Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Friday (February 24) that Moscow would be victorious in its offensive in Ukraine, and was ready to fight until the Polish border to counter threats.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Friday (February 24) that Moscow would be victorious in its offensive in Ukraine, and was ready to fight until the Polish border to counter threats. Taking to Telegram, Medvedev, who is currently the head of Russia's security council, said that victory would be achieved. Medvedev predicted that tough negotiations with Kyiv and the West would follow that would culminate in some kind of agreement. However, he said the deal would lack fundamental agreements on real borders and not amount to an over-arching European security pact, making it important for Moscow to extend its borders now. ALSO READ | US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access "This is why it is so important to reach all the goals of the special military operation. To push back the borders of the threats against our country as far as possible, even if this is to the borders of Poland," he further said on Telegram. Poland has supported Ukraine since the beginning of Moscow's offensive and confirmed on Friday that it would be delivering the first Leopard tanks to the war-torn country. Poland shares long eastern borders with Ukraine and Belarus (an ally of Russia), and a frontier of around 200 kilometres in its northeastern corner with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. A report by the news agency Reuters on Friday said that any encroachment on Poland's borders would bring Russia for the first time into direct conflict with NATO. Two days back, United States President Joe Biden vowed to defend every inch of NATO territory if it was attacked. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight "The commitment of the United States to NATO ... is absolutely clear. Article 5 is a sacred commitment the United States has made. We will defend literally every inch of NATO, every inch of NATO," Biden said during his speech in Warsaw on Wednesday. On war anniversary, Ukraine preparing for counter offensive: Minister Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that his forces were making plans to push the Russian military out of the country, the news agency AFP reported. Speaking to the armed forces, Reznikov said that a year back, it was difficult for Kyiv to get serious weapons. "Today, civilised countries see that you are the shield of Europe in the east. There will be a counteroffensive. We are working hard to prepare and secure it," Reznikov 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: Russia will be victorious in its offensive, ready to fight until Polish border, vows ex-president

China is reportedly planning to provide "kamikaze drones" to Russia for the Ukraine war, German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Thursday (February 24) without citing specific sources.

China is reportedly planning to provide "kamikaze drones" to Russia for the Ukraine war, German magazine Der Spiegel reported on Thursday (February 24) without citing specific sources. The report mentioned that the Russian military is apparently negotiating mass production of drones as they engaged in talks with Chinese drone manufacturer Xi'an Bingo Intelligent Aviation Technology. The negotiations will deepen the West's underlying concerns over the possibility of China supplying "lethal weapons" to Russia for the ongoing war. The report also mentions that the tech firm has reportedly agreed to manufacture and test 100 ZT-180 prototype drones. It is believed that the company will deliver the drones to the Russian Defence Ministry by April. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students Analysts and military experts have previously said that the ZT-180 is capable of carrying a 35- to 50-kg warhead. The report comes on the day when China said that it hopes to play a constructive role in resolving the issue between Ukraine and Russia. Beijing also came up with a 12-point foreign ministry paper for a comprehensive ceasefire and a gradual de-escalation between the warring nations. The company denies the report However, a report today by VICE World News mentioned that the Chinese drone manufacturer has denied it has any commercial dealings with Russia. A contractor for Xi'an Bingo told the media outlet that the drone maker had no business relationships with Russia and also declined to comment any further. As quoted by VICE, the company said, "Bingo Intelligent has no commercial contact with Russia." ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight WATCH | WION reports from one of the cities hit by Russian missiles × Concerns over weapons supply to Russia The Western nations have provided military assistance to the war-ravaged Ukraine to help in its fight against Russia. But in recent days, the Ukrainian allies have also raised concerns over the supply of advanced weapons to Russia. Countries, including the US, and Germany have even warned China not to sell weapons to Moscow, saying that any such move would have severe consequences. Some experts have claimed that amid severe Western sanctions imposed on Russia, the nation is believed to have bought weaponry from Iran and North Korea, including drones from the former. However, there is no official confirmation. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Russian trade data showed that Chinese state-owned defence companies have exported technology such as navigation equipment and fighter jet parts to Russia during the war. 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.

Is Chinese manufacturer negotiating with Russian military for supplying Kamikaze drones?

As Ukraine marks one year of a fierce fight against Russia's invasion, King Charles III sent a message for the war-torn nation on Friday (February 24). Ukrainians, he said, have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation yet they "have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy". He recalled his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Buckingham Palace earlier this year when he could express his "personal support".&nbsp; The United Kingdom, he stressed, is doing "everything possible" to help Kyiv, along with its allies at this difficult time.

"I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united," an official statement read.

More than 8,000 people have died in the conflict-struck nation and over 13,000 have been injured, according to figures revealed by the United Nations ahead of the first year anniversary of the war. Millions of people have been displaced due to the violence.

Also watch | One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: 12 months of war in 12 minutes

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With the conflict entering the second year, an emotional Zelensky on Friday held back his tears as he acknowledged efforts by the war heroes. "I want to say to all of you who are fighting for Ukraine...I am proud of you. We all, each and every one, are proud of you!" he was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp; "...We are strong. We are ready for anything. We will defeat everyone. This is how it began on February 24, 2022. The longest day of our lives. The most difficult day in our recent history. We woke up early and haven't slept since," Zelensky further said.

Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: <a href="wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-a-turning-point-not-a-roadblock-for-indian-medical-students-565459">A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students</a>

World leaders have condemned the violence on the first year anniversary. US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to the country earlier this week in a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In retaliation, Putin suspended the only major remaining nuclear treaty with the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Ukraine marks one year of a fierce fight against Russia's invasion, King Charles III sent a message for the war-torn nation on Friday (February 24). Ukrainians, he said, have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation yet they "have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy".

As Ukraine marks one year of a fierce fight against Russia's invasion, King Charles III sent a message for the war-torn nation on Friday (February 24). Ukrainians, he said, have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation yet they "have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy". He recalled his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Buckingham Palace earlier this year when he could express his "personal support". The United Kingdom, he stressed, is doing "everything possible" to help Kyiv, along with its allies at this difficult time. "I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united," an official statement read. More than 8,000 people have died in the conflict-struck nation and over 13,000 have been injured, according to figures revealed by the United Nations ahead of the first year anniversary of the war. Millions of people have been displaced due to the violence. Also watch | One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: 12 months of war in 12 minutes Video Embed Code: × With the conflict entering the second year, an emotional Zelensky on Friday held back his tears as he acknowledged efforts by the war heroes. "I want to say to all of you who are fighting for Ukraine...I am proud of you. We all, each and every one, are proud of you!" he was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. "...We are strong. We are ready for anything. We will defeat everyone. This is how it began on February 24, 2022. The longest day of our lives. The most difficult day in our recent history. We woke up early and haven't slept since," Zelensky further said. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students World leaders have condemned the violence on the first year anniversary. US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to the country earlier this week in a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In retaliation, Putin suspended the only major remaining nuclear treaty with the US. (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.

Message by King Charles III on 1 year of Ukraine war: 'Remarkable courage...'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will reportedly pursue a $5.2 billion deal with India to jointly build six conventional submarines during his two-day visit to the South Asian nation, which he will begin on Saturday (February 25), news agency Reuters reported citing two Indian and two German sources.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will reportedly pursue a $5.2 billion deal with India to jointly build six conventional submarines during his two-day visit to the South Asian nation, which he will begin on Saturday (February 25), news agency Reuters reported citing two Indian and two German sources. Scholz will hold comprehensive talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues of mutual interest. The key visit is coinciding with the completion of one year of the Russia-Ukriane war and the raging conflict is expected to dominate the talks, with talks also focused on the Indo-Pacific situation, ways to boost bilateral ties in areas of clean energy, trade and new technologies. New Delhi is aiming to curb China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean and, hence, the replacement of India's ageing submarine fleet becomes important. India's 11 of 16 conventional submarines are more than two decades old. The Indian Navy also has two indigenous nuclear-powered submarines. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight One source said that the submarine project will be discussed between the two countries during Scholz's trip and Berlin would support the deal. The report also stated that Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is one of two international bidders. The source also told the news agency that as part of the deal, a foreign submarine manufacturer will have to partner with an Indian company to build the submarines in India. This comes in the backdrop of PM Modi's Made-in-India push, which is to promote the manufacture of more weapons at home in collaboration with foreign partners to lessen the burden of arms imports. So far, there's no official confirmation from either government. WATCH | India abstains from UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine × ALSO READ | Is Chinese manufacturer negotiating with Russian military over supply of Kamikaze drones? Scholz crucial visit to India This is Scholz's first to India after he became German Chancellor in December 2021 following Angela Merkel's historic 16-year tenure at the top post. Ahead of the visit, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann said on Wednesday: "We see Russia and Ukraine (conflict) very high on the agenda in the meeting between German Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Modi. It will be a very important part of the agenda." Some of the experts have noted that the broad agenda of the Modi-Scholz talks said the consequences of the conflict, especially on food and energy security, are expected to figure prominently during the deliberations. (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.

Olaf Scholz's visit to India: Germany to pursue $5.2 billion submarine deal, say sources

Meta has said that Russia is resorting to spammer tactics to spread Ukraine war propaganda. The social media company shared the observation after more sophisticated influence operations at Facebook and Instagram were thwarted. Meta said that Russia is using thousands of fake accounts to control online conversations about the war. It has even set up bogus versions of news websites at similar online addresses, Meta said in a threat report.

"This activity bears a closer resemblance to what you might see from a spammer's playbook rather than the more stealthy and sophisticated Russian influence operations we have disrupted in the past," Meta head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a briefing.

Meta says that user engagement with Russian state news outlet misinformation dropped more than 80 per cent.

"While overt activity by Russian state controlled media on our platforms has decreased, attempts at covert activity have increased sharply," said Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-war-anniversary-indias-mature-geopolitical-navigation-amid-pressure-is-in-spotlight-565376">India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight</a>

Gleicher said that Meta informs researchers and other social networks about such tactics to expose deception campaigns.&nbsp;

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Meta worked to ensure that state news outlets weren't using its platform to spread misinformation about the war, Gleicher recounted. The company also made sure that no one was using bogus reports about the war to make money.&nbsp;

Clegg says that Meta took down two Russian covert influence campaigns last year that were trying to hijack online exchanges about the war by deploying comments from several fake accounts.&nbsp;

"Rather than trying to build up convincing fake personas these campaigns resembled smash-and-grab operations that use thousands of fake accounts across social media, not just our platforms, in an attempt to overwhelm the conversation with their content," Clegg said.

The propaganda campaign targetted Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, Meta reported,&nbsp;Gleicher added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Meta has said that Russia is resorting to spammer tactics to spread Ukraine war propaganda. The social media company shared the observation after more sophisticated influence operations at Facebook and Instagram were thwarted.

Meta has said that Russia is resorting to spammer tactics to spread Ukraine war propaganda. The social media company shared the observation after more sophisticated influence operations at Facebook and Instagram were thwarted. Meta said that Russia is using thousands of fake accounts to control online conversations about the war. It has even set up bogus versions of news websites at similar online addresses, Meta said in a threat report. "This activity bears a closer resemblance to what you might see from a spammer's playbook rather than the more stealthy and sophisticated Russian influence operations we have disrupted in the past," Meta head of security policy Nathaniel Gleicher said in a briefing. Meta says that user engagement with Russian state news outlet misinformation dropped more than 80 per cent. "While overt activity by Russian state controlled media on our platforms has decreased, attempts at covert activity have increased sharply," said Meta president of global affairs Nick Clegg. Also Read | India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight Gleicher said that Meta informs researchers and other social networks about such tactics to expose deception campaigns. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Meta worked to ensure that state news outlets weren't using its platform to spread misinformation about the war, Gleicher recounted. The company also made sure that no one was using bogus reports about the war to make money. Clegg says that Meta took down two Russian covert influence campaigns last year that were trying to hijack online exchanges about the war by deploying comments from several fake accounts. "Rather than trying to build up convincing fake personas these campaigns resembled smash-and-grab operations that use thousands of fake accounts across social media, not just our platforms, in an attempt to overwhelm the conversation with their content," Clegg said. The propaganda campaign targetted Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, Meta reported, Gleicher 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.

Russia resorting to spammer tactics to control online conversations about Ukraine war, says Meta

Ukrainian Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about Ukraine's expectations from India. While answering a question from WION's correspondent Susan Tehrani, Kuleba said 'opportunity for India to demonstrate leadership and end the war.' Watch this video to know more.

