Two Russian missiles hit a restaurant in the centre of Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine killing at least 10 people including a child. The strikes also left over 60 other people injured.

Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: violence in Ukraine continues as a Russian missile strike leaves 42 people injured. A child was among the dead in the attack that hit a pizza restaurant in eastern Ukraine.

Russian strike on restaurant in Ukraine leaves 42 injured, child among those dead

A handful of Japanese men have joined Ukrainians battling the Russian invasion, defying their government's warnings and bucking a decades-long national principle of pacifism. Japan's military is constitutionally limited to defence and has not fought since World War II. Many of the foreign fighters who have flocked to Ukraine from other countries come with military and combat experience. However, Japan's unique constitutional constraints mean its volunteers start as absolute novices. Ukraine's embassy in Tokyo initially called for volunteers to join the fight, echoing an invitation by Zelensky for foreign support, but quickly retracted it. Japan's government, like those elsewhere, has warned its citizens against travel to Ukraine. A small determined group has ignored that advice.

Japanese men join Ukrainians battling Russian invasion | Japan's military hasn't fought since WW-II

<p>Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief,&nbsp;on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We were ready to make concessions to the defence ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message released by his spokespeople.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry has denied Prigozhin's claims of strikes on camps of Wagner&nbsp;forces. As per a report by CNN,&nbsp;Russia’s domestic intelligence service has now&nbsp;opened a criminal case against him.</p>

<h2><strong>There was no need for Russia to invade Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner chief also blamed defence minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine in February last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin has often accused Shoigu and some other officials during the course of the war, but the latest allegation is significant, as it questions Russia's justifications for invading Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video posted on social media on&nbsp;Friday (June 23), the Wagner chief can be heard saying that Russia did not face any imminent security threat to justify the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a half-hour video released by his press service, Prigozhin&nbsp;said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-to-have-rippled-13-cruise-missiles-fired-by-russia-607781">Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>"On 24 February [2022] there was nothing extraordinary happening there. Now the Ministry of Defence is trying to deceive the public, deceive the president and tell a story that there was some crazy aggression by Ukraine, that - together with the whole NATO&nbsp;bloc - Ukraine was planning to attack us," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a Marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star… the war wasn't for demilitarising or de-nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why did the special military operation begin? ... the war was needed for the self-promotion of a bunch of ba***rds," he added, further blaming Russian military leadership for "poorly planning" the invasion and "embarrassing" because of the setbacks on the battlefield.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-mounts-legal-challenge-to-keep-embassy-site-near-australian-parliament-607792">Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He said, "Shoigu killed thousands of the most combat-ready Russian soldiers in the first days of the war. The mentally ill sc**bags decided 'It's okay, we'll throw in a few thousand more Russian men as cannon fodder.&nbsp;They'll die under artillery fire, but we'll get what we want'."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That's why it has become a protracted war," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prigozhin said that the war was also needed to enrich the ruling elite who were not satisfied with the commercial potential of part of Ukraine's Donbas region that Moscow seized control of in 2014 via a proxy separatist force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "The task was to divide material assets (in Ukraine). There was massive theft in the Donbas, but they wanted more."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian diplomat stages protest as Australia dismisses lease for Moscow embassy&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia 'retreating' from Ukraine attacks&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Wagner's chief also said that Moscow's forces are retreating in Ukraine's east and south following Kyiv's counteroffensive - remarks that are basically contradicting recent assessments by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine was suffering "catastrophic" losses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On the ground now ... the Russian army is retreating on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are pushing back the Russian army," Prigozhin said on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, just a few days after launching the invasion, Russia claimed that it annexed the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are washing ourselves in blood. No one is bringing reserves. What they tell us is the deepest deception," Prigozhin added, referring to the Russian military and political leadership.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief, on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary group Wagner's chief, on Friday, accused Moscow's military leadership of ordering strikes on his camps and killing a "huge" number of forces. "We were ready to make concessions to the defence ministry, surrender our weapons," Prigozhin said in an audio message released by his spokespeople. "Today, seeing that we have not been broken, they conducted missile strikes at our rear camps," he added. The Russian defence ministry has denied Prigozhin's claims of strikes on camps of Wagner forces. As per a report by CNN, Russia’s domestic intelligence service has now opened a criminal case against him. There was no need for Russia to invade Ukraine Wagner chief also blamed defence minister Sergei Shoigu for starting the war in Ukraine in February last year. Prigozhin has often accused Shoigu and some other officials during the course of the war, but the latest allegation is significant, as it questions Russia's justifications for invading Ukraine. In a video posted on social media on Friday (June 23), the Wagner chief can be heard saying that Russia did not face any imminent security threat to justify the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a half-hour video released by his press service, Prigozhin said, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not going to attack Russia with the NATO bloc. The Russian Defence Ministry is deceiving the public and the president." Also read: Ukraine claims to have struck down 13 cruise missiles fired by Russia "On 24 February [2022] there was nothing extraordinary happening there. Now the Ministry of Defence is trying to deceive the public, deceive the president and tell a story that there was some crazy aggression by Ukraine, that - together with the whole NATO bloc - Ukraine was planning to attack us," he said. "The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a Marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star… the war wasn't for demilitarising or de-nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star," he further added. "Why did the special military operation begin? ... the war was needed for the self-promotion of a bunch of ba***rds," he added, further blaming Russian military leadership for "poorly planning" the invasion and "embarrassing" because of the setbacks on the battlefield. Also read: Russia mounts legal challenge to keep embassy site near Australian parliament He said, "Shoigu killed thousands of the most combat-ready Russian soldiers in the first days of the war. The mentally ill sc**bags decided 'It's okay, we'll throw in a few thousand more Russian men as cannon fodder. They'll die under artillery fire, but we'll get what we want'." "That's why it has become a protracted war," he said. Prigozhin said that the war was also needed to enrich the ruling elite who were not satisfied with the commercial potential of part of Ukraine's Donbas region that Moscow seized control of in 2014 via a proxy separatist force. He said, "The task was to divide material assets (in Ukraine). There was massive theft in the Donbas, but they wanted more." Watch: Russian diplomat stages protest as Australia dismisses lease for Moscow embassy × Russia 'retreating' from Ukraine attacks Wagner's chief also said that Moscow's forces are retreating in Ukraine's east and south following Kyiv's counteroffensive - remarks that are basically contradicting recent assessments by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine was suffering "catastrophic" losses. "On the ground now ... the Russian army is retreating on the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are pushing back the Russian army," Prigozhin said on social media. Last year, just a few days after launching the invasion, Russia claimed that it annexed the southern Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. "We are washing ourselves in blood. No one is bringing reserves. What they tell us is the deepest deception," Prigozhin added, referring to the Russian military and political leadership. 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. (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.

Wagner chief accuses Russian military of bombing his forces, vows revenge

Ukrainian missiles struck the bridge that Russians used to transport equipment to parts of Ukraine. Russia has now threatened Ukraine. What will Russia do? How is Ukraine's counter-offensive progressing? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine attacks the Chonhar bridge | How will Russia retaliate?

<p>Kyiv said on Wednesday (June 21) that the the destruction of Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this month caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages to the environment. Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame over the dam that was breached earlier this month in the Russian-held region, causing devastating floods in the Kherson area, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open after a reported blast on the Kakhovka dam, which sits on the Dnipro River that feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a reconstruction conference in London, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: "Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine." He said that the overall cost of Ukraine's reconstruction, estimated at $411 billion by the World Bank, "will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also added that the "preliminary estimates" of $1.5 billion in environmental damages following the dam breach do not include "losses to agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and the cost of rebuilding the plant itself".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-counteroffensive-is-slower-than-desired-says-zelensky-606979">Ukraine counteroffensive is 'slower than desired', says Zelensky</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Ukraine: Now a reconstruction project</strong></h2>

<p>At the same conference in London, Ukraine urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months. Shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. The estimate shows that the ongoing war, which started last year in February, has put Ukraine in desperate need of the largest reconstruction project in Europe since World War Two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States, Britain, the European Union and others have already pledged billions of dollars in additional help at the London conference, but Ukraine said it needed yet more capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-shoot-down-three-drones-outside-moscow-calls-it-an-attack-by-ukraine-606929">Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Shmyhal said that the war-torn nation needs $6 billion over the next 12 months. He said, "We have set an ambitious goal of securing pledges for this amount as a result of this conference."&nbsp;</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opened the conference with an appeal to businesses and governments to do more to help rebuild. He announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk Insurance as he addressed the key difficulty for most companies wanting to invest in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine's defence and for the counteroffensive, and we'll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war," Sunak told the conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Kyiv said on Wednesday (June 21) that the the destruction of Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this month caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages to the environment.

Kyiv said on Wednesday (June 21) that the the destruction of Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine earlier this month caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damages to the environment. Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame over the dam that was breached earlier this month in the Russian-held region, causing devastating floods in the Kherson area, forcing thousands to flee and sparking fears of an environmental disaster. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open after a reported blast on the Kakhovka dam, which sits on the Dnipro River that feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. At a reconstruction conference in London, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said: "Every day Russia is inflicting new losses on Ukraine." He said that the overall cost of Ukraine's reconstruction, estimated at $411 billion by the World Bank, "will grow, especially after the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant". He also added that the "preliminary estimates" of $1.5 billion in environmental damages following the dam breach do not include "losses to agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and the cost of rebuilding the plant itself". Also read: Ukraine counteroffensive is 'slower than desired', says Zelensky Watch this report: × Ukraine: Now a reconstruction project At the same conference in London, Ukraine urged the Western countries to pledge over $6 billion more to help it rebuild over the next 12 months. Shellings and strikes in Ukraine destroyed homes, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. The estimate shows that the ongoing war, which started last year in February, has put Ukraine in desperate need of the largest reconstruction project in Europe since World War Two. The United States, Britain, the European Union and others have already pledged billions of dollars in additional help at the London conference, but Ukraine said it needed yet more capital. Also read: Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine Shmyhal said that the war-torn nation needs $6 billion over the next 12 months. He said, "We have set an ambitious goal of securing pledges for this amount as a result of this conference." British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak opened the conference with an appeal to businesses and governments to do more to help rebuild. He announced the London Conference Framework for War Risk Insurance as he addressed the key difficulty for most companies wanting to invest in Ukraine. "Together with our allies we will maintain our support for Ukraine's defence and for the counteroffensive, and we'll stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes as they continue to win this war," Sunak told the conference. (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.

