Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi arrived in Ukraine on Saturday (September 9) to show support for the war-torn country and discuss the reconstruction after the damages caused due to Russia's offensive.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi arrived in Ukraine on Saturday (September 9) to show support for the war-torn country and discuss the reconstruction after the damages caused due to Russia's offensive. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, Foreign Minister Hayashi is accompanied by many business leaders during the visit. Hayashi will meet his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv. The report said that Hayashi is also set to visit Bucha, which is one of the hardest-hit towns on the outskirts of Kyiv. Foreign minister's first visit since start of war: What to expect? This is the Japanese foreign minister's first visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian offensive in February last year. A foreign ministry official, who chose to remain anonymous, told the Associated Press that Hayashi would convey Tokyo's determination to support Ukraine’s economic recovery and reconstruction from the damages of war “from a uniquely Japanese perspective” through cooperation between the public and private sectors. The official added that Hayashi's business delegation to Ukraine includes Japanese business leaders like Rakuten Group CEO Hiroshi Mikitani and All Co. President Teppei Sakano. The delegation aims to assess the situation in Ukraine on the ground and communicate with Kyiv about its reconstruction needs. Japan is also planning to host a conference with Ukraine aimed at economic reconstruction of the latter country at the end of this year or early next year, the report added. Six months back, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Ukraine, the last G7 leader to do so ahead of the summit in May. Since the beginning of the war, Japan has donated over $7 billion to Ukraine, mostly for humanitarian assistance. The military equipment supplied to Ukraine is limited to non-lethal weapons due to the legal limitations under the Japanese pacifist Constitution. (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.

Japan's foreign minister arrives in war-torn Ukraine to discuss reconstruction

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.”

“We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. 
 
The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth".&nbsp; 
 
Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times".

<h2>Ukraine takes centre stage</h2>

Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution".&nbsp;

Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan&nbsp;to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war.&nbsp;

Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic".&nbsp;

Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. &nbsp; 
 
China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>No prospect of Chinese mediation</h2>

The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6).

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Chinese counterpart to persuade Russia to end the ongoing war in Ukraine as he held a crucial meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday (April 6). In response, Xi said that he also hoped that the two warring nations could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible. Xi greeted Macron at the grand Great Hall of the People with an elaborate military parade and after that, the leaders went on to hold their talks and discussed trade ties and issues of mutual interest. Both Macron and Xi advocated the urgency to pursue peace talks and also reaffirmed that they are opposed to using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Pointing towards China’s support for the United Nations Charter, which calls for respect of a country’s territorial integrity, and for nuclear agreements, Macron said, “I know I can count on you, under the two principles I just mentioned, to bring Russia to its senses and bring everyone back to the negotiating table.” “We need to find a lasting peace. I believe that this is also an important issue for China, as much as it is for France and for Europe,” Macron told Xi. The Elysee Palace said that the talks were "frank and constructive", meanwhile Beijing said the discussions were "friendly" and "in-depth". Ahead of the meeting with Xi's, Macron met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and the French president stressed the importance of dialogue between China and France "in these troubled times". Ukraine takes centre stage Ukraine emerged to be a headline point during the talks between Xi and Macron, and both leaders agreed on the need to focus on "peace talks". The French president said that Beijing can play a "major role" in finding a path to peace in the conflict and welcomed China's "willingness to commit to a resolution". Macron's visit comes against the backdrop of Beijing's peace plan to end the ongoing fighting in Ukraine. China had floated a peace plan as a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a gradual de-escalation of the war. Macron said he is "counting" on Xi to persuade the Russian president, however, it appears to be unlikely, especially after the Chinese president's recent visit to Moscow and meeting with Vladimir Putin. Putin told his Chinese counterpart that their countries shared many "common goals" and also said that the visit was "symbolic". Also, Beijing is officially neutral and Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion and has never spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the war started last year in February. China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, and this trade has propped up the Kremlin's revenue amid sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. No prospect of Chinese mediation The Kremlin said it saw no "prospect" for China to mediate the Ukraine conflict and said it had "no other way" than to press on with its offensive. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Undoubtedly, China has a very effective and commanding potential for mediation. But the situation with Ukraine is complex, so far there are no prospects for a political settlement. At the moment, there are no other ways for us aside from the continuation of the special military operation." (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.

