<p>Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence ministry in Kyiv said, "In 2023, the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine plans to train 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel, including soldiers of the territorial defence forces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement comes after EU officials made a pledge earlier this year in February that it would train 30,000 Ukrainian troops, building on an initial target of 15,000 personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-air-strikes-hit-kyiv-other-regions-far-from-front-lines-606608">Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>EU offers Ukraine over 50 billion dollars through 2027&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The EU said on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27. EU's president said ahead of a gathering in London to secure short-term financing and money to rebuild the nation from Russia's war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first part of a "Green Marshall Plan" for reconstruction, Ukraine asked up to $40 billion from the London conference starting on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the World Bank estimates, the war-ravaged nation needs more than $400 billion over a decade, which is three times Ukraine's GDP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-planning-to-launch-missiles-at-crimea-russia-claims-606594">Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Rostyslav Shurma, who is a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, told Reuters the first focus would be the iron and steel industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency said in its report that in 2021, the sector provided around 10% of Ukrainian GDP, a third of export income, and employed over 600,000 people. Shurma said that it accounted for 15% of the country's carbon emissions. The official said that he believes there is now a potential to establish an economy based on renewable energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"If you have to rebuild, it is logical to rebuild green in line with new technologies ... Our vision is to build a 50 million tonnes green steel industry in Ukraine," he said.</p>

<p>Shurma added that many of the country's damaged legacy steel plants were built in locations that suited their reliance on coal as a power source, but now, they were free to build closer to the iron ore deposits and away from the Donbas region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim was to "provide predictable finance to Ukraine on its EU path, together with global partners and the private sector."&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a conference aimed at encouraging private companies to invest in the country's reconstruction after Russia's invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would set out a new assistance package for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units.

Kyiv said on Tuesday (June 20) that European Union member states are planning to train 30,000 members of Ukraine's armed forces this year. The members of the armed forces also include territorial defence units. The defence ministry in Kyiv said, "In 2023, the EU Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine plans to train 30,000 Ukrainian armed forces personnel, including soldiers of the territorial defence forces." The statement comes after EU officials made a pledge earlier this year in February that it would train 30,000 Ukrainian troops, building on an initial target of 15,000 personnel. Also read: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline EU offers Ukraine over 50 billion dollars through 2027 The EU said on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27. EU's president said ahead of a gathering in London to secure short-term financing and money to rebuild the nation from Russia's war. For the first part of a "Green Marshall Plan" for reconstruction, Ukraine asked up to $40 billion from the London conference starting on Wednesday. According to the World Bank estimates, the war-ravaged nation needs more than $400 billion over a decade, which is three times Ukraine's GDP. Also read: Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Rostyslav Shurma, who is a deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, told Reuters the first focus would be the iron and steel industry. The news agency said in its report that in 2021, the sector provided around 10% of Ukrainian GDP, a third of export income, and employed over 600,000 people. Shurma said that it accounted for 15% of the country's carbon emissions. The official said that he believes there is now a potential to establish an economy based on renewable energy. Watch this report: × "If you have to rebuild, it is logical to rebuild green in line with new technologies ... Our vision is to build a 50 million tonnes green steel industry in Ukraine," he said. Shurma added that many of the country's damaged legacy steel plants were built in locations that suited their reliance on coal as a power source, but now, they were free to build closer to the iron ore deposits and away from the Donbas region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the aim was to "provide predictable finance to Ukraine on its EU path, together with global partners and the private sector." At a conference aimed at encouraging private companies to invest in the country's reconstruction after Russia's invasion, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he would set out a new assistance package for Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kyiv says EU countries to train 30,000 Ukraine troops in 2023

<p>Russia claimed 959 Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal steel plant had surrendered in Mariupol.</p>

<p>Russian defence ministry had earlier said 265 Ukrainian soldiers were taken into captivity as it underlined that 694 more fighters had surrendered overnight.</p>

<p>Mariupol has been bombed by Russian forces for weeks amid fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The city&nbsp;has been low on food, electricity and water amid large scale Russian bombing. The Red Cross and UN had earlier pulled out civilians from the Azovstal steelworks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-soldier-charged-with-war-crimes-pleads-guilty-480154">Also Read:&nbsp;Russian soldier charged with war crimes in Ukraine pleads guilty</a></p>

<p>Ukraine said it wanted a prisoner exchange to take place even as the Kremlin said President Putin had "guaranteed that they would be treated according to the relevant international laws."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court(ICC) said it was deploying investigators including forensic experts to gather evidence on alleged war crimes by Russian troops.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kyiv wants to swap Azovstal defenders</strong></p>

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<p>President Putin had ordered a "special military operation" on February 24 against Ukraine as Russian troops entered the neighbouring&nbsp;country, however, they were met with fierce resistance by Ukraine's Army as Russia said it was set to concentrate its forces in the eastern region.</p>

<p>Russia said it had attacked eastern Ukraine with missiles in the Donetsk region and claimed to have destroyed &nbsp;Ukrainian Su-24 aircraft and anti-tank missiles, however, it hasn't been confirmed by Ukraine.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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Russia claimed 959 Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal steel plant had surrendered in Mariupol. Russian defence ministry had earlier said 265 Ukrainian soldiers were taken into captivity as it underlined that 694 more fighters had surrendered overnight.