Environmental damage from Ukraine dam breach at $1.5 billion, says Kyiv

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is&nbsp;considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations.</p>

<p>Zelensky released a video statement, saying that Kyiv was sharing its information with international partners about the plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Without revealing the source, he said, "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - a terrorist act with a release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Unfortunately, I have had to remind (people) more than once that radiation knows no state borders. And who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind..." Zelensky added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Zelensky, Russian forces are reportedly orchestrating a radiation leak.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-warns-china-against-use-of-force-calls-for-swedens-inclusion-in-nato-607427">German Chancellor Scholz warns China against use of force, calls for Sweden's inclusion in NATO</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia dismisses claim&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia and Kremlin dismissed the claim by Ukraine calling the allegation "another lie". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that a team of UN nuclear inspectors had visited the plant and rated everything there highly secure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the same day, Russia even announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crimean-bridge-struck-by-missile-attacks-russia-blames-ukraine-607279">Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Zaporizhzhia is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper. The strategically important city is known for its island of Khortytsia and Dnieper Hydroelectric Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the war, Zaporizhzhia NPP used to be a powerful electricity supplier in Ukraine. The plant used to generate 40-42 billion kWh of power which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent&nbsp;of electricity generated by Ukrainian NPPs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The plant is located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, on the bank of the Kakhovka water reservoir, which was recently breached causing massive flooding in adjacent regions. Zelensky also said intelligence agencies had gathered new evidence of how Russian forces blew up the dam and other structures at the hydroelectric plant. "It was a completely deliberate, calculated crime," he claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia captured Zaporizhzhia at the start of the war and an attack on March 4 renewed fears that the invasion could result in damage to one of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors.&nbsp;It could trigger another emergency like the 1986 Chornobyl accident, the world's worst nuclear disaster.&nbsp;Experts claim&nbsp;that if the nuclear plant blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday (June 22) that Moscow is considering launching a "terror attack" at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Since the beginning of the war last year in February, the Russian-controlled nuclear plant has remained a flash point between the two nations. Zelensky released a video statement, saying that Kyiv was sharing its information with international partners about the plant. Without revealing the source, he said, "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering the scenario of a terrorist act at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - a terrorist act with a release of radiation. They have prepared everything for this." "Unfortunately, I have had to remind (people) more than once that radiation knows no state borders. And who it will hit is determined only by the direction of the wind..." Zelensky added. According to Zelensky, Russian forces are reportedly orchestrating a radiation leak. Also read: German Chancellor Scholz warns China against use of force, calls for Sweden's inclusion in NATO Watch this report: × Russia dismisses claim Russia and Kremlin dismissed the claim by Ukraine calling the allegation "another lie". Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that a team of UN nuclear inspectors had visited the plant and rated everything there highly secure. On the same day, Russia even announced that UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi would be arriving in the Russian region of Kaliningrad to meet with the head of Russia's nuclear agency. Also read: Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine Zaporizhzhia is a city in south-eastern Ukraine, situated on the banks of the Dnieper. The strategically important city is known for its island of Khortytsia and Dnieper Hydroelectric Station. Before the war, Zaporizhzhia NPP used to be a powerful electricity supplier in Ukraine. The plant used to generate 40-42 billion kWh of power which accounts for one-fifth (20 per cent) of the average annual electricity production in Ukraine and for almost 47 per cent of electricity generated by Ukrainian NPPs. The plant is located in the steppe zone of Ukraine, on the bank of the Kakhovka water reservoir, which was recently breached causing massive flooding in adjacent regions. Zelensky also said intelligence agencies had gathered new evidence of how Russian forces blew up the dam and other structures at the hydroelectric plant. "It was a completely deliberate, calculated crime," he claimed. Russia captured Zaporizhzhia at the start of the war and an attack on March 4 renewed fears that the invasion could result in damage to one of Ukraine's 15 nuclear reactors. It could trigger another emergency like the 1986 Chornobyl accident, the world's worst nuclear disaster. Experts claim that if the nuclear plant blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chornobyl. (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.

Moscow dismisses Zelensky's claims that Russia is planning to attack Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant

Ukrainian forces have carried out a missile strike on a bridge connecting Ukraine’s Kherson region and Crimea, Russia-appointed officials in both regions said on Friday. Vladimir Saldo, the Russia-appointed Kherson governor, said the bridge was likely to have been attacked by Storm Shadow missiles that damaged the road, but traffic has been diverted to a different route. No casualties have been reported.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine strikes key bridge between mainland and Crimea

<p>Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To confirm the Ukrainian claims partly, Russia's defence ministry said that the forces had hit and destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across the neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. It also said that forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in three different directions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war-torn nation said that at night, Russia launched 35 "Shahed" attack drones, and 32 of them were shot down by Ukraine, further mentioning that anti-aircraft defence operated in most regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the officials, the Kyiv region was impacted the most as non-residential structures and several private houses were damaged. However, there were no reports of casualties or injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine claimed that there were three hits on a critically important object in Lviv and around seven S-300 missiles were launched at night in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs.&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><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Rescue worker killed in Kherson</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine said on Tuesday (June 20) that one rescue worker was killed and several others were injured by Russian forces in the southern city of Kherson, a region which is flooded after the breach of the Kakhovka dam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath&nbsp;Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The destruction of the dam caused devastating floods in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian interior minister Igor Klymenko said on social media, "One employee of the State Emergency Service dead, another eight were injured in Kherson." Klymenko also added that the team was involved in clean-up efforts in the wake of the flood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-comes-out-with-new-rules-to-control-social-lives-of-top-generals-606454">Chinese military comes out with new rules to control social lives of top generals</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear weapons threat is 'real'</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden issued a warning over the constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons during the war. During the course of the war, which started last year in February, Biden's counterpart Vladimir Putin and several other prominent personalities in Russia tried to threaten the West over the usage of tactical nuclear weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Biden told a group of donors in California on Monday, that "when I was out here about two years ago saying I worried about the Colorado River drying up, everybody looked at me like I was crazy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons. It's real," Biden added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed.

Ukrainian officials said that Russia on Tuesday struck at military and infrastructure targets in the capital city of Kyiv and across other parts of the country. The strikes targeted the western areas far from the front lines, the officials further claimed. To confirm the Ukrainian claims partly, Russia's defence ministry said that the forces had hit and destroyed eight ammunition warehouses across the neighbouring nation in the last 24 hours. It also said that forces repelled Ukrainian attacks in three different directions. The war-torn nation said that at night, Russia launched 35 "Shahed" attack drones, and 32 of them were shot down by Ukraine, further mentioning that anti-aircraft defence operated in most regions. According to the officials, the Kyiv region was impacted the most as non-residential structures and several private houses were damaged. However, there were no reports of casualties or injuries. Ukraine claimed that there were three hits on a critically important object in Lviv and around seven S-300 missiles were launched at night in Zaporizhzhia and its suburbs. Also read: Ukraine planning to launch missiles at Crimea, Russia claims Watch: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons × Rescue worker killed in Kherson Ukraine said on Tuesday (June 20) that one rescue worker was killed and several others were injured by Russian forces in the southern city of Kherson, a region which is flooded after the breach of the Kakhovka dam. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The destruction of the dam caused devastating floods in southern Ukraine. The Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Ukrainian interior minister Igor Klymenko said on social media, "One employee of the State Emergency Service dead, another eight were injured in Kherson." Klymenko also added that the team was involved in clean-up efforts in the wake of the flood. Also read: Chinese military comes out with new rules to control social lives of top generals Nuclear weapons threat is 'real' United States President Joe Biden issued a warning over the constant threat of the use of nuclear weapons during the war. During the course of the war, which started last year in February, Biden's counterpart Vladimir Putin and several other prominent personalities in Russia tried to threaten the West over the usage of tactical nuclear weapons. As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Biden told a group of donors in California on Monday, that "when I was out here about two years ago saying I worried about the Colorado River drying up, everybody looked at me like I was crazy". "They looked at me like when I said I worry about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons. It's real," Biden added. (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.

Ukraine war: Russian air strikes hit Kyiv, other regions far from frontline

<p>During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties,” Putin said, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Meeting with African leaders</strong></h2>

<p>The African&nbsp;leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands were in the meeting. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met Volodymyr Zelensky, before their meeting with President Putin.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-expected-to-be-asked-to-extend-another-term-as-nato-chief-amid-replacement-challenges-605543">Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges</a></p>

<p>South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his stance before Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasising the urgent need for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stressed that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. President Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing conflict not only on the African continent but also on numerous countries worldwide.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-calls-on-nawaz-sharif-to-become-pakistan-pm-again-lead-election-campaign-605527">Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign</a></p>

<p>"This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world," he said as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Significance for Africa's food supply</strong></h2>

<p>The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy</strong></p>

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<p>The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains.</p>

<h2><strong>African leaders advocate for peace&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>African leaders, including Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, expressed their desire for peace between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution.</p>

<h2><strong>Diplomatic efforts in Kyiv</strong></h2>

<p>The African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, where they called for peace and expressed their concerns over the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Africa. Rising grain prices had adversely affected the continent, prompting the leaders to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.</p>

<p>"There should be peace through negotiations," Ramaphosa told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela multiple times during a news conference held after talks with Ukrainian President.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During their visit to Kyiv, the African leaders faced a tense situation as air raid sirens sounded across the city, indicating the detection of incoming Russian missiles. The delegation had to take shelter during this alarming situation.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian air force response</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly responded to the missile threat and successfully shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, were wounded according to regional police, as per media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict.

