being discussed even in America says that the US is funding use of bioweapons in Ukraine. US government has denied the speculations. However, a study carried out by a nonprofit disinformation research group revealed that Facebook failed to declare 80 per cent of posts with labels like “missing context”, containing “partly false information” or “false information”. The study carried out by the group Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) sampled Facebook posts made between February 24 and March 14. These posts reportedly led to external articles that contained disinformation about bioweapons. Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of CCDH was quoted in media reports as saying that if researchers from the group were able to easily spot the posts, it was within Meta's capabilities to spot and label them. The US government has strongly refuted the allegations raised because of the conspiracy theory. The US has said that the conspiracy theory may be part of Russian efforts to spread disinformation so that a potential use of chemical weapons against Ukraine can be justified in the future. “Russia’s propaganda campaigns have benefited for years from Meta turning a blind eye to disinformation,” Ahmed said as quoted by The Guardian “Despite taking action against state channels under enormous pressure, Meta is failing badly to contain major disinformation narratives that benefit Putin’s regime.”

Facebook failed to label most posts spreading Ukraine bioweapons disinformation, says study

<p>Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to address Swedish and Danish parliaments soon. The address would take place in coming days. This was confirmed by the two assemblies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky has already made several appearances before parliaments in other countries via video link</p>

<p>His speech to Sweden's Riksdag is scheduled for Thursday at 10:55 am local time (0955 GMT), the parliament said.</p>

<p>"I'm honoured that the president of Ukraine wants to address parliament during a raging war," said speaker Andreas Norlen. He was quoted by AFP</p>

<p>On Wednesday Sweden said it would double its arms exports to Ukraine, sending another shipment of vital anti-tank weapons.</p>

<p>Zelensky will address the Folketing in Denmark on March 29.</p>

<p>Less than a week after Russian troops invaded on February 24, Zelensky spoke to MEPs in the European Parliament on March 1.</p>

<p>Since then, he has addressed the US Congress, as well as British, Canadian and German lawmakers among others.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Zelensky was to speak to the French National Assembly, and on Thursday he is due to address an extraordinary NATO summit.</p>

<p>Kyiv, which has received large deliveries of mainly anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons from the West, is now calling for "offensive weapons" as deterrence against the Russian army.</p>

<p>Sweden has delivered 5,000 anti-tank launchers to Ukraine, breaking its doctrine of not sending weapons to countries in active conflict for the first time since 1939.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to address Swedish and Danish parliaments soon. The address would take place in coming days. This was confirmed by the two assemblies.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to address Swedish and Danish parliaments soon. The address would take place in coming days. This was confirmed by the two assemblies. Zelensky has already made several appearances before parliaments in other countries via video link His speech to Sweden's Riksdag is scheduled for Thursday at 10:55 am local time (0955 GMT), the parliament said. "I'm honoured that the president of Ukraine wants to address parliament during a raging war," said speaker Andreas Norlen. He was quoted by AFP On Wednesday Sweden said it would double its arms exports to Ukraine, sending another shipment of vital anti-tank weapons. Zelensky will address the Folketing in Denmark on March 29. Less than a week after Russian troops invaded on February 24, Zelensky spoke to MEPs in the European Parliament on March 1. Since then, he has addressed the US Congress, as well as British, Canadian and German lawmakers among others. On Wednesday, Zelensky was to speak to the French National Assembly, and on Thursday he is due to address an extraordinary NATO summit. Kyiv, which has received large deliveries of mainly anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons from the West, is now calling for "offensive weapons" as deterrence against the Russian army. Sweden has delivered 5,000 anti-tank launchers to Ukraine, breaking its doctrine of not sending weapons to countries in active conflict for the first time since 1939. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky to address Swedish and Danish parliaments in coming days

Amidst the shelling, sandbags and security forces clashing, these musicians are playing to add their bit of sweetness to the bitter air in Odesa, Ukraine.