Dmytro Kuleba seeks support for peace plan proposed by Zelensky | One Year of Russia-Ukraine War

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, China on Friday (February 24) called for both countries to hold peace talks as soon as possible and insisted that nuclear weapons must not be used in the conflict.

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, China on Friday (February 24) called for both countries to hold peace talks as soon as possible and insisted that nuclear weapons must not be used in the conflict. China's foreign ministry shared a 12-point paper on a political settlement of the war which includes resuming peace talks, ceasing hostilities, keeping nuclear power plants safe and protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs). The paper was criticised by the United States and some experts. Here are the 12-points that China has put forward 1. Respecting the sovereignty of all countries Universally recognised international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. All parties should jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations and defend international fairness and justice. Equal and uniform application of international law should be promoted, while double standards must be rejected. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight 2. Abandoning the Cold War mentality China said the security of a country should not be pursued at the expense of others, adding, the security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocks. "The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed properly," the ministry said. It highlighted that there is no simple solution to a complex issue, and all parties should follow the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and bearing in mind the long-term peace and stability of the world, help forge a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. China further said that all parties should oppose the pursuit of one's security at the cost of others' security, prevent bloc confrontation and work together for peace and stability on the Eurasian Continent. 3. Ceasing hostilities Conflict and war benefit no one, China said and urged all parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control. Beijing added that all parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming a direct dialogue as quickly as possible to gradually de-escalate the situation and ultimately reach a comprehensive ceasefire. 4. Resuming peace talks With Russia's offensive in Ukraine marking one year, China's fourth point in the 12-point paper is about resuming peace talks between the two countries. It said that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. "All efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be encouraged and supported. The international community should stay committed to the right approach of promoting talks for peace, help parties to the conflict open the door to a political settlement as soon as possible, and create conditions and platforms for the resumption of negotiation," China said, adding, it will continue to play a constructive role in this regard. 5. Resolving humanitarian crisis "All measures conducive to easing the humanitarian crisis must be encouraged and supported. Humanitarian operations should follow the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and humanitarian issues should not be politicised," China said and stressed that the safety of civilians must be effectively protected, and humanitarian corridors should be set for evacuating civilians from conflict zones. China also said that the United Nations should be supported in playing a coordinating role in channelling humanitarian aid to conflict zones. ALSO READ | A tale of two silences: Why India's Ukraine vote abstention in the UN is different from that of China 6. Protecting civilians and POWs China said that parties to the conflict (the Ukraine war) should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities; protect women children and other victims of the war and respect the basic rights of the prisoners of war (POWs). China added it supports the exchange of POWs between Moscow and Kyiv and called on all parties to create more favourable conditions for this purpose. 7. Keeping nuclear power plants safe In the seventh point of the paper, China said it opposes "armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities, and calls on all parties to comply with international law including the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) and resolutely avoid man-made nuclear accidents." "China supports the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in playing a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities," it added. 8. Reducing strategic risks Insisting that nuclear weapons must not be used in the Ukraine war, China said nuclear proliferation must be prevented and the nuclear crisis avoided, adding, it opposes the research, development and use of chemical and biological weapons by any country under any circumstances. ALSO WATCH | Evaluating the Ukraine war, one year later × 9. Facilitating grain exports "All parties need to implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN fully and effectively in a balanced manner, and support the UN in playing an important role in this regard. The cooperation initiative on global food security proposed by China provides a feasible solution to the global food crisis," China said. 10. Stopping unilateral sanctions China said it opposes the unilateral sanctions unauthorised by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). "Unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure cannot solve the issue; they only create new problems," China said and urged relevant countries to stop abusing such sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” against other countries, to do their share in de-escalating the Ukraine war, and also create conditions for developing countries to grow their economies and better lives of citizens. 11. Keeping industrial and supply chains stable "All parties should earnestly maintain the existing world economic system and oppose using the world economy as a tool or weapon for political purposes. Joint efforts are needed to mitigate the spillovers of the crisis and prevent it from disrupting international cooperation in energy, finance, food trade and transportation and undermining the global economic recovery," China said. 12. Promoting post-conflict reconstruction The final point that China made in its paper is that the global community needs to take measures to support post-conflict reconstruction in conflict zones. "China stands ready to provide assistance and play a constructive role in this endeavour." China's paper criticised by US, experts United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan and some experts criticised the 12-point-paper put forward by China on a political settlement of the Ukraine war. Speaking to CNN, NSA Sullivan said “My first reaction to it is that it could stop at point one, which is to respect the sovereignty of all nations.” Sullivan added that Ukraine, NATO and the US were not attacking Russia, and Moscow's aims in the war were to wipe Ukraine off the map, to absorb it. Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund, said Beijing's paper was largely a summary of its previously stated positions and statements which were replete with contradictions, according to a report by the Guardian on Friday. Drew Thompson, a former US Defence Department official, meanwhile, said that the paper lacked credibility. The paper also comes after China was accused of militarily aiding Russia's offensive. Earlier this month, a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that Beijing was providing technology that Moscow needed in Ukraine despite Western countries imposing sanctions and export controls. Sanctions data reviewed by the WSJ showed that Chinese state-owned defence companies were sending navigation equipment, jamming technology and fighter-jet parts to sanctioned Russian government-owned defence companies. 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 anniversary: China's position on political settlement of the crisis explained in 12 points

Just days before completion of a year to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his displeasure against what he termed was an 'affront'.

"That invasion is an affront to our collective conscience," Guterres said. He called the anniversary "a grim milestone for the people of Ukraine and for the international community."

As fighting raged on in Ukraine, the General Assembly began debating a motion backed by Kyiv and its allies calling for a "just and lasting peace."&nbsp;

In his opening remarks, Guterres highlighted the impact on the world of Russia's February 24, 2022 invasion of its neighbour.&nbsp;

Watch | Ukraine War: Putin addresses massive rally in Moscow ahead of anniversary

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He noted that it has generated eight million refugees, and hurt global food and energy supplies in countries far away from the war zone.&nbsp;

"As I said from day one, Russia's attack on Ukraine challenges the cornerstone principles and values of our multilateral system," he said.&nbsp;

"While prospects may look bleak today, we know that genuine, lasting peace must be based on the UN Charter and international law. The longer the fighting continues, the more difficult this work will be," he said.&nbsp;

With the new resolution, Kyiv hopes to garner the support of at least as many nations as in October, when 143 countries voted to condemn Russia's declared annexation of several Ukrainian territories.&nbsp;

While the measure may not be as tough as Ukraine would like, it hopes that large number of UN states will back the non-binding resolution to demonstrate Kyiv has the support of the global community.&nbsp;

The resolution, supported by dozens of countries stresses "the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-anniversary-how-russia-is-trying-to-drive-support-for-the-invasion-564560">Ukraine war anniversary: How Russia is trying to drive support for the invasion</a>

It reaffirms the UN's "commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.&nbsp;

It also demands Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine."&nbsp;

Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained battlefield gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in face of counter-attacks by Ukrainian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just days before completion of a year to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his displeasure against what he termed was an 'affront'.

Just days before completion of a year to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced his displeasure against what he termed was an 'affront'. "That invasion is an affront to our collective conscience," Guterres said. He called the anniversary "a grim milestone for the people of Ukraine and for the international community." As fighting raged on in Ukraine, the General Assembly began debating a motion backed by Kyiv and its allies calling for a "just and lasting peace." In his opening remarks, Guterres highlighted the impact on the world of Russia's February 24, 2022 invasion of its neighbour. Watch | Ukraine War: Putin addresses massive rally in Moscow ahead of anniversary × He noted that it has generated eight million refugees, and hurt global food and energy supplies in countries far away from the war zone. "As I said from day one, Russia's attack on Ukraine challenges the cornerstone principles and values of our multilateral system," he said. "While prospects may look bleak today, we know that genuine, lasting peace must be based on the UN Charter and international law. The longer the fighting continues, the more difficult this work will be," he said. With the new resolution, Kyiv hopes to garner the support of at least as many nations as in October, when 143 countries voted to condemn Russia's declared annexation of several Ukrainian territories. While the measure may not be as tough as Ukraine would like, it hopes that large number of UN states will back the non-binding resolution to demonstrate Kyiv has the support of the global community. The resolution, supported by dozens of countries stresses "the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations." Also Read | Ukraine war anniversary: How Russia is trying to drive support for the invasion It reaffirms the UN's "commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine" and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. It also demands Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine." Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24 last year. After sustained battlefield gains in first few months of the conflict, Russian forces had to retreat in face of counter-attacks by Ukrainian forces. (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 ×

Just ahead of one-year anniversary of Ukraine war, UN chief condemns Russian 'affront'

The whole world was surprised and shocked to see United States President Joe Biden standing on Ukrainian soil, everyone other than Vladimir Putin as the White House alerted Russia about Biden's visit just hours before.

The whole world was surprised and shocked to see United States President Joe Biden standing on Ukrainian soil, everyone other than Vladimir Putin as the White House alerted Russia about Biden's visit just hours before. It was supposed to be a show of solidarity between the US and Ukraine but Biden's unannounced visit could prove to be more damaging for Ukraine than anyone imagined. Here's why. The pendulum effect As Biden reached Ukraine, China's top diplomat Wang Yi headed in the opposite direction. He was on his way to Russia, a trip that will bring China's growing ties with Russia into focus. While relations between the US and China continue to plummet, China and Russia are closer than ever since their leaders declared a "no-limits" friendship a year ago. Iran on the other hand has supported Russia in the war by providing it with drones. Iran’s relations with China have also been strengthening as was proven by Ebrahim Raisi’s recent visit to China. Iran, China and Russia all seem to have common ground now and Biden’s recent visit to Ukraine will only further strengthen this new collaboration between the three nations. ALSO READ | One year of war against Ukraine: Acting together to ensure international law will prevail Biden losing face on home ground The US president’s trip to Kyiv is being criticised on grounds that Biden should prioritise domestic issues. Biden left his country on Presidents’ Day, amidst a “crisis” at the US' southern border with Mexico, where record numbers of asylum seekers have arrived in recent months in search of protection. He is also dealing with continuing issues of gun violence, racial tensions and the fallout of the abortion ban by the Supreme Court, even as the US economy is still affected by the Covid pandemic-related slowdown, inflation and high energy prices. Biden’s pledge for supporting Ukraine is being seen as a means to gain face for the upcoming 2024 elections in the US. ALSO READ | Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late? Russian pushback Russia has time and again blamed the US for escalating tensions by continuously supporting Ukraine. Seeing the US president on Ukrainian soil is only going to incite Russia further and invite strong Russian pushback. So in a way, Biden’s visit will only make things worse for Ukraine. Whether it was Afghanistan or Vietnam, if you look at America’s track record of trying to be a global “supercop” – it has never ended well. Do you think Ukraine’s fate will be any different? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

Joe Biden's five hours in Kyiv could spell disaster for Ukraine | New World Order arising

US President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to war-ravaged Ukraine on Monday (February 20) during his pre-planned trip to Poland. Ahead of the Russia-Ukriane war anniversary, Biden pledged further military assistance to Ukraine, with Russia expected to double down and forge ahead with the invasion.