During a meeting with African leaders at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his appreciation for their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and emphasised Russia's openness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on Ukraine conflict. “We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties,” Putin said, reported Reuters. Meeting with African leaders The African leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands were in the meeting. These leaders had previously visited the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met Volodymyr Zelensky, before their meeting with President Putin. Also Read | Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented his stance before Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasising the urgent need for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end. He stressed that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. President Ramaphosa highlighted the negative impact of the ongoing conflict not only on the African continent but also on numerous countries worldwide. Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign "This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world," he said as per reports. Significance for Africa's food supply The peace mission undertaken by African leaders holds significant importance for Africa, as the region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine. Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy × The war has caused disruptions to exports from one of the world's key sources of agricultural produce, affecting food security and supply chains. African leaders advocate for peace African leaders, including Senegalese President Macky Sall, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union, expressed their desire for peace between Russia and Ukraine. They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution. Diplomatic efforts in Kyiv The African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv, where they called for peace and expressed their concerns over the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Africa. Rising grain prices had adversely affected the continent, prompting the leaders to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. "There should be peace through negotiations," Ramaphosa told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ramaphosa cited Nelson Mandela multiple times during a news conference held after talks with Ukrainian President. "To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky said. During their visit to Kyiv, the African leaders faced a tense situation as air raid sirens sounded across the city, indicating the detection of incoming Russian missiles. The delegation had to take shelter during this alarming situation. Ukrainian air force response The Ukrainian Air Force swiftly responded to the missile threat and successfully shot down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, were wounded according to regional police, as per media reports. (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. ×

'Open for dialogue on Ukraine', Putin tells African leaders, welcomes their balanced approach on conflict

According to reports, the Kyiv regime is unable to account for hundreds of millions of arms. A recent mainstream media investigation portrays a devastating picture of Kiev's attempts to obtain enough military weaponry to sustain its faltering counteroffensive, complete with missing arms shipments, broken-down trucks, and internal lawsuits.

Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons | Russia-Ukraine War

<p>Ukraine cannot account for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has paid for the weapons in its ongoing war with Russia. And despite big announcements from the Western world regarding arms and ammunition, Kyiv remains hard-pressed for weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A recent report by New York Times states&nbsp;that Kyiv has not received weapons for which it has already paid money to contractors. Meanwhile, the arms donated by the allies are in such shabby condition that they are only fit enough to be 'cannibalised' for spare parts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Money paid to state-owned companies never materialised in the delivery of arms, one of the people involved in Ukraine's arms purchasing was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent delivery of&nbsp;33 self-propelled howitzers by Italy shows the true extent of the problem&nbsp;the Ukrainian administration is facing. A video showed smoke coming out of the engine of one vehicle, while another had engine coolant leaking from it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-counteroffensive-leads-to-advancements-in-southern-region-russia-ukraine-war-605765"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></a></p>

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<p>When quizzed about the decrepit condition of the howitzers, the Italian defence ministry in a statement said the vehicles had been decommissioned long ago. However, Ukraine had&nbsp;asked for them anyway&nbsp;“to be overhauled and put into operation, given the urgent need for means to face the Russian aggression".</p>

<p>To arrest the slide, Kyiv sent those howitzers to&nbsp;Tampa-based Ultra Defense Corporation for repairs to the tune of $19.8 million. However, after being shipped back to Ukraine, 13 of them were deemed "not suitable for combat missions".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A miffed Kyiv shot down a letter to Pentagon and let Washington know about its frustrations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The American company, offering its services, had no prior intention to fulfil its obligations,” wrote&nbsp;Volodymyr Pikuzo,&nbsp;Ukraine's defence procurement director in the letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</strong></a></p>

<p>The report claims that it is only this&nbsp;year that the Volodomyr Zelensky government has smelled the coffee and started analysing its past purchases to understand where the money is being spent and omit problematic contractors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine reliant on the West for keeping up in the war</strong></h2>

<p>The US has been one of the biggest donors for Ukraine in the ongoing war. It has committed almost $40 billion in military aid and more in financial and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the European allies have also pooled resources and donated tens of billions of dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is due to the money committed already that Ukrainian officials have mostly refrained from complaining about the broken equipment, However, as the war drags on and soldiers grow weary in the absence of proper weapons, the frustration is bound to grow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukraine cannot account for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has paid for the weapons in its ongoing war with Russia. And despite big announcements from the Western world regarding arms and ammunition, Kyiv remains hard-pressed for weapons.

Ukraine cannot account for the hundreds of millions of dollars it has paid for the weapons in its ongoing war with Russia. And despite big announcements from the Western world regarding arms and ammunition, Kyiv remains hard-pressed for weapons. A recent report by New York Times states that Kyiv has not received weapons for which it has already paid money to contractors. Meanwhile, the arms donated by the allies are in such shabby condition that they are only fit enough to be 'cannibalised' for spare parts. "Ukrainian government documents show that as of the end of last year, Kyiv had paid arms suppliers more than $800 million since the Russian invasion in February 2022 for contracts that went completely or partly unfulfilled," the publication noted. Money paid to state-owned companies never materialised in the delivery of arms, one of the people involved in Ukraine's arms purchasing was quoted as saying. The recent delivery of 33 self-propelled howitzers by Italy shows the true extent of the problem the Ukrainian administration is facing. A video showed smoke coming out of the engine of one vehicle, while another had engine coolant leaking from it. WATCH | Ukraine: Counteroffensive leads to advancements in Southern region | Russia-Ukraine War × When quizzed about the decrepit condition of the howitzers, the Italian defence ministry in a statement said the vehicles had been decommissioned long ago. However, Ukraine had asked for them anyway “to be overhauled and put into operation, given the urgent need for means to face the Russian aggression". To arrest the slide, Kyiv sent those howitzers to Tampa-based Ultra Defense Corporation for repairs to the tune of $19.8 million. However, after being shipped back to Ukraine, 13 of them were deemed "not suitable for combat missions". A miffed Kyiv shot down a letter to Pentagon and let Washington know about its frustrations. “The American company, offering its services, had no prior intention to fulfil its obligations,” wrote Volodymyr Pikuzo, Ukraine's defence procurement director in the letter. Also read | Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes The report claims that it is only this year that the Volodomyr Zelensky government has smelled the coffee and started analysing its past purchases to understand where the money is being spent and omit problematic contractors. Notably, at any instance, over 30 per cent of Kyiv's arsenal is under repair. In its battle with Russia, such a high rate of weapon failure is non-negotiable and can potentially be the difference in eventual win or defeat. Ukraine reliant on the West for keeping up in the war The US has been one of the biggest donors for Ukraine in the ongoing war. It has committed almost $40 billion in military aid and more in financial and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the European allies have also pooled resources and donated tens of billions of dollars. It is due to the money committed already that Ukrainian officials have mostly refrained from complaining about the broken equipment, However, as the war drags on and soldiers grow weary in the absence of proper weapons, the frustration is bound to grow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Zelensky administration cannot account for 'hundreds of millions of dollars' spent on weapons: Report

<p>The United States recorded three mass shootings on Saturday (June 17), leaving three dead and injuring at least 38 others. The first shooting occurred in central Pennsylvania while the second shooting occurred near Washington State during an electronic dance music festival. And the third shooting occurred in Illinois.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades. The trial will start on Monday and will be conducted in the maximum-security IK-6 penal colony in Melekhovo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And as the war in Ukraine rages on, classified German defence ministry documents stated that Ukrainian saboteurs may have been involved in the destruction of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-mass-shootings-in-a-day-rock-us-three-killed-many-injured-605863"><strong>Three mass shootings in a day rock US, three killed, at least 38 shot</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/19/360459-shooting.jpeg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>It was a bloody Saturday for the United States as it recorded three mass shootings in a day, leaving three dead, and at least 38 injured.&nbsp;The first shooting occurred in central Pennsylvania on Saturday morning where two state troopers were shot, one fatally, in a multi-scene shootout with a man who initially fired bullets into state police vehicles outside police barracks, reported CNN on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-alexei-navalny-faces-decades-in-prison-for-rehabilitating-nazi-ideology-and-other-crimes-605858"><strong>Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/19/360454-new-wion.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades.&nbsp;The trial starts Monday. It will be conducted in the maximum-security IK-6 penal colony in Melekhovo, located approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow, where Navalny is currently incarcerated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-saboteurs-may-have-destroyed-togliatti-odessa-ammonia-pipeline-reports-605867"><strong>Ukrainian saboteurs may have destroyed Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline: Reports</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/19/360461-copy-of-untitled.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Ukrainian saboteurs may have been involved in the destruction of the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline that was subjected to intense shelling earlier this month, according to classified German defence ministry documents accessed by The Bild.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delhi-police-fbi-bust-call-centre-scam-which-conned-us-citizens-of-20-million-605848"><strong>Delhi Police, FBI bust call centre scam which conned US citizens of $20 million</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/18/360449-pexels-hassan-ouajbir-804065.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>A joint operation by Delhi Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Interpol busted a call centre gang operating from India which scammed US citizens out of $20 million by impersonating a high-ranking officer from the US Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to Delhi Police. The team arrested six individuals.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Blinken in Beijing: Antony Blinken likely to meet President Xi</strong></p>

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The United States recorded three mass shootings on Saturday (June 17), leaving three dead and injuring at least 38 others. The first shooting occurred in central Pennsylvania while the second shooting occurred near Washington State during an electronic dance music festival.

The United States recorded three mass shootings on Saturday (June 17), leaving three dead and injuring at least 38 others. The first shooting occurred in central Pennsylvania while the second shooting occurred near Washington State during an electronic dance music festival. And the third shooting occurred in Illinois. Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades. The trial will start on Monday and will be conducted in the maximum-security IK-6 penal colony in Melekhovo. And as the war in Ukraine rages on, classified German defence ministry documents stated that Ukrainian saboteurs may have been involved in the destruction of the Togliatti-Odesa ammonia pipeline. Click on the headlines to read more: Three mass shootings in a day rock US, three killed, at least 38 shot It was a bloody Saturday for the United States as it recorded three mass shootings in a day, leaving three dead, and at least 38 injured. The first shooting occurred in central Pennsylvania on Saturday morning where two state troopers were shot, one fatally, in a multi-scene shootout with a man who initially fired bullets into state police vehicles outside police barracks, reported CNN on Sunday. Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces decades in prison for 'rehabilitating Nazi ideology' and other crimes Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is set to face trial, where he will be tried on charges of "extremism" that carry the potential of keeping him imprisoned for several decades. The trial starts Monday. It will be conducted in the maximum-security IK-6 penal colony in Melekhovo, located approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow, where Navalny is currently incarcerated. Ukrainian saboteurs may have destroyed Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline: Reports Ukrainian saboteurs may have been involved in the destruction of the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline that was subjected to intense shelling earlier this month, according to classified German defence ministry documents accessed by The Bild. Delhi Police, FBI bust call centre scam which conned US citizens of $20 million A joint operation by Delhi Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Interpol busted a call centre gang operating from India which scammed US citizens out of $20 million by impersonating a high-ranking officer from the US Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to Delhi Police. The team arrested six individuals. Watch | Blinken in Beijing: Antony Blinken likely to meet President Xi ×

Morning brief: US records 3 mass shootings in a day, Navalny faces decades in prison, and more

Is Ukraine's counter-offensive failing? US officials say Kyiv is facing a very 'tough fight' & might end up paying a 'high cost'. Who are these officials? Mohammad Saleh reports.