Macron in China: French president wants Xi Jinping to ‘bring Russia to its senses’

"I am not a soldier."

Remembering days spent cramped in a bunker with her batchmates, Khwaish Thapa, who was then studying at Ukraine’s Kharkiv National Medical University, says the memories still send chills down her spine. It was February 24, 2022 — the day Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. With all its military might, the Kremlin rolled tanks in its peaceful neighbourhood.&nbsp;

The sound of sirens and bombardment filled the air. Citizens had little or no clue of what was happening. What mighty horror was unfolding around them and how their lives would forever be changed. Among them were those who called Ukraine their ‘second home’. Students pursuing medical degrees at universities across the length and breadth of the country: Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Sumy.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/escape-from-ukraine-no-water-for-3-days-held-at-gunpoint-19-year-old-indian-student-makes-it-to-safety-460443">Escape from Ukraine: No water for 3 days, held at gunpoint, 19-year-old Indian student makes it to safety</a>

Many of them were Indian nationals, who had found Ukraine to be a relatively cost-effective nation for medical education.

‘Invasion’, ‘war’: New terms in daily life

"At 5 am, my father called from India to break the news to me. That is when I peeped out of my window to see and heard sounds of bombardment," the 20-year-old recalls.

It's been a year since students knocked on the doors of the apex court in pursuit to find ways to continue their degree.

Their persistence directed them to newer avenues, with options for mobility or transfer. Many even opted to change their fields altogether.&nbsp;

<img alt=" Students were pursuing medical degrees at universities across the length and breadth of the country. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a7f42a2-0c1a-411b-b1fa-e9472b37c5f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Copy%20of%20look%20ahead.png" />

Back to square one

"My current situation has brought me back to square one, I had to redo my finances just like I did before enrolling in the first year of my degree. As I have chosen the (academic) mobility programme, my practicals will be held in Uzbekistan while I continue to study the theory part of my syllabus through online classes from my Ukrainian university," says Faisal Ansari, a fifth-year student at Sumy State University.

With a three-hour difference in the time zone between the two countries, Ansari is already staring at a hectic schedule even before entering his new campus.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-war-witness-account-indian-medical-student-sheltering-in-bunker-speaks-of-her-fears-456973">Ukraine war witness account: Indian medical student sheltering in bunker speaks of her fears</a>

"Some of my batchmates have moved back to Ukraine, but I am not convinced to return to the war-torn country. Mobility is an expensive switch; there's an additional charge of $1,500 per year, and my family and I have made peace with that," he adds.

Cutting ties

The academic transfer programme is more like cutting ties with the old university. Students are required to submit their transcripts and continue the degree at a new university where they wish to complete their graduation.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to be unstable, students are exploring opportunities in other countries.

Seeking best available options

In Ukraine, a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree is a six-year course that includes 12 months of internship. In India, it is 5.5 years. Until the new norms were released, it was a mandate for all foreign students to do an additional year-long internship in India. After weighing the pros and cons, many students have applied to Indian universities.&nbsp;

The grim reality remains that the war has affected lives in ways more than one.

Jatin Sehgal, who was studying in Kharkiv, chose to see the brighter side and embrace the best option for a stable career.

The 22-year-old is currently in Canada, pursuing a course in mental health and addiction.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-airstrike-near-hostel-as-indian-students-in-ukraine-spend-harrowing-night-in-bunker-458814">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Airstrike near hostel as Indian students in Ukraine spend harrowing night in bunker</a>

He says, “My parents and I didn’t want to be in a dilemma as there was a lot of uncertainty for foreign medical students.”

Is it Covid-19 or the war that shook the world? Foreign medical degree holders, who had planned a year of internship, will now have to intern for two years before registering for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in India. 
&nbsp;

<img alt=" Huddling in bunkers amid blaring sirens, watching a friendly neighbourhood reduce to rubble, and finally escaping the war-torn country." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1a375cd9-3b97-4470-a06a-d9506523ed86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bunnker-1.png" />

 
A year on, the war is showing no sign of ending

Many long to enjoy campus life, but in Ukraine it has a whole new meaning; it’s about constant power cuts and the lingering fear that refuses to leave the air.&nbsp;

Huddling in bunkers amid blaring sirens, watching a friendly neighbourhood reduce to rubble, and finally escaping the war-torn country — these dark days will forever be etched in the memories of these young aspiring doctors.&nbsp;

While some have chosen new pastures, others are still stuck in limbo in the hope of holding their degree. 
&nbsp;

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"I am not a soldier." Remembering days spent cramped in a bunker with her batchmates, Khwaish Thapa, who was then studying at Ukraine’s Kharkiv National Medical University, says the memories still send chills down her spine.

