Two big NATO Powers France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be allowed to hit military sides inside Russia but only those Russian sites from which missiles are being fired at Ukrainian territory not other targets. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine should be allowed to hit sites in Russia: Macron, Scholz

Russian President Putin has sent out a harsh warning to the West. This comes in response to NATO Chief's statement on allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia and French and German leaders' support for it.

Gravitas| Putin warns West: There will be consequences

Major multinational companies initially announced plans to leave Russia after the Ukraine invasion. However, they remain stuck due to bureaucratic hurdles and a 50 per cent discount mandate on selling assets to "unfriendly" countries. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war | 2,100+ multinationals stay in Russia despite pledges to exit

Western companies are reconsidering leaving Russia amid increasing Kremlin-imposed exit costs, difficulty finding suitable buyers and rebounding consumer activity. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war | Business in Russia: Why some firms haven't left?

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday (May 28) that the West could face serious consequences if it allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, as sought by Kyiv.&nbsp;

The warning came as French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv should be allowed to "neutralise" Russian military bases from where Kremlin troops are firing missiles into Ukraine, and as President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the world not to tire of the war.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pledges-1-bln-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-signs-bilateral-defence-deal-726056" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pledges-1-bln-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-signs-bilateral-defence-deal-726056&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwidt_K-7LGGAxUsVPUHHaBDIucQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KHc78kR-5b8NrrL9FkkAg&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pledges-1-bln-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-signs-bilateral-defence-deal-726056" target="_blank">Spain pledges 1 billion in military aid to&nbsp;Ukraine</a>

Concurrently,&nbsp;Zelensky requested the international community to remain steadfast in its support of the war.

Putin's comments came after some NATO members as well as the alliance's chief, Jens Stoltenberg called to allow Ukraine to use their arms to step up attacks on Russian soil, after more than two years of war.&nbsp;

"This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences," Putin said during a visit to Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

"The small European countries should be aware of what they are playing with," the Russian leader said, noting that many European countries had small territories and a dense population.

"They should consider this factor seriously before discussing strikes deep into Russian territory," he stated.

Putin further warned that even if Ukraine's forces carried out the strikes, responsibility for them would lie with Western suppliers of the weapons.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-urges-biden-and-xi-to-join-upcoming-ukraine-peace-summit-725549">Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month</a>

Putin also said that while he believed Western military instructors were already in Ukraine operating undercover as mercenaries, any move by countries to send them officially would be another "escalation" and "another step towards a serious conflict in Europe, towards a global conflict". &nbsp;

Notably, Ukraine's top commander announced on Monday (May 27) that talks were being held with France on sending military instructors to the country.

Putin warned that "we will take whatever actions we deem necessary, regardless of who is present on Ukrainian territory."

After a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said that European countries remained split on sending military instructors to Ukraine.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Zelensky urges West</h2>

During a European tour aimed at maintaining the flow of arms and support to his embattled country, Zelensky urged the world not to grow weary of the war, warning that fatigue would benefit Russia.

"It is very important for Ukrainians that the world does not get tired... and it cannot get tired of the war launched by the aggressor," Zelensky said in Portugal during a tour of several European capitals.

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"Or else there will be no justice, otherwise the world will change because of people like Putin," he said.

Zelensky is also trying to whip up support for a peace conference due to be held in Switzerland next month, without Russia, and on Tuesday urged US President Joe Biden to attend.

