India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a hectic week ahead, he will have 40 hours for 23 engagements. Japan will be hosting all the high stakes meetings and the Indian PM will be attending the Quad summit on Tuesday, May 24 and separate bilateral meetings are also scheduled with the group leaders. WION's managing editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay joins us exclusive from Tokyo.

Ukraine crisis to dominate Quad meet, Will this put India in a tricky situation after it chose dialogue over sanctions?

The annual summit of the World Economic Forum in Davos in Switzerland has kicked off today after a gap of nearly about two and a half years. A host of global leaders including from India are expected to deliberate over the main challenges facing the world economy .

World Economic Forum returns in person, more than 2500 leaders to attend

The Indian government has signed key fertilizer pacts with Jordan as supplies, and prices of the key the agriculture commodity get impacted due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India's Chemicals and&nbsp;Fertilizers Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya was in the West Asian country from Friday to Sunday for securing long and short-term supplies of fertilizers.

Russia has been among the largest exporter of fertilizer, while India has been one of the largest importers. Like other commodities, worries are growing about the prices and supply of fertilizer as the conflict continues in eastern Europe. The impact on fertilizers will impact the prices of agriculture products including wheat whose prices in the international market has already skyrocketed. This has especially impacted developing and underdeveloped countries.

During the visit, pacts were signed with Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) for supplies of 30 LMT Rock Phosphate, 2.50 LMT DAP, 1 LMT phosphoric acid for the current year with the Indian public, cooperative and private sector companies. phosphorus fertilizers, DAP or Di-ammonium Phosphate are key for the overall health and growth of crops. Additionally, a long-term pact has been signed for 5 years for annual supplies of 2.75 LMT Units of Muriate of potash (MoP) which will be increased increase every year up to 3.25 LMT.

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Minister Mansukh in Jordan said, "we have taken proactive steps to ensure adequate supply to the farmers ahead of the Kharif season both with ramping up domestic production and partnerships with other countries". Traditionally, fertilizer has been key commodity India imports from Jordan. In fact, India has been the largest buyer of phosphatic and potassic fertilizers from the west Asian country. Jordan is allocating almost 25 per cent&nbsp;of their production of MOP to India.

In the past, a Joint venture project worth US$ 860 million between the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) and the Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative (IFFCO) for the manufacturing of Phosphoric Acid has been set up in Eshidiya. It was inaugurated during the 2015 visit of the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to the country. During the Jordan visit, the Indian minister visited Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) mines and the Phosphoric Acid production facilities set up by Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO). The Indian delegation also visited Arab Potash headquarters.

And not just Jordan, India has been in touch with Israel for the supply of Muriate of Potash (MOP). In March, the Indian government's Indian Potash Limited (IPL) signed a pact with Israel Chemicals Limited (ICL) for the supply of Muriate of Potash (MOP) for the period 2022 to 2027 with a yearly quantity of 6 to 6.5 LMT Units.

The Indian government has signed key fertilizer pacts with Jordan as supplies, and prices of the key the agriculture commodity get impacted due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Indian government has signed key fertilizer pacts with Jordan as supplies, and prices of the key the agriculture commodity get impacted due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India's Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya was in the West Asian country from Friday to Sunday for securing long and short-term supplies of fertilizers. Russia has been among the largest exporter of fertilizer, while India has been one of the largest importers. Like other commodities, worries are growing about the prices and supply of fertilizer as the conflict continues in eastern Europe. The impact on fertilizers will impact the prices of agriculture products including wheat whose prices in the international market has already skyrocketed. This has especially impacted developing and underdeveloped countries. During the visit, pacts were signed with Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) for supplies of 30 LMT Rock Phosphate, 2.50 LMT DAP, 1 LMT phosphoric acid for the current year with the Indian public, cooperative and private sector companies. phosphorus fertilizers, DAP or Di-ammonium Phosphate are key for the overall health and growth of crops. Additionally, a long-term pact has been signed for 5 years for annual supplies of 2.75 LMT Units of Muriate of potash (MoP) which will be increased increase every year up to 3.25 LMT. Minister Mansukh in Jordan said, "we have taken proactive steps to ensure adequate supply to the farmers ahead of the Kharif season both with ramping up domestic production and partnerships with other countries". Traditionally, fertilizer has been key commodity India imports from Jordan. In fact, India has been the largest buyer of phosphatic and potassic fertilizers from the west Asian country. Jordan is allocating almost 25 per cent of their production of MOP to India. In the past, a Joint venture project worth US$ 860 million between the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) and the Indian Farmers Fertilizers Cooperative (IFFCO) for the manufacturing of Phosphoric Acid has been set up in Eshidiya. It was inaugurated during the 2015 visit of the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to the country. During the Jordan visit, the Indian minister visited Jordan Phosphate Mining Company (JPMC) mines and the Phosphoric Acid production facilities set up by Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO). The Indian delegation also visited Arab Potash headquarters. And not just Jordan, India has been in touch with Israel for the supply of Muriate of Potash (MOP). In March, the Indian government's Indian Potash Limited (IPL) signed a pact with Israel Chemicals Limited (ICL) for the supply of Muriate of Potash (MOP) for the period 2022 to 2027 with a yearly quantity of 6 to 6.5 LMT Units.

India signs fertilizer pacts with Jordan as Ukraine-Russia conflict impacts supplies, prices

China on Friday (May 6) slammed Japan for hyping a threat to East Asia after &nbsp;Tokyo's leader Fumio Kishida Ukraine's plight could be replicated in the region.

According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, "Japan has frequently taken advantage of some diplomatic activities to talk about China, exaggerate regional tensions and hype the so-called 'China threat'."

''Japan is doing this to find excuses for its own military expansion and to undermine mutual trust and cooperation among regional countries, which is not conducive to peace and stability in the region and is destined to be unpopular. China is firmly opposed to Japan's words and actions."

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"If Japan really wants peace and stability in East Asia, it should immediately stop provoking confrontation among leading powers and do more to promote mutual trust among regional countries and promote regional peace and stability," he added.

During his visit to the United Kingdom, Kishida said, "Collaboration among countries sharing universal values becomes ever more vital."

"We must collaborate with our allies and like-minded countries, and never tolerate a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force in the Indo Pacific, especially in East Asia."

"Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow," he added saying peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait must be maintained.

"Japan maintains its position to expect a peaceful resolution through dialogue to issues surrounding Taiwan. And the situation will be watched carefully from that perspective," he added.

In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Kishida's statements "not only reflect the aspirations of democratic countries but also win the recognition and approval of the international community".

Japan along with the United States, Australia, and India have maintained a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to counter a rising China in the Indo-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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. 
&nbsp;

China on Friday (May 6) slammed Japan for hyping a threat to East Asia after Tokyo's leader Fumio Kishida Ukraine's plight could be replicated in the region. According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, "Japan has frequently taken advantage of some diplomatic activities to talk about China, exaggerate regional tensions and hype the so-called 'China threat'.

China on Friday (May 6) slammed Japan for hyping a threat to East Asia after Tokyo's leader Fumio Kishida Ukraine's plight could be replicated in the region. According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, "Japan has frequently taken advantage of some diplomatic activities to talk about China, exaggerate regional tensions and hype the so-called 'China threat'." ''Japan is doing this to find excuses for its own military expansion and to undermine mutual trust and cooperation among regional countries, which is not conducive to peace and stability in the region and is destined to be unpopular. China is firmly opposed to Japan's words and actions." "If Japan really wants peace and stability in East Asia, it should immediately stop provoking confrontation among leading powers and do more to promote mutual trust among regional countries and promote regional peace and stability," he added. During his visit to the United Kingdom, Kishida said, "Collaboration among countries sharing universal values becomes ever more vital." "We must collaborate with our allies and like-minded countries, and never tolerate a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by the use of force in the Indo Pacific, especially in East Asia." "Ukraine may be East Asia tomorrow," he added saying peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait must be maintained. "Japan maintains its position to expect a peaceful resolution through dialogue to issues surrounding Taiwan. And the situation will be watched carefully from that perspective," he added. In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Kishida's statements "not only reflect the aspirations of democratic countries but also win the recognition and approval of the international community". Japan along with the United States, Australia, and India have maintained a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to counter a rising China in the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: 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.

China slams Japan after Kishida said Ukraine plight could be replicated in East Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday (April 30) called for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine during a meeting with his Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Kishida is on a tour of Southeast Asia to&nbsp;counter China's growing assertiveness in the region and to discuss regional responses to the Ukraine crisis.

He told reporters, "I expressed my strong opposition to a unilateral change of the status quo by force in the East China Sea and the South China Sea."

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"An infringement on sovereignty and territorial integrity through the use of force and intimidation, as well as an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force, are unacceptable in any region," he said.

Widodo confirmed that he has invited both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in November.

In response, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "The President has expressed publicly his opposition to President Putin attending the G20. We have welcomed the Ukrainians attending."&nbsp;

"We have conveyed our view that we don't think (Russia) should be a part of it publicly and privately," she told reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-may-last-a-decade-and-putin-a-desperate-rogue-operator-uk-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-474894" hreflang="en">Ukraine war may last a decade and Putin a 'desperate rogue operator': UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a>

According to State Department deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter, "The United States continues to believe that it can't be business as usual with regards to Russia's participation with the international community or international institutions."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "for the time being, it is premature to communicate the modalities of Russian participation."