"I am not a soldier." Remembering days spent cramped in a bunker with her batchmates, Khwaish Thapa, who was then studying at Ukraine’s Kharkiv National Medical University, says the memories still send chills down her spine. It was February 24, 2022 — the day Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine. With all its military might, the Kremlin rolled tanks in its peaceful neighbourhood. The sound of sirens and bombardment filled the air. Citizens had little or no clue of what was happening. What mighty horror was unfolding around them and how their lives would forever be changed. Among them were those who called Ukraine their ‘second home’. Students pursuing medical degrees at universities across the length and breadth of the country: Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Sumy. ALSO READ | Escape from Ukraine: No water for 3 days, held at gunpoint, 19-year-old Indian student makes it to safety Many of them were Indian nationals, who had found Ukraine to be a relatively cost-effective nation for medical education. ‘Invasion’, ‘war’: New terms in daily life "At 5 am, my father called from India to break the news to me. That is when I peeped out of my window to see and heard sounds of bombardment," the 20-year-old recalls. It's been a year since students knocked on the doors of the apex court in pursuit to find ways to continue their degree. Their persistence directed them to newer avenues, with options for mobility or transfer. Many even opted to change their fields altogether. Back to square one "My current situation has brought me back to square one, I had to redo my finances just like I did before enrolling in the first year of my degree. As I have chosen the (academic) mobility programme, my practicals will be held in Uzbekistan while I continue to study the theory part of my syllabus through online classes from my Ukrainian university," says Faisal Ansari, a fifth-year student at Sumy State University. With a three-hour difference in the time zone between the two countries, Ansari is already staring at a hectic schedule even before entering his new campus. ALSO READ | Ukraine war witness account: Indian medical student sheltering in bunker speaks of her fears "Some of my batchmates have moved back to Ukraine, but I am not convinced to return to the war-torn country. Mobility is an expensive switch; there's an additional charge of $1,500 per year, and my family and I have made peace with that," he adds. Cutting ties The academic transfer programme is more like cutting ties with the old university. Students are required to submit their transcripts and continue the degree at a new university where they wish to complete their graduation. As the situation in Ukraine continues to be unstable, students are exploring opportunities in other countries. Seeking best available options In Ukraine, a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree is a six-year course that includes 12 months of internship. In India, it is 5.5 years. Until the new norms were released, it was a mandate for all foreign students to do an additional year-long internship in India. After weighing the pros and cons, many students have applied to Indian universities. The grim reality remains that the war has affected lives in ways more than one. Jatin Sehgal, who was studying in Kharkiv, chose to see the brighter side and embrace the best option for a stable career. The 22-year-old is currently in Canada, pursuing a course in mental health and addiction. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Airstrike near hostel as Indian students in Ukraine spend harrowing night in bunker He says, “My parents and I didn’t want to be in a dilemma as there was a lot of uncertainty for foreign medical students.” Is it Covid-19 or the war that shook the world? Foreign medical degree holders, who had planned a year of internship, will now have to intern for two years before registering for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in India. A year on, the war is showing no sign of ending Many long to enjoy campus life, but in Ukraine it has a whole new meaning; it’s about constant power cuts and the lingering fear that refuses to leave the air. Huddling in bunkers amid blaring sirens, watching a friendly neighbourhood reduce to rubble, and finally escaping the war-torn country — these dark days will forever be etched in the memories of these young aspiring doctors. While some have chosen new pastures, others are still stuck in limbo in the hope of holding their degree. 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.