"If Biden is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin," Zelensky said at a press conference with Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

(With inputs from agencies) 
<o:p></o:p>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday (May 28) that the West could face serious consequences if it allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, as sought by Kyiv.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday (May 28) that the West could face serious consequences if it allowed Ukraine to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, as sought by Kyiv. The warning came as French President Emmanuel Macron said Kyiv should be allowed to "neutralise" Russian military bases from where Kremlin troops are firing missiles into Ukraine, and as President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the world not to tire of the war. Also read: Spain pledges 1 billion in military aid to Ukraine Concurrently, Zelensky requested the international community to remain steadfast in its support of the war. Putin's comments came after some NATO members as well as the alliance's chief, Jens Stoltenberg called to allow Ukraine to use their arms to step up attacks on Russian soil, after more than two years of war. "This constant escalation can lead to serious consequences," Putin said during a visit to Uzbekistan. "The small European countries should be aware of what they are playing with," the Russian leader said, noting that many European countries had small territories and a dense population. "They should consider this factor seriously before discussing strikes deep into Russian territory," he stated. Putin further warned that even if Ukraine's forces carried out the strikes, responsibility for them would lie with Western suppliers of the weapons. Also Read | Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month Putin also said that while he believed Western military instructors were already in Ukraine operating undercover as mercenaries, any move by countries to send them officially would be another "escalation" and "another step towards a serious conflict in Europe, towards a global conflict". Notably, Ukraine's top commander announced on Monday (May 27) that talks were being held with France on sending military instructors to the country. Putin warned that "we will take whatever actions we deem necessary, regardless of who is present on Ukrainian territory." After a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said that European countries remained split on sending military instructors to Ukraine. Zelensky urges West During a European tour aimed at maintaining the flow of arms and support to his embattled country, Zelensky urged the world not to grow weary of the war, warning that fatigue would benefit Russia. "It is very important for Ukrainians that the world does not get tired... and it cannot get tired of the war launched by the aggressor," Zelensky said in Portugal during a tour of several European capitals. Also Read | Russia to delist Taliban as terrorist group: Report "Or else there will be no justice, otherwise the world will change because of people like Putin," he said. Zelensky is also trying to whip up support for a peace conference due to be held in Switzerland next month, without Russia, and on Tuesday urged US President Joe Biden to attend. "If Biden is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin," Zelensky said at a press conference with Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin warns of 'serious consequences' if Western weapons hit Russian soil

Two big NATO powers France and Germany have said that Ukraine should be allowed to hit military sites inside Russia but only those Russian sites from which missiles are being fired at Ukrainian territory not other targets. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv should be allowed to hit sites in Russia: Macron

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Tuesday that NATO members in Europe were playing with fire by proposing to let Ukraine use Western weapons to strike deep inside Russia, which he said could trigger a global conflict. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin warns West on Ukraine strike

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin warns West against use of missiles in Russia

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin warns against use of Western missiles in Russia

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine should be allowed to hit sites in Russia says Scholz and Macron

The Russia-Ukraine war is intensifying. The West continues to supply Kyiv with weapons. Meanwhile, Putin issues latest warning to Kyiv's allies. Russia's Putin hints at a global conflict. Watch this video for all details.

Putin's latest warning to the West to not let Ukraine use its missiles to hit Russia

The ongoing Russia Ukraine war has not only appended human lives, it's also impacted the animal kingdom. Endangered eagles are the latest casualty they are being forced to make a detour. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Only 32% eagles making stopover in Ukraine post invasion

Russia's invasion forces Ukrainian leader to seek more military aid from his Western allies. Today Zelensky is visiting Belgium to sign a security pact with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the visit comes after he visited Spain on Monday and signed security pact with the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's President to visit Belgium today

Russia and Uzbekistan signed an accord Monday for Moscow to build a small nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country, as Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in the Uzbek capital with Uzbekistan leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia extends influence in central Asia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Moscow’s forces were massing for a new ground offensive on the northeast of his country, a day after a Russian missile strike on a hardware superstore in the city of Kharkiv killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens more. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Heavy fighting in Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia's invasion forces Ukrainian leader to seek more military aid from his Western allies. Today Zelensky is visiting Belgium to sign a security pact with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, the visit comes after he visited Spain on Monday and signed security pact with the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky seeks permission of allies to strike Russia

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia to build nuclear plant in Uzbekistan