US President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to war-ravaged Ukraine on Monday (February 20) during his pre-planned trip to Poland. Ahead of the Russia-Ukriane war anniversary, Biden pledged further military assistance to Ukraine, with Russia expected to double down and forge ahead with the invasion. Ever since the war started on 24 February 2022, several world leaders have visited the war-torn nation and extended support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and millions of people who are impacted, but Biden's visit is seen as the most significant one. Pictures and videos from ground zero showed Biden walking with Zelensky, who welcomed the US leader and hailed the visit. He said on Telegram in English, "Joseph Biden, welcome to Kyiv! Your visit is an extremely important sign of support for all Ukrainians." Biden came to Ukraine with the announcement of another half-billion dollars in US assistance, which includes another delivery of critical equipment, including artillery ammunition, anti-armour systems, and air surveillance radars to help protect the Ukrainian people from aerial bombardments. This is not the first such announcement, as during the course of the war, the US sent multiple packages of military aid, which includes infantry fighting vehicles and other armoured vehicles to help Ukraine. But these supplies are, in a way, helping American defence companies, which will eventually make millions in profit. Besides that, as demanded by Kyiv, the US and other Western allies fell short of sending fighter jets and long-range missiles to hit Russia deep inside. European powers dilly-dallied on sending tanks to Ukraine. On one side, Russia is able to hit some of the main Ukrainian cities, but Kyiv, to some extent, has been crippled in the absence of long-range missiles. And this pseudo-help has been called out by several experts. When Biden visited the Ukrainian capital, it looked normal as in the past few weeks, the fighting has concentrated in the country’s eastern front, with incessant attacks by cruise missiles and drones against military and civilian infrastructure. But will his visit guarantee such normalcy in the coming days? Analysts have speculated that Russia might accelerate its partially-halted invasion after the first war anniversary and the unannounced visit by Biden carries the risk of further angering Russia and bringing the two nuclear-armed nations into direct conflict. IN PICS | Russia-Ukraine war: From Joe Biden to Emmanuel Macron - a look at significant war-time visitors How the world should see this visit? Earlier, several experts from across the world weighed in on when Biden will visit the war-torn nation when they spoke to media outlets. And now as he has finally visited Ukraine, people are asking, why now? And is it too little, too late? Perhaps some of the answers lie in US domestic politics. Gun violence, racial tensions, the tussle over abortion rights, and the recent conundrum over unidentified flying objects: the US has quite a few burning issues on its plate but the war has emerged as a terrific opportunity for Biden to become the war-time president, with the apparent persuasion of a direct conflict with Russia, instead of backing diplomacy and opting to end the war with dialogue. The war and suffering of millions can also be a perfect PR opportunity for the Democrats ahead of the presidential election in 2024. China, Iran and other international factors The way the Ukraine war is escalating, it appears Europe has been gradually drifting into it and being indirectly at war with Russia as several European countries have pledged to send battle tanks. Russia has already warned that such deliveries by the Western nations will be seen as a provocation. The West has raised concerns over the possibility that China, Iran, and North Korea might extend support to Russia and help with military assistance. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that China was considering providing weapons including ammunition to Russia. If it happens, it will boost Russia's strength. WATCH | Ukraine-Russia war reaches critical stage × Oil trade in non-US currencies a threat Biden's visit should also be seen as an attempt to showcase the US as the centre of military powers as well as global commerce. The rise of alternative power blocs across the world is not palatable to US hegemony. Nuclear power and oil trade are some of the deciding factors when it comes to analysing a nation and its influence on the world. But in the past few decades, there's been a shift in the world order, with the US losing the power concentration, a situation exacerbated by the rise of China and the increasing assertion of Russia under President Vladimir Putin. In January, Saudi Arabia, which is the world's largest crude oil exporter, said it is open to discussing oil trade settlements in currencies other than the US dollar. In an interview with Bloomberg TV at the Davos gathering, Saudi Minister of Finance, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, weighed in on the possibility of oil trade in non-US currencies, which should a shocker for America. Increasingly, there's talk of energy trade in the Chinase yuan, Russian rouble and Indian rupee, as well as other currencies. This is a fundamental threat to the supremacy of the US dollar as the currency of global trade. Biden showcases a unified face of the Western alliance With this visit, Biden is also putting out a unified face to the tottering western alliance, as some European countries like Italy and Germany are weary of helping Zelensky or footing the bill. And French President Emmanuel Macron constantly drew criticism from some NATO allies for delivering mixed messages regarding his policy on the war between Ukraine and Russia. Some have even considered Paris a weak link in the Western alliance. With the symbolism of Biden's presence in Kyiv, the expectation is that the Western alliance will settle differences and put up a unified front in assisting Ukraine in its resistance. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late?

Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Thursday (February 23) that his group started receiving additional supplies of ammunition for the war in Ukraine following a public row with the top brass of the Russian military. Taking to Telegram, Prigozhin said, "Today at 6 am, it was announced that the shipment of ammunition has started. Most likely, the ball is now rolling. So far, it's all on paper, but, as we were told, the principal documents have already been signed."

"Many thanks to those who acted various ways - to those ordinary citizens who did everything they could, and to those, including those in high offices, who exerted pressure and made decisions...so that they began to give us ammunition. Thank you. Thank you from the lads," he said in a separate message, reported the news agency Reuters.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-accuses-russian-military-of-treason-against-homeland-564467">Wagner chief accuses Russian military of 'treason' against homeland</a>

Recently, Wagner's feud with Russian military bosses had escalated with Prigozhin claiming that officials were denying the group ammunition out of personal animus against him. Two days back, Prigozhin accused Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of treason, claiming they were behind the shortages (in ammunition).&nbsp;

In a voice message, the Wagner chief said on Tuesday&nbsp;that Shoigu and Gerasimov were giving orders right and left not to give his group ammunition, and also not to help it with air support. He further said the military command even prohibited delivering Wagner fighters "shovels which allow them to dig trenches".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-30000-wagner-fighters-suffered-injuries-or-died-in-ukraine-war-claims-us-563378">More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US</a>

On Wednesday, Prigozhin urged Russian citizens to pressure the army into sharing ammunition with his fighters taking part in the Ukraine war. He said that Wagner was losing scores of men daily because of the lack of ammunition.&nbsp;

The defence ministry, meanwhile, responded to Prigozhin's claims on Tuesday by saying that attempts to drive a wedge between regular forces and fighters were counterproductive, the news agency AFP reported. In a statement, the ministry said it was providing both regular forces and "volunteers" with the necessary ammunition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Thursday (February 23) that his group started receiving additional supplies of ammunition for the war in Ukraine following a public row with the top brass of the Russian military.

Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Thursday (February 23) that his group started receiving additional supplies of ammunition for the war in Ukraine following a public row with the top brass of the Russian military. Taking to Telegram, Prigozhin said, "Today at 6 am, it was announced that the shipment of ammunition has started. Most likely, the ball is now rolling. So far, it's all on paper, but, as we were told, the principal documents have already been signed." "Many thanks to those who acted various ways - to those ordinary citizens who did everything they could, and to those, including those in high offices, who exerted pressure and made decisions...so that they began to give us ammunition. Thank you. Thank you from the lads," he said in a separate message, reported the news agency Reuters. ALSO READ | Wagner chief accuses Russian military of 'treason' against homeland Recently, Wagner's feud with Russian military bosses had escalated with Prigozhin claiming that officials were denying the group ammunition out of personal animus against him. Two days back, Prigozhin accused Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of treason, claiming they were behind the shortages (in ammunition). In a voice message, the Wagner chief said on Tuesday that Shoigu and Gerasimov were giving orders right and left not to give his group ammunition, and also not to help it with air support. He further said the military command even prohibited delivering Wagner fighters "shovels which allow them to dig trenches". ALSO READ | More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US On Wednesday, Prigozhin urged Russian citizens to pressure the army into sharing ammunition with his fighters taking part in the Ukraine war. He said that Wagner was losing scores of men daily because of the lack of ammunition. The defence ministry, meanwhile, responded to Prigozhin's claims on Tuesday by saying that attempts to drive a wedge between regular forces and fighters were counterproductive, the news agency AFP reported. In a statement, the ministry said it was providing both regular forces and "volunteers" with the necessary ammunition. (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: Wagner to receive additional ammunition supplies after row with Russian military

Russia on Wednesday said that Beijing proposed a "political settlement" in Ukraine during the Moscow visit of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on February 22. Earlier, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat and foreign policy adviser to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping had said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that China seeks a&nbsp;"political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".&nbsp;

"The Chinese partners briefed us on their views on the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis as well as approaches to its political settlement. There was no talk of any separate (peace) 'plan'," the Russian foreign ministry said in an official statement on February 22.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-to-visit-russia-amid-beijings-call-to-end-ukraine-war-564123">China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war</a>

Details about the peace proposal are yet to be revealed. However, in Munich,&nbsp;Wang Yi said the proposal would include calls for territorial integrity to be respected, the protection of nuclear facilities and opposing the use of biochemical weapons.

The description of the peace plan&nbsp;was immediately met with doubt&nbsp;on the ground. Addressing Wang Yi's potential peace plan for Russia and Ukraine,&nbsp;German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that&nbsp;a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine must be a condition of any peace deal.

"A just peace cannot mean that the aggressor gets rewarded,"&nbsp;she said.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine War

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Wang Yi's&nbsp;visit to Moscow was the final stop of his eight-day Europe tour. The tour has been reported to be significant amid speculations about the Chinese intent to emerge as a peacemaker between the warring Russia and Ukraine. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping has not spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the beginning of the war. Beijing has also asserted Moscow's reasoning consisting of the expansion of NATO behind going to war.

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Russia on Wednesday said that Beijing proposed a "political settlement" in Ukraine during the Moscow visit of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on February 22. Earlier, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat and foreign policy adviser to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping had said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that China seeks a "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis".

Russia on Wednesday said that Beijing proposed a "political settlement" in Ukraine during the Moscow visit of top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on February 22. Earlier, Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat and foreign policy adviser to the Chinese leader Xi Jinping had said at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that China seeks a "political settlement of the Ukraine crisis". "The Chinese partners briefed us on their views on the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis as well as approaches to its political settlement. There was no talk of any separate (peace) 'plan'," the Russian foreign ministry said in an official statement on February 22. ALSO READ | China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war Details about the peace proposal are yet to be revealed. However, in Munich, Wang Yi said the proposal would include calls for territorial integrity to be respected, the protection of nuclear facilities and opposing the use of biochemical weapons. The description of the peace plan was immediately met with doubt on the ground. Addressing Wang Yi's potential peace plan for Russia and Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that a Russian troop withdrawal from Ukraine must be a condition of any peace deal. "A just peace cannot mean that the aggressor gets rewarded," she said. ALSO WATCH | Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine War × Wang Yi's visit to Moscow was the final stop of his eight-day Europe tour. The tour has been reported to be significant amid speculations about the Chinese intent to emerge as a peacemaker between the warring Russia and Ukraine. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping has not spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since the beginning of the war. Beijing has also asserted Moscow's reasoning consisting of the expansion of NATO behind going to war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says China proposed 'political settlement' to Ukraine crisis

Embattled Ukraine has urged India to support a proposed resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, asserting that New Delhi's cooperation was very important.&nbsp;

According to a Ukrainian statement, the Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Andriy Yermak&nbsp;called India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval informing him about the current situation, especially about the “extremely difficult defence” of the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region.

“We know that Russia is preparing certain offensive actions, and we are preparing to respond. The Russian army is very unmotivated, while Ukrainian warriors are showing extraordinary bravery and resilience. We will not stop until we liberate all our territories. We only need weapons,” Yermak said.

Yermak further said that Ukraine was seeking the broadest support, especially from countries of the Global South, for the resolution to be voted on by the UN General Assembly on February 23, according to a readout from the Ukrainian presidency.

“Cooperation with India is very important to us. We believe that you will support our resolution, as it contains very correct wording on the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Our goals are transparent and clear: we do not claim a single centimetre of Russian territory, we just want to get ours back,” Yermak said.

So far, the Indian side has not revealed about the phone conversation between both officials. Contrary to the expectations of the West, India has always pursued independent policy and sided with neither side on this issue.

<h2>Russian President Vladimir Putin left with burned out tanks: US President Joe Biden</h2>

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New Delhi has mostly abstained on resolutions related to the Russia-Ukraine war in the UN, including in the Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, calling for Ukraine and Russia to resolve the matter bilaterally.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reportedly-failed-an-icbm-test-during-bidens-ukraine-trip-564688">Russia conducted ICBM launch while Biden was in Ukraine, but it failed: Report</a>

Yermak said that in the proposal Ukraine has planned a peace plan — a 10-point peace formula — providing comprehensive answers to the question of what needs to be done to end the war in a sustainable and just manner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-expected-to-meet-putin-in-moscow-later-this-year-report-564597">Xi Jinping expected to meet Putin in Moscow later this year: Report</a>

“The draft resolution on support for the principles of the UN Charter, which form the basis of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, will be considered by the UN General Assembly on February 23. The document is based on such fundamental principles as the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states within internationally recognized borders,” the statement said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Embattled Ukraine has urged India to support a proposed resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, asserting that New Delhi's cooperation was very important.