Japan is Asia's only country that is a member of the Group of Seven (G7) and officials say it hopes to hold talks on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and consolidate responses in Southeast Asia, where only one nation, Singapore, has joined sanctions against Moscow.

Kishida will host the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue next month for talks on regional security with India, Australia, and the United States.&nbsp;

Watch WION's live TV:

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(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday (April 30) called for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine during a meeting with his Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday (April 30) called for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine during a meeting with his Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Kishida is on a tour of Southeast Asia to counter China's growing assertiveness in the region and to discuss regional responses to the Ukraine crisis. He told reporters, "I expressed my strong opposition to a unilateral change of the status quo by force in the East China Sea and the South China Sea." "An infringement on sovereignty and territorial integrity through the use of force and intimidation, as well as an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force, are unacceptable in any region," he said. Widodo confirmed that he has invited both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to the G20 summit in November. In response, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "The President has expressed publicly his opposition to President Putin attending the G20. We have welcomed the Ukrainians attending." "We have conveyed our view that we don't think (Russia) should be a part of it publicly and privately," she told reporters. Also read | Ukraine war may last a decade and Putin a 'desperate rogue operator': UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss According to State Department deputy spokesperson Jalina Porter, "The United States continues to believe that it can't be business as usual with regards to Russia's participation with the international community or international institutions." Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that "for the time being, it is premature to communicate the modalities of Russian participation." Japan is Asia's only country that is a member of the Group of Seven (G7) and officials say it hopes to hold talks on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and consolidate responses in Southeast Asia, where only one nation, Singapore, has joined sanctions against Moscow. Kishida will host the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue next month for talks on regional security with India, Australia, and the United States. Watch WION's live TV: (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida calls for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine

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.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom's defence ministry said on Tuesday (April 26) that it is probing a Russian hack that is targeting its army recruits.

According to a report published in the British newspaper Daily Mail, the main suspect of the cyberattack was "feared to have been a Russian agent."&nbsp;

''The incident is a very poor reflection on our own IT,'' said James Heappey, UK's minister of armed forces, said in response.

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The country's defence ministry has "ordered an urgent review of our IT security as a consequence," he added.

Russian hackers illegally accessed the personal records of 124 army candidates as per the report.

''But it is thought hundreds more could have been at risk," the report stated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-unleashes-string-of-attack-against-ukraines-rail-fuel-facilities-473702" hreflang="en">Russia unleashes string of attacks against Ukraine's rail, fuel facilities</a>

Earlier, Heappey downplayed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's warning about the real threat of World War III breaking out.

Lavrov said, "It is real, you can't underestimate it."

"Lavrov's trademark over the course of 15 years or so that he has been the Russian foreign secretary has been that sort of bravado. I don't think that right now there is an imminent threat of escalation," BBC reported Heappey as saying.

"What the West is doing to support its allies in Ukraine is very well-calibrated," he added.

Russia has accused NATO of providing military aid to Ukraine, which Heappey denied saying the alliance is only reinforcing its eastern flank.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> Allies have increased the number of fighter jets on alert✈️ 
 
They’re conducting around the clock air patrols over Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Estonia 🇪🇪, Latvia 🇱🇻, Lithuania 🇱🇹, Poland🇵🇱 and Romania 🇷🇴 to secure Allied air space <a href="https://t.co/q794ny35mA">pic.twitter.com/q794ny35mA</a>
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"It suits the Kremlin's narrative to claim that they are somehow in a confrontation with NATO. They were saying that before the war even began, but that is nonsense and Lavrov knows it," Heappey said.

He believes that NATO should not underestimate the considerable risks of nuclear conflict.

Watch WION live TV here:

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The UK, along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States is a part of the ''Five Eyes'' intelligence-sharing network.

Last week, it issued a warning that all countries supporting Ukraine will face powerful cyberattacks by Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Moscow's attack on Ukraine a ''special military operation'' to disarm and ''denazify'' it.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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 United Kingdom's defence ministry said on Tuesday (April 26) that it is probing a Russian hack that is targeting its army recruits. According to a report published in the British newspaper Daily Mail, the main suspect of the cyberattack was "feared to have been a Russian agent." ''The incident is a very poor reflection on our own IT,'' said James Heappey, UK's minister of armed forces, said in response. The country's defence ministry has "ordered an urgent review of our IT security as a consequence," he added. Russian hackers illegally accessed the personal records of 124 army candidates as per the report. ''But it is thought hundreds more could have been at risk," the report stated. Also read | Russia unleashes string of attacks against Ukraine's rail, fuel facilities Earlier, Heappey downplayed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's warning about the real threat of World War III breaking out. Lavrov said, "It is real, you can't underestimate it." "Lavrov's trademark over the course of 15 years or so that he has been the Russian foreign secretary has been that sort of bravado. I don't think that right now there is an imminent threat of escalation," BBC reported Heappey as saying. "What the West is doing to support its allies in Ukraine is very well-calibrated," he added. Russia has accused NATO of providing military aid to Ukraine, which Heappey denied saying the alliance is only reinforcing its eastern flank. #NATO Allies have increased the number of fighter jets on alert✈️ They’re conducting around the clock air patrols over Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Estonia 🇪🇪, Latvia 🇱🇻, Lithuania 🇱🇹, Poland🇵🇱 and Romania 🇷🇴 to secure Allied air space pic.twitter.com/q794ny35mA — NATO (@NATO) April 14, 2022 × "It suits the Kremlin's narrative to claim that they are somehow in a confrontation with NATO. They were saying that before the war even began, but that is nonsense and Lavrov knows it," Heappey said. He believes that NATO should not underestimate the considerable risks of nuclear conflict. Watch WION live TV here: The UK, along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States is a part of the ''Five Eyes'' intelligence-sharing network. Last week, it issued a warning that all countries supporting Ukraine will face powerful cyberattacks by Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called Moscow's attack on Ukraine a ''special military operation'' to disarm and ''denazify'' it. (With inputs from agencies)

United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "put an end to the war". He was addressing a press conference held at a metro station in the heart of the Ukrainian capital.

"I think that whoever started this war will be able to end it," he said.

"From the beginning, I have insisted on talks with the Russian president," he said. "It's not that I want (to meet him), it's that I have to meet him so as to settle this conflict by diplomatic means.

"We have confidence in our partners, but we have no confidence in Russia," he added.

Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment

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During the news conference, Zelensky repeated his warning that Ukraine would break off talks if Russia killed remaining Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol.

Russia has already declared that Ukraine's port city of Mariupol was under its control. However, a last pocket of Ukrainian soldiers holed up inside a steel factory is resisting Russian attacks. There are civilians along with the soldiers inside the steel factory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-restarts-attacking-mariupol-ukraine-soldiers-holed-up-in-steel-plant-473225">Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant</a>

On Saturday, Russia resumed attacks in Mariupol. The city is important to Russia as it links Donbas region with Russia-controlled Crimea.

"If our men are killed in Mariupol and if these pseudo-referendums are organised in the (southern) region of Kherson, then Ukraine will withdraw from any negotiation process," said Zelensky on Saturday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-kills-five-people-in-ukraines-odesa-says-official-473281">Russian missile strike kills five people in Ukraine's Odesa, says official</a>

He was ready to exchange Ukraine's soldiers defending the city "in whatever format" to save "these people who find themselves in a horrible situation, surrounded".

He said the "last contact" with the Mariupol soldiers had been an hour ago, he said, adding "today is one of the hardest days" since the start of the Russian siege of the city at the beginning of March.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "put an end to the war". He was addressing a press conference held at a metro station in the heart of the Ukrainian capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "put an end to the war". He was addressing a press conference held at a metro station in the heart of the Ukrainian capital. "I think that whoever started this war will be able to end it," he said. "From the beginning, I have insisted on talks with the Russian president," he said. "It's not that I want (to meet him), it's that I have to meet him so as to settle this conflict by diplomatic means. "We have confidence in our partners, but we have no confidence in Russia," he added. Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment × During the news conference, Zelensky repeated his warning that Ukraine would break off talks if Russia killed remaining Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol. Russia has already declared that Ukraine's port city of Mariupol was under its control. However, a last pocket of Ukrainian soldiers holed up inside a steel factory is resisting Russian attacks. There are civilians along with the soldiers inside the steel factory. Also Read | Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant On Saturday, Russia resumed attacks in Mariupol. The city is important to Russia as it links Donbas region with Russia-controlled Crimea. "If our men are killed in Mariupol and if these pseudo-referendums are organised in the (southern) region of Kherson, then Ukraine will withdraw from any negotiation process," said Zelensky on Saturday. Also Read | Russian missile strike kills five people in Ukraine's Odesa, says official He was ready to exchange Ukraine's soldiers defending the city "in whatever format" to save "these people who find themselves in a horrible situation, surrounded". He said the "last contact" with the Mariupol soldiers had been an hour ago, he said, adding "today is one of the hardest days" since the start of the Russian siege of the city at the beginning of March. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky suggests a meeting with Putin 'to end the war'

Russia has resumed its attack on last Ukrainian defenders in the port city Mariupol, according to Ukrainian official quoted by Reuters. These Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a giant steel factory. The resumption of Russian attack has come days after Moscow's declaration of victory in Mariupol. As the time of declaring victory, Russia had said that its forces did not need to take the factory in the city.