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Spain, Ireland, Norway to rebuke Israel - Kyiv: Will get F-16s very soon - UN: Rafah attack not a misha - WHO: Measles cases surging in Europe

Kyiv: Will get F-16s very soon | UN: Rafah attack not a mishap

United States President Joe Biden’s absence from the upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland would be like giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin a standing ovation, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Tuesday (May 28).&nbsp;

<h2>Will Biden attend the Ukraine peace summit?</h2>

“If he is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin: personally applauding and doing so standing,” said Zelensky in Brussels during a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ivanivka in Kharkiv &amp; Netailove in Donetsk region captured: Russia

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“I believe that the Peace Summit needs President Biden, and other leaders who are looking at the US response also need him,” he added. The Ukrainian president also noted that we know that Washington supports the summit, but “we don’t know at what level”.&nbsp;

Zelensky said that dozens of world leaders will attend the summit. Biden has yet to confirm whether or not he will attend the conference in the Swiss city of Lucerne on June 15 and 16.&nbsp;

“If you want peace, you will be there and you will speak, even if you don’t agree with something,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-urges-biden-and-xi-to-join-upcoming-ukraine-peace-summit-725549">Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month</a>

He added, “And if you want war, you will go to the mob that Russia wants to organise,” saying that countries who will skip the summit are “satisfied with war.”

On Sunday (May 26), Zelensky had urged Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Putin’s close ally, to join the upcoming peace summit.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky rules out Russia’s participation</h2>

The Ukrainian president reiterated that Russia will not participate in the summit and accused Putin of trying to derail the conference.&nbsp;

“Putin is very scared of the peace summit,” said Zelensky, adding that he has been “trying to thwart this summit and continues to do so.”

The Kremlin is also “doing everything” for “further expansion of the war,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

The summit comes as Kyiv struggles to stave off relentless attacks by Russia amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

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In recent weeks, Moscow made steady gains on the battlefield and captured several villages in eastern Ukraine. Russia has also stepped up air strikes on Ukrainian cities and the war-torn country’s energy infrastructure.

<h2>Kremlin calls Ukraine peace summit ‘absurd’</h2>

The Kremlin, on Tuesday, slammed the upcoming summit and called it “absurd” because Russia has not been invited.

“The conference is, from our point of view, completely hopeless in terms of finding some ways to resolve the conflict around Ukraine,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television channel RT, adding that “to seriously talk about these questions without the participation of our country is absurd.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden’s absence from the upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland would be like giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin a standing ovation, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Tuesday (May 28).

United States President Joe Biden’s absence from the upcoming Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland would be like giving Russian leader Vladimir Putin a standing ovation, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Tuesday (May 28). Will Biden attend the Ukraine peace summit? “If he is not present, it will be just like applauding Putin: personally applauding and doing so standing,” said Zelensky in Brussels during a joint press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. WATCH | Ivanivka in Kharkiv & Netailove in Donetsk region captured: Russia “I believe that the Peace Summit needs President Biden, and other leaders who are looking at the US response also need him,” he added. The Ukrainian president also noted that we know that Washington supports the summit, but “we don’t know at what level”. Zelensky said that dozens of world leaders will attend the summit. Biden has yet to confirm whether or not he will attend the conference in the Swiss city of Lucerne on June 15 and 16. “If you want peace, you will be there and you will speak, even if you don’t agree with something,” said the Ukrainian president. Also Read | Zelensky urges Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland next month He added, “And if you want war, you will go to the mob that Russia wants to organise,” saying that countries who will skip the summit are “satisfied with war.” On Sunday (May 26), Zelensky had urged Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Putin’s close ally, to join the upcoming peace summit. Zelensky rules out Russia’s participation The Ukrainian president reiterated that Russia will not participate in the summit and accused Putin of trying to derail the conference. “Putin is very scared of the peace summit,” said Zelensky, adding that he has been “trying to thwart this summit and continues to do so.” The Kremlin is also “doing everything” for “further expansion of the war,” said the Ukrainian president. The summit comes as Kyiv struggles to stave off relentless attacks by Russia amid the ongoing war. Also Read | Russia to delist Taliban as terrorist group: Report In recent weeks, Moscow made steady gains on the battlefield and captured several villages in eastern Ukraine. Russia has also stepped up air strikes on Ukrainian cities and the war-torn country’s energy infrastructure. Kremlin calls Ukraine peace summit ‘absurd’ The Kremlin, on Tuesday, slammed the upcoming summit and called it “absurd” because Russia has not been invited. “The conference is, from our point of view, completely hopeless in terms of finding some ways to resolve the conflict around Ukraine,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television channel RT, adding that “to seriously talk about these questions without the participation of our country is absurd.” (With inputs from agencies)