Embattled Ukraine has urged India to support a proposed resolution tabled at the UN General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, asserting that New Delhi's cooperation was very important. According to a Ukrainian statement, the Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office Andriy Yermak called India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval informing him about the current situation, especially about the “extremely difficult defence” of the city of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. “We know that Russia is preparing certain offensive actions, and we are preparing to respond. The Russian army is very unmotivated, while Ukrainian warriors are showing extraordinary bravery and resilience. We will not stop until we liberate all our territories. We only need weapons,” Yermak said. Yermak further said that Ukraine was seeking the broadest support, especially from countries of the Global South, for the resolution to be voted on by the UN General Assembly on February 23, according to a readout from the Ukrainian presidency. “Cooperation with India is very important to us. We believe that you will support our resolution, as it contains very correct wording on the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Our goals are transparent and clear: we do not claim a single centimetre of Russian territory, we just want to get ours back,” Yermak said. So far, the Indian side has not revealed about the phone conversation between both officials. Contrary to the expectations of the West, India has always pursued independent policy and sided with neither side on this issue. Russian President Vladimir Putin left with burned out tanks: US President Joe Biden New Delhi has mostly abstained on resolutions related to the Russia-Ukraine war in the UN, including in the Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, calling for Ukraine and Russia to resolve the matter bilaterally. Also read | Russia conducted ICBM launch while Biden was in Ukraine, but it failed: Report Yermak said that in the proposal Ukraine has planned a peace plan — a 10-point peace formula — providing comprehensive answers to the question of what needs to be done to end the war in a sustainable and just manner. Also read | Xi Jinping expected to meet Putin in Moscow later this year: Report “The draft resolution on support for the principles of the UN Charter, which form the basis of the Ukrainian Peace Formula, will be considered by the UN General Assembly on February 23. The document is based on such fundamental principles as the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states within internationally recognized borders,” the statement said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine seeks India’s support on resolution against Russia at UN General Assembly

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit&nbsp;to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.

This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop.

Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine

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The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir.

Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. &nbsp;Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/biden-in-ukraine-a-perfect-photo-op-but-why-now-is-it-too-little-too-late-563977">Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late?</a>

The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. &nbsp;Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. &nbsp;India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge.

There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. &nbsp;India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus.

Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week. This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop. Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine × The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir. Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil. Also Read | Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late? The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado. Also Read | Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge. There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus. Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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 ×

Biden gives war a chance in Kyiv, but it is time to talk peace in Ukraine

The Ukraine conflict has displaced 14 million people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday (February 21) as he lamented the human cost of the war, which is set to complete a year on February 24. In the last 12 months, according to the UN, at least 8,000 people have died and over 13,000 people have been injured. Around 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, he said, as the country faces electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months. “These numbers, which we are publishing today, lay bare the loss and suffering inflicted on people since Russia’s armed attack began on 24 February last year; suffering I saw for myself first hand when I visited Ukraine in December. And our data are only the tip of the iceberg," Türk was quoted as saying in a official statement as he described the toll on civilians as "unbearable".

Around 90.3 per cent of civilian casualties have been caused by explosive weapons with wide area effects, including artillery shells, cruise and ballistic missiles, and air strikes. A majority of these strikes took place in populated areas. The casualties are likely much higher.

“The very young to the very old have all been affected. Students have seen their education halted or disrupted by attacks on educational facilities, while older people and people with disabilities have faced immense challenges, in some cases unable to reach bomb shelters or having to spend prolonged periods in basements in conditions affecting their health," the UN Human Rights Chief said. Many civilians were killed when they were performing daily tasks, such as collecting water and buying food."

“This senseless war has reverberated across the world. Higher costs of food and fuel as a result have deepened misery on a global scale, especially among those who were already the most vulnerable.&nbsp;

Watch: Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end of 2023

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Putin blames western nations yet again 
Days before the Ukraine war enters the second year, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday lashed out at the United States and other nations, supporting Ukraine, over sanctions against Moscow. "As I said, the West has turned against Russia not only a military and information force, but also an economic one. But it has not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not. Moreover, those who initiated the sanctions have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries. And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything," he said, stepping up the attacks against western nations.

 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Opinion| Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a>

His comments come a day after US President Joe Biden's surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as he met Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Ukraine conflict has displaced 14 million people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday (February 21) as he lamented the human cost of the war, which is set to complete a year on February 24.

The Ukraine conflict has displaced 14 million people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday (February 21) as he lamented the human cost of the war, which is set to complete a year on February 24. In the last 12 months, according to the UN, at least 8,000 people have died and over 13,000 people have been injured. Around 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, he said, as the country faces electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months. “These numbers, which we are publishing today, lay bare the loss and suffering inflicted on people since Russia’s armed attack began on 24 February last year; suffering I saw for myself first hand when I visited Ukraine in December. And our data are only the tip of the iceberg," Türk was quoted as saying in a official statement as he described the toll on civilians as "unbearable". Around 90.3 per cent of civilian casualties have been caused by explosive weapons with wide area effects, including artillery shells, cruise and ballistic missiles, and air strikes. A majority of these strikes took place in populated areas. The casualties are likely much higher. “The very young to the very old have all been affected. Students have seen their education halted or disrupted by attacks on educational facilities, while older people and people with disabilities have faced immense challenges, in some cases unable to reach bomb shelters or having to spend prolonged periods in basements in conditions affecting their health," the UN Human Rights Chief said. Many civilians were killed when they were performing daily tasks, such as collecting water and buying food." “This senseless war has reverberated across the world. Higher costs of food and fuel as a result have deepened misery on a global scale, especially among those who were already the most vulnerable. Watch: Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end of 2023 × Putin blames western nations yet again Days before the Ukraine war enters the second year, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday lashed out at the United States and other nations, supporting Ukraine, over sanctions against Moscow. "As I said, the West has turned against Russia not only a military and information force, but also an economic one. But it has not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not. Moreover, those who initiated the sanctions have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries. And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything," he said, stepping up the attacks against western nations. Also read: Opinion| Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? His comments come a day after US President Joe Biden's surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as he met Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support. (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.

'Tip of iceberg': UN reveals data linked to human cost of Ukraine war

Pakistan has reportedly sent 10,000 rockets to Ukraine for its war against Russia, while it was seeking cheap energy supplies from Moscow for itself. But don’t be surprised, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Pakistan has reportedly sent 10,000 rockets to Ukraine for its war against Russia, while it was seeking cheap energy supplies from Moscow for itself. But don’t be surprised, this is just the tip of the iceberg. This has been going on for a while now. Ukraine – Pakistan Alliance: Pakistan and Ukraine’s defence ties started way back in 1991 shortly after the Soviet Union was dissolved and Ukraine got its own identity. From 1991 to 2020 the two nations have had arms deals worth $1.6Bn. Pakistan has purchased 320 Ukrainian T-80UD’s which are main battle tanks and there is a further deal worth $85.6 million between the nations to repair Pakistan’s T-80 tank fleet. “We expect greater solidarity of Pakistan for Ukraine. Big potential (for Pakistan-Ukraine)” said Ukraine’s FM Dmytro Kuleba six months into the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The two nations have shared interests and count on each other for mutual gains. What Ukraine gains from Pakistan: Pakistan recently shipped 10,000 rockets to Ukraine meant for use in Grad-multi barrel rocket launchers. Defence firms in Eastern Europe are reaching out to Islamabad-based arms suppliers like DMI Associates. In January, a Karachi-based shipping firm named Project Shipping sent 146 containers from Pakistan Ordnance Factories. Another shipment of 50,000 defence supplies was also sent recently. #Ukraine: The massive needs of the Ukrainian Army when it comes to artillery are being met from some unorthodox sources- Ukrainian artillerymen were spotted using 122mm HE artillery projectiles made by Pakistani Ordnance Factories (POF) 🇵🇰. pic.twitter.com/Uu8X1zT6wi — 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) August 30, 2022 × 122mm Howitzer HE-D30 artillery being used by Ukrainian forces is produced in Pakistan. the regular usage of British-style steel boxes and the LIU-4 type fuzes were clear giveaways of the Soviet-style 122mm artillery made in Pakistan ordnance factories. Shipping Route: The shipments are being sent through two routes, essentially. The shipments are sent via Karachi port in Pak’s Sindh province, first reaching Germany via the Emden port. From there the shipment enters Poland before finally reaching Ukraine. The other route is to enter Poland directly through the Gdansk port and then to Ukraine. What Pakistan gets from Ukraine in return: In return for its military supplies, Pakistan is expected to receive some assistance to upgrade its Mi-17 helicopters from Ukraine. Pakistan’s aid to Ukraine is also being seen as a way of standing alongside the US and of course, Pakistan gains from the US in the process as well. Just to refresh your memory, Pakistan received a hefty maintenance package from the US worth 450 million dollars for its F-16s. Any deal with the US will clearly hamper any possible deals with Russia and Pakistan’s negotiations to get cheaper oil from Russia have not lead anywhere...so far. The India factor: Another bonding factor for the two nations is their sentiments towards India. Ukraine’s senior lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko recently urged the U.S. to impose sanctions on India if it doesn’t stop buying Russian oil. Once bitten, twice shy – who would know better than the U.S. that India will not succumb to such threats so it dismissed Ukraine’s plea straight away saying India is its partner. Even In the past, Ukraine condemned India at the UNSC when India conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998. So, like a double agent in spy thrillers, Pakistan is avoiding taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and also attempting to purchase oil from Russia at discounted rates. Do you think Russia will provide discounted oil to Pakistan while Pakistan sends rockets to Ukraine to use against Russia? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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 and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel may no longer be at the helm but she returned to headlines on Monday when her office said that the 68-year-old leader received a call in January from someone posing as Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's ex-president. Two Russian pranksters - Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, known as Vovan and Lexus - are believed to be linked to the call, highlighted a report by German state-run broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The duo released excerpts of the call on Telegram during which the German ex-chancellor reportedly said that the Minsk agreement bought precious time for Ukraine.

Russian comedians Vladimir Kuznetsov or Krasnov are known for their pranks against politicians and celebrities. They have so far targeted Polish President Andrzej Duda (twice in two years), former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Elton John and Prince Harry. The conversation, which they claim to have with Merkel, was assisted by German-Ukrainian interpreter from the German Foreign Ministry's language service, reports suggest. Following the call, Merkel emailed the ministry about “impression that she gained of the caller during the call."

Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: WION's ground report from Ukraine-Poland border

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What is Minsk agreement 
Merkel and former French President Francois Hollande brokered the 2014 Minsk deal with Poroshenko and Russian president Vladimir Putin. The details have been revealed at a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine is set to complete a year on February 24. While the first agreement was signed in 2014, the second agreement was signed in 2015. The deal - aimed at resolving geopolitical tensions between the two nations - was also signed to stop the fighting in the rebel-held region of Donbas.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-claims-plans-to-send-lethal-support-to-russia-for-the-ukraine-war-563737">China planning to send 'lethal support' to Russia for the Ukraine war, claims Blinken</a>

A ceasefire, military withdrawal from the line of contact and prisoner exchange were among the highlights of the first section. In the second section, deals with the Ukrainian government - to restore control over its eastern border and holding local elections in the occupied territories&nbsp; - were underlined. This was expected to be followed by the political reintegration of Donbas into Ukraine.

However, despite involvement of France and Germany, it failed to bring peace in Ukraine in the years that followed. While some critics suggested the deal was in favour of Moscow, others said it was convoluted.

Merkel, however, has been a supporter of the agreement.

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Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel may no longer be at the helm but she returned to headlines on Monday when her office said that the 68-year-old leader received a call in January from someone posing as Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's ex-president.

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel may no longer be at the helm but she returned to headlines on Monday when her office said that the 68-year-old leader received a call in January from someone posing as Petro Poroshenko, Ukraine's ex-president. Two Russian pranksters - Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, known as Vovan and Lexus - are believed to be linked to the call, highlighted a report by German state-run broadcaster Deutsche Welle. The duo released excerpts of the call on Telegram during which the German ex-chancellor reportedly said that the Minsk agreement bought precious time for Ukraine. Russian comedians Vladimir Kuznetsov or Krasnov are known for their pranks against politicians and celebrities. They have so far targeted Polish President Andrzej Duda (twice in two years), former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Elton John and Prince Harry. The conversation, which they claim to have with Merkel, was assisted by German-Ukrainian interpreter from the German Foreign Ministry's language service, reports suggest. Following the call, Merkel emailed the ministry about “impression that she gained of the caller during the call." Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: WION's ground report from Ukraine-Poland border × What is Minsk agreement Merkel and former French President Francois Hollande brokered the 2014 Minsk deal with Poroshenko and Russian president Vladimir Putin. The details have been revealed at a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine is set to complete a year on February 24. While the first agreement was signed in 2014, the second agreement was signed in 2015. The deal - aimed at resolving geopolitical tensions between the two nations - was also signed to stop the fighting in the rebel-held region of Donbas. Also read: China planning to send 'lethal support' to Russia for the Ukraine war, claims Blinken A ceasefire, military withdrawal from the line of contact and prisoner exchange were among the highlights of the first section. In the second section, deals with the Ukrainian government - to restore control over its eastern border and holding local elections in the occupied territories - were underlined. This was expected to be followed by the political reintegration of Donbas into Ukraine. However, despite involvement of France and Germany, it failed to bring peace in Ukraine in the years that followed. While some critics suggested the deal was in favour of Moscow, others said it was convoluted. Merkel, however, has been a supporter of the agreement. 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.