Russian forces were hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it, presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said, adding "the enemy is trying to strangle the final resistance of Mariupol's defenders".

Mariupol is crucial for Russia to link eastern Donbas region and Russian-controlled Crimea.

Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment

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Russia's defence ministry said on Friday the remaining fighters had been "securely blockaded" at the steel plant. On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin had declared the city "liberated" and ordered his defence minister to block off the Azovstal complex "so not even a fly can get through" rather than try to storm it.

"There's no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities" Putin said on television.

As per Arestovych, the Ukrainian soldiers were holding out in Azovstal complex and were attempting counterattacks "despite the very difficult situation".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-designs-to-capture-other-countries-after-ukraine-says-zelensky-473173">Russia has designs to capture other countries after Ukraine, says Zelensky</a>

As per Ukrainian authorities, more than 1000 civilians are inside the steel plant along with soldiers.

Russian forces besieged and bombarded Mariupol - home to more than 400,000 people before the war - for weeks, leaving a city in ruins. Ukraine estimates tens of thousands of civilians have died and says 100,000 civilians are still there. The United Nations and Red Cross say the civilian toll is at least in the thousands.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has resumed its attack on last Ukrainian defenders in the port city Mariupol, according to Ukrainian official quoted by Reuters. These Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a giant steel factory.

Russia has resumed its attack on last Ukrainian defenders in the port city Mariupol, according to Ukrainian official quoted by Reuters. These Ukrainian soldiers are holed up in a giant steel factory. The resumption of Russian attack has come days after Moscow's declaration of victory in Mariupol. As the time of declaring victory, Russia had said that its forces did not need to take the factory in the city. Russian forces were hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it, presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said, adding "the enemy is trying to strangle the final resistance of Mariupol's defenders". Mariupol is crucial for Russia to link eastern Donbas region and Russian-controlled Crimea. Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment × Russia's defence ministry said on Friday the remaining fighters had been "securely blockaded" at the steel plant. On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin had declared the city "liberated" and ordered his defence minister to block off the Azovstal complex "so not even a fly can get through" rather than try to storm it. "There's no need to climb into these catacombs and crawl underground through these industrial facilities" Putin said on television. As per Arestovych, the Ukrainian soldiers were holding out in Azovstal complex and were attempting counterattacks "despite the very difficult situation". Also Read | Russia has designs to capture other countries after Ukraine, says Zelensky As per Ukrainian authorities, more than 1000 civilians are inside the steel plant along with soldiers. Russian forces besieged and bombarded Mariupol - home to more than 400,000 people before the war - for weeks, leaving a city in ruins. Ukraine estimates tens of thousands of civilians have died and says 100,000 civilians are still there. The United Nations and Red Cross say the civilian toll is at least in the thousands. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant

In commodities markets oil prices were up today morning as concerns grew about tighter global supply with deepening crisis in Ukraine that raised the prospect of heavier sanctions by the West on top exporter Russia.

Oil prices surges on supply fears amid deepening Ukraine crisis

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine. Burns was speaking in Atlanta in front of Georgia Tech University.

"Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they've faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," said Burns.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port

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Burns added that the US has not seen "a lot of practical evidence" of actual deployment of nuclear weapons.

"We're obviously very concerned. I know President Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible," said Burns.

Russia possesses tactical nuclear weapons. Such nuclear weapons are less powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during Second World War.

The escalate to de-escalate military doctrine of Russia would involve launching a first strike nuclear weapon of low yield to regain the initiative if things go badly in a conventional conflict with the West.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moskva-russian-navys-black-sea-fleet-flagship-has-sunk-defence-ministry-471089">Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry</a>

But under this hypothesis, "NATO would intervene militarily on the ground in Ukraine in the course of this conflict, and that's not something, as President Biden has made very clear, that's in the cards."

Burns has served as US ambassador to Russia. He had strong words for Vladimir Putin.

calling him an "apostle of payback" who over the years "has stood in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity."

"Every day, Putin demonstrates that declining powers can be at least as disruptive as rising ones," Burns said.

(With inputs from agencies)

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine.

CIA chief William Burns said on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon especially since Russia has faced setbacks in its invasion of Ukraine. Burns was speaking in Atlanta in front of Georgia Tech University. "Given the potential desperation of President Putin and the Russian leadership, given the setbacks that they've faced so far, militarily, none of us can take lightly the threat posed by a potential resort to tactical nuclear weapons or low-yield nuclear weapons," said Burns. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port × Burns added that the US has not seen "a lot of practical evidence" of actual deployment of nuclear weapons. "We're obviously very concerned. I know President Biden is deeply concerned about avoiding a third world war, about avoiding a threshold in which, you know, nuclear conflict becomes possible," said Burns. Russia possesses tactical nuclear weapons. Such nuclear weapons are less powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during Second World War. The escalate to de-escalate military doctrine of Russia would involve launching a first strike nuclear weapon of low yield to regain the initiative if things go badly in a conventional conflict with the West. Also Read | Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry But under this hypothesis, "NATO would intervene militarily on the ground in Ukraine in the course of this conflict, and that's not something, as President Biden has made very clear, that's in the cards." Burns has served as US ambassador to Russia. He had strong words for Vladimir Putin. calling him an "apostle of payback" who over the years "has stood in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition and insecurity." "Every day, Putin demonstrates that declining powers can be at least as disruptive as rising ones," Burns said. (With inputs from agencies)

Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief

A team of 18 French forensic experts has arrived in Kyiv to investigate the killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha.

It aims to help Ukraine with the investigation that Russia committed war crimes in the city.

Investigators from the Institut de recherche criminelle de la gendarmerie nationale (IRCGN)&nbsp;are using drones to capture and identify those buried at the largest mass grave in Bucha.

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They are trying to gather evidence to open a case against Russia at the International Criminal Court.

The French officers are conducting autopsies to determine the date and cause of the deaths of the alleged victims of the Russian military forces.&nbsp;

The killings in Bucha have sparked a global outcry but Moscow has denied those allegations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desperate-putin-may-use-nuclear-weapons-says-cia-chief-471114" hreflang="en">Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a "monstrous forgery" and compared it with the ''staged chemical attack in Syria'' by the West.

"It's the same kind of fake in Bucha," Putin said.

According to Ukrainian prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko, at the site "Seventy bodies were found, mostly civilians, as well as those of a policeman and two soldiers."

"According to preliminary findings, they are the bodies of a family whose vehicle burned after being hit by a Russian armoured vehicle," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-could-russian-president-vladimir-putin-be-prosecuted-for-war-crimes-in-ukraine-465719">Also see |&nbsp;How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine?</a>

"We have now a lot of jobs unfortunately with war crimes," said Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova.

"When you see dead bodies here, from the other side, from the Russian Federation, they say it is all fake, all this is our theatre."

"They can see everything, they can see the situation here: real graves, real dead bodies, real bomb attacks. That's why for us this moment is very important."

As per local priest Andriy Halavin, "They didn't just die from explosions, by chance, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but they were deliberately shot."&nbsp;

"Some were in cars, driving, and they were shot. Some were walking on the street and they were shot."

"It's very important that the whole world sees the truth because Russian propaganda always tells stories and lies." 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A team of 18 French forensic experts has arrived in Kyiv to investigate the killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. It aims to help Ukraine with the investigation that Russia committed war crimes in the city.

A team of 18 French forensic experts has arrived in Kyiv to investigate the killings in the Ukrainian town of Bucha. It aims to help Ukraine with the investigation that Russia committed war crimes in the city. Investigators from the Institut de recherche criminelle de la gendarmerie nationale (IRCGN) are using drones to capture and identify those buried at the largest mass grave in Bucha. They are trying to gather evidence to open a case against Russia at the International Criminal Court. The French officers are conducting autopsies to determine the date and cause of the deaths of the alleged victims of the Russian military forces. The killings in Bucha have sparked a global outcry but Moscow has denied those allegations. Also read | Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a "monstrous forgery" and compared it with the ''staged chemical attack in Syria'' by the West. "It's the same kind of fake in Bucha," Putin said. According to Ukrainian prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko, at the site "Seventy bodies were found, mostly civilians, as well as those of a policeman and two soldiers." "According to preliminary findings, they are the bodies of a family whose vehicle burned after being hit by a Russian armoured vehicle," he added. Also see | How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine? "We have now a lot of jobs unfortunately with war crimes," said Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova. "When you see dead bodies here, from the other side, from the Russian Federation, they say it is all fake, all this is our theatre." "They can see everything, they can see the situation here: real graves, real dead bodies, real bomb attacks. That's why for us this moment is very important." As per local priest Andriy Halavin, "They didn't just die from explosions, by chance, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but they were deliberately shot." "Some were in cars, driving, and they were shot. Some were walking on the street and they were shot." "It's very important that the whole world sees the truth because Russian propaganda always tells stories and lies." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Team of French forensic experts arrive in Kyiv to investigate Bucha killings

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering sending senior US officials to Ukraine, in what would be a major show of support to Kyiv.