Russia claimed 959 Ukrainian fighters at the Azovstal steel plant had surrendered in Mariupol. Russian defence ministry had earlier said 265 Ukrainian soldiers were taken into captivity as it underlined that 694 more fighters had surrendered overnight. Mariupol has been bombed by Russian forces for weeks amid fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. The city has been low on food, electricity and water amid large scale Russian bombing. The Red Cross and UN had earlier pulled out civilians from the Azovstal steelworks. Also Read: Russian soldier charged with war crimes in Ukraine pleads guilty Ukraine said it wanted a prisoner exchange to take place even as the Kremlin said President Putin had "guaranteed that they would be treated according to the relevant international laws." Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court(ICC) said it was deploying investigators including forensic experts to gather evidence on alleged war crimes by Russian troops. Watch: Kyiv wants to swap Azovstal defenders President Putin had ordered a "special military operation" on February 24 against Ukraine as Russian troops entered the neighbouring country, however, they were met with fierce resistance by Ukraine's Army as Russia said it was set to concentrate its forces in the eastern region. Russia said it had attacked eastern Ukraine with missiles in the Donetsk region and claimed to have destroyed Ukrainian Su-24 aircraft and anti-tank missiles, however, it hasn't been confirmed by Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

959 Ukrainian fighters have surrendered in Azovstal steel plant, claims Russia

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!"</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">Emine Dzheppar, the country's first deputy foreign minister, announced the stamp commemorating the Snake Island incident, in which 13 border guards stationed on a roughly 16-hectare (40-acre) rocky island about 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Crimea reportedly replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," when asked to surrender.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">They were then attacked and believed to have been killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">According to Dzheppar, the artist Boris Groh's illustration earned the most votes in a competition organised by the Ukrainian postal service.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-armed-attack-on-one-attack-on-all-if-russian-forces-strike-in-poland-462007"><strong>Also read | Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland</strong></a><br />
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According to an interpreter for NPR, the winning design's artist, Borys Groh, told Ukrposhta that the soldiers' refusal to surrender inspired him to submit a drawing to boost morale.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The postage stamp named "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" will appear in🇺🇦. The sketch by artist Boris Groh received the most votes and will soon be published by Ukraine's state postal company.<br />
🇺🇦✌️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopRussianAgression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopRussianAgression</a> <a href="https://t.co/ByYAzw2tYq">pic.twitter.com/ByYAzw2tYq</a></p>
— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmineDzheppar/status/1502545496614789126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said the design took him three days to complete and that if he hadn't been distracted by the news, he could have finished it in five hours.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">Groh used to dwell in a city on Snake Island on the Crimean peninsula.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">He is currently in Lviv, Ukraine's westernmost city.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!" Emine Dzheppar, the country's first deputy foreign minister, announced the stamp commemorating the Snake Island incident, in which 13 border guards stationed on a roughly 16-hectare (40-acre) rocky island about 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Crimea reportedly replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," when asked to surrender. They were then attacked and believed to have been killed. According to Dzheppar, the artist Boris Groh's illustration earned the most votes in a competition organised by the Ukrainian postal service. Also read | Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland According to an interpreter for NPR, the winning design's artist, Borys Groh, told Ukrposhta that the soldiers' refusal to surrender inspired him to submit a drawing to boost morale. The postage stamp named "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" will appear in🇺🇦. The sketch by artist Boris Groh received the most votes and will soon be published by Ukraine's state postal company. 🇺🇦✌️#StandWithUkraine#StopRussianAgression pic.twitter.com/ByYAzw2tYq — Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) March 12, 2022 × He said the design took him three days to complete and that if he hadn't been distracted by the news, he could have finished it in five hours. Groh used to dwell in a city on Snake Island on the Crimean peninsula. He is currently in Lviv, Ukraine's westernmost city. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian warship 'go f*ck yourself': Ukraine reveals postage stamp