Did Russian comedians posing as Ukraine leader call Angela Merkel? Here's what happened

It was nearly a year ago, on February 24, 2022, when tanks and armoured vehicles rolled into the Ukrainian territory along with nearly 200,000 soldiers. Russian President Vladimir Putin was brimming with confidence of an impending victory, and his forces progressed up to Kyiv without much resistance, but by April they had to retreat and shift focus to the separatist region of Donbas.

It was nearly a year ago, on February 24, 2022, when tanks and armoured vehicles rolled into the Ukrainian territory along with nearly 200,000 soldiers. Russian President Vladimir Putin was brimming with confidence of an impending victory, and his forces progressed up to Kyiv without much resistance, but by April they had to retreat and shift focus to the separatist region of Donbas. Putin’s dream triumph has been eluding him as the Ukrainian troops withstood the initial onslaught and came up with a strong counteroffensive with the help of arms and warfare inputs from the West. As a consequence, the war has stretched much beyond Putin’s calculations and imagination, turning out to be much costlier than anticipated, while measures like conscription bred discontent among Russians at home, further adding to his woes. Cutting the umbilical cord Cut to December 25, 2022, Ukrainians for the first time celebrated Christmas earlier, cutting their umbilical cord with the Russian tradition, venting their anger and resentment over the massive devastation in their homeland, loss of dear ones and livelihood, homes being reduced to rubble and suffering the vagaries of the extreme winter cold without power and heating. Pictures capturing the massive destruction, pain and agony send a chill down the spine and remind us about the grisly, despicable repercussions of war. It takes so much to build, and just a whim to destroy. It was a subdued Xmas celebration in Ukraine, but one that was marked by exceptional resilience, courage and indefatigability amidst suffering. Many had lost a family member, kin, friend, neighbour, or benefactor, in the massive waves of strikes by Russian missiles, rockets and kamikaze drones, but they still lit candles despite their hearts seething with pain, just to spite the enemy. ALSO READ | Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate Families of fallen Ukrainian soldiers decorated Christmas trees on their graves as heavens showered snow as if it were sharing their grief. Volunteers in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv made a Christmas tree out of camouflage nets that were donated to soldiers fighting on the frontline after the holidays. It was a poignant, pensive Christmas for Ukrainians. A fortnight later, Russia also celebrated Christmas, on January 7, since its Orthodox Church still follows the Julian calendar and not the Gregorian calendar in which Xmas falls on December 25. Going by the celebrations in Russia, there was not even the faintest inkling of the country being at war, but this picture is just superficial. Every war bleeds the economy within, during and afterwards. The so-called “special operations” have resulted in massive casualties for Moscow’s forces also, as Putin had to order a partial mobilisation. Loss of Russian men and machines Remember, Moscow had a strong army of 850,000 active troops before the invasion. When war gets extended to a year, the costs are obviously high and though Russians may be living a normal life now — as there is no war action on Russian soil — the costs of the war will pinch them sometime eventually. As per the estimates of UK intelligence officials, the Russian regular forces along with the Wagner troops may have suffered around 175,000-200,000 casualties. Ukraine has been using weapons supplied by several countries and managed to repulse the attack as Russia lost captured ground in a massive counter-offensive. Conscription of 300,000 recruits and the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries revealed that casualties in the Russian army had been massive. And now, as the West is again lining up fleets of Challenger, Leopard and Abrams tanks, more fatalities would follow. Since the mobilisation call led to protests and Russian men used all possible ways to flee, there would be more reliance on the mercenaries and the Wagner group would further grow in stature and pose a challenge to the Russian army. Russia is estimated to have lost nearly 40% of its fleet of tanks in the Ukraine war, as per a count by the specialist think tank, the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). It lost the missile cruiser Moskva, the flagship of the Russian Black SeaFleet, in April when it was hit by Ukrainian missiles. Putin’s spending on war material has also gone up as he has been procuring Kamikaze drones and missiles from Iran and Pyongyang. WATCH | Macron: Russia should be defeated in Ukraine, not crushed at home × Fall from grace, dent in image The invasion has hit Russia in other ways as well, as it has also lost its position of pre-eminence in the comity of nations. Its image of a powerful country in the region in the post-Soviet space has been hit hard. Moreover, Putin is aligning with rogue nations and those looked at with a doubt as he builds a new axis, bringing Moscow into its closest ever relations with China, North Korea and Iran. Russia, Iran, and North Korea are facing restrictive economic sanctions and are tying up for trade to circumvent the punitive measures besides working together on tactical and strategic levels. The G-7 nations are weighing sanctions on Chinese, Iranian and North Korean firms for aiding Russia’s military. It’s not difficult to fathom what Putin wanted by invading Ukraine, but Russians definitely would not like seeing their country being clubbed with North Korea and Iran. Former comedian Vs leader flaunting macho image The war can make or mar image, there will be twists and turns as it progresses but providence seems to have been favouring Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, a former actor and comedian. The war has given him a grand entry on the stage of geopolitics all of a sudden, and he has been making the right moves. His leadership has won him acclaim and he has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. Zelensky was named the Time Person of the Year for 2022. He shed suit and tie and switched to wearing army-green T-shirts and sweatshirts in public appearances since the onset of the war in solidarity with his troops fighting Russians, and the world has seen him wearing the same clothes for the past 10 months, even while visiting abroad. Commentators even drew a parallel between his attire and Winston Churchill's historic appearance at the White House during World War II in a siren suit. Putin, known to be fond of his macho image, has been presenting himself as a tough leader, while scolding a minister during a meeting that was captured live. The war has kept him away from his macho pursuits as he had been photographed shirtless while riding a horse, firing darts with a crossbow at a grey whale from a motorboat, flooring the opponent in a Sambo wrestling session. What will Russia and Putin gain and lose? Ukraine is devastated and may well take a decade or more to bounce back. Rebuilding Ukraine after the destruction caused by the Russian invasion will cost around $349 billion, said a joint assessment by the World Bank, European Commission and Ukraine government. The Russian economy, on the other hand, will contract further due to the price cap on its crude oil and the EU’s embargo on oil and petroleum products. The effect of sanctions will become more evident on the ground gradually as public finances will shrink, and domestic manufacturing will be under stress. The Munich Security Conference saw nations pledging all support for Ukraine, expediting weapons’ supply and imposing tougher sanctions on Moscow. It will also be held accountable for war crimes as leaders mentioned Bucha and Mariupol. The earlier the war ends the better for both Ukraine and Russia, and the world as well, since till then the possibility of the conflict escalating will keep lurking. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

If Ukraine does lose the war, will Putin really be the winner?

Russia-Ukraine war: From Joe Biden to Emmanuel Macron - a look at significant war-time visitors

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Russian military, in a statement on Saturday (February 18) claimed to have taken control of a village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv and said that it has been "completely liberated". This comes amid Moscow's ongoing invasion of Kyiv which began nearly a year ago. The small village in question is Hrianykivka near the key city of Kupiansk, in eastern Ukraine. &nbsp;

“The settlement of Gryanykivka, Kharkov region, was completely liberated”, said the Russian defence ministry, in a statement, referring to the Ukrainian village of Gryanykivka by its Russian name, as per AFP. Prior to the Russian invasion, the village was home to 600 people. Notably, the city near which the village of Gryanykivka has been on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine locals fear it can be taken over again as Russia has continued to attack several cities including Kupiansk and Bakhmut, said the Ukraine army, on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expected-to-send-spaceship-to-iss-in-rescue-mission-to-bring-back-three-astronauts-563466">Russia expected to send spaceship to ISS in rescue mission to bring back three astronauts</a>

They added that Russian troops were “conducting offensive actions” in the two aforementioned cities and that Ukraine’s east is witnessing the longest and bloodiest battle of the conflict so far, as per media reports. Additionally, the Russian military spokesperson, Igor Konashenkov also claimed that Moscow’s army has “inflicted combat defeat” on Ukrainian troops near the eastern town of Vuhledar, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Notably, this was following a statement by the governor of the Luhansk province, in Ukraine’s east, who told local media that there has been an uptick in ground and air attacks from Russian forces. “Today it is rather difficult on all directions. There are constant attempts to break through our defence lines,” said the governor of Luhansk to local media, addressing the fighting near the city of Kreminna.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-munich-security-conference-china-blasts-us-over-spy-balloon-saga-563413">LIVE Munich Security Conference: Harris says Russia committed 'crimes against humanity' in Ukraine</a>

Blasts hit western Ukraine&nbsp;

Meanwhile, officials in the western Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi, said that recent blasts have injured two civilians and shattered hundreds of windows after Moscow fired missiles from the Black Sea on Saturday. The mayor of the aforementioned Ukrainian city, Oleksandr Symchyshyn, in an interview with the national tv, said, “There are three damaged educational institutions, around ten damaged high-rise apartment blocks. Around five hundred windows and balconies have been destroyed”, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

Kyiv’s air force claimed that Russia launched four Kalibr missiles from the Black Sea out of which two were shot down by their defences while two explosions were heard in Khmelnytskyi which is over 250 km west&nbsp;of the Ukrainian&nbsp;capital. Air raid alerts were issued across Ukraine on Saturday morning while the authorities in eastern and southern regions were warned of potential precautionary power outages to limit the damage to energy grids in case of strikes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-30000-wagner-fighters-suffered-injuries-or-died-in-ukraine-war-claims-us-563378">More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US</a>

This follows reports of Moscow repeatedly targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure which has left millions without power, heating or water during the cold winter. However, these attacks have not been confirmed by the Russian authorities.&nbsp;

What is happening at the Munich Security Conference?

Amid the ongoing Munich Security Conference Ukraine’s western allies reaffirmed their support for the conflict-hit nation, on Saturday. Countries like the United States which has accused Russia of committing “crimes against humanity” in Ukraine and that it will support Kyiv “as long as it takes,” said Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munich-security-conference-kamala-harris-vows-support-to-ukraine-for-as-long-as-it-takes-563436">Kamala Harris</a>. Subsequently, United Kingdom Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munich-conference-rishi-sunak-says-uk-to-provide-ukraine-with-long-range-weapons-calls-for-new-nato-charter-563450">Rishi Sunak</a> said that the country will always be on the side of “freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” while assuring Ukraine of its support. “Security of the European continent will always be our priority,” said Sunak.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-addresses-munich-security-conference-563439">US Vice President Kamala Harris addresses Munich Security Conference</a>