Gravitas: Has Russia blunted Ukraine's counteroffensive with NATO weapons?

<p>Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (June 16) that Russian troops who destroy German-made Leopard tanks and US-supplied armoured vehicles&nbsp;being used by Ukraine will be rewarded with bonuses. The ministry described this to be part of a wider reward scheme under which 10,000 Russian servicemen received individual bonuses since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.</p>

<p>The ministry said that payments were being made on the basis of reports from Russian field commanders.</p>

<p>"...payments are currently being g made to servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces who in the course of military operations destroyed Leopard tanks, as well as armoured fighting vehicles made in the USA and other NATO countries," the ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Blasts heard in Kyiv as African peace mission visits Ukrainian capital</strong></p>

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<p>On Tuesday (June 13), Russian military correspondent Semyon Pegov told President Vladimir Putin that the soldiers were not receiving the rewards. Putin said it was a surprise for him and promised to immediately take the issue up with the defence ministry.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu awarded "Hero of Russia gold star" medal to soldiers who Russia said had destroyed Leopard tanks and US-made Bradley fighting vehicles. The equipment, weapons and vehicles are being used by Ukraine in its long-anticipated counteroffensive.</p>

<p>The ministry said that up to May 31, a total of 10,257 servicemen had been rewarded for destroying 16,001 items of Ukrainian and Western military equipment.</p>

<h2><strong>So what's the bonus?</strong></h2>

<p>It said that an enemy armoured vehicle was worth 50,000 roubles (USD 596) and a tank was worth 100,000 roubles ($1220) it said.</p>

<p>Military pilots and air defence operators received 300,000 roubles for every destroyed Ukrainian plane or helicopter. A successful strike on Tochka-U and US-supplied HIMARS rocket launch systems were rewarded with the same amount.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-air-raid-sirens-greet-african-peace-mission-leaders-visiting-kyiv-605173">Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv</a></strong></p>

<p>The practice of financial rewards for destroyed enemy military hardware has existed for decades. It was even used in the Red Army during World War Two after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains on the battlefield in the first few months, Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Western countries, led by the US, have poured millions and millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid and weapons. This has helped Ukraine turn the tide in the war in which its armed forces were expected to quickly capitulate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (June 16) that Russian troops who destroy German-made Leopard tanks and US-supplied armoured vehicles being used by Ukraine will be rewarded with bonuses.

Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (June 16) that Russian troops who destroy German-made Leopard tanks and US-supplied armoured vehicles being used by Ukraine will be rewarded with bonuses. The ministry described this to be part of a wider reward scheme under which 10,000 Russian servicemen received individual bonuses since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. The ministry said that payments were being made on the basis of reports from Russian field commanders. "...payments are currently being g made to servicemen of the Russian Federation Armed Forces who in the course of military operations destroyed Leopard tanks, as well as armoured fighting vehicles made in the USA and other NATO countries," the ministry said. Watch | Blasts heard in Kyiv as African peace mission visits Ukrainian capital × On Tuesday (June 13), Russian military correspondent Semyon Pegov told President Vladimir Putin that the soldiers were not receiving the rewards. Putin said it was a surprise for him and promised to immediately take the issue up with the defence ministry. On Sunday, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu awarded "Hero of Russia gold star" medal to soldiers who Russia said had destroyed Leopard tanks and US-made Bradley fighting vehicles. The equipment, weapons and vehicles are being used by Ukraine in its long-anticipated counteroffensive. The ministry said that up to May 31, a total of 10,257 servicemen had been rewarded for destroying 16,001 items of Ukrainian and Western military equipment. So what's the bonus? It said that an enemy armoured vehicle was worth 50,000 roubles (USD 596) and a tank was worth 100,000 roubles ($1220) it said. Military pilots and air defence operators received 300,000 roubles for every destroyed Ukrainian plane or helicopter. A successful strike on Tochka-U and US-supplied HIMARS rocket launch systems were rewarded with the same amount. Also Read | Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv The practice of financial rewards for destroyed enemy military hardware has existed for decades. It was even used in the Red Army during World War Two after Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains on the battlefield in the first few months, Russian forces were forced to retreat in the face of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. Western countries, led by the US, have poured millions and millions of dollars worth of humanitarian aid and weapons. This has helped Ukraine turn the tide in the war in which its armed forces were expected to quickly capitulate. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia to award bonuses to soldiers who destroy Western tanks

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (June 13) that he believed Ukraine was responsible for the breach last week of the Kakhovka dam. While speaking during a televised meeting of Russian war correspondents and military bloggers, Putin said that the damage has been caused by Kyiv shelling the structure with HIMARS missile systems, which were supplied by the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said, "They used HIMARS rockets deliberately and many times to hit Kakhovka dam - that's the point. Maybe they had some kind of plant there. I don't know."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "Maybe they added something insignificant once again - and destruction began. As we understand - we are not interested in this (Kakhovka dam destruction) for sure, because there are harsh consequences for territories we control and that are Russian."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack, which caused tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-fsb-arrests-former-defence-industry-workers-suspected-of-spying-for-ukraines-military-intelligence-603962">Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Same as Ukrainian officials, Putin also mentioned that rescue efforts were continuing in flooded areas of Kherson under Russian control as he said that the Russian Emergencies Ministry has been working there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin said that military and local authorities are also doing rescue work. He said, "I've recently talked to the acting head of the Kherson region (Russian-controlled Ukraine territory) Vladimir Saldo. He said they were surprised. Because they had never seen such collaborative work (in Kherson)".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin speaks about recent border attacks&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Putin said Moscow could have more successfully readied southern regions of the country bordering Ukraine for cross-border attacks from Ukrainian territory. He referred to the recent cross-border attacks on Russia's southern region of Belgorod and said that "of course, there is nothing good in this".</p>

<p>Putin added, "But, in principle, one could have assumed that the enemy would behave this way, and one could have prepared better."</p>

<p>Speaking further, Putin said that there was no need to follow Ukraine's example and declare martial law, but he added that the nation must fight enemy agents and improve its defences against attacks deep inside its own territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Ukraine's losses close to 'catastrophic'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Putin claimed that Ukraine was suffering massive losses in its highly touted counter-offensive against Russian positions in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their losses are approaching a level that could be described as catastrophic," Putin said during a meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-four-israeli-soldiers-one-civilian-injured-after-shooting-incident-in-west-bank-604028">At least four Israeli soldiers, one civilian injured after shooting incident in West Bank</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Russia to ditch grain deal?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Putin also said that Russia was considering withdrawing from the Black Sea grain deal because the West had cheated Moscow by implementing none of the promises to get Russian agricultural goods to world markets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are thinking about getting out of this grain deal now. Unfortunately, we were once again cheated - nothing was done in terms of liberalising the supply of our grain to foreign markets. There were a lot of conditions that the Westerners had to fulfil under the leadership of the UN," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nothing has been done," Putin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grain deal is crucial as it allowed Ukraine to resume seaborne grain exports was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year to help tackle a global food crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (June 13) that he believed Ukraine was responsible for the breach last week of the Kakhovka dam. While speaking during a televised meeting of Russian war correspondents and military bloggers, Putin said that the damage has been caused by Kyiv shelling the structure with HIMARS missile systems, which were supplied by the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday (June 13) that he believed Ukraine was responsible for the breach last week of the Kakhovka dam. While speaking during a televised meeting of Russian war correspondents and military bloggers, Putin said that the damage has been caused by Kyiv shelling the structure with HIMARS missile systems, which were supplied by the United States. Putin said, "They used HIMARS rockets deliberately and many times to hit Kakhovka dam - that's the point. Maybe they had some kind of plant there. I don't know." He added, "Maybe they added something insignificant once again - and destruction began. As we understand - we are not interested in this (Kakhovka dam destruction) for sure, because there are harsh consequences for territories we control and that are Russian." The hydroelectric dam was ripped open earlier this month after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack, which caused tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro. Also read: Russia's FSB arrests former defence industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine's military intelligence Same as Ukrainian officials, Putin also mentioned that rescue efforts were continuing in flooded areas of Kherson under Russian control as he said that the Russian Emergencies Ministry has been working there. Putin said that military and local authorities are also doing rescue work. He said, "I've recently talked to the acting head of the Kherson region (Russian-controlled Ukraine territory) Vladimir Saldo. He said they were surprised. Because they had never seen such collaborative work (in Kherson)". Putin speaks about recent border attacks Putin said Moscow could have more successfully readied southern regions of the country bordering Ukraine for cross-border attacks from Ukrainian territory. He referred to the recent cross-border attacks on Russia's southern region of Belgorod and said that "of course, there is nothing good in this". Putin added, "But, in principle, one could have assumed that the enemy would behave this way, and one could have prepared better." Speaking further, Putin said that there was no need to follow Ukraine's example and declare martial law, but he added that the nation must fight enemy agents and improve its defences against attacks deep inside its own territory. Watch: Kyiv claims to retaken ground from Russian forces × Ukraine's losses close to 'catastrophic' Putin claimed that Ukraine was suffering massive losses in its highly touted counter-offensive against Russian positions in Ukraine. "Their losses are approaching a level that could be described as catastrophic," Putin said during a meeting. Also read: At least four Israeli soldiers, one civilian injured after shooting incident in West Bank Russia to ditch grain deal? Putin also said that Russia was considering withdrawing from the Black Sea grain deal because the West had cheated Moscow by implementing none of the promises to get Russian agricultural goods to world markets. "We are thinking about getting out of this grain deal now. Unfortunately, we were once again cheated - nothing was done in terms of liberalising the supply of our grain to foreign markets. There were a lot of conditions that the Westerners had to fulfil under the leadership of the UN," he said. "Nothing has been done," Putin added. The grain deal is crucial as it allowed Ukraine to resume seaborne grain exports was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July last year to help tackle a global food crisis. 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. (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.