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4"><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4">According to an audio recording of the incident, the thirteen Ukrainian border guards murdered Thursday while defending a crucial Black Sea island sent a defiant farewell message to the invading Russian forces.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">A Russian cruiser notified the 13 soldiers stationed on the remote Zmiinyi, or Snake Island, about 40 kilometres from Romania's border, that they should surrender or "be attacked with a bomb strike."&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">"Russian warship, go f**k yourself," a Ukrainian border guard replied.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack.<br />
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Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself."<br />
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They held their ground. All 13 were killed. <a href="https://t.co/GMRsXQRSX0">pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0</a></p>
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/aletweetsnews/status/1497008826201124870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to CNN and the Independent, the audio tape was first received by the Ukrainian news site Ukrayinska Pravda and has subsequently been confirmed as legitimate by Ukraine's interior ministry.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the guards as heroes.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">In the days since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, 137 "heroes" have been slain and 316 people have been injured, Zelensky stated in a televised message.</p>

<p>The 13 border guards who refused to surrender as the island was taken over by Russians were among the deceased, according to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">Zelensky stated that they would be granted Hero of Ukraine awards posthumously.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Russia blatantly captured Ukrainian island <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zmiinyi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zmiinyi</a>, destroying the infrastructure. All 13 🇺🇦 border guards were killed, refusing to surrender. They will be awarded the title «Hero of Ukraine» postmortem, says <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a><br />
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Glory to Ukrainian heroes! 🇺🇦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopRussianAggression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopRussianAggression</a> <a href="https://t.co/PWEIvqzxyJ">pic.twitter.com/PWEIvqzxyJ</a></p>
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1497108738955788316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Two Russian vessels approached the island on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of an invasion at dawn.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">The ship called via loudspeakers, "Propose to put down arms immediately to avoid bloodshed and unjustified deaths."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">In the worst case, you will be hit by a bomb strike. I am repeating... "they said," according to a translation by CNN.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16">Two Ukrainian guards are heard engaging in a brief exchange — "should I tell them to go f*ck themselves?" — before responding: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wow. It seems the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island really did tell Russian warships to "go to hell" before they were killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/unian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unian</a> <a href="https://t.co/lRrXQDk3xQ">pic.twitter.com/lRrXQDk3xQ</a></p>
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASLuhn/status/1497129344887521280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. According to an audio recording of the incident, the thirteen Ukrainian border guards murdered Thursday while defending a crucial Black Sea island sent a defiant farewell message to the invading Russian forces. A Russian cruiser notified the 13 soldiers stationed on the remote Zmiinyi, or Snake Island, about 40 kilometres from Romania's border, that they should surrender or "be attacked with a bomb strike." "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," a Ukrainian border guard replied. A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0 — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022 × According to CNN and the Independent, the audio tape was first received by the Ukrainian news site Ukrayinska Pravda and has subsequently been confirmed as legitimate by Ukraine's interior ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the guards as heroes. In the days since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, 137 "heroes" have been slain and 316 people have been injured, Zelensky stated in a televised message. The 13 border guards who refused to surrender as the island was taken over by Russians were among the deceased, according to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry. Zelensky stated that they would be granted Hero of Ukraine awards posthumously. Russia blatantly captured Ukrainian island #Zmiinyi, destroying the infrastructure. All 13 🇺🇦 border guards were killed, refusing to surrender. They will be awarded the title «Hero of Ukraine» postmortem, says @ZelenskyyUa Glory to Ukrainian heroes! 🇺🇦#StopRussianAggression pic.twitter.com/PWEIvqzxyJ — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) February 25, 2022 × Two Russian vessels approached the island on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of an invasion at dawn. The ship called via loudspeakers, "Propose to put down arms immediately to avoid bloodshed and unjustified deaths." In the worst case, you will be hit by a bomb strike. I am repeating... "they said," according to a translation by CNN. Two Ukrainian guards are heard engaging in a brief exchange — "should I tell them to go f*ck themselves?" — before responding: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself." Wow. It seems the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island really did tell Russian warships to "go to hell" before they were killed. @unian pic.twitter.com/lRrXQDk3xQ — Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) February 25, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

‘Russian warship, go f**k yourself’: Ukraine troops killed guarding strategic island

<p>A US State Department official said Russia could "potentially attack Ukraine" from Belarus as it intends to station troops in the country.</p>

<p>"The timing is notable and raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises in order potentially to attack Ukraine from the north," a US State Department official said.</p>

<p>The official said, "Belarus’ complicity in such an attack would be completely unacceptable to Belarusian."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rebel-held-regions-of-eastern-ukraine-are-growing-closer-to-russia-437500">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia</a></p>

<p>Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border with Russia, President Lukashenko had announced that Russian forces and the Belarus military would be conducting drills next month.</p>

<p>Russian news agency TASS, quoting the US State Department official said &nbsp;a "normal exercise" involves notification of 42 days and at least 9,000&nbsp;troops are&nbsp;involved, but this time there are 13,0000&nbsp;troops, adding, "that's what normal looks like, what this is is something entirely different."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Europe heading for war? Russia conducts military drills</strong></p>