This also comes a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who addressed the security conference via a video link said that it is “obvious” that Kyiv would not be the last stop for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. He added, “He’s going to continue his movement all the way...including all the other states that at some point in time were part of the Soviet bloc”. He also urged the West to maintain the speedy supply of weapons and said “delay has always been and still is a mistake”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on the same day, Russia accused the US of inciting Ukraine to escalate the war. “Now the American warmongers have gone even further: They incite the Kyiv regime to further escalate the war”, said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, addressing the reporters at the security conference on Friday. She added that some US officials dreamed like “crazies” of defeating Moscow, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Russian military, in a statement on Saturday (February 18) claimed to have taken control of a village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv and said that it has been "completely liberated". This comes amid Moscow's ongoing invasion of Kyiv which began nearly a year ago. The small village in question is Hrianykivka near the key city of Kupiansk, in eastern Ukraine. “The settlement of Gryanykivka, Kharkov region, was completely liberated”, said the Russian defence ministry, in a statement, referring to the Ukrainian village of Gryanykivka by its Russian name, as per AFP. Prior to the Russian invasion, the village was home to 600 people. Notably, the city near which the village of Gryanykivka has been on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine locals fear it can be taken over again as Russia has continued to attack several cities including Kupiansk and Bakhmut, said the Ukraine army, on Saturday. ALSO READ | Russia expected to send spaceship to ISS in rescue mission to bring back three astronauts They added that Russian troops were “conducting offensive actions” in the two aforementioned cities and that Ukraine’s east is witnessing the longest and bloodiest battle of the conflict so far, as per media reports. Additionally, the Russian military spokesperson, Igor Konashenkov also claimed that Moscow’s army has “inflicted combat defeat” on Ukrainian troops near the eastern town of Vuhledar, reported AFP. Notably, this was following a statement by the governor of the Luhansk province, in Ukraine’s east, who told local media that there has been an uptick in ground and air attacks from Russian forces. “Today it is rather difficult on all directions. There are constant attempts to break through our defence lines,” said the governor of Luhansk to local media, addressing the fighting near the city of Kreminna. ALSO READ | LIVE Munich Security Conference: Harris says Russia committed 'crimes against humanity' in Ukraine Blasts hit western Ukraine Meanwhile, officials in the western Ukrainian city of Khmelnytskyi, said that recent blasts have injured two civilians and shattered hundreds of windows after Moscow fired missiles from the Black Sea on Saturday. The mayor of the aforementioned Ukrainian city, Oleksandr Symchyshyn, in an interview with the national tv, said, “There are three damaged educational institutions, around ten damaged high-rise apartment blocks. Around five hundred windows and balconies have been destroyed”, as per Reuters. Kyiv’s air force claimed that Russia launched four Kalibr missiles from the Black Sea out of which two were shot down by their defences while two explosions were heard in Khmelnytskyi which is over 250 km west of the Ukrainian capital. Air raid alerts were issued across Ukraine on Saturday morning while the authorities in eastern and southern regions were warned of potential precautionary power outages to limit the damage to energy grids in case of strikes. ALSO READ | More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US This follows reports of Moscow repeatedly targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure which has left millions without power, heating or water during the cold winter. However, these attacks have not been confirmed by the Russian authorities. What is happening at the Munich Security Conference? Amid the ongoing Munich Security Conference Ukraine’s western allies reaffirmed their support for the conflict-hit nation, on Saturday. Countries like the United States which has accused Russia of committing “crimes against humanity” in Ukraine and that it will support Kyiv “as long as it takes,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. Subsequently, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that the country will always be on the side of “freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” while assuring Ukraine of its support. “Security of the European continent will always be our priority,” said Sunak. ALSO WATCH | US Vice President Kamala Harris addresses Munich Security Conference This also comes a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who addressed the security conference via a video link said that it is “obvious” that Kyiv would not be the last stop for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. He added, “He’s going to continue his movement all the way...including all the other states that at some point in time were part of the Soviet bloc”. He also urged the West to maintain the speedy supply of weapons and said “delay has always been and still is a mistake”. Meanwhile, on the same day, Russia accused the US of inciting Ukraine to escalate the war. “Now the American warmongers have gone even further: They incite the Kyiv regime to further escalate the war”, said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, addressing the reporters at the security conference on Friday. She added that some US officials dreamed like “crazies” of defeating Moscow, reported Reuters. (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.

Russia claims capture of village in eastern Ukrainian region Kharkiv; 2 civilians injured in city near Kyiv

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleged on Sunday (February 19) that China is on the brink of sending "lethal support" to Russia for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/russia-ukraine-crisis">ongoing Ukraine war</a>. Blinken further warned Beijing that any supplies of arms and ammunition would "cause a serious problem".&nbsp;

The West and analysts speculate that Russia might run out of weapons for the Ukraine war, which started last year on February 24. The West raised concerns over nations like China, Iran and North Korea that might supply weapons to Moscow to overcome the shortage.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reminds-france-of-napoleon-slams-emmanuel-macron-for-regime-change-remark-563666">Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate</a>&nbsp;

In an interview on ABC, Blinken said that China was "considering providing lethal support" ranging "from ammunition to the weapons themselves."

The interview appeared after Blinken met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference and warned him of the consequences if China considers providing material support to Russia's invasion&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Fighting continues in Ukraine's Northeast as war set to enter second year

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US-China relations are going through a tumultuous phase in the aftermath of the Chinese balloon saga which was spotted in the US airspace and was shot down by US fighter jets. But China claimed it was a civilian airship used for research purposes.&nbsp;

Amid escalating tensions, the top diplomats of the two superpowers met at an undisclosed location on the sidelines of a global security conference in Munich.&nbsp;

Blinken said, "One of the things that I shared with him (Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi) was a growing concern on our part, that China is considering providing lethal support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-news-channel-suspends-anchor-for-running-planted-stories-at-behest-of-israeli-disinformation-unit-563603">French news channel suspends anchor for running planted stories at behest of Israeli disinformation unit</a>&nbsp;

"And I made clear, as President Biden has almost from day one with President Xi, that that would have serious consequences in our own relationship," he added.&nbsp;

Blinken also mentioned that US President Joe Biden had warned his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, as long ago as last March against sending weapons to Russia.

According to an administration source familiar with the issue, since that time, "China has been careful not to cross that line, including by holding off on selling lethal weapons systems for use on the battlefield".&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleged on Sunday (February 19) that China is on the brink of sending "lethal support" to Russia for the ongoing Ukraine war.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleged on Sunday (February 19) that China is on the brink of sending "lethal support" to Russia for the ongoing Ukraine war. Blinken further warned Beijing that any supplies of arms and ammunition would "cause a serious problem". The West and analysts speculate that Russia might run out of weapons for the Ukraine war, which started last year on February 24. The West raised concerns over nations like China, Iran and North Korea that might supply weapons to Moscow to overcome the shortage. ALSO READ | Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate In an interview on ABC, Blinken said that China was "considering providing lethal support" ranging "from ammunition to the weapons themselves." The interview appeared after Blinken met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi at the Munich Security Conference and warned him of the consequences if China considers providing material support to Russia's invasion WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Fighting continues in Ukraine's Northeast as war set to enter second year × US-China relations are going through a tumultuous phase in the aftermath of the Chinese balloon saga which was spotted in the US airspace and was shot down by US fighter jets. But China claimed it was a civilian airship used for research purposes. Amid escalating tensions, the top diplomats of the two superpowers met at an undisclosed location on the sidelines of a global security conference in Munich. Blinken said, "One of the things that I shared with him (Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi) was a growing concern on our part, that China is considering providing lethal support to Russia in its aggression against Ukraine." ALSO READ | French news channel suspends anchor for running planted stories at behest of Israeli disinformation unit "And I made clear, as President Biden has almost from day one with President Xi, that that would have serious consequences in our own relationship," he added. Blinken also mentioned that US President Joe Biden had warned his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, as long ago as last March against sending weapons to Russia. According to an administration source familiar with the issue, since that time, "China has been careful not to cross that line, including by holding off on selling lethal weapons systems for use on the battlefield". 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.

China planning to send 'lethal support' to Russia for the Ukraine war, claims Blinken

A report by Reuters citing United States lawmakers said that Ukrainian officials have urged them on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), late Saturday to press President Joe Biden’s administration for sending F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. This comes weeks after Ukraine’s allies in the West,&nbsp;after months of discussion, approved sending tanks to Kyiv amid its conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, France, on Sunday (February 19) said that it will begin delivering the armoured vehicles promised to Ukraine by next weekend.&nbsp;

US lawmakers back Kyiv on the sidelines&nbsp;of Munich Security Conference

In what members called the largest number of US lawmakers sent to attend the security conference since it began in 1953, Washington has demonstrated clear bipartisan support for Ukraine. Notably, there are four delegations from the House of Representatives and the Senate combined at this year’s MSC from Washington which includes both Democrats and Republicans.&nbsp;

Speaking to Reuters, Senator Mark Kelly said, “They (Ukrainian officials) told us that they want (F-16s) to suppress enemy air defenses so they could get their drones”. Additionally, representatives from Kyiv also said that these aircraft would boost their ability to hit Russian missile units. This comes a month after the US president said “no” to sending fighter jets to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-munich-security-conference-blinken-and-wang-hold-candid-talks-amid-balloon-spat-563646">LIVE Munich Security Conference: Blinken and Wang hold 'candid talks' amid balloon spat</a>

In addition to the aforementioned senator, three other lawmakers during the interview also spoke about how Ukrainian officials told them that they believed that there was growing support in Congress for sending F-16s to Kyiv. Since the beginning of what Moscow has called its “special military operation” in Ukraine almost a year ago, Washington has sent AGM-88 air-to-surface rockets which Kyiv’s air force fires from their Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets.&nbsp;

However, during the lobbying which took place over the weekend, Ukrainian officials who have not been identified as per Kelly said, “They contended that they need that airplane for the SEAD (suppression of enemy air defences) mission”. He added that Kyiv probably thinks they can do a better job at taking out the Russian S-400s. They will take at least one year of training to master all of the F-16’s capabilities but in the meantime, Ukrainian pilots could be taught a “limited number of things...in a few months,” said the US senator, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-russia-to-be-defeated-in-war-against-ukraine-not-crushed-says-frances-macron-563649">Want Russia to be ‘defeated’ in war against Ukraine, not ‘crushed’, says France’s Macron</a>

While support for Ukraine by its western allies was reaffirmed during the MSC, they have been reluctant to use their air power in a significant way since the conflict began. This comes after there has been growing support from several countries about providing Kyiv with NATO-standard jet fighters with the United Kingdom reportedly saying they would provide training. Ukraine has recently sought advanced fighter jets after its allies in the West agreed to send over 300 tanks amid its conflict with Russia, said Kyiv’s ambassador to France, last month.&nbsp;

France to send “light tanks” to Ukraine by next week

Earlier today, France said that it would begin delivering its AMX-10 armoured vehicles which are also described as “light tanks” and are said to be used for armed reconnaissance and conducted attacks on enemy tanks. As per the French defence ministry, the vehicles whose combat weight is around 20 tonnes are highly mobile, “powerfully armed” and offer protection against light infantry fire.&nbsp;

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, the country’s Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that the first of these vehicles will be sent to Kyiv “by the end of next week”. He also declined to comment on the exact number of AMX-10s that are going to be sent in the first batch as he did not want to give Russia any “strategic information”, reported AFP.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reminds-france-of-napoleon-slams-emmanuel-macron-for-regime-change-remark-563666">Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate</a>

This comes after President Emmanuel Macron promised to send their “light tanks”&nbsp;in early January after months of reluctance by France and its allies over fears that increased weapons deliveries could further escalate the conflict. Addressing Kyiv’s request for fighter jets, the defence minister said that the question is “not taboo” but such military aid poses complex “logistical and practical questions”.

Meanwhile, Lecornu said that the training of Ukrainian troops on the AMX-10 was “nearly complete” and that&nbsp;military personnel’s overall training is “intensifying” in both France and fellow NATO member Poland. He added, starting next month, 600 Ukrainian troops would undergo training every month.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A report by Reuters citing United States lawmakers said that Ukrainian officials have urged them on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), late Saturday to press President Joe Biden’s administration for sending F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv.