Biden missing Ukraine peace summit next month would be like ‘applauding Putin,’ says Zelensky

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits.

The NEAs are asteroids whose routes are in close proximity to the Earth's orbit. The chance of it having an impact on our planet presents a serious threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements.

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However, for accurate astronomical measurements, observing rapidly moving objects requires short exposure times to avoid elongated streaks in the image.

The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory found an innovative technique known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time.

Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an from 2019 to 2023 and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, from 2011 to 2022.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-how-ancient-viral-dna-in-human-genome-impacts-mental-health-726038">Study reveals how ancient viral DNA in human genome impacts mental health</a>

A new study in the Astronomical Journal suggests a game-changer for asteroid detection. By leveraging a network of small telescopes with a clever technique, we can significantly improve global monitoring and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.

(With inputs from agencies)

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits.

To better track near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and assess probable risks, a joint China-Ukraine research team has been using regular observations to pinpoint their location and precisely map their orbits. The NEAs are asteroids whose routes are in close proximity to the Earth's orbit. The chance of it having an impact on our planet presents a serious threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements. Also read: Researchers find genetically altered Nidoviruses may trigger the next pandemic However, for accurate astronomical measurements, observing rapidly moving objects requires short exposure times to avoid elongated streaks in the image. The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory found an innovative technique known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time. Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an from 2019 to 2023 and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, from 2011 to 2022. Also read: Study reveals how ancient viral DNA in human genome impacts mental health A new study in the Astronomical Journal suggests a game-changer for asteroid detection. By leveraging a network of small telescopes with a clever technique, we can significantly improve global monitoring and protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Astronomers from China and Ukraine team up to defend Earth against asteroids

Russia and Uzbekistan signed an accord on Monday for Moscow to build a small nuclear power plant in the Central Asian country, as Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in the Uzbek capital with Uzbekistan leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev. To know more watch this interview with Founder & Editor-in-Chief, BNE Intellinews, Ben Aris.

Russia to build nuclear plant in Uzbekistan extending their influence in central Asia

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky says Russia troops massing along North-East of Kharkiv

Ukraine war: Ivanivka in Kharkiv & Netailove in Donetsk region captured: Russia

Russia is producing artillery shells three times faster than Ukraine's western allies. The Russian shells also costing just a quarter of the western counterparts and this is according to a new analysis.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia cranks out arms faster than the west

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

The deal "includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024," Sanchez told a joint press conference.

"It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defence systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people.

Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10.

Sanchez stated that Spain had already vowed to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles, however, what Zelensky needed from Ukraine's allies was "the systems to launch these missiles".

"That's what he working on with different allies to see exactly how many we can send to guarantee this aerial security."

Spain would also send "another batch of Leopard tanks and above all ammunition," Sanchez said, pledging to keep working with Kyiv "to understand how else -- and with what other alternative systems -- we can help ensure Ukraine's air security."