Russia-Ukraine war: A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students

A senior White House aide confirmed that the United States notified Russia ahead of President Joe Biden's "risky" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-bloc-foreign-ministers-to-meet-hold-discussion-on-eu-wide-joint-arms-plan-563864">surprise visit to Ukraine</a> on Monday to avoid any miscalculation that could have brought the two nuclear-armed nations into direct conflict.&nbsp;

Biden left Kyiv after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and spending a few hours in the capital. He promised America's unwavering support to the war-torn nation and promised increased arms deliveries.&nbsp;

"President Biden has left Kyiv," the report said, wrapping up Biden's lightning visit to Kyiv ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of the pro-Western country.&nbsp;

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who accompanied the president on the trip, told reporters: "We did notify the Russians that President Biden will be travelling to Kyiv. We did so some hours before his departure for deconfliction purposes."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/biden-in-ukraine-a-perfect-photo-op-but-why-now-is-it-too-little-too-late-563977">Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late?</a>&nbsp;

Sullivan added that due to the sensitive nature of the communications, he won't reveal how Russia responded or what the "precise nature" of the message sent by the US was.&nbsp;

Extending his pre-planned visit to Poland, Biden made an extraordinary first visit to the country since Russian troops invaded on February 24, 2022, and as a president, this was his first visit to a war zone. Experts have noted that there were risks involved and the visit was organised in conditions of strict secrecy.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;&nbsp;

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IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-johnson-to-macron-to-albanese-a-look-at-ukraines-wartime-visitors-494191">Russia-Ukraine war: From Joe Biden to Emmanuel Macron - a look at significant war-time visitors</a>&nbsp;

Other American presidents have visited war zones such as his recent predecessors, Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W Bush, who made surprise visits to Afghanistan and Iraq during their presidencies. They met with US troops and leaders of those countries.&nbsp;

White House staff said they cannot yet reveal details&nbsp;of how Biden got to the embattled Ukrainian capital. Communications director Kate Bedingfield said:&nbsp;"We are holding back on some of those mode of transportation details and other specific logistical details until the trip is fully complete."&nbsp;

Sullivan said the trip "required a security operational and logistical effort from professionals across the US government to take what was an inherently risky undertaking and make it a manageable level of risk."&nbsp;

He added, "Of course, there was still risk and is still risk in an endeavour like this and President Biden felt that it was important to make this trip."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A senior White House aide confirmed that the United States notified Russia ahead of President Joe Biden's "risky" surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday to avoid any miscalculation that could have brought the two nuclear-armed nations into direct conflict.

A senior White House aide confirmed that the United States notified Russia ahead of President Joe Biden's "risky" surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday to avoid any miscalculation that could have brought the two nuclear-armed nations into direct conflict. Biden left Kyiv after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and spending a few hours in the capital. He promised America's unwavering support to the war-torn nation and promised increased arms deliveries. "President Biden has left Kyiv," the report said, wrapping up Biden's lightning visit to Kyiv ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of the pro-Western country. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who accompanied the president on the trip, told reporters: "We did notify the Russians that President Biden will be travelling to Kyiv. We did so some hours before his departure for deconfliction purposes." ALSO READ | Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late? Sullivan added that due to the sensitive nature of the communications, he won't reveal how Russia responded or what the "precise nature" of the message sent by the US was. Extending his pre-planned visit to Poland, Biden made an extraordinary first visit to the country since Russian troops invaded on February 24, 2022, and as a president, this was his first visit to a war zone. Experts have noted that there were risks involved and the visit was organised in conditions of strict secrecy. Watch this report: × IN PICS | Russia-Ukraine war: From Joe Biden to Emmanuel Macron - a look at significant war-time visitors Other American presidents have visited war zones such as his recent predecessors, Donald Trump, Barack Obama and George W Bush, who made surprise visits to Afghanistan and Iraq during their presidencies. They met with US troops and leaders of those countries. White House staff said they cannot yet reveal details of how Biden got to the embattled Ukrainian capital. Communications director Kate Bedingfield said: "We are holding back on some of those mode of transportation details and other specific logistical details until the trip is fully complete." Sullivan said the trip "required a security operational and logistical effort from professionals across the US government to take what was an inherently risky undertaking and make it a manageable level of risk." He added, "Of course, there was still risk and is still risk in an endeavour like this and President Biden felt that it was important to make this trip." (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.

US notified Russia in advance about Joe Biden's Ukraine visit to avoid direct conflict

Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made a surprise visit to the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv near the Russian border on Tuesday, promising more weapons as well as "concrete offers" to help Ukraine join the European Union.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visits Kharkiv