A report by Reuters citing United States lawmakers said that Ukrainian officials have urged them on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), late Saturday to press President Joe Biden’s administration for sending F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv. This comes weeks after Ukraine’s allies in the West, after months of discussion, approved sending tanks to Kyiv amid its conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, France, on Sunday (February 19) said that it will begin delivering the armoured vehicles promised to Ukraine by next weekend. US lawmakers back Kyiv on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference In what members called the largest number of US lawmakers sent to attend the security conference since it began in 1953, Washington has demonstrated clear bipartisan support for Ukraine. Notably, there are four delegations from the House of Representatives and the Senate combined at this year’s MSC from Washington which includes both Democrats and Republicans. Speaking to Reuters, Senator Mark Kelly said, “They (Ukrainian officials) told us that they want (F-16s) to suppress enemy air defenses so they could get their drones”. Additionally, representatives from Kyiv also said that these aircraft would boost their ability to hit Russian missile units. This comes a month after the US president said “no” to sending fighter jets to Ukraine. ALSO READ | LIVE Munich Security Conference: Blinken and Wang hold 'candid talks' amid balloon spat In addition to the aforementioned senator, three other lawmakers during the interview also spoke about how Ukrainian officials told them that they believed that there was growing support in Congress for sending F-16s to Kyiv. Since the beginning of what Moscow has called its “special military operation” in Ukraine almost a year ago, Washington has sent AGM-88 air-to-surface rockets which Kyiv’s air force fires from their Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets. However, during the lobbying which took place over the weekend, Ukrainian officials who have not been identified as per Kelly said, “They contended that they need that airplane for the SEAD (suppression of enemy air defences) mission”. He added that Kyiv probably thinks they can do a better job at taking out the Russian S-400s. They will take at least one year of training to master all of the F-16’s capabilities but in the meantime, Ukrainian pilots could be taught a “limited number of things...in a few months,” said the US senator, as per Reuters. ALSO READ | Want Russia to be ‘defeated’ in war against Ukraine, not ‘crushed’, says France’s Macron While support for Ukraine by its western allies was reaffirmed during the MSC, they have been reluctant to use their air power in a significant way since the conflict began. This comes after there has been growing support from several countries about providing Kyiv with NATO-standard jet fighters with the United Kingdom reportedly saying they would provide training. Ukraine has recently sought advanced fighter jets after its allies in the West agreed to send over 300 tanks amid its conflict with Russia, said Kyiv’s ambassador to France, last month. France to send “light tanks” to Ukraine by next week Earlier today, France said that it would begin delivering its AMX-10 armoured vehicles which are also described as “light tanks” and are said to be used for armed reconnaissance and conducted attacks on enemy tanks. As per the French defence ministry, the vehicles whose combat weight is around 20 tonnes are highly mobile, “powerfully armed” and offer protection against light infantry fire. In an interview with the French newspaper Le Parisien, the country’s Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that the first of these vehicles will be sent to Kyiv “by the end of next week”. He also declined to comment on the exact number of AMX-10s that are going to be sent in the first batch as he did not want to give Russia any “strategic information”, reported AFP. ALSO READ | Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate This comes after President Emmanuel Macron promised to send their “light tanks” in early January after months of reluctance by France and its allies over fears that increased weapons deliveries could further escalate the conflict. Addressing Kyiv’s request for fighter jets, the defence minister said that the question is “not taboo” but such military aid poses complex “logistical and practical questions”. Meanwhile, Lecornu said that the training of Ukrainian troops on the AMX-10 was “nearly complete” and that military personnel’s overall training is “intensifying” in both France and fellow NATO member Poland. He added, starting next month, 600 Ukrainian troops would undergo training every month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine pushes US lawmakers for F-16s; France to send ‘light tanks’ to Kyiv by ‘end of next week’

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. Russia on Sunday slammed France President Emmanuel Macron over his remarks about wanting to see Russia defeated in the war against Ukraine and reminded him of the fate of Napoleon Bonaparte while accusing the French president of duplicitous diplomacy with the Kremlin. Macron had told paper Le Journal du Dimanche that France wanted Russia to be defeated in Ukraine but had never wanted to "crush" it. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (February 19) slammed Macron and invoked Napoleon while accusing France and the West of attempting to "change the government" in Moscow. Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that "France did not begin with Macron, but the remains of Napoleon, revered at the state level, rest in the centre of Paris. So that France understands everything, and so does Russia." Zakharova said Moscow still remembers the fate of Napoleon Bonaparte and accused the French president of two-faced diplomacy with the Kremlin. ALSO READ | French news channel suspends anchor for running planted stories at behest of Israeli disinformation unit Her comments came after Macron's interview with the newspaper Le Journal Le Dimanche was published, where the French president said: "I want the defeat of Russia in Ukraine and I want that Ukraine can defend its position, but I am convinced that at the end this won't end militarily." He added that he doesn't think that Russia would be "defeated completely" or attacked on its own soil. He said, "These commentators want above all to erase Russia. That has never been France's position and it will never be." Macron urged allies on Friday to step up military support for Ukraine. However, he did mention that he did not believe in "regime change". He repeated that he thinks there would have to be negotiations at some point. ALSO READ | Russia claims capture of village in eastern Ukrainian region Kharkiv; 2 civilians injured in city near Kyiv He said, "Let’s be clear, I don't believe for one second in regime change, and when I hear a lot of people calling for regime change I ask them, 'For which change? Who’s next? Who is your leader?'" Russia picked up the "regime change" remark and said that it showed the West had engaged in discussions about regime change in Russia. Watch this report: × Macron had faced criticism also in the past when he urged to follow diplomatic channels to end the war and repeatedly sought meetings with the Russian leadership. He remained a staunch supporter of Ukrainians while speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, and repeated his call to "strengthen our support and our effort to help the Ukrainian people and army’s resistance and allow them to carry out the counter-offensive". (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.

Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for his remarks, says Moscow remembers Napoleon’s fate

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.

White House spokesman John Kirby said that more than 30,000 mercenaries, who were fighting under the Wagner Group, have lost their lives or have been injured since Russia waged war against Ukraine.&nbsp;Kirby added that significant losses have been borne by the group in recent weeks, with around 9,000 fighters losing their lives in action. He added that people were heavily recruited by Wagner from Russian prisons and the most casualties were untrained convicts.

Even after so many casualties, Wagner claims to have made gains near the city of Bakhmut. Around the city, the troops have engaged in some of the fiercest fighting of the war, with Wagner mercenaries getting heavily engaged in efforts of Russia to capture the city, as per media reports.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/village-near-bakhmut-captured-claims-wagner-chief-563249">Village near Bakhmut captured, claims Wagner chief</a>

Ukrainian troops claim that Russia has been sending Wagner fighters in large numbers to attack and an army spokesperson of Ukraine shared that Moscow did not evacuate the dead and wounded soldiers, because of which they had "places where their bodies are just piled up".

Kirby said further advances by Russia can prove difficult considering that the gains made by it&nbsp;in Bakhmut came at a "devastating cost that is not sustainable” and took months to achieve. The city's military significance was also questioned by Kirby.

"It is possible that they may end up being successful in Bakhmut, but it will prove of no real worth to them because it is of no real strategic value," he said.

WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture'

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According to the estimates of UK intelligence officials, the Russian regular forces along with the Wagner troops may have suffered around 175,000-200,000 casualties, which includes 40,000-60,000 deaths.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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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. White House spokesman John Kirby said that more than 30,000 mercenaries, who were fighting under the Wagner Group, have lost their lives or have been injured since Russia waged war against Ukraine. Kirby added that significant losses have been borne by the group in recent weeks, with around 9,000 fighters losing their lives in action. He added that people were heavily recruited by Wagner from Russian prisons and the most casualties were untrained convicts. Even after so many casualties, Wagner claims to have made gains near the city of Bakhmut. Around the city, the troops have engaged in some of the fiercest fighting of the war, with Wagner mercenaries getting heavily engaged in efforts of Russia to capture the city, as per media reports. ALSO READ | Village near Bakhmut captured, claims Wagner chief Ukrainian troops claim that Russia has been sending Wagner fighters in large numbers to attack and an army spokesperson of Ukraine shared that Moscow did not evacuate the dead and wounded soldiers, because of which they had "places where their bodies are just piled up". Kirby said further advances by Russia can prove difficult considering that the gains made by it in Bakhmut came at a "devastating cost that is not sustainable” and took months to achieve. The city's military significance was also questioned by Kirby. "It is possible that they may end up being successful in Bakhmut, but it will prove of no real worth to them because it is of no real strategic value," he said. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Russia's Wagner Group says, 'Two years till Donetsk capture' According to the estimates of UK intelligence officials, the Russian regular forces along with the Wagner troops may have suffered around 175,000-200,000 casualties, which includes 40,000-60,000 deaths. (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

More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (February 17) urged the West to maintain speedy weapons' deliveries as Russia's offensive will enter the second year soon. Addressing the Munich Security Conference via a video link, Zelensky said that his country could ensure the collapse of Moscow's aggression this year as long as it received the weapons it needed.&nbsp;"We need speed -- the speed of our agreements, speed of our delivery... speed of decisions to limit Russian potential," Zelensky said, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

"Ukraine’s key message at the Munich Security Conference is an obvious one – we have to do everything so we bring about the collapse of Russian aggression before year-end. This is possible, this is necessary but this is possible if Ukraine receives the weaponry needed for this. That is why our diplomatic marathon is ongoing without let up," he added.&nbsp;

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"Following my visit to Washington in December a 'tank coalition' for Ukraine has been created, the taboo on the supply of long-range missiles is being lifted, there are new achievements in strengthening our artillery and the world has already heard how important it is for worldwide security to create an 'aviation coalition' for Ukraine," Zelensky further said, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president also said that he would continue to consolidate support for initiatives promulgated by Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "Next week, we will present an important resolution and today I presented its main ideas to the leaders of The Commonwealth Caribbean among others. Ukraine’s foreign policy is always based on respect for all who are party to international relations," he added.&nbsp;

Zelensky thanked those who were supporting Ukraine's efforts to stabilise international relations and reiterated his ambitions for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

The Ukraine war has been one of the dominating issues at the Munich Security Conference which will go on till Sunday.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was a part of the conference, joined in the call for allies to intensify the support for Ukraine to aid its forces in launching a counter-offensive. "It is not the time for dialogue because we have a Russia which has chosen war, which has chosen to intensify the war, and which has chosen to go as far as committing war crimes and to attacking civilian infrastructure," Macron said, AFP reported.&nbsp;

German chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, insisted that Berlin's support was "designed to last", and urged allies to speed up deliveries of heavy tanks promised to Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (February 17) urged the West to maintain speedy weapons' deliveries as Russia's offensive will enter the second year soon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (February 17) urged the West to maintain speedy weapons' deliveries as Russia's offensive will enter the second year soon. Addressing the Munich Security Conference via a video link, Zelensky said that his country could ensure the collapse of Moscow's aggression this year as long as it received the weapons it needed. "We need speed -- the speed of our agreements, speed of our delivery... speed of decisions to limit Russian potential," Zelensky said, the news agency AFP reported. "Ukraine’s key message at the Munich Security Conference is an obvious one – we have to do everything so we bring about the collapse of Russian aggression before year-end. This is possible, this is necessary but this is possible if Ukraine receives the weaponry needed for this. That is why our diplomatic marathon is ongoing without let up," he added. ALSO READ | Munich Security Conference: French President Macron bashes Putin in a hard-hitting address "Following my visit to Washington in December a 'tank coalition' for Ukraine has been created, the taboo on the supply of long-range missiles is being lifted, there are new achievements in strengthening our artillery and the world has already heard how important it is for worldwide security to create an 'aviation coalition' for Ukraine," Zelensky further said, the news agency Reuters reported. The Ukrainian president also said that he would continue to consolidate support for initiatives promulgated by Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "Next week, we will present an important resolution and today I presented its main ideas to the leaders of The Commonwealth Caribbean among others. Ukraine’s foreign policy is always based on respect for all who are party to international relations," he added. Zelensky thanked those who were supporting Ukraine's efforts to stabilise international relations and reiterated his ambitions for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU). The Ukraine war has been one of the dominating issues at the Munich Security Conference which will go on till Sunday. French President Emmanuel Macron, who was a part of the conference, joined in the call for allies to intensify the support for Ukraine to aid its forces in launching a counter-offensive. "It is not the time for dialogue because we have a Russia which has chosen war, which has chosen to intensify the war, and which has chosen to go as far as committing war crimes and to attacking civilian infrastructure," Macron said, AFP reported. German chancellor Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, insisted that Berlin's support was "designed to last", and urged allies to speed up deliveries of heavy tanks promised to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: At Munich Security Conference, Zelensky urges West to maintain speedy weapons’ deliveries

As Ukraine is all set to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte landed in Kyiv on Friday to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;Netherlands prime minister is accompanied by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Liesje Schreinemacher.&nbsp;Rutte on Friday morning visited the Wall of Memory in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital and laid a wreath to honour the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

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This is the second time the prime minister is visiting Ukraine, the last being in July last year when&nbsp;he visited Borodjanka, Boetsja, and Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv.&nbsp;

In a joint conference with Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has a "common understanding with the Netherlands that there should not be any taboo on the supply and support of weapons to our army, to our Ukraine, because it supports and protects our sovereignty."&nbsp;

Earlier this month, some members of the Dutch Parliament visited the Ukrainian capital where they discussed the security situation with the government officials.&nbsp;

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Netherlands Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, in a statement last month, pledged cooperation with the US and Germany to support Ukraine with the Patriot defence system.&nbsp;

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He also added that a total of 65 Dutch soldiers will train Ukrainian soldiers on the system. The defence support to Ukraine was also vowed by Dutch PM Rutte at the time when he met US President Joe Biden at White House last month.&nbsp;

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As Ukraine is all set to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte landed in Kyiv on Friday to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

As Ukraine is all set to mark one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte landed in Kyiv on Friday to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Netherlands prime minister is accompanied by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Liesje Schreinemacher. Rutte on Friday morning visited the Wall of Memory in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital and laid a wreath to honour the fallen defenders of Ukraine. Also Read | The real reason why Microsoft-backed OpenAI developing customisable ChatGPT This is the second time the prime minister is visiting Ukraine, the last being in July last year when he visited Borodjanka, Boetsja, and Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv. In a joint conference with Rutte in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has a "common understanding with the Netherlands that there should not be any taboo on the supply and support of weapons to our army, to our Ukraine, because it supports and protects our sovereignty." Earlier this month, some members of the Dutch Parliament visited the Ukrainian capital where they discussed the security situation with the government officials. Also Read | 'Why Poland?': Belarusian president invites Biden to Minsk instead, to 'end the war' Netherlands Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren, in a statement last month, pledged cooperation with the US and Germany to support Ukraine with the Patriot defence system. Watch | Japan: Rocket boosters fail to fire, resulting in cancellation of launch He also added that a total of 65 Dutch soldiers will train Ukrainian soldiers on the system. The defence support to Ukraine was also vowed by Dutch PM Rutte at the time when he met US President Joe Biden at White House last month. 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.