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<p>The official said there are "many troubling things happening in Belarus" referring to Lukashenko's regime which has been facing domestic trouble including sanctions from EU countries. The State Department official said Belarus had increasingly become a "destabilising actor".</p>

<p>The US has been warning that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine with thousands of troops stationed at the border. The White House said recently that the attack could come in mid-January to mid-February.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a></p>

<p>Russia has denied it is set to invade Ukraine and has insisted it can move troops anywhere inside its region. Kremlin had earlier submitted a document to the US and NATO asserting that the European military alliance should not admit ex-Soviet countries referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid hectic diplomatic efforts, the US secretary of state Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Kyiv on Wednesday as the White House said Putin's regime is set to attack at "any point".</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


A US State Department official said Russia could "potentially attack Ukraine" from Belarus as it intends to station troops in the country. "The timing is notable and raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises in order potentially to attack Ukraine from the north," a US State Department official said.

A US State Department official said Russia could "potentially attack Ukraine" from Belarus as it intends to station troops in the country. "The timing is notable and raises concerns that Russia could intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises in order potentially to attack Ukraine from the north," a US State Department official said. The official said, "Belarus’ complicity in such an attack would be completely unacceptable to Belarusian." Also Read in Pics: Rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine are growing closer to Russia Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border with Russia, President Lukashenko had announced that Russian forces and the Belarus military would be conducting drills next month. Russian news agency TASS, quoting the US State Department official said a "normal exercise" involves notification of 42 days and at least 9,000 troops are involved, but this time there are 13,0000 troops, adding, "that's what normal looks like, what this is is something entirely different." Watch: Europe heading for war? Russia conducts military drills The official said there are "many troubling things happening in Belarus" referring to Lukashenko's regime which has been facing domestic trouble including sanctions from EU countries. The State Department official said Belarus had increasingly become a "destabilising actor". The US has been warning that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine with thousands of troops stationed at the border. The White House said recently that the attack could come in mid-January to mid-February. Also Read: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? Russia has denied it is set to invade Ukraine and has insisted it can move troops anywhere inside its region. Kremlin had earlier submitted a document to the US and NATO asserting that the European military alliance should not admit ex-Soviet countries referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand. Amid hectic diplomatic efforts, the US secretary of state Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Kyiv on Wednesday as the White House said Putin's regime is set to attack at "any point". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia could potentially attack Ukraine from Belarus: US State Department official

<p>What was supposed to be a unique parade has left the Ukrainian authorities in the middle of a sexist controversy ahead of its 30 years of independence celebrations.</p>

<p>Female Ukrainian troops are preparing to stage a military parade next month to celebrate 30 years of independence and to show the preparations the defence ministry released images of these women soldiers marching in black heels.</p>

<p>"Today, for the first time, training takes place in heeled shoes," cadet Ivanna Medvid was quoted as saying by the defence ministry's information site ArmiaInform. "It is slightly harder than in army boots but we are trying."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-female-soldiers-made-to-practice-for-parade-in-heels-395592"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-female-soldiers-made-to-practice-for-parade-in-heels-395592/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, this post backfired at the authorities as many believe the female troops have been sexualised with this choice of footwear. The defence ministry is being accused of sexism and misogyny.</p>

<p>Not just the social media users, but members of parliament, too, ridiculed the idea and blamed the defence ministry for ignoring the health risks the women are being exposed to by being made to march in heels.</p>

<p>"It is hard to imagine a more idiotic, harmful idea," said Inna Sovsun, a member of the Golos party, pointing to health risks.</p>

<p>People also said that the ministry is mocking the service done by women troops, even though they put in equal efforts and induce similar risks as male soldiers.</p>


What was supposed to be a unique parade has left the Ukrainian authorities in the middle of a sexist controversy ahead of its 30 years of independence celebrations.

What was supposed to be a unique parade has left the Ukrainian authorities in the middle of a sexist controversy ahead of its 30 years of independence celebrations. Female Ukrainian troops are preparing to stage a military parade next month to celebrate 30 years of independence and to show the preparations the defence ministry released images of these women soldiers marching in black heels. "Today, for the first time, training takes place in heeled shoes," cadet Ivanna Medvid was quoted as saying by the defence ministry's information site ArmiaInform. "It is slightly harder than in army boots but we are trying." WATCH | However, this post backfired at the authorities as many believe the female troops have been sexualised with this choice of footwear. The defence ministry is being accused of sexism and misogyny. Not just the social media users, but members of parliament, too, ridiculed the idea and blamed the defence ministry for ignoring the health risks the women are being exposed to by being made to march in heels. "It is hard to imagine a more idiotic, harmful idea," said Inna Sovsun, a member of the Golos party, pointing to health risks. People also said that the ministry is mocking the service done by women troops, even though they put in equal efforts and induce similar risks as male soldiers.

Watch: Ukraine's female soldiers made to march in heels

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