Putin claims Ukraine deliberately hit Kakhovka dam with HIMARS rockets

On the 27th of May, Moscow launched the Kondor FKA radar surveillance satellite. And according to the Russian military department, this high-resolution satellite will be used entirely for military purposes. And will scan the entire territory of Ukraine, twice a day for military installations. What this means is that Ukraine will have no place to hide the western weapons that are being pumped into the battlefield. Weather phenomena such as rain, thunder and clouds will not affect the radar capabilities of this satellite. And what is worse, the undisclosed weapons caches that Ukraine presently has at this moment will be exposed. But how good are these Russian surveillance satellites? And can they really change the course of this war? Mohammed Saleh gets you the details

Russia's new War Satellite exposes all Western Weapons in Ukraine

NATO is carrying out its biggest-ever air drill in Germany. 25 nations are participating along with the newest member Finland. This comes right after Ukraine started its much-anticipated counter-offensive against Russia. So what exactly is the purpose of these drills? Will NATO fight the war for Ukraine?

Gravitas: Will NATO fight Ukraine's war against Russia?

<p>Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has said that his country has started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. This announcement came on Wednesday (June 14) and according to some reports citing Lukashenko, some of the weapons were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 by the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts have claimed that the shorter-range less powerful nuclear weapons could potentially be used on the battlefield. In case it happens, it would be the first usage of such warheads outside Russia since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union.</p>

<p>During an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel, Lukashenko said, "We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he said in the interview, which was posted on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-holds-quiet-talks-with-iran-to-free-us-prisoners-curb-nuke-programme-604480">Biden administration holds quiet talks with Iran to free US prisoners, curb nuke programme</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>As per the report, Lukashenko spoke on a road in a forest clearing with military vehicles parked nearby. In the images, some kind of military storage facility was also visible in the background.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus amid the ongoing Ukraine war, which began when the Russian president ordered a "special military operation" last year in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-wont-support-swedens-nato-bid-unless-anti-turkish-protests-are-stopped-erdogan-604388">Turkey won't support Sweden's NATO bid unless anti-Turkish protests are stopped: Erdogan</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The announcement was criticised by the US and other Western nations, but America said that it has no intention of altering its own stance on strategic nuclear weapons. It was also claimed that so far, there are no signs that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The interview with the Russian state TV was reportedly released late on Tuesday, where Lukashenko said that his country had numerous nuclear storage facilities left over from the Soviet era&nbsp;and that they had restored five or six of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lukashenko played down the idea that Russian control of the weapons was an impediment to using them quickly if he felt such a move was necessary. He said that he and Putin could pick up the phone and talk to each other "at any moment".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What will be the location of these weapons?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Neither Russia nor Belarus revealed the exact location where the "tactical" nuclear weapons would be deployed. But the Federation of American Scientists has said the weapons could be based at the Lida air base, 40 km (25 miles) from the Lithuanian border. Notably, Belarus borders three NATO member countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has said that his country has started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. This announcement came on Wednesday (June 14) and according to some reports citing Lukashenko, some of the weapons were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 by the United States.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has said that his country has started taking delivery of Russian tactical nuclear weapons. This announcement came on Wednesday (June 14) and according to some reports citing Lukashenko, some of the weapons were three times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 by the United States. Experts have claimed that the shorter-range less powerful nuclear weapons could potentially be used on the battlefield. In case it happens, it would be the first usage of such warheads outside Russia since the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union. During an interview with the Rossiya-1 Russian state TV channel, Lukashenko said, "We have missiles and bombs that we have received from Russia." "The bombs are three times more powerful than those (dropped on) Hiroshima and Nagasaki," he said in the interview, which was posted on the Belarusian Belta state news agency's Telegram channel. Also read: Biden administration holds quiet talks with Iran to free US prisoners, curb nuke programme As per the report, Lukashenko spoke on a road in a forest clearing with military vehicles parked nearby. In the images, some kind of military storage facility was also visible in the background. Earlier this year in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus amid the ongoing Ukraine war, which began when the Russian president ordered a "special military operation" last year in February. Watch this report: × Also read: Turkey won't support Sweden's NATO bid unless anti-Turkish protests are stopped: Erdogan The announcement was criticised by the US and other Western nations, but America said that it has no intention of altering its own stance on strategic nuclear weapons. It was also claimed that so far, there are no signs that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in the war in Ukraine. The interview with the Russian state TV was reportedly released late on Tuesday, where Lukashenko said that his country had numerous nuclear storage facilities left over from the Soviet era and that they had restored five or six of them. Meanwhile, Lukashenko played down the idea that Russian control of the weapons was an impediment to using them quickly if he felt such a move was necessary. He said that he and Putin could pick up the phone and talk to each other "at any moment". What will be the location of these weapons? Neither Russia nor Belarus revealed the exact location where the "tactical" nuclear weapons would be deployed. But the Federation of American Scientists has said the weapons could be based at the Lida air base, 40 km (25 miles) from the Lithuanian border. Notably, Belarus borders three NATO member countries: Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. 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. (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.

Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons

<p>The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs.</p>

<p>The ICRC said such visits are of importance to check detention conditions, offering support and sometimes books, hygiene items and other personal necessities. The visits are also vital to relay information between the prisoners and their loved ones.</p>

<p>"For the prisoners of war and their families who have been able to share news, the impact is... immeasurable," Ariane Bauer, ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told reporters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan</strong></p>

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<p>The ICRC&nbsp;and&nbsp;its partners have till now delivered around 2500 personal messages between POWs and their families in the Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>The organisation said it had also helped provide around 5,500 families with information on the fate of their loved ones in the conflict.</p>

<p>Visiting the POWs forms the core to ICRC's mission which is enshrined in the Geneva conventions.</p>

<p>Geneva conventions define the laws of war.</p>

<h2><strong>Red Cross not pushing hard enough, feels Zelensky&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly criticised the Red Cross on the ultra-sensitive subject of POW visits. Zelensky has accused the&nbsp;Red Cross of not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukraine troops who are captured by Russian forces.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-belarus-begins-taking-delivery-of-russian-nuclear-weapons-604512">Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons</a></strong></p>

<p>The organisation sees it as a vital part of its mandate to "access prisoners of war on both sides", ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told reporters last week.</p>

<p>"We are progressing," she added.</p>

<p>The ICRC has said that it has access to POWs held by Russia including in recent weeks. However, the ICRC has not revealed breakdown of how many POWs on either side of the conflict it has visited on either side&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ICRC never reveals such numbers, nor any details on the conditions it finds in detention centres as part of its unrelenting commitment to neutrality.</p>

<p>Bauer acknowledged that this commitment during times of conflict, particularly Ukraine war, is often "misunderstood".</p>

<p>"Neutrality is not a moral position. It's a tool that helps us work and get access to prisoners of war, to populations in difficult situations," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs.

The Red Cross said on Wednesday (June 14) that it had visited 1500 prisoners of war (POW) on both sides of the conflict in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stressed the importance of access to both Russian and Ukrainian POWs. The ICRC said such visits are of importance to check detention conditions, offering support and sometimes books, hygiene items and other personal necessities. The visits are also vital to relay information between the prisoners and their loved ones. "For the prisoners of war and their families who have been able to share news, the impact is... immeasurable," Ariane Bauer, ICRC's regional director for Europe and Central Asia, told reporters. Watch | Ukraine's Andriy Yermak dials India's NSA Ajit Doval seeking support for peace plan × The ICRC and its partners have till now delivered around 2500 personal messages between POWs and their families in the Ukraine conflict. The organisation said it had also helped provide around 5,500 families with information on the fate of their loved ones in the conflict. Visiting the POWs forms the core to ICRC's mission which is enshrined in the Geneva conventions. Geneva conventions define the laws of war. Red Cross not pushing hard enough, feels Zelensky Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly criticised the Red Cross on the ultra-sensitive subject of POW visits. Zelensky has accused the Red Cross of not pushing hard enough to gain access to Ukraine troops who are captured by Russian forces. Also Read | Ukraine war: Belarus begins taking delivery of Russian nuclear weapons The organisation sees it as a vital part of its mandate to "access prisoners of war on both sides", ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric told reporters last week. "We are progressing," she added. The ICRC has said that it has access to POWs held by Russia including in recent weeks. However, the ICRC has not revealed breakdown of how many POWs on either side of the conflict it has visited on either side The ICRC never reveals such numbers, nor any details on the conditions it finds in detention centres as part of its unrelenting commitment to neutrality. Bauer acknowledged that this commitment during times of conflict, particularly Ukraine war, is often "misunderstood". "Neutrality is not a moral position. It's a tool that helps us work and get access to prisoners of war, to populations in difficult situations," she said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia-Ukraine war: Red Cross visits POWs ‘on both sides’ of conflict

Russia has warned that it could use 'depleted uranium weapons' on the battlefield as Ukraine's counter-offensive escalates. Is the war about to go nuclear? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Will Russia deploy depleted Uranium weapons? | Russia's top general killed in strikes

<p>As Russia gives warning signals to Ukraine for a new offensive, the country's parliament is vying to lend its support to bring in convicted criminals to fight in the Ukraine war which has been going on for over a year now, as per Reuters.&nbsp;This comes as Ukraine kicked off its counteroffensive and has claimed that it has captured seven villages from Russian occupancy.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lg-reviews-amarnath-yatra-arrangements-in-pahalgam-over-60k-troops-to-be-deployed-for-security-604339">India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security</a></p>

<p>As per reports, Russia's lower house of parliament may soon carry out a vote on a law Wednesday that will give a green check to the country's defence ministry to be able to sign contracts with suspected/convicted criminals to join the war in Eastern Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though initially it was thought that Russia will wipe out Ukraine in a matter of months, it turned out that with the backing of weapons provided by the West and the perseverance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, none of the sides has been able to win the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-that-ate-russian-tourist-on-camera-to-be-mummified-put-on-display-604333">Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display</a></p>

<p>Russia has been calling the war in Ukraine a special military operation even if many Western nations have condemned the conflict, even calling it a massive human rights violation carried out by Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dragged-on 15-month war has substantially dealt a heavy blow to Russian forces and the country is now ramping up its efforts to draw in more fighters on the battlefield in what is Europe's largest land war since World War Two.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the contract all about?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the upcoming changes, the criminals who are to be included will not be the ones on whom the legal system has already taken action. In fact, the contract will be applicable to those who are still under investigation for a crime or whose case has been&nbsp;heard in a court of law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead</strong></p>

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<p>These details about the contract are as per the database of Russia's lower house of the State Duma (Parliament).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is barred from signing up?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Though the law will permit criminals to fight on Ukraine's battlefield, the legislation still has put up some bars as to who can be included among these convicted/suspected criminals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those&nbsp;convicted of sexual crimes, extremism, treason, or terrorism are not allowed to sign up for the contract.</p>

<p>Once their contract is over or awarded for their combat prowess, these convicted criminals will not have to serve&nbsp;any other liability later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Not the first time...&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It is not the first time that Russia will be recruiting criminals as Wagner mercenary group had permitted to recruit convicts from prisons to fight in Ukraine.&nbsp;However, the group later said that they ceased the recruitment in February.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Those serving not included&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to prison rights activists, the Russian defence ministry has taken over the process of recruitment and was looking to overhaul the procedure. The contract does not cover the recruitment of people who are already serving their sentences. However, the Russian defence ministry has not made any comments yet.&nbsp;</p>

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As Russia gives warning signals to Ukraine for a new offensive, the country's parliament is vying to lend its support to bring in convicted criminals to fight in the Ukraine war which has been going on for over a year now, as per Reuters.