Melodious background to Ukraine's bitter reality

<p>War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world.</p>

<p>Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone.</p>

<p>Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-might-impact-69-year-old-vladimir-putins-youthful-looks-heres-how-464508">Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how</a></strong></p>

<p>The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution.</p>

<p>Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen.</p>

<p>According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain.</p>

<p>“When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.”</p>

<p>Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.</p>


War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world. Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone. Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit. Also Read | Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution. Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen. According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.” Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>The Pentagon claimed on Monday that Russia was boosting air and sea military operations in Ukraine as it struggles to turn the tide of war in Ukraine, where the "dexterity" of the defence mounted by Kyiv is stalling the invasion.</p>

<p>A senior US official claimed that the Kremllin was "desperate" to increase its momentum in a war in which its troops have grown "frustrated and flummoxed" by a resistance that has shown durability despite being outmanned and outgunned, AFP reported.</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin's forces have ramped up their sorties over and near Ukraine, flying more than 300 missions in the past 24 hours, with Kyiv likewise increasing their own air operations in a bid to deny Russia superiority in the skies, the official told reporters.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Few of the operations are dogfights, as Russia's military tends to fire air-to-ground missiles at Ukrainian targets from Russian or Belarusian skies.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-breakthrough-yet-at-russian-ukraine-peace-talks-says-kremlin-464321">No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin</a></strong></p>

<p>"They're not venturing very far or for very long into Ukrainian airspace, because the Ukrainians have been defending their airspace with great dexterity," the official was quoted by AFP as saying, on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>The official said that Russia is exhibiting 'increasing naval activity' in northern Black Sea. Russia is using multiple warships that are contributing shelling around port city of Odessa.</p>

<p>"What we're seeing is a near desperate attempt by the Russians to gain some momentum and try to turn the course of this in their favour," the defence official said, noting that on day 26 of the offensive, Russian forces remain pinned down 15 kilometres (nine miles) northwest and 30 km east of Kyiv.</p>

<p>At the weekend Moscow claimed it had fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, but the Pentagon on Monday would not confirm or refute that the next-generation weaponry had been used.</p>

<p>The senior defence official did offer that from a military point of view using a hypersonic missile to hit a stationary target made little sense.</p>

<p>"It could be that they're trying to send a message to the West but also to Ukraine, and trying to gain leverage at the negotiating table," he added.</p>

<p>Russia also has been experiencing "a not insignificant number of failures" of its precision-guided munitions, the official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the military's available combat power remains at roughly 90 percent, he added.</p>

<p>Ukraine's combat power is at a similar level in part because of contributions from Washington and other western powers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Pentagon claimed on Monday that Russia was boosting air and sea military operations in Ukraine as it struggles to turn the tide of war in Ukraine, where the "dexterity" of the defence mounted by Kyiv is stalling the invasion. A senior US official claimed that the Kremllin was "desperate" to increase its momentum in a war in which its troops have grown "frustrated and flummoxed" by a resistance that has shown durability despite being outmanned and outgunned, AFP reported. President Vladimir Putin's forces have ramped up their sorties over and near Ukraine, flying more than 300 missions in the past 24 hours, with Kyiv likewise increasing their own air operations in a bid to deny Russia superiority in the skies, the official told reporters. × Few of the operations are dogfights, as Russia's military tends to fire air-to-ground missiles at Ukrainian targets from Russian or Belarusian skies. Also Read | No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin "They're not venturing very far or for very long into Ukrainian airspace, because the Ukrainians have been defending their airspace with great dexterity," the official was quoted by AFP as saying, on condition of anonymity. The official said that Russia is exhibiting 'increasing naval activity' in northern Black Sea. Russia is using multiple warships that are contributing shelling around port city of Odessa. "What we're seeing is a near desperate attempt by the Russians to gain some momentum and try to turn the course of this in their favour," the defence official said, noting that on day 26 of the offensive, Russian forces remain pinned down 15 kilometres (nine miles) northwest and 30 km east of Kyiv. At the weekend Moscow claimed it had fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, but the Pentagon on Monday would not confirm or refute that the next-generation weaponry had been used. The senior defence official did offer that from a military point of view using a hypersonic missile to hit a stationary target made little sense. "It could be that they're trying to send a message to the West but also to Ukraine, and trying to gain leverage at the negotiating table," he added. Russia also has been experiencing "a not insignificant number of failures" of its precision-guided munitions, the official said. But the military's available combat power remains at roughly 90 percent, he added. Ukraine's combat power is at a similar level in part because of contributions from Washington and other western powers. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon 

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