"We're making that decision now," Biden replied when asked if he would send officials to the war-torn European nation. He did not specify which officials might be under consideration.

In a brief back-and-forth with a reporter, Biden appeared to suggest he might also be willing to travel to Kyiv.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desperate-putin-may-use-nuclear-weapons-says-cia-chief-471114">Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief</a>

When asked if he were ready to go, Biden said, "Yeah," although White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki ruled out that possibility as recently as Monday.

Potential US officials on any visit to Kyiv could include Secretary of State Antony Blinken or Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. State Department spokesman Ned Price declined to comment.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moskva-russian-navys-black-sea-fleet-flagship-has-sunk-defence-ministry-471089">Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry</a>

Biden on Wednesday announced a new $800 million military aid package for Ukraine.

The Pentagon said it has been looking to provide Ukraine with weapons that would "give them a little more range and distance," with Kyiv girding for an escalation of Russia's offensive in the eastern Donbas region.

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering sending senior US officials to Ukraine, in what would be a major show of support to Kyiv. "We're making that decision now," Biden replied when asked if he would send officials to the war-torn European nation.

President Joe Biden said Thursday he was considering sending senior US officials to Ukraine, in what would be a major show of support to Kyiv. "We're making that decision now," Biden replied when asked if he would send officials to the war-torn European nation. He did not specify which officials might be under consideration. In a brief back-and-forth with a reporter, Biden appeared to suggest he might also be willing to travel to Kyiv. Also Read | Desperate Putin may use nuclear weapons, says CIA chief When asked if he were ready to go, Biden said, "Yeah," although White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki ruled out that possibility as recently as Monday. Potential US officials on any visit to Kyiv could include Secretary of State Antony Blinken or Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. State Department spokesman Ned Price declined to comment. Also Read | Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry Biden on Wednesday announced a new $800 million military aid package for Ukraine. The Pentagon said it has been looking to provide Ukraine with weapons that would "give them a little more range and distance," with Kyiv girding for an escalation of Russia's offensive in the eastern Donbas region.

Biden says US deciding on sending envoy to Ukraine

Russian defence ministry on Friday warned that Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv in response to strikes on Russian soil. The statement&nbsp;has come after Russian allegation that Ukraine targetted Russian border towns.

"The number and scale of missile strikes against targets in Kyiv will increase in response to any terrorist attacks or sabotage committed by the Kyiv nationalist regime on Russian territory," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port

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The defence ministry added that Russia has hit a 'military' plant outside Kyiv using Kalibr sea-based long-range missiles. As per the ministry, the attack was carried out late on Thursday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moskva-russian-navys-black-sea-fleet-flagship-has-sunk-defence-ministry-471089">Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry</a>

In addition to this, the ministry also said that it has killed up to 30 Polish mercenaries fighting for Ukrainian forces in the war-torn country's northeastern region of Kharkiv.

The Russian defence ministry said its strategic rocket forces "eliminated up to 30 Polish mercenaries" in a strike on the village of Izyumskoe, not far from the city of Kharkiv.

Russian defence ministry's assertions about Kyiv came on the same day it admitted loss of Moskva, the flagship of country's Black Sea Fleet. As per reports in Russian media, the defence ministry confirmed that the ship had indeed sunk.

Ukraine has claimed that the warship sank after a rocket attack. But the Russian camp has maintained that fire on Moskva erupted after ammunition onboard caught fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian defence ministry on Friday warned that Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv in response to strikes on Russian soil. The statement has come after Russian allegation that Ukraine targetted Russian border towns.

Russian defence ministry on Friday warned that Russia will intensify attacks on Kyiv in response to strikes on Russian soil. The statement has come after Russian allegation that Ukraine targetted Russian border towns. "The number and scale of missile strikes against targets in Kyiv will increase in response to any terrorist attacks or sabotage committed by the Kyiv nationalist regime on Russian territory," the ministry said in a statement. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port × The defence ministry added that Russia has hit a 'military' plant outside Kyiv using Kalibr sea-based long-range missiles. As per the ministry, the attack was carried out late on Thursday. Also Read | Moskva, Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet flagship, has sunk: Defence ministry In addition to this, the ministry also said that it has killed up to 30 Polish mercenaries fighting for Ukrainian forces in the war-torn country's northeastern region of Kharkiv. The Russian defence ministry said its strategic rocket forces "eliminated up to 30 Polish mercenaries" in a strike on the village of Izyumskoe, not far from the city of Kharkiv. Russian defence ministry's assertions about Kyiv came on the same day it admitted loss of Moskva, the flagship of country's Black Sea Fleet. As per reports in Russian media, the defence ministry confirmed that the ship had indeed sunk. Ukraine has claimed that the warship sank after a rocket attack. But the Russian camp has maintained that fire on Moskva erupted after ammunition onboard caught fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to intensify attacks on Kyiv, has hit military plant outside Ukrainian capital: Ministry

The UK has claimed that Russia used chemical weapons in Mariupol, which is a Ukrainian city during the invasion that started on February 24. The UK said it is trying to verify reports Moscow used chemical weapons. A UK minister warned that any use of chemical weapons by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine "will get a response and all options are on the table". "If they are used at all, then (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin should know that all possible options are on the table in terms of how the West might respond. There are some things that are beyond the pale, and the use of chemical weapons will get a response," armed forces minister James Heappey told Sky News. UK's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said earlier that Britain was working with partners to verify the reports that Russian forces may have used chemical agents in Mariupol. "Any use of such weapons would be a callous escalation in this conflict and we will hold Putin and his regime to account," she added on Twitter.

Russia accused of using phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. What are these?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow will launch a lunar probe with ally Belarus.

Recalling Soviet successes in space, Putin said “it’s certainly impossible to isolate anyone in the world of today, especially such a huge country as Russia.”&nbsp;

He was referring to NASA which is boycotting Russian space agency Roscosmos after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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Putin added that “we will work with those of our partners who want to cooperate.”

In the first known trip outside Moscow since Russian launched military action in Ukraine, Putin met Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxfam-warns-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-can-push-quarter-of-a-billion-people-into-extreme-poverty-470466" hreflang="en">Ukraine invasion can push quarter of a bn people into extreme poverty: Oxfam</a>

He said Russia will deepen cooperation with Belarus on space infrastructure and technology. Roskosmos is going to train a Belarusian for flight on a Russian spacecraft.

According to Putin, Russia plans on launching a probe called Luna-25 to the moon in the third quarter of this year.

Russia continues to redeploy its forces for a push on eastern Ukraine, and fighting is expected to intensify there over the next two to three weeks as per Britain’s defence ministry.

It says Russian forces are withdrawing from Belarus in order to redeploy in support of operations in eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow will launch a lunar probe with ally Belarus. Recalling Soviet successes in space, Putin said “it’s certainly impossible to isolate anyone in the world of today, especially such a huge country as Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow will launch a lunar probe with ally Belarus. Recalling Soviet successes in space, Putin said “it’s certainly impossible to isolate anyone in the world of today, especially such a huge country as Russia.” He was referring to NASA which is boycotting Russian space agency Roscosmos after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Putin added that “we will work with those of our partners who want to cooperate.” In the first known trip outside Moscow since Russian launched military action in Ukraine, Putin met Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko at the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia's Far East. Also read | Ukraine invasion can push quarter of a bn people into extreme poverty: Oxfam He said Russia will deepen cooperation with Belarus on space infrastructure and technology. Roskosmos is going to train a Belarusian for flight on a Russian spacecraft. According to Putin, Russia plans on launching a probe called Luna-25 to the moon in the third quarter of this year. Russia continues to redeploy its forces for a push on eastern Ukraine, and fighting is expected to intensify there over the next two to three weeks as per Britain’s defence ministry. It says Russian forces are withdrawing from Belarus in order to redeploy in support of operations in eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Vladimir Putin says Russia will launch a lunar probe with ally Belarus

Anything for Ukraine! Late singer John Lennon's son Julian had vowed to never perform his father's famous song 'Imagine'. However, Julian broke the rule to raise funds for the Ukraine refugees.&nbsp; 
 
On Saturday, Julian sang the famous song as part of the Global Citizen’s social media rally, 'Stand Up for Ukraine'.

“So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad’s song, ‘Imagine’,” Julian wrote on Instagram a video of him singing the track. 
 
“Why now, after all these years?” he added. “I had always said, that the only time I would ever consider singing ‘Imagine’ would be if it was the ‘End of the World’ but also because his lyrics reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide. Because within this song, we’re transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time.”