As Russia gives warning signals to Ukraine for a new offensive, the country's parliament is vying to lend its support to bring in convicted criminals to fight in the Ukraine war which has been going on for over a year now, as per Reuters. This comes as Ukraine kicked off its counteroffensive and has claimed that it has captured seven villages from Russian occupancy. Also Read | India: LG reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements in Pahalgam, over 60k troops to be deployed for security As per reports, Russia's lower house of parliament may soon carry out a vote on a law Wednesday that will give a green check to the country's defence ministry to be able to sign contracts with suspected/convicted criminals to join the war in Eastern Europe. Though initially it was thought that Russia will wipe out Ukraine in a matter of months, it turned out that with the backing of weapons provided by the West and the perseverance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, none of the sides has been able to win the war. Also Read | Shark that ate Russian tourist on camera to be mummified, put on display Russia has been calling the war in Ukraine a special military operation even if many Western nations have condemned the conflict, even calling it a massive human rights violation carried out by Russia. The dragged-on 15-month war has substantially dealt a heavy blow to Russian forces and the country is now ramping up its efforts to draw in more fighters on the battlefield in what is Europe's largest land war since World War Two. What is the contract all about? As per the upcoming changes, the criminals who are to be included will not be the ones on whom the legal system has already taken action. In fact, the contract will be applicable to those who are still under investigation for a crime or whose case has been heard in a court of law. Watch | UK Police seek motive for Nottingham murders, man arrested after police finds three dead × These details about the contract are as per the database of Russia's lower house of the State Duma (Parliament). Who is barred from signing up? Though the law will permit criminals to fight on Ukraine's battlefield, the legislation still has put up some bars as to who can be included among these convicted/suspected criminals. Those convicted of sexual crimes, extremism, treason, or terrorism are not allowed to sign up for the contract. Once their contract is over or awarded for their combat prowess, these convicted criminals will not have to serve any other liability later. Not the first time... It is not the first time that Russia will be recruiting criminals as Wagner mercenary group had permitted to recruit convicts from prisons to fight in Ukraine. However, the group later said that they ceased the recruitment in February. Those serving not included According to prison rights activists, the Russian defence ministry has taken over the process of recruitment and was looking to overhaul the procedure. The contract does not cover the recruitment of people who are already serving their sentences. However, the Russian defence ministry has not made any comments yet. 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. ×

Russian parliament in favour of allowing criminals to fight in Ukraine war

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<p>With war-torn Ukraine beginning its counteroffensive against Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (June 12) promised more aid to the Kyiv government. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Macron said, "We have intensified the delivery of ammunitions, weapons and armed vehicles ... We'll continue in coming days and weeks," the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have always done exactly what we had told him we would do, within extremely tight deadlines each time. We are currently in the process of continuing to deliver equipment, and also support the maintenance of several pieces of already delivered equipment, which may have been damaged," Macron added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Counteroffensive will take place over several weeks, even months'</strong></h2>

<p>The French president also said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive was planned with care and methodically by military leaders who had shown their determination, their bravery, and excellence in their organisation. He added the counteroffensive would take place over several weeks, even months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-worried-over-russia-possibly-quitting-grain-deal-in-july-603611">UN chief worried over Russia possibly quitting grain deal in July</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have always done exactly what we had told him we would do, within extremely tight deadlines each time. We are currently in the process of continuing to deliver equipment, and also support the maintenance of several pieces of already delivered equipment, which may have been damaged," Macron said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday that Russia's invasion of Ukraine remained the key foreign policy issue, adding Germany, France and Poland stood closely by Ukraine's side. "We support the country in defending itself politically, humanitarianly, financially, and also with weapons against Russian aggression," Scholz said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And Polish President Andrzej Duda said the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in July would be "A clear signal" for Ukraine's path to eventual membership of the intergovernmental military alliance.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine re-captures 7 villages from Russian forces</strong></h2>

<p>The Ukrainian government said on Monday its troops recaptured seven villages from Russian forces. According to Reuters, Soldiers were seen in a video holding the Ukrainian flag in the village of Storozheve. On Sunday, Ukrainian forces heading south liberated three other nearby villages along the Mokri Yaly: Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Army within the Army: Tensions rise between Russian Military factions</strong></p>

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<p>And late Monday, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar posted on Telegram that Ukrainian forces had also recaptured Levadne and Novodarivka as well as Lobkove.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has not yet acknowledged these advances but Russian military bloggers said Ukraine took Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka and was pushing on southward.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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With war-torn Ukraine beginning its counteroffensive against Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (June 12) promised more aid to the Kyiv government.

With war-torn Ukraine beginning its counteroffensive against Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (June 12) promised more aid to the Kyiv government. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Macron said, "We have intensified the delivery of ammunitions, weapons and armed vehicles ... We'll continue in coming days and weeks," the news agency Reuters reported. "We have always done exactly what we had told him we would do, within extremely tight deadlines each time. We are currently in the process of continuing to deliver equipment, and also support the maintenance of several pieces of already delivered equipment, which may have been damaged," Macron added. 'Counteroffensive will take place over several weeks, even months' The French president also said that the Ukrainian counteroffensive was planned with care and methodically by military leaders who had shown their determination, their bravery, and excellence in their organisation. He added the counteroffensive would take place over several weeks, even months. Also read | UN chief worried over Russia possibly quitting grain deal in July "We have always done exactly what we had told him we would do, within extremely tight deadlines each time. We are currently in the process of continuing to deliver equipment, and also support the maintenance of several pieces of already delivered equipment, which may have been damaged," Macron said. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday that Russia's invasion of Ukraine remained the key foreign policy issue, adding Germany, France and Poland stood closely by Ukraine's side. "We support the country in defending itself politically, humanitarianly, financially, and also with weapons against Russian aggression," Scholz said. And Polish President Andrzej Duda said the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in July would be "A clear signal" for Ukraine's path to eventual membership of the intergovernmental military alliance. Ukraine re-captures 7 villages from Russian forces The Ukrainian government said on Monday its troops recaptured seven villages from Russian forces. According to Reuters, Soldiers were seen in a video holding the Ukrainian flag in the village of Storozheve. On Sunday, Ukrainian forces heading south liberated three other nearby villages along the Mokri Yaly: Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka. Also watch | Army within the Army: Tensions rise between Russian Military factions × And late Monday, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar posted on Telegram that Ukrainian forces had also recaptured Levadne and Novodarivka as well as Lobkove. Russia has not yet acknowledged these advances but Russian military bloggers said Ukraine took Blahodatne, Neskuchne and Makarivka and was pushing on southward. (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.

Ukraine war: France's Macron promises more military aid to Kyiv as counteroffensive begins

<p>North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Monday (June 12) kicked-off its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance's history. It is to be a display of unity towards partners and potential threats like Russia.</p>

<p>The "Air Defender 23" exercise led by Germany will run till June 23. It will involve 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden. The latter is joining the alliance after years of maintaining neutrality.</p>

<p>The drills are aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to defend against drones and cruise missiles in case of an attack on cities, airports or sea ports. Up to 10,000 people will take part in the exercise.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine claims Russia blew up another dam</strong></p>

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<p>Last week, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe presented the plan. He said that "Air Defender" was conceived in 2018 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Gerhartz maintained that the exercise was "not targeted at anyone".</p>

<p>He said that while NATO would defend "every centimetre" of its territory, the exercise would not "send any flights, for example, in the direction of Kaliningrad," the Russian enclave bordering alliance member states Poland and Lithuania. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are a defensive alliance and that is how this exercise is planned," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US wants 'Mr Putin' to take note</strong></h2>

<p>The drills would show "beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force," said Amy Gutmann, US ambassador to Germany. &nbsp;Gutmann said that "Air Defender 23" was intended to send a message to countries including Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance, and that includes Mr Putin," she told reporters, referring to the Russian president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"By synchronising together, we multiply our force."&nbsp;</p>

<p>NATO, a predominantly Western military alliance, was set up 75 years ago to check the influence of the Soviet Union.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-repel-attack-by-ukraine-on-black-sea-warship-603188">Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship</a></strong></p>

<p>After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden sought NATO membership. Both countries for years, had maintained the stance of neutrality to avoid conflict with Moscow.</p>

<p>An attack on any member country of NATO is considered an attack on all countries of the alliance.</p>

<p>The exercise will include operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit pilots based at the Schleswig-Jagel airfield in northern Germany on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Monday (June 12) kicked-off its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance's history. It is to be a display of unity towards partners and potential threats like Russia.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on Monday (June 12) kicked-off its largest air force deployment exercise in Europe in the alliance's history. It is to be a display of unity towards partners and potential threats like Russia. The "Air Defender 23" exercise led by Germany will run till June 23. It will involve 250 military aircraft from 25 NATO and partner countries including Japan and Sweden. The latter is joining the alliance after years of maintaining neutrality. The drills are aimed at boosting interoperability and preparedness to defend against drones and cruise missiles in case of an attack on cities, airports or sea ports. Up to 10,000 people will take part in the exercise. Watch | Russia Ukraine War: Ukraine claims Russia blew up another dam × Last week, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz of the German Luftwaffe presented the plan. He said that "Air Defender" was conceived in 2018 in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Gerhartz maintained that the exercise was "not targeted at anyone". He said that while NATO would defend "every centimetre" of its territory, the exercise would not "send any flights, for example, in the direction of Kaliningrad," the Russian enclave bordering alliance member states Poland and Lithuania.  "We are a defensive alliance and that is how this exercise is planned," he said. US wants 'Mr Putin' to take note The drills would show "beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force," said Amy Gutmann, US ambassador to Germany. Gutmann said that "Air Defender 23" was intended to send a message to countries including Russia. "I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance, and that includes Mr Putin," she told reporters, referring to the Russian president. "By synchronising together, we multiply our force." NATO, a predominantly Western military alliance, was set up 75 years ago to check the influence of the Soviet Union. Also Read | Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland and Sweden sought NATO membership. Both countries for years, had maintained the stance of neutrality to avoid conflict with Moscow. An attack on any member country of NATO is considered an attack on all countries of the alliance. The exercise will include operational and tactical-level training, primarily in Germany, but also in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Latvia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit pilots based at the Schleswig-Jagel airfield in northern Germany on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

With eyes on Russia, NATO kicks off biggest-ever air drill in its history

<p>Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A&nbsp;Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports,&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.</p>

<p>Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun.&nbsp;NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing.</p>

<p>This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 8 June 2023.<br />
<br />
Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: <a href="https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV">https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV</a><br />
<br />
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/abjNhlu7Xm">pic.twitter.com/abjNhlu7Xm</a></p>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1666674733708898305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's counteroffensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia repelled an offensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive".</p>

<p>Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports, said, “We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency.