Sanchez, elucidating on the security deal said that it would cover several issues from "military, humanitarian and financial support, to collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defence industries, as well as help with reconstruction and de-mining among other things". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Zelensky has previously signed bilateral security agreements with countries including France, Germany and the UK.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bombs-diy-store-in-ukraines-kharkiv-zelensky-says-over-200-feared-inside-725415">Also read: Russia bombs DIY store in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Zelensky says ‘over 200’ feared inside</a>

As the Russian aggression entered its third year, Ukraine has pleaded for more arms and ammunition for its troops.

<h2>Russian strike on hardware store in Kharkiv kills 14</h2>

Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian strike on a hardware superstore in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14, said the regional governor, on Sunday (May 26). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the daylight attack on an “obviously civilian” target.&nbsp;

"The number of dead has grown to 14," said Synegubov, adding that nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene.&nbsp;

Earlier, Synegubov had said that six people had “died on the spot,” 40 were wounded and 16 were missing after two guided Russian bombs hit the store. The death toll was later revised to 11.&nbsp;

In a video on the messaging app, Synegubov said that two of those killed “were men who worked in the hypermarket”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid.

Spain on Monday (May 27) pledged to provide military aid to Ukraine worth 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) in 2024 under a security deal signed between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. The deal "includes a commitment for one billion euros in military aid for 2024," Sanchez told a joint press conference. "It will allow Ukraine to boost its capabilities including its essential air defence systems to protect its civilians, cities and infrastructure which are still suffering indiscriminate attacks as seen this weekend in Kharkiv," he said, referring to a Russian strike on the northeastern city that killed at least 16 people. Zelensky's visit comes as Ukraine battles Russia's ground offensive in the Kharkiv region which started on May 10. Sanchez stated that Spain had already vowed to provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles, however, what Zelensky needed from Ukraine's allies was "the systems to launch these missiles". "That's what he working on with different allies to see exactly how many we can send to guarantee this aerial security." Spain would also send "another batch of Leopard tanks and above all ammunition," Sanchez said, pledging to keep working with Kyiv "to understand how else -- and with what other alternative systems -- we can help ensure Ukraine's air security." Sanchez, elucidating on the security deal said that it would cover several issues from "military, humanitarian and financial support, to collaboration between Spanish and Ukrainian defence industries, as well as help with reconstruction and de-mining among other things". Zelensky has previously signed bilateral security agreements with countries including France, Germany and the UK. Also read: Russia bombs DIY store in Ukraine’s Kharkiv, Zelensky says ‘over 200’ feared inside As the Russian aggression entered its third year, Ukraine has pleaded for more arms and ammunition for its troops. Russian strike on hardware store in Kharkiv kills 14 Meanwhile, the death toll from a Russian strike on a hardware superstore in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14, said the regional governor, on Sunday (May 26). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the daylight attack on an “obviously civilian” target. "The number of dead has grown to 14," said Synegubov, adding that nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene. Earlier, Synegubov had said that six people had “died on the spot,” 40 were wounded and 16 were missing after two guided Russian bombs hit the store. The death toll was later revised to 11. In a video on the messaging app, Synegubov said that two of those killed “were men who worked in the hypermarket”. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain pledges 1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, signs bilateral defence deal

Russia declared that it had gained control of a settlement in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, while Ukraine stated that it has taken all necessary measures to weaken the Russian offensive. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia claims further advances in Ukraine's Kharkiv region

Russia is producing artillery shells about three times faster and at a quarter of the cost compared to Ukraine's Western allies, according to a report. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia outproduces West in artillery shells

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has won&nbsp;the presidential elections by defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte.

As per nearly 90 per cent of polling stations, Nauseda led the race with around three-quarters of the vote. The election has been marked by heightened security concerns due to Lithuania's proximity to Russia.

"I want to congratulate the Lithuanian president-elect," Simonyte reportedly said.&nbsp;

Earlier results had shown Nauseda capturing 78 per cent of the votes with 62 per cent of the ballots counted.