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Julian also called upon other world leaders and everyone who believes in the sentiments of 'Imagine' to stand up for refugees everywhere.&nbsp;

Former Beatles star, John Lennon released “Imagine” in 1971. The song was inspired heavily by artist Yoko Ono, who used the word in many of her 1960s conceptual artworks. Lennon and Yoko Ono subsequently got married.&nbsp;

Anything for Ukraine! Late singer John Lennon's son Julian had vowed to never perform his father's famous song 'Imagine'. However, Julian broke the rule to raise funds for the Ukraine refugees.

Anything for Ukraine! Late singer John Lennon's son Julian had vowed to never perform his father's famous song 'Imagine'. However, Julian broke the rule to raise funds for the Ukraine refugees. On Saturday, Julian sang the famous song as part of the Global Citizen’s social media rally, 'Stand Up for Ukraine'. “So today, for the first time ever, I publicly performed my Dad’s song, ‘Imagine’,” Julian wrote on Instagram a video of him singing the track. “Why now, after all these years?” he added. “I had always said, that the only time I would ever consider singing ‘Imagine’ would be if it was the ‘End of the World’ but also because his lyrics reflect our collective desire for peace worldwide. Because within this song, we’re transported to a space, where love and togetherness become our reality, if but for a moment in time.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julian Lennon (@julespicturepalace) × Julian also called upon other world leaders and everyone who believes in the sentiments of 'Imagine' to stand up for refugees everywhere. Former Beatles star, John Lennon released “Imagine” in 1971. The song was inspired heavily by artist Yoko Ono, who used the word in many of her 1960s conceptual artworks. Lennon and Yoko Ono subsequently got married.

Julian Lennon performs his father's classic 'Imagine' for first time to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees

In what it described as a “grim milestone,” the World Health Organization said Thursday that it has verified 103 attacks on Ukrainian health care sites and ambulances since Russian forces invaded the country on Feb. 24.

The organization said in a statement that the attacks had resulted in 73 deaths and 51 injuries. Most of the attacks were on heath care facilities, while 13 affected transportation of the sick and wounded, including ambulances, the statement said.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director-general, said the organization was “outraged that attacks on health care are continuing” and that attacking health care was a violation of international humanitarian law.

“Peace is the only way forward,” he said. “I again call on the Russian Federation to stop the war.”

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Among the attacks on health care facilities was a missile strike on a maternity hospital in the coastal city of Mariupol in March, which killed at least three people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine described the attack on the hospital as “proof that the genocide of Ukrainians is taking place.”

The WHO said Ukraine’s health care system would suffer long-term consequences from the attacks, and that such attacks were “a major blow” to the country’s progress on health reform and realizing universal health coverage.

In some cases, Ukrainians have been forced to leave the country in order to receive medical treatment. More than 300 children with cancer and their parents have been evacuated to clinics in Europe, Canada and the United States, according to the Ukrainian government.

Across the country, there are 1,000 health care facilities near or in areas of conflict, said Dr. Jarno Habicht, a WHO representative in Ukraine.

“When people are prevented from seeking and accessing health care, either because the facilities have been destroyed or out of fear that they may become a target, they lose hope,” Habicht said. “The mental health toll wreaked by the war cannot be underestimated, affecting civilians and the health workforce alike.”

In what it described as a “grim milestone,” the World Health Organization said Thursday that it has verified 103 attacks on Ukrainian health care sites and ambulances since Russian forces invaded the country on Feb.

In what it described as a “grim milestone,” the World Health Organization said Thursday that it has verified 103 attacks on Ukrainian health care sites and ambulances since Russian forces invaded the country on Feb. 24. The organization said in a statement that the attacks had resulted in 73 deaths and 51 injuries. Most of the attacks were on heath care facilities, while 13 affected transportation of the sick and wounded, including ambulances, the statement said. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director-general, said the organization was “outraged that attacks on health care are continuing” and that attacking health care was a violation of international humanitarian law. “Peace is the only way forward,” he said. “I again call on the Russian Federation to stop the war.” Among the attacks on health care facilities was a missile strike on a maternity hospital in the coastal city of Mariupol in March, which killed at least three people. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine described the attack on the hospital as “proof that the genocide of Ukrainians is taking place.” The WHO said Ukraine’s health care system would suffer long-term consequences from the attacks, and that such attacks were “a major blow” to the country’s progress on health reform and realizing universal health coverage. In some cases, Ukrainians have been forced to leave the country in order to receive medical treatment. More than 300 children with cancer and their parents have been evacuated to clinics in Europe, Canada and the United States, according to the Ukrainian government. Across the country, there are 1,000 health care facilities near or in areas of conflict, said Dr. Jarno Habicht, a WHO representative in Ukraine. “When people are prevented from seeking and accessing health care, either because the facilities have been destroyed or out of fear that they may become a target, they lose hope,” Habicht said. “The mental health toll wreaked by the war cannot be underestimated, affecting civilians and the health workforce alike.”

WHO verifies 103 attacks on Ukrainian health care facilities and ambulances

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday said the Football Union of Russia (FUR) had withdrawn its appeal against soccer's world governing body FIFA as well as the Polish, Swedish and Czech Republic Football Associations.

FIFA and European governing body UEFA decided together that all Russian teams, whether national or club sides, would be suspended from participation in their competitions until further notice after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russia were set to host Poland in a World Cup qualifying playoff on March 24 but FIFA had said that Poland would be given a bye to the final of their path in the playoffs to play either Sweden or the Czech Republic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-crystal-palace-denies-arsenals-return-to-top-four-with-convincing-3-0-victory-468517">Arsenal's top-four hopes suffer blow with 3-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace in Premier League</a>

CAS said that the procedure would be terminated shortly.

Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation", has also filed appeals seeking annulment of its bans from international gymnastics, rugby, rowing, and skating, CAS said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday said the Football Union of Russia (FUR) had withdrawn its appeal against soccer's world governing body FIFA as well as the Polish, Swedish and Czech Republic Football Associations.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Tuesday said the Football Union of Russia (FUR) had withdrawn its appeal against soccer's world governing body FIFA as well as the Polish, Swedish and Czech Republic Football Associations. FIFA and European governing body UEFA decided together that all Russian teams, whether national or club sides, would be suspended from participation in their competitions until further notice after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia were set to host Poland in a World Cup qualifying playoff on March 24 but FIFA had said that Poland would be given a bye to the final of their path in the playoffs to play either Sweden or the Czech Republic. ALSO READ: Arsenal's top-four hopes suffer blow with 3-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace in Premier League CAS said that the procedure would be terminated shortly. Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation", has also filed appeals seeking annulment of its bans from international gymnastics, rugby, rowing, and skating, CAS said.

Football Union of Russia withdraws appeal over FIFA ban amid Ukraine crisis

Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermuk said on Saturday that Ukrainian photographer and documentary maker Maks Levin has been found dead near capital Kyiv. He was missing for two weeks.

"He went missing in the conflict area on March 13 in the Kyiv region. His body was found near the village of Guta Mezhygirska on April 1," he said on Telegram.

The Institute of Mass Information, a non-governmental organisation, cited preliminary findings from the prosecutor's office saying that the journalist was killed by "two shots" from the Russian military.

Levin, 40, a father of four, had been working with Ukrainian and international media.

During fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014, he managed to escape encirclement in a town where hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers were killed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-economy-could-contract-40-in-2022-due-to-russian-invasion-467655">Ukraine's economy could contract 40% in 2022 due to Russian invasion</a>

On Saturday, Ukraine's defence ministry said that Russian troops were in partial retreat from north of Kyiv. Russia has said earlier this week that it would be scaling back operations around Kyiv and Chernihiv.

Ukraine President Zelensky in a video message said Russian troops were making a “slow but noticeable” withdrawal from northern areas.

“We are moving forward, moving carefully,” Zelensky added however the Ukraine president said the situation in the east remained “extremely difficult” as Russian troops were "preparing for new powerful blows".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermuk said on Saturday that Ukrainian photographer and documentary maker Maks Levin has been found dead near capital Kyiv. He was missing for two weeks.

Ukraine's presidential aide Andriy Yermuk said on Saturday that Ukrainian photographer and documentary maker Maks Levin has been found dead near capital Kyiv. He was missing for two weeks. "He went missing in the conflict area on March 13 in the Kyiv region. His body was found near the village of Guta Mezhygirska on April 1," he said on Telegram. The Institute of Mass Information, a non-governmental organisation, cited preliminary findings from the prosecutor's office saying that the journalist was killed by "two shots" from the Russian military. Levin, 40, a father of four, had been working with Ukrainian and international media. During fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014, he managed to escape encirclement in a town where hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers were killed. Also Read | Ukraine's economy could contract 40% in 2022 due to Russian invasion On Saturday, Ukraine's defence ministry said that Russian troops were in partial retreat from north of Kyiv. Russia has said earlier this week that it would be scaling back operations around Kyiv and Chernihiv. Ukraine President Zelensky in a video message said Russian troops were making a “slow but noticeable” withdrawal from northern areas. “We are moving forward, moving carefully,” Zelensky added however the Ukraine president said the situation in the east remained “extremely difficult” as Russian troops were "preparing for new powerful blows". (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian journalist found dead near capital Kyiv, says presidential aide

Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out an air strike against a fuel depot in the Russian city of Belgorod on Friday, an incident the Kremlin said could affect peace talks, but a top Kyiv security official denied responsibility.