Ukraine has dismissed media reports of launching a counteroffensive against the Russian troops on the frontlines. A Ukrainian armed forces general staff spokesperson, responding to such reports, said, “We have no such information”, according to Reuters news agency. Several American media houses had reported that the much-talked-about counteroffensive had begun. NBC news had, citing a senior officer and a soldier near the front lines, reported the offensive had begun. The Washington Post cited “four individuals” in the armed forces saying the same thing. This comes after Russia claimed on the same day that Ukrainian strikes killed two people at an evacuation point for civilians from the Kherson region, which was flooded after a dam in Russian-held territory was destroyed. The Moscow-installed head of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said on Telegram: "Fighters from the Kyiv regime committed a heinous crime. They shelled a civilian evacuation point in Gola Prystan. Two people were killed, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman. Two more people were wounded." The Washington Post cited multiple individuals in Ukrainian armed forces to report that the troops on Wednesday night intensified their attacks on the front line in the country's southeast, as claimed by Russia as well. The report mentioned that it can be seen as a significant push toward Russian-occupied territory. The report mentioned that four members of the military, including officers, spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were apparently not authorised to discuss war-related developments publicly. ABC News also reported citing two Ukrainian officials, including a source close to President Volodymry Zelensky, that an active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive is underway. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 8 June 2023. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/Xuz1SZBZuV 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/abjNhlu7Xm — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 8, 2023 × In its Thursday update, Britain's defence ministry said that "heavy fighting continues along multiple sectors of the front" amid a highly complex operational picture unfolding. It further mentioned that the Russian forces are likely being ordered to "return to the offensive as soon as possible". It mentioned that Chechen units have led an unsuccessful attempt to take the town of Marivka, near Donetsk city. Ukraine's counteroffensive Some reports have argued that Ukraine's counteroffensive started a few days ago. The Institute for the Study of War said on Monday that Russian and Ukrainian officials are signalling the "start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive". The report by ABC News even cited unofficial pro-Ukrainian sources as saying that the southeastern front is becoming more active. It further mentioned that there are unconfirmed images and reports that Ukraine's new modern German-made Leopard 2 tanks are involved in the offensive. Watch: Ukraine dam: Dislodged mines a major concern × Russia repelled an offensive Russia said on Thursday that after a two-hour battle, it had repelled an offensive by Ukrainian forces involving 1,500 soldiers in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said, "Today at 1:30 am (2230 GMT) in the Zaporizhzhia area... there was an attempt to break through our defences." "The enemy was stopped and retreated after heavy losses," Shoigu said, adding that the "Ukrainian forces used 150 armoured vehicles in their offensive". Already this week, Russia has said it has repelled several assaults by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian officials have said their forces were ready for a long-expected counteroffensive but that there would be no formal announcement when it begins. "Plans like silence," said Deputy Minister of Ukraine Ganna Malyar said. "The offensive will not begin on social media." 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. 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.

Ukraine dismisses reports of counteroffensive in Russian-held regions

<p>President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation. Moscow has already blamed Ukraine for the "catastrophic" attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hydroelectric dam was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe".&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the call, the Russian president also congratulated his Turkish counterpart on officially assuming office, Kremlin said, further adding that Putin and Erdogan have agreed to maintain regular communication. The statement mentioned: "It has been agreed to maintain regular personal dialogue."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/was-the-ukraine-dam-partially-damaged-days-before-it-collapsed-satellite-images-show-detailed-insights-601745">Was the Ukraine dam partially damaged days before it collapsed? Satellite images show detailed insights</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Erdogan's office reported that on Wednesday, the Turkish president also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and proposed to create an international commission to probe the destruction of a major dam in southern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"President Erdogan said that a commission could be established with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the United Nations and the international community, including Turkey, for a detailed investigation into the explosion at Kakhovka dam," his office said after the call with Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Massive destruction</strong></h2>

<p>The alleged attack triggered geopolitical tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River, which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, some 150 kilometres upstream.</p>

<p>Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said the dam's collapse had left hundreds of thousands of people without normal access to drinking water. Ukraine's agriculture ministry said that the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station will lead the fields in the south of Ukraine to "turn into deserts next year".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the ministry said that the disaster would cut off the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that in 2021 these systems provided irrigation on 584,000 hectares from which farmers harvested about four&nbsp;million tonnes of grains and oilseeds. It further mentioned that the dam's destruction has left 94 per cent&nbsp;of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74 per cent&nbsp;of those in Zaporizhzhia and 30 per cent&nbsp;of those in Dnipro regions without water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation.

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 7) called the attack on the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam a "barbaric act", in his first public reaction to the situation. Moscow has already blamed Ukraine for the "catastrophic" attack. The hydroelectric dam was ripped open early Tuesday after a reported blast and in the aftermath, Moscow and Kyiv have traded blame for the attack. The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin told Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that the breach was "a barbaric act which has led to a large-scale environmental and humanitarian catastrophe". During the call, the Russian president also congratulated his Turkish counterpart on officially assuming office, Kremlin said, further adding that Putin and Erdogan have agreed to maintain regular communication. The statement mentioned: "It has been agreed to maintain regular personal dialogue." Also read: Was the Ukraine dam partially damaged days before it collapsed? Satellite images show detailed insights Erdogan's office reported that on Wednesday, the Turkish president also spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and proposed to create an international commission to probe the destruction of a major dam in southern Ukraine. "President Erdogan said that a commission could be established with the participation of experts from the warring parties, the United Nations and the international community, including Turkey, for a detailed investigation into the explosion at Kakhovka dam," his office said after the call with Zelensky. Watch this report: × Massive destruction The alleged attack triggered geopolitical tensions as the Kakhovka dam sits on the Dnipro River, which feeds a reservoir providing cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, some 150 kilometres upstream. Thousands of civilians were forced to flee the flooded areas while raising fears of an ecological disaster after the destruction of the dam caused torrents of water to pour into the Dnipro. Zelensky said the dam's collapse had left hundreds of thousands of people without normal access to drinking water. Ukraine's agriculture ministry said that the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station will lead the fields in the south of Ukraine to "turn into deserts next year". In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the ministry said that the disaster would cut off the water supply to 31 irrigation systems in the Ukrainian regions of Dnipro, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. It added that in 2021 these systems provided irrigation on 584,000 hectares from which farmers harvested about four million tonnes of grains and oilseeds. It further mentioned that the dam's destruction has left 94 per cent of irrigation systems in Kherson, 74 per cent of those in Zaporizhzhia and 30 per cent of those in Dnipro regions without water. (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.

In his first reaction, Russia's Vladimir Putin calls Kakhovka dam blast a 'barbaric act'

<p>The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Russia said it had repelled "a large-scale offensive" by Ukrainian forces in the Moscow-occupied Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said, "The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities," she said, further adding that Kyiv's troops were occupying the "dominant heights" and reported some "success".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Malyar added, "In the south, the enemy is on the defensive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Reuters on Monday that the nation has enough weapons to begin its counter-offensive against Russia. Kuleba added that the operation will give the country the victory it needs to join NATO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While giving an interview to the news agency in the Ukrainian capital, Kuleba admitted that membership of the military alliance would "probably" only be possible for Ukraine after the end of active hostilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kuleba noted that the next big aim of Ukraine is to get NATO membership after some of its allies agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets coveted by Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We (already) unlocked all weapons... There is nothing big left to fight for."</p>

<p>"NATO membership cannot stop this war, but NATO membership will stop further wars. This is why the best way to ensure security in the region is to come to the moment when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia thwarts 'major attack' in Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>There were claims and counterclaims as Moscow claimed that it had thwarted a major offensive against its forces in eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters reports mentioned that it was unclear whether the attacks represented the start of Ukraine's long-heralded counteroffensive against Russia's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement posted on Telegram at 1:30am Moscow time (2230 GMT), the defence ministry said: "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front. The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked to comment, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said: "We do not have such information and we do not comment on any kind of fake."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut.

The Ukrainian defence ministry said on Monday (June 5) that it was conducting "offensive actions" on the front line. The war-torn nation further claimed some progress in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. This comes after Russia said it had repelled "a large-scale offensive" by Ukrainian forces in the Moscow-occupied Donetsk region. Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar said, "The defensive operation includes counteroffensive actions. Therefore, in some sectors, we are conducting offensive actions." "The Bakhmut sector remains the epicentre of the hostilities," she said, further adding that Kyiv's troops were occupying the "dominant heights" and reported some "success". Malyar added, "In the south, the enemy is on the defensive." On the other hand, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told Reuters on Monday that the nation has enough weapons to begin its counter-offensive against Russia. Kuleba added that the operation will give the country the victory it needs to join NATO. While giving an interview to the news agency in the Ukrainian capital, Kuleba admitted that membership of the military alliance would "probably" only be possible for Ukraine after the end of active hostilities. Kuleba noted that the next big aim of Ukraine is to get NATO membership after some of its allies agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighter jets coveted by Kyiv. He said, "We (already) unlocked all weapons... There is nothing big left to fight for." "NATO membership cannot stop this war, but NATO membership will stop further wars. This is why the best way to ensure security in the region is to come to the moment when Ukraine becomes a member of NATO," he added. Russia thwarts 'major attack' in Ukraine There were claims and counterclaims as Moscow claimed that it had thwarted a major offensive against its forces in eastern Ukraine. Reuters reports mentioned that it was unclear whether the attacks represented the start of Ukraine's long-heralded counteroffensive against Russia's invasion. In a statement posted on Telegram at 1:30am Moscow time (2230 GMT), the defence ministry said: "On the morning of June 4, the enemy launched a large-scale offensive in five sectors of the front in the South Donetsk direction." "The enemy's goal was to break through our defences in the most vulnerable, in its opinion, sector of the front. The enemy did not achieve its tasks, it had no success," it said. On being asked to comment, a Ukrainian military spokesperson said: "We do not have such information and we do not comment on any kind of fake." (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 conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia 'thwarts major attack' in Ukraine

The nature of the Ukraine war has undergone some dramatic changes. As part of its strategy to fight back , Ukraine is doing the one thing that the West had been squeamish about. There has been a spate of cross-border, ground and drone attacks deep inside the Russian territory. Ukraine appears to be implementing the old adage: that the best defense is a good offense. So how successful has Kyiv been in pushing back the Russian forces? And how is Russia planning to blunt the Ukrainian counteroffensive, with the use of Western weapons? Mohammed Saleh explores.