Dutch PM visits Kyiv, meets Zelensky as Russia-Ukraine war nears one-year mark

The increasing cost-of-living pressure because of the Ukraine war could push an additional 141 million people into extreme poverty, a study published on Thursday (February 16) in the British scientific journal Nature has highlighted. The global energy crisis worsened after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, it further underlines, stressing that continued high reliance on fossil fuels and the severe mismatch between energy demand and supply were among the other factors that contributed.&nbsp;

With Russia being a major exporter of oil (12.3 per cent of global supply in 2021) and natural gas (23.6 per cent), European nations dependent on oil and natural gas imports from the country, already at high risk since gas storages were nearly and probably deliberately emptied before the war, face unprecedented fuel supply shortages, according to the study by the Birmingham University. Many economies have been pushed into recession, it further points out, and inflation has been triggered due to the energy crisis.

Even as several governments have brought in measures to subsidise soaring energy bills for households, these might be insufficient in view of the scale of the problem, researchers said. The surge in direct energy costs of households in 116 countries range from 51.1 per cent to 176.1 per cent.&nbsp;

"Referring to the World Bank’s latest international poverty line (US$2.15 in 2017 purchasing power parity (PPP) per person per day, updated in September 2022), we estimated that an additional 78 million–141 million people (1.2–2.1 percent of the global population) could be pushed into extreme poverty," the report reads. "Our results are 5–48% larger than the estimates from the World Bank (75 million–95 million compared with pre-crisis projections)," it adds.&nbsp;

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The increasing cost-of-living pressure because of the Ukraine war could push an additional 141 million people into extreme poverty, a study published on Thursday (February 16) in the British scientific journal Nature has highlighted.

The increasing cost-of-living pressure because of the Ukraine war could push an additional 141 million people into extreme poverty, a study published on Thursday (February 16) in the British scientific journal Nature has highlighted. The global energy crisis worsened after Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, it further underlines, stressing that continued high reliance on fossil fuels and the severe mismatch between energy demand and supply were among the other factors that contributed. With Russia being a major exporter of oil (12.3 per cent of global supply in 2021) and natural gas (23.6 per cent), European nations dependent on oil and natural gas imports from the country, already at high risk since gas storages were nearly and probably deliberately emptied before the war, face unprecedented fuel supply shortages, according to the study by the Birmingham University. Many economies have been pushed into recession, it further points out, and inflation has been triggered due to the energy crisis. Even as several governments have brought in measures to subsidise soaring energy bills for households, these might be insufficient in view of the scale of the problem, researchers said. The surge in direct energy costs of households in 116 countries range from 51.1 per cent to 176.1 per cent. "Referring to the World Bank’s latest international poverty line (US$2.15 in 2017 purchasing power parity (PPP) per person per day, updated in September 2022), we estimated that an additional 78 million–141 million people (1.2–2.1 percent of the global population) could be pushed into extreme poverty," the report reads. "Our results are 5–48% larger than the estimates from the World Bank (75 million–95 million compared with pre-crisis projections)," it adds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war putting 141 million globally at risk of extreme poverty: Study 

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Poland from February 20-22 to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Belarus wants Biden to be in Minsk instead as the country's President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who is a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wants to "end the war".&nbsp;

Lukashenko has extended an invitation to Biden to visit Minsk and expressed his willingness to mediate between Russia and US.&nbsp;Speaking to the media, Lukashenko said, "Why is Biden going to Poland?”&nbsp;

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He reportedly asked why Biden has decided to go to Poland and&nbsp;said&nbsp;Belarus is "willing to host him in Minsk". Lukashenko said that he is ready to have a "serious conversation" with Biden and Putin if US "wants peace in Ukraine".&nbsp;

The Belarusian president revealed that he is "ready to hold a joint meeting with Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden". 
 
"Even Putin will fly over to Minsk for the trilateral meeting: two ‘aggressors’ and a ‘peace loving’ president. Why not? For the sake of ending the war. If he wants to stop the war," he reportedly said.&nbsp;

He said that if Biden is to visit Poland, he can also visit Minsk as it is not too far away.&nbsp;

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"Poland is nearby, I will send a plane, if anything, a Boeing for him, and we will host him. We have international airports. His Air Force One can land here. Clinton visited us once. Here, in your presence, the three of us... I guarantee you that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin will come... will sit down and solve the problem. We will be able to solve all the issues here."

It is pertinent to note that Belarus helped Russia earlier by letting Moscow's troops to Ukraine through its 1,000-kilometre Ukrainian-Belarusian border.&nbsp;

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Minsk has also claimed on several occasions that Ukrainian drones have entered Belarus however, there is no evidence to date to substantiate these claims. In the latest, Belarus said that the country would in "no way" send its troops into Ukraine unless it is attacked.&nbsp;

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US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Poland from February 20-22 to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Belarus wants Biden to be in Minsk instead as the country's President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who is a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wants to "end the war".

US President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Poland from February 20-22 to mark the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Belarus wants Biden to be in Minsk instead as the country's President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who is a staunch supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wants to "end the war". Lukashenko has extended an invitation to Biden to visit Minsk and expressed his willingness to mediate between Russia and US. Speaking to the media, Lukashenko said, "Why is Biden going to Poland?” Also Read | The real reason why Microsoft-backed OpenAI developing customisable ChatGPT He reportedly asked why Biden has decided to go to Poland and said Belarus is "willing to host him in Minsk". Lukashenko said that he is ready to have a "serious conversation" with Biden and Putin if US "wants peace in Ukraine". The Belarusian president revealed that he is "ready to hold a joint meeting with Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden". "Even Putin will fly over to Minsk for the trilateral meeting: two ‘aggressors’ and a ‘peace loving’ president. Why not? For the sake of ending the war. If he wants to stop the war," he reportedly said. He said that if Biden is to visit Poland, he can also visit Minsk as it is not too far away. Also Read | Portugal announces to end Golden Visa, downsizes Airbnb rentals to address local housing crises "Poland is nearby, I will send a plane, if anything, a Boeing for him, and we will host him. We have international airports. His Air Force One can land here. Clinton visited us once. Here, in your presence, the three of us... I guarantee you that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin will come... will sit down and solve the problem. We will be able to solve all the issues here." It is pertinent to note that Belarus helped Russia earlier by letting Moscow's troops to Ukraine through its 1,000-kilometre Ukrainian-Belarusian border. Watch | Japan: Rocket boosters fail to fire, resulting in cancellation of launch Minsk has also claimed on several occasions that Ukrainian drones have entered Belarus however, there is no evidence to date to substantiate these claims. In the latest, Belarus said that the country would in "no way" send its troops into Ukraine unless it is attacked. 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.

Why is Biden going to Poland, should come to Minsk to ‘end the war’: Belarusian president

In the most high-level visit from Israel ever since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Kyiv and met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Cohen is also expected to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently finished off his Europe visit with hopes to receive jets to fend off Russia from its territory.&nbsp;The Israeli FM kicked off his visit from Bucha. 
 
Bucha, a Kyiv suburb, became the centre of international attention last year when hundreds of slaughtered bodies were found in a mass grave there. Zelensky had termed it a "genocide" and a "most terrible war crime". Many drew comparisons of Bucha's mass graves with the atrocities killings in World War II.&nbsp;

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After visiting Bucha, he said, "We cannot remain indifferent to these difficult images and to the stories of atrocities which I heard here. Israel condemns any intentional attack on innocent people."&nbsp;The Israeli Foreign Minister visited Ukraine after wrapping up his Turkey visit. Cohen left Turkey for Poland from where he took an overnight train along with his delegation from the Polish border city of Przemysl to Kyiv.

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It was good meeting with my colleague Ukrainian Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DmytroKuleba</a>. I informed him about the continuation of our aid to Ukraine, and about our intention to support the Ukrainian peace initiative at the United Nations. &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/12dP0vYXyt">pic.twitter.com/12dP0vYXyt</a>
— אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) <a href="https://twitter.com/elicoh1/status/1626231518183194624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As per media reports, details of Cohen's trip were not disclosed citing security reasons. The visit only came to the fore once the Israeli foreign minister arrived in Kyiv.&nbsp;

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"I came to say: Israel stands by Ukraine and by the Ukrainian people in their difficult time," Cohen tweeted. In a statement, Cohen said the Israeli embassy in Kyiv "will return to continuous activity, with the aim of strengthening relations between the countries."&nbsp;

Later, in a press conference with Kuleba, Cohen said, “Israel stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."&nbsp;

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Israeli has been treading cautiously when it comes to taking sides. The country has maintained neutrality. Initially, Israel sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, however, it stopped short of providing any military support to Kyiv in its fight against Moscow.&nbsp; 
 
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In the most high-level visit from Israel ever since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Kyiv and met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.

In the most high-level visit from Israel ever since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Kyiv and met with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Cohen is also expected to hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently finished off his Europe visit with hopes to receive jets to fend off Russia from its territory. The Israeli FM kicked off his visit from Bucha. Bucha, a Kyiv suburb, became the centre of international attention last year when hundreds of slaughtered bodies were found in a mass grave there. Zelensky had termed it a "genocide" and a "most terrible war crime". Many drew comparisons of Bucha's mass graves with the atrocities killings in World War II. Also Read | Munich Security Conference to kick off tomorrow: what issues will take centre stage? After visiting Bucha, he said, "We cannot remain indifferent to these difficult images and to the stories of atrocities which I heard here. Israel condemns any intentional attack on innocent people." The Israeli Foreign Minister visited Ukraine after wrapping up his Turkey visit. Cohen left Turkey for Poland from where he took an overnight train along with his delegation from the Polish border city of Przemysl to Kyiv. It was good meeting with my colleague Ukrainian Foreign Minister @DmytroKuleba. I informed him about the continuation of our aid to Ukraine, and about our intention to support the Ukrainian peace initiative at the United Nations. >> pic.twitter.com/12dP0vYXyt — אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) February 16, 2023 × As per media reports, details of Cohen's trip were not disclosed citing security reasons. The visit only came to the fore once the Israeli foreign minister arrived in Kyiv. Also Read | War a military failure for Russia, Ukraine's tank count rising: Think tank "I came to say: Israel stands by Ukraine and by the Ukrainian people in their difficult time," Cohen tweeted. In a statement, Cohen said the Israeli embassy in Kyiv "will return to continuous activity, with the aim of strengthening relations between the countries." Later, in a press conference with Kuleba, Cohen said, “Israel stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and remains committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine." Watch | Tesla to share charging network, 3,500 chargers for non-Tesla customers Israeli has been treading cautiously when it comes to taking sides. The country has maintained neutrality. Initially, Israel sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine, however, it stopped short of providing any military support to Kyiv in its fight against Moscow. 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 a first since war began, Israeli FM Eli Cohen visits Kyiv, meets Kuleba amid military aid pressure

China's top diplomat Wang Yi, met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the start of his trip to Europe. The two leaders exchanged views on the Ukraine issue.

Wang Yi, Emmanuel Macron discuss Ukraine war during meeting in Paris

U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to visit Poland this month to mark the one year anniversary of the Ukraine war. Biden will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda during his visit.

Biden to visit Poland to mark first anniversary of Ukraine war

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