Russia's defence ministry said that two Ukrainian helicopters struck the facility in Belgorod, some 35 km (22 miles) from the border with Ukraine, after entering Russia at extremely low altitude at around 5 a.m. Moscow time (0200 GMT).

Ukraine's top security official rebuffed the Russian accusation - the first by Moscow of an air strike on Russian soil since Moscow launched its invasion on Feb. 24. Belgorod is one of Russia's main logistics hubs for the war.

Watch | Russian foreign minister meets Indian EAM S Jaishankar 
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"For some reason they say that we did it, but according to our information this does not correspond to reality," Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said on Ukrainian national television.

Earlier, Ukrainian defence ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said he would neither confirm nor deny a Ukrainian role.

"Ukraine is currently conducting a defensive operation against Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine, and this does not mean that Ukraine is responsible for every catastrophe on Russia's territory," he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been briefed about the incident. Peskov said the strike could jeopardise Moscow's peace negotiations with Kyiv.

"Of course this cannot be perceived as creating comfortable conditions for continuing the talks," Peskov said, adding that everything was being done to prevent disruptions in fuel supplies in the city.

Ukraine's Danilov retorted: "He says it doesn't help talks, but does it help talks when they kill our children, our women - these outrages they commit on our land? These people are kind of sick."

Security camera footage of the depot, from a location verified by Reuters, showed a flash of light from what appeared to be a missile fired from low altitude in the sky, followed by an explosion on the ground.

Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the resulting blaze injured two workers and forced the evacuation of some local residents. The fire was later contained, he said.

In a post on messaging app Telegram, Gladkov said a second blast later on Friday morning damaged a power line near the village of Nikolskoye but that no one was hurt in an explosion. Pictures he posted showed a crater in a field.

Russian oil firm Rosneft, which owns the fuel depot, said in a separate statement that no one was hurt in the fire. Russia's defence ministry said the facility was exclusively for civilian use.

An ammunition depot near Belgorod caught fire on Wednesday, causing a series of blasts. At the time, Gladkov said authorities were waiting for the Russian defence ministry to establish its cause.

Moscow calls its intervention in Ukraine a "special military operation."

Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out an air strike against a fuel depot in the Russian city of Belgorod on Friday, an incident the Kremlin said could affect peace talks, but a top Kyiv security official denied responsibility.

Russia accused Ukraine of carrying out an air strike against a fuel depot in the Russian city of Belgorod on Friday, an incident the Kremlin said could affect peace talks, but a top Kyiv security official denied responsibility. Russia's defence ministry said that two Ukrainian helicopters struck the facility in Belgorod, some 35 km (22 miles) from the border with Ukraine, after entering Russia at extremely low altitude at around 5 a.m. Moscow time (0200 GMT). Ukraine's top security official rebuffed the Russian accusation - the first by Moscow of an air strike on Russian soil since Moscow launched its invasion on Feb. 24. Belgorod is one of Russia's main logistics hubs for the war. Watch | Russian foreign minister meets Indian EAM S Jaishankar × "For some reason they say that we did it, but according to our information this does not correspond to reality," Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said on Ukrainian national television. Earlier, Ukrainian defence ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzyanyk said he would neither confirm nor deny a Ukrainian role. "Ukraine is currently conducting a defensive operation against Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine, and this does not mean that Ukraine is responsible for every catastrophe on Russia's territory," he said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin had been briefed about the incident. Peskov said the strike could jeopardise Moscow's peace negotiations with Kyiv. "Of course this cannot be perceived as creating comfortable conditions for continuing the talks," Peskov said, adding that everything was being done to prevent disruptions in fuel supplies in the city. Ukraine's Danilov retorted: "He says it doesn't help talks, but does it help talks when they kill our children, our women - these outrages they commit on our land? These people are kind of sick." Security camera footage of the depot, from a location verified by Reuters, showed a flash of light from what appeared to be a missile fired from low altitude in the sky, followed by an explosion on the ground. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said the resulting blaze injured two workers and forced the evacuation of some local residents. The fire was later contained, he said. In a post on messaging app Telegram, Gladkov said a second blast later on Friday morning damaged a power line near the village of Nikolskoye but that no one was hurt in an explosion. Pictures he posted showed a crater in a field. Russian oil firm Rosneft, which owns the fuel depot, said in a separate statement that no one was hurt in the fire. Russia's defence ministry said the facility was exclusively for civilian use. An ammunition depot near Belgorod caught fire on Wednesday, causing a series of blasts. At the time, Gladkov said authorities were waiting for the Russian defence ministry to establish its cause. Moscow calls its intervention in Ukraine a "special military operation."

Ukraine denies attacking fuel depot inside Russia

According to reports, India is expected to face shortage of sunflower oil by at least 25% or 4-6 lakh tonnes. Battling the edible oil demand, India had to procure Russian sunflower oil but is it enough?

Impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the Indian kitchen

The Chinese Communist Party has called the United States as the ''culprit'' behind the Ukraine crisis.

“The eastward enlargement of Nato, led by the United States, is the root of the Ukrainian crisis,” said the article, published on page three of the People’s Daily under the pseudonym Zhong Sheng, used by the party mouthpiece for commentary on key international issues.

“NATO has become a tool for the United States to practice its hegemony,” the commentary said.&nbsp;

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“The US-led Nato has for a long time created turbulence around Russia, including starting ‘colour revolutions’.”

The article, which accused the US of “directing and acting” in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was the first in a series planned by the newspaper to focus on blaming Washington for the war in Ukraine.

Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Washington-based Stimson Centre think tank, said Beijing’s Ukraine messaging was primarily for its domestic audience, “and also to stress that China’s siding with Russia is just”.

“China differentiates between rhetoric, which is pro-Russia, and diplomacy, which is more balanced, and real actions, which are lacking on supporting Russia. In this case, I think the pro-Russia rhetoric is a part of the policy.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-apologies-for-saying-putin-cannot-remain-in-power-us-president-biden-466503">'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden</a>

Sun added that China’s pushing of the Ukraine bioweapons claim is an extension of the controversy surrounding the origin of Covid-19.

“The lab theory just plays into China’s narrative about Covid originating from US labs. Of course China won’t miss the opportunity,” she said.

China has refused to condemn close ally Russia over the bloody invasion of Ukraine and lagged behind many other countries in providing humanitarian aid to the war-stricken country.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has accused China of giving political backing to Russia as it invades Ukraine by "spreading blatant lies", and warned Beijing against providing material support to Moscow's war effort.

China must "live up to its responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council, refrain from supporting Russia's war effort, and join the rest of the world in calling for an immediate, peaceful end to this war," he said.

But Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that "accusing China of spreading false information about Ukraine is itself spreading disinformation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-china-accuses-nato-of-pushing-russia-to-breaking-point-460521">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'</a>

"China's position is consistent with the wishes of most countries... any unwarranted accusations and suspicions against China will be defeated," he said at a routine briefing Thursday.&nbsp;

"We have always maintained that Ukraine should become a bridge between the East and West, rather than be in the frontline in a game between great powers."

In one month, the war has created more than 3.6 million refugees and caused over 970 civilian deaths, according to UN figures, and provoked a barrage of international sanctions on Russia that have crippled its economy.

US officials have accused China of signalling its "willingness" to provide military and economic aid to Russia, and said they would be "watching very closely" to see if Beijing delivers weapons.&nbsp;

"China has provided Russia with political support, including by spreading blatant lies and misinformation, and allies are concerned that China could provide material support for the Russian invasion," said Stoltenberg.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Russia's relations with China were at their strongest level ever, at a time when Western nations are seeking to isolate Moscow with unprecedented sanctions over Ukraine.

Beijing has said it is willing to play a role in ceasefire mediation efforts, but so far has not committed to holding peace talks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese Communist Party has called the United States as the ''culprit'' behind the Ukraine crisis. “The eastward enlargement of Nato, led by the United States, is the root of the Ukrainian crisis,” said the article, published on page three of the People’s Daily under the pseudonym Zhong Sheng, used by the party mouthpiece for commentary on key international issues.