Ukraine's counteroffensive takes the battle inside Russia | World at War

<p>Leader of Wagner mercenary forces Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (June 5) said that Russia's tactics would lead to more setbacks within two weeks. He decried Ukrainian victory at a village near Bakhmut. Prigozhin's comments have come just as a top Russian-backed official in occupied Donetsk decribed Russia's military situation around Bakhmut as difficult.</p>

<p>Prigozhin's private Wagner militia captured virtually all of Bakhmut in Ukraine's east last month after the longest battle of the war and handed its positions there to regular Russian troops.</p>

<p>Ukraine has since then continued to attack areas that are in the north and south of the city.</p>

<p>"Now part of the settlement of Berkhivka has already been lost, the troops are quietly running away. Disgrace!" Prigozhin said in an audio message published by his press service.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Ukraine claims gain around Bakhmut</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wagner claimed capture of Berkhivka on February 24. The village lies about 3 km northwest of Bakhmut.</p>

<h2><strong>'Significant tactical defeats'</strong></h2>

<p>In an interview posted on Telegram later on Monday, Prigozhin said Russia's defence ministry was duping the public and Kremlin leaders with its tactics.</p>

<p>He said Ukrainian movements in the area "can happen much faster than our advances".</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence's tactics are malicious and deceptive," he said in the online interview.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence's main goal is to pretend that everything is ok and that we are advancing. In reality, what is happening now ... will result in significant tactical defeats in two weeks' time."</p>

<p>Prigozhin also criticised the Russian Defence Ministry's latest account of the battle in Donetsk. The battle account describes big losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces. Prigozhin slammed them as "simply wild and absurd science fiction".</p>

<p>Denis Pushilin, the top Moscow-backed official in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk region, which includes Bakhmut, told Russian state television the situation on the city's flanks was "under control" but "very difficult".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-conducting-offensive-actions-russia-says-it-thwarts-major-attack-in-ukraine-601010">Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia says it thwarts major attack in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Prigozhin urged Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov to come to the frontlines so that they will be able to boost the morale of the fighting troops.</p>

<p>"Come on, you can do it!" he said in his message. "And if you can't, you'll die heroes."</p>

<p>For months, Prigozhin has publically lashed out at Shoigu and Gerasimov. He has raised allegations that the leaders failed to provide adequate ammunition and support to Wagner forces causing them to suffer heavy losses which could easily&nbsp;have been prevented.</p>

<p>In recent days, Prigozhin has further escalated the row, accusing regular forces under the command of the defence ministry of mining roads out of Bakhmut used by Wagner units.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Leader of Wagner mercenary forces Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (June 5) said that Russia's tactics would lead to more setbacks within two weeks. He decried Ukrainian victory at a village near Bakhmut.

Leader of Wagner mercenary forces Yevgeny Prigozhin on Monday (June 5) said that Russia's tactics would lead to more setbacks within two weeks. He decried Ukrainian victory at a village near Bakhmut. Prigozhin's comments have come just as a top Russian-backed official in occupied Donetsk decribed Russia's military situation around Bakhmut as difficult. Prigozhin's private Wagner militia captured virtually all of Bakhmut in Ukraine's east last month after the longest battle of the war and handed its positions there to regular Russian troops. Ukraine has since then continued to attack areas that are in the north and south of the city. "Now part of the settlement of Berkhivka has already been lost, the troops are quietly running away. Disgrace!" Prigozhin said in an audio message published by his press service. Watch | Ukraine claims gain around Bakhmut × Wagner claimed capture of Berkhivka on February 24. The village lies about 3 km northwest of Bakhmut. 'Significant tactical defeats' In an interview posted on Telegram later on Monday, Prigozhin said Russia's defence ministry was duping the public and Kremlin leaders with its tactics. He said Ukrainian movements in the area "can happen much faster than our advances". "The Ministry of Defence's tactics are malicious and deceptive," he said in the online interview. "The Ministry of Defence's main goal is to pretend that everything is ok and that we are advancing. In reality, what is happening now ... will result in significant tactical defeats in two weeks' time." Prigozhin also criticised the Russian Defence Ministry's latest account of the battle in Donetsk. The battle account describes big losses inflicted on Ukrainian forces. Prigozhin slammed them as "simply wild and absurd science fiction". Denis Pushilin, the top Moscow-backed official in the Russian-occupied part of Donetsk region, which includes Bakhmut, told Russian state television the situation on the city's flanks was "under control" but "very difficult". Also Read | Kyiv conducting 'offensive' actions, Russia says it thwarts major attack in Ukraine Prigozhin urged Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov to come to the frontlines so that they will be able to boost the morale of the fighting troops. "Come on, you can do it!" he said in his message. "And if you can't, you'll die heroes." For months, Prigozhin has publically lashed out at Shoigu and Gerasimov. He has raised allegations that the leaders failed to provide adequate ammunition and support to Wagner forces causing them to suffer heavy losses which could easily have been prevented. In recent days, Prigozhin has further escalated the row, accusing regular forces under the command of the defence ministry of mining roads out of Bakhmut used by Wagner units. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian strategy will cause 'significant' defeats near Bakhmut, warns Wagner boss

Russia claims to have thwarted a large-scale Ukrainian offensive in the Donetsk region. Was this the much-touted Ukrainian counter-offensive? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Has Russia thwarted Ukraine's counter-offensive?

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<p>Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Monday (June 5) that his government will ask war-torn Ukraine about reports that weapons made in Belgium were used by Kyiv to fight Russian troops inside Russia's western border. Speaking to Radio 1, Prime Minister De Croo said the Belgian Defence Ministry and its intelligence agencies "have started an investigation and are asking for information to determine what has happened exactly".</p>

<p>"European weapons are delivered to Ukraine under the condition that they are used on Ukrainian territory with the purpose of defending that territory. And we have strict controls in place to see that this is the case," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskys-counteroffensive-crashing-russia-says-it-killed-hundreds-of-ukrainian-troops-in-donetsk-region-600645">Zelensky's counteroffensive crashing? Russia says it killed hundreds of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region</a></strong></p>

<p>The prime minister refused to comment on the consequences if the reports were true. "We must not get ahead of ourselves here. But we are analysing the situation and we would take this very seriously," he told the radio station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>De Croo's remarks come after The Washington Post reported last Saturday (June 3) that anti-Kremlin fighters who launched a cross-border attack from Ukraine into the Russian Belgorod region in May used tactical vehicles originally given to Ukraine by the United States and Poland and carried rifles made in Belgium and the Czech Republic.</p>

<p>The report said that three of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles taken into Russia by the fighters were provided by the United States and the fourth was from Poland.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Belgium announces more aid for Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, Belgium announced a new package of aid for Ukraine worth<strong>&nbsp;</strong>$108 million, funded by taxes on the interest earned by frozen Russian assets. This assistance took the total amount of military and humanitarian aid the country has sent to Ukraine since the start of the invasion to 300 million euros ($320mn).</p>

<p>According to an official statement on May 12, half of this package would be made up of armoured vehicles, weapons, and ammunition and the rest will be humanitarian aid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Belgium is one of the European Union (EU) countries that has frozen the most Russian assets under sanctions imposed on Moscow. Prime Minister De Croo's office earlier said that Russian Central Bank assets worth approximately $192 billion (180 billion euros) were frozen in Belgium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government generated some 625 million euros ($668mn) in taxes on the interest garnered by the Russian financial assets frozen in the country, the office added.&nbsp;</p>

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Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Monday (June 5) that his government will ask war-torn Ukraine about reports that weapons made in Belgium were used by Kyiv to fight Russian troops inside Russia's western border.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said on Monday (June 5) that his government will ask war-torn Ukraine about reports that weapons made in Belgium were used by Kyiv to fight Russian troops inside Russia's western border. Speaking to Radio 1, Prime Minister De Croo said the Belgian Defence Ministry and its intelligence agencies "have started an investigation and are asking for information to determine what has happened exactly". "European weapons are delivered to Ukraine under the condition that they are used on Ukrainian territory with the purpose of defending that territory. And we have strict controls in place to see that this is the case," he added. ALSO READ | Zelensky's counteroffensive crashing? Russia says it killed hundreds of Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region The prime minister refused to comment on the consequences if the reports were true. "We must not get ahead of ourselves here. But we are analysing the situation and we would take this very seriously," he told the radio station. De Croo's remarks come after The Washington Post reported last Saturday (June 3) that anti-Kremlin fighters who launched a cross-border attack from Ukraine into the Russian Belgorod region in May used tactical vehicles originally given to Ukraine by the United States and Poland and carried rifles made in Belgium and the Czech Republic. The report said that three of the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles taken into Russia by the fighters were provided by the United States and the fourth was from Poland. Belgium announces more aid for Ukraine Last month, Belgium announced a new package of aid for Ukraine worth $108 million, funded by taxes on the interest earned by frozen Russian assets. This assistance took the total amount of military and humanitarian aid the country has sent to Ukraine since the start of the invasion to 300 million euros ($320mn). According to an official statement on May 12, half of this package would be made up of armoured vehicles, weapons, and ammunition and the rest will be humanitarian aid. Belgium is one of the European Union (EU) countries that has frozen the most Russian assets under sanctions imposed on Moscow. Prime Minister De Croo's office earlier said that Russian Central Bank assets worth approximately $192 billion (180 billion euros) were frozen in Belgium. The government generated some 625 million euros ($668mn) in taxes on the interest garnered by the Russian financial assets frozen in the country, the office added. 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.

Ukraine war: Belgium to probe whether its weapons were used in Russia

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