This is the second time Nauseda has defeated Simonyte in a presidential run-off, the first being in 2019 where he won with 66 per cent of the vote.

Nauseda’s presidency involves a semi-executive role, which includes commanding the armed forces, chairing the defence and national security policy body, and representing Lithuania at NATO and EU summits.

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Addressing supporters in Vilnius, Nauseda said, "Lithuanian independence and freedom is like a fragile vessel which we need to cherish and keep from cracking."

In the first round of the election on May 12, Nauseda, a former senior economist with SEB, won 44 per cent of the vote, falling short of the majority needed for an outright victory. Simonyte was the only female candidate among eight and secured 20 per cent by securing the second spot in the first round.&nbsp;

<h2>Both backed an increase in defence spending&nbsp;</h2>

Both candidates advocated for an increase in&nbsp;defence spending to at least 3 per cent of Lithuania’s GDP, up from the planned 2.75 per cent for 2024, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Lithuania has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine, with over half of Lithuanians believing a Russian attack is possible or very likely, according to a recent poll.

The relationship between Nauseda and Simonyte has also influenced Lithuania’s foreign policy, particularly regarding China.

In 2021, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under its own name, leading to strained relations with Beijing.

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Nauseda has maintained a firm stance, clashing with Simonyte on issues like legal recognition of same-sex civil partnerships, which he opposes.

Simonyte expressed her vision for Lithuania’s future before the election, stating, "The direction for the country - pro-European, pro-Western - would not change. But I would like quicker progress, more openness and understanding, larger tolerance to people who are different from us."

(With inputs from agencies)

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has won the presidential elections by defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. As per nearly 90 per cent of polling stations, Nauseda led the race with around three-quarters of the vote.

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda has won the presidential elections by defeating Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. As per nearly 90 per cent of polling stations, Nauseda led the race with around three-quarters of the vote. The election has been marked by heightened security concerns due to Lithuania's proximity to Russia. "I want to congratulate the Lithuanian president-elect," Simonyte reportedly said. Earlier results had shown Nauseda capturing 78 per cent of the votes with 62 per cent of the ballots counted. This is the second time Nauseda has defeated Simonyte in a presidential run-off, the first being in 2019 where he won with 66 per cent of the vote. Nauseda’s presidency involves a semi-executive role, which includes commanding the armed forces, chairing the defence and national security policy body, and representing Lithuania at NATO and EU summits. Also Read | At least 15 killed in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma as powerful storms devastate central US Addressing supporters in Vilnius, Nauseda said, "Lithuanian independence and freedom is like a fragile vessel which we need to cherish and keep from cracking." In the first round of the election on May 12, Nauseda, a former senior economist with SEB, won 44 per cent of the vote, falling short of the majority needed for an outright victory. Simonyte was the only female candidate among eight and secured 20 per cent by securing the second spot in the first round. Both backed an increase in defence spending Both candidates advocated for an increase in defence spending to at least 3 per cent of Lithuania’s GDP, up from the planned 2.75 per cent for 2024, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Also Read | Israeli airstrikes in Rafah camp for displaced people kill 35 Palestinians: Gaza health ministry Lithuania has been a steadfast ally of Ukraine, with over half of Lithuanians believing a Russian attack is possible or very likely, according to a recent poll. The relationship between Nauseda and Simonyte has also influenced Lithuania’s foreign policy, particularly regarding China. In 2021, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under its own name, leading to strained relations with Beijing. Watch | UK: Poll suggests Tories set to lose General polls 2024 × Nauseda has maintained a firm stance, clashing with Simonyte on issues like legal recognition of same-sex civil partnerships, which he opposes. Simonyte expressed her vision for Lithuania’s future before the election, stating, "The direction for the country - pro-European, pro-Western - would not change. But I would like quicker progress, more openness and understanding, larger tolerance to people who are different from us." (With inputs from agencies)

Staunch Ukraine supporter Gitanas Nauseda wins second term as Lithuanian President

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