The Chinese Communist Party has called the United States as the ''culprit'' behind the Ukraine crisis. “The eastward enlargement of Nato, led by the United States, is the root of the Ukrainian crisis,” said the article, published on page three of the People’s Daily under the pseudonym Zhong Sheng, used by the party mouthpiece for commentary on key international issues. “NATO has become a tool for the United States to practice its hegemony,” the commentary said. “The US-led Nato has for a long time created turbulence around Russia, including starting ‘colour revolutions’.” The article, which accused the US of “directing and acting” in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was the first in a series planned by the newspaper to focus on blaming Washington for the war in Ukraine. Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Washington-based Stimson Centre think tank, said Beijing’s Ukraine messaging was primarily for its domestic audience, “and also to stress that China’s siding with Russia is just”. “China differentiates between rhetoric, which is pro-Russia, and diplomacy, which is more balanced, and real actions, which are lacking on supporting Russia. In this case, I think the pro-Russia rhetoric is a part of the policy.” Also read | 'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden Sun added that China’s pushing of the Ukraine bioweapons claim is an extension of the controversy surrounding the origin of Covid-19. “The lab theory just plays into China’s narrative about Covid originating from US labs. Of course China won’t miss the opportunity,” she said. China has refused to condemn close ally Russia over the bloody invasion of Ukraine and lagged behind many other countries in providing humanitarian aid to the war-stricken country. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has accused China of giving political backing to Russia as it invades Ukraine by "spreading blatant lies", and warned Beijing against providing material support to Moscow's war effort. China must "live up to its responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council, refrain from supporting Russia's war effort, and join the rest of the world in calling for an immediate, peaceful end to this war," he said. But Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that "accusing China of spreading false information about Ukraine is itself spreading disinformation". Also read | Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point' "China's position is consistent with the wishes of most countries... any unwarranted accusations and suspicions against China will be defeated," he said at a routine briefing Thursday. "We have always maintained that Ukraine should become a bridge between the East and West, rather than be in the frontline in a game between great powers." In one month, the war has created more than 3.6 million refugees and caused over 970 civilian deaths, according to UN figures, and provoked a barrage of international sanctions on Russia that have crippled its economy. US officials have accused China of signalling its "willingness" to provide military and economic aid to Russia, and said they would be "watching very closely" to see if Beijing delivers weapons. "China has provided Russia with political support, including by spreading blatant lies and misinformation, and allies are concerned that China could provide material support for the Russian invasion," said Stoltenberg. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Russia's relations with China were at their strongest level ever, at a time when Western nations are seeking to isolate Moscow with unprecedented sanctions over Ukraine. Beijing has said it is willing to play a role in ceasefire mediation efforts, but so far has not committed to holding peace talks. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Communist Party calls United States 'culprit' behind Ukraine crisis

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

"This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement.

He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies.

"This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions.

He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country.

The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital.

Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east.

Ukraine on Sunday warned that fighting around Mariupol, the southern port city in Ukraine may increase in coming days. The warning has come after Moscow said that it was focussing military resources to capture the Donbas region in the east. "This means a potential or sharp deterioration around Mariupol," an adviser to the head of the President's office, Oleksiy Arestovich, said in a video statement. He was referring to a surprise Russian statement on Friday that it was time for Moscow to set as its "main goal" controlling Donbas, an eastern region already partly held by Russian proxies. "This gives us hope in the area of Kyiv, Chernigiv, Sumy and Kharkiv regions, that we will drive the enemy out of here," Arestovich said, referring to north and eastern regions. He also said that Ukrainian forces were counterattacking the Russian forces in these areas. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine on February 24 with the aim of defending pro-Moscow separatists to and "demilitarise and de-nazify" the country. The Russian announcement on Friday would amount to a sharp change of course with much limited goals that would not include an assault on the capital. Moscow's month-long invasion on its pro-democracy neighbour has largely stalled with no major recent advances and Ukrainian forces even able to counterattack in places. (With inputs from agencies)

Increase in fighting around Mariupol possible, Ukraine warns

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power.

"I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel.

Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp.

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A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia.

"We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means.

"If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-was-the-us-president-id-threaten-to-drop-a-nuclear-bomb-on-russia-trump-465947">If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump</a>

The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol.

President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach.

"Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment.

"The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'.

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and restraint in both, words and action, in handling Ukraine conflict. His comments have come just a day after US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a 'butcher'. Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power. "I wouldn't use this type of wording because I continue to hold discussions with President Putin," Macron said on France 3 TV channel. Biden was in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday when the strong words were uttered by him. Biden's words that Putin "cannot remain in power" prompted a quick clarification from the American camp. × A White House official later said Biden's remarks did not represent a shift in Washington's policy and were meant to prepare the world's democracies for an extended conflict, not back regime change in Russia. "We want to stop the war that Russia has launched in Ukraine without escalation -- that's the objective," Macron said on France 3 TV, noting the objective was to obtain a cease fire and the withdrawal of troops through diplomatic means. "If this is what we want to do, we should not escalate things -- neither with words nor actions," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The French president on Friday had said he was seeking to hold more talks with President Putin in the coming days regarding the situation in Ukraine as well as an initiative to help people leave the besieged city of Mariupol. President Putin sent his troops into Ukraine on what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and the West say Putin launched an unprovoked war of aggression. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said she backed Macron's approach. "Obviously, those are words that add oil to the fire," she said, when asked about Biden's comment. "The fact that the president of the Republic is not entering into this escalation is a good thing," she said, speaking on France 3 in a pre-recorded interview that was broadcast on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth.&nbsp;

More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing.

"We must repudiate war, a place of death where fathers and mothers bury their children, where men kill their brothers without even seeing them, where the powerful decide and the poor die," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-i-was-the-us-president-id-threaten-to-drop-a-nuclear-bomb-on-russia-trump-465947">If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump</a>

The war in Ukraine was destroying the country's future, he said, citing a statistic that half of the country's children had to flee the country.

"That is the bestiality of war, something that is barbarous and sacrilegious," he said, urging his listeners not to consider war as inevitable or something to get used to.

"If we emerge from this (war) the same as we were before, we will all be in some way guilty. Faced with the danger of self-destruction, humanity must understand that the time has come to abolish war, to cancel it from the history of man before it cancels man from history," he said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

Since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, Francis has several times spoken of a possible nuclear conflict.

"I beg every politician involved to reflect on this, to make a commitment, and, looking at martyred Ukraine, to understand that every day of war worsens the situation for everyone," he said.

"Enough! Stop! Let the weapons fall silent. Negotiate seriously for peace," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth. More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St.

Pope Francis on Sunday warned of a global conflict arising from war in Ukraine which, he said, had capacity to wipe out humankind from the face of the Earth. More than a month has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, since the start of this cruel and senseless war, which, like every war, is a defeat for everyone, for all of us," he said to thousands of people in St. Peter's Square for his Sunday blessing. "We must repudiate war, a place of death where fathers and mothers bury their children, where men kill their brothers without even seeing them, where the powerful decide and the poor die," he said. Also Read: If I was the US President, I’d threaten to drop a nuclear bomb on Russia: Trump The war in Ukraine was destroying the country's future, he said, citing a statistic that half of the country's children had to flee the country. "That is the bestiality of war, something that is barbarous and sacrilegious," he said, urging his listeners not to consider war as inevitable or something to get used to. "If we emerge from this (war) the same as we were before, we will all be in some way guilty. Faced with the danger of self-destruction, humanity must understand that the time has come to abolish war, to cancel it from the history of man before it cancels man from history," he said. Also Read: Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' Since Russia invaded its neighbour on Feb. 24, Francis has several times spoken of a possible nuclear conflict. "I beg every politician involved to reflect on this, to make a commitment, and, looking at martyred Ukraine, to understand that every day of war worsens the situation for everyone," he said. "Enough! Stop! Let the weapons fall silent. Negotiate seriously for peace," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis warns of a global conflict over Ukraine war

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live.

There are no signs of let-up in the Ukraine conflict as fighting is raging in several parts of the country.

On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher". He was in Poland.

The Kremlin was cited by Russia's TASS news agency as saying such comments would further damage prospects for mending Russian-US&nbsp;ties.

After more than four weeks of fighting, Russia has failed to seize any major Ukrainian city and the conflict has killed thousands of people, sent nearly 3.8 million abroad and driven more than half of Ukraine's children from their homes, according to the United Nations.

<img alt="Lviv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a74310d5-fd56-4681-8d29-1374c09c5faa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/lviv.png" />

Moscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its military ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east

But two rockets hit the outskirts of Lviv, some 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border, a city that so far have escaped the heavy bombardment and fighting that has devastated some Ukrainian cities closer to Russia.

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Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy said five people had been wounded and residents were told to head to shelters after three powerful blasts in mid-afternoon. Reuters witnesses saw black smoke rising from the northeast side of the city and Lviv's mayor said an oil storage facility had been hit.

Russian troops seized Slavutych, a town where workers at the nearby Chernobyl plant live, the regional governor said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mine-like-object-found-floating-off-black-sea-465722">'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea</a>

He said Russian forces had fired into the air and thrown stun grenades to disperse residents who unfurled a large Ukrainian flag and shouted "Glory to Ukraine" in protest. Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

Slavutych sits just outside the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986.

Ukrainian staff have continued to work at Chernobyl after the plant was seized by Russian forces soon after the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed alarm about the situation if workers are unable to rotate.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live.

In what appeared to be the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rockets struck Lviv, the western Ukrainian city, on Saturday. The development came on the same day of Russian capture of the town where workers from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant live. There are no signs of let-up in the Ukraine conflict as fighting is raging in several parts of the country. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher". He was in Poland. The Kremlin was cited by Russia's TASS news agency as saying such comments would further damage prospects for mending Russian-US ties. After more than four weeks of fighting, Russia has failed to seize any major Ukrainian city and the conflict has killed thousands of people, sent nearly 3.8 million abroad and driven more than half of Ukraine's children from their homes, according to the United Nations. Moscow signalled on Friday it was scaling back its military ambitions to focus on territory claimed by Russian-backed separatists in the east But two rockets hit the outskirts of Lviv, some 60 km (40 miles) from the Polish border, a city that so far have escaped the heavy bombardment and fighting that has devastated some Ukrainian cities closer to Russia. Also Read | Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyy said five people had been wounded and residents were told to head to shelters after three powerful blasts in mid-afternoon. Reuters witnesses saw black smoke rising from the northeast side of the city and Lviv's mayor said an oil storage facility had been hit. Russian troops seized Slavutych, a town where workers at the nearby Chernobyl plant live, the regional governor said. Also Read | 'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea He said Russian forces had fired into the air and thrown stun grenades to disperse residents who unfurled a large Ukrainian flag and shouted "Glory to Ukraine" in protest. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Slavutych sits just outside the so-called exclusion zone around Chernobyl, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986. Ukrainian staff have continued to work at Chernobyl after the plant was seized by Russian forces soon after the start of the Feb. 24 invasion, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed alarm about the situation if workers are unable to rotate. (With inputs from agencies)

Rockets strike western Ukrainian city Lviv, Kremlin denounces Biden's 'butcher' comment

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so.

Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear.

Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia.

Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties.

Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved.

The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure.

In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict.

A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored.

Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons.

Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict.

Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians.

In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation.

This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.

It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States.

Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so. Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear. Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia. Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties. Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved. The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure. In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict. A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored. Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons. Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict. Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians. In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation. This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States. Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

A no-fly zone won't stop the killing in Ukraine

Ukrainian officials said on Saturday that Russian forces took control of a town housing staff working at the Chernobyl nuclear site and briefly detained the mayor.

"I have been released. Everything is fine, as far as it is possible under occupation," Yuri Fomichev, mayor of Slavutych, told AFP by phone, after officials in the Ukraine capital Kyiv announced earlier he had been detained.&nbsp;

Earlier, Kyiv announced that Russian troops had entered Slavutych and occupied the municipal hospital.

Some 25,000 people live in the town 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the capital, built after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

Residents took to the streets, carrying a large blue and yellow Ukrainian flag and heading towards the hospital, the administration said, adding that Russian forces fired into the air and threw stun grenades into the crowd.

It also shared on its Telegram account images in which dozens of people gathered around the Ukrainian flag and chanted: "Glory to Ukraine".

"According to the latest information, the town's mayor, Yuri Fomichev, has been captured," the administration said.

The Chernobyl plant was taken by the Russian army on February 24 on the same day that Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine.

The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed "concern" Thursday after Ukraine informed the organisation of Russia's bombardment of Slavutych.

The town's capture comes after the first staff rotation at Chernobyl plant last weekend since Russia took control. 
About 100 Ukrainian technicians continued to run the daily operations at the radioactive site for nearly four weeks without being rotated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian officials said on Saturday that Russian forces took control of a town housing staff working at the Chernobyl nuclear site and briefly detained the mayor.

Ukrainian officials said on Saturday that Russian forces took control of a town housing staff working at the Chernobyl nuclear site and briefly detained the mayor. "I have been released. Everything is fine, as far as it is possible under occupation," Yuri Fomichev, mayor of Slavutych, told AFP by phone, after officials in the Ukraine capital Kyiv announced earlier he had been detained. Earlier, Kyiv announced that Russian troops had entered Slavutych and occupied the municipal hospital. Some 25,000 people live in the town 160 kilometres (99 miles) north of the capital, built after the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. Residents took to the streets, carrying a large blue and yellow Ukrainian flag and heading towards the hospital, the administration said, adding that Russian forces fired into the air and threw stun grenades into the crowd. It also shared on its Telegram account images in which dozens of people gathered around the Ukrainian flag and chanted: "Glory to Ukraine". "According to the latest information, the town's mayor, Yuri Fomichev, has been captured," the administration said. The Chernobyl plant was taken by the Russian army on February 24 on the same day that Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed "concern" Thursday after Ukraine informed the organisation of Russia's bombardment of Slavutych. The town's capture comes after the first staff rotation at Chernobyl plant last weekend since Russia took control. About 100 Ukrainian technicians continued to run the daily operations at the radioactive site for nearly four weeks without being rotated. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia occupies town that houses Chernobyl staff, say Ukraine officials 

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter that the team had secured the object and had begun deactivating it.

Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters.

A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine".

Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month.

Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea.

The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports. Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter that the team had secured the object and had begun deactivating it. Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters. A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine". Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month. Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea. The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products. (With inputs from agencies)

'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea

Elvira Nabiillina, the highly regarded governor of Russia's central bank was reportedly going to step down from her post after Ukraine invasion was ordered. However, she continued on her post only when Putin asked her to stay, said Bloomberg citing sources. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

She faces a hard road ahead navigating the Russian economy given the sanctions imposed on the country by the West.

Nabillina (58) is in office since 2013. She has been able to guide Russian economy through previous rounds on Western sanctions. These sanctions were imposed on Russia when it annexed Crimea.

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Nabillina's term as governor was extended last on the recommendation of Putin

On February 28, four days after Russian troops entered Ukraine, the central bank raised its main interest rate from 9.5 to 20 percent after Western nations imposed sanctions that largely cut Russia's financial sector off from the global economy.

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The Russian central bank's board held its main interest rate at 20 percent, as expected, at a regular meeting on Friday.

Nabiullina, who delivered a speech instead of holding her customary post-meeting press conference, said that it was "extremely difficult" to provide updated economic forecasts in the current conditions, but she would do so next month.

She nevertheless sought to strike a reassuring tone about the economy, saying the measures undertaken in response to the "unprecedented" Western sanctions helped avoid a run on banks and that the liquidity situation has stabilised.

"Inflation will remain elevated for a certain amount of time, but we won't allow an inflationary spiral develop," said Nabiullina.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elvira Nabiillina, the highly regarded governor of Russia's central bank was reportedly going to step down from her post after Ukraine invasion was ordered. However, she continued on her post only when Putin asked her to stay, said Bloomberg citing sources.

Elvira Nabiillina, the highly regarded governor of Russia's central bank was reportedly going to step down from her post after Ukraine invasion was ordered. However, she continued on her post only when Putin asked her to stay, said Bloomberg citing sources. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. She faces a hard road ahead navigating the Russian economy given the sanctions imposed on the country by the West. Nabillina (58) is in office since 2013. She has been able to guide Russian economy through previous rounds on Western sanctions. These sanctions were imposed on Russia when it annexed Crimea. Also Read | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv Nabillina's term as governor was extended last on the recommendation of Putin On February 28, four days after Russian troops entered Ukraine, the central bank raised its main interest rate from 9.5 to 20 percent after Western nations imposed sanctions that largely cut Russia's financial sector off from the global economy. Also Read | Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv The Russian central bank's board held its main interest rate at 20 percent, as expected, at a regular meeting on Friday. Nabiullina, who delivered a speech instead of holding her customary post-meeting press conference, said that it was "extremely difficult" to provide updated economic forecasts in the current conditions, but she would do so next month. She nevertheless sought to strike a reassuring tone about the economy, saying the measures undertaken in response to the "unprecedented" Western sanctions helped avoid a run on banks and that the liquidity situation has stabilised. "Inflation will remain elevated for a certain amount of time, but we won't allow an inflationary spiral develop," said Nabiullina. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's central bank governor wanted to resign over Ukraine, Putin refused: Report

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country.

"One month of war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children -- more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million child population," the UN children's agency Unicef said.

The number of displaced children makes up nearly half of over 10 million people forced to flee their homes since the invasion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-provide-6000-missiles-to-ukraine-germany-says-further-strela-missiles-on-way-to-kyiv-465032">UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv</a> 
 
More than 1.8 million children have fled Ukraine as refugees, while another 2.5 million are now displaced inside their war-ravaged country, the UN said.

"The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II," Unicef chief Catherine Russell said.

"This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come," she warned.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oksana-baulina-russian-journalist-killed-during-bombardment-in-kyiv-465090">Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv</a>

"Children's safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence." &nbsp;

Her comments came a month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians.

See Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149#wave-of-sanctions-by-west-465132">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

The UN human rights office has confirmed that 81 children have been killed in the conflict and 108 injured but acknowledges that the true toll is likely far higher.

The UN has also decried that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilian infrastructure and access to basic services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country.

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country. "One month of war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children -- more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million child population," the UN children's agency Unicef said. The number of displaced children makes up nearly half of over 10 million people forced to flee their homes since the invasion. Also Read | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv More than 1.8 million children have fled Ukraine as refugees, while another 2.5 million are now displaced inside their war-ravaged country, the UN said. "The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II," Unicef chief Catherine Russell said. "This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come," she warned. Also Read | Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv "Children's safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence." Her comments came a month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians. See Pics | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? The UN human rights office has confirmed that 81 children have been killed in the conflict and 108 injured but acknowledges that the true toll is likely far higher. The UN has also decried that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilian infrastructure and access to basic services. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN

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