Ukrainian shelling on Thursday (May 16) claimed the lives of four women in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, said the region's Moscow-installed authorities.

"Four women born in 1986, 1980, 1961 and 1952 were killed on Petrovsky Street near public transport stop School No. 106," the authorities said in a Telegram post.

The attack injured two others, a girl born in the year 2018 and a man born in 1987, while separate shelling of a nearby town wounded a man aged around 70, they said. &nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's Zelensky meets military leaders in Kharkiv, says situation 'very difficult'</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (May 16) said&nbsp;the current military situation in Kharkiv's northeastern region was "extremely difficult". However, he said it was still "under control".&nbsp;

His statement came following his meeting with the military chiefs near the front line.

"The situation in the Kharkiv region is generally under control, and our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupier. However, the area remains extremely difficult. We are reinforcing our units," he said in a post on his official Telegram channel.

The Ukrainian military had earlier said that it had managed to halt Russia's advances in some of the places partially.

"Our defence forces have partially stabilised the situation. The advance of the enemy in certain zones and localities has been halted," army spokesman Nazar Voloshin said on state TV on Thursday.&nbsp;

In a daily briefing, Ukraine's General Staff said its forces had "significantly reduced the activity of the Russian occupiers."

"But the enemy is still trying to create the conditions for further advances," Voloshin warned.

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<h2>Ukraine accuses Russia of killing civilians</h2>

Kyiv also accused the Russian army of claiming the lives of dozens of civilians in the territory that it had taken control of last week.

"According to operational information, the Russian military, trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate: they began abducting people and driving them to basements," Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said on Telegram.

There were also "reports of the first shootings of civilians by the Russian military," he said, further adding that the probe into the war crimes was now opened.

"One of the residents of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot, refused to follow the commands of the invaders, and was killed by the Russians."

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian shelling on Thursday (May 16) claimed the lives of four women in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, said the region's Moscow-installed authorities.

Ukrainian shelling on Thursday (May 16) claimed the lives of four women in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, said the region's Moscow-installed authorities. "Four women born in 1986, 1980, 1961 and 1952 were killed on Petrovsky Street near public transport stop School No. 106," the authorities said in a Telegram post. The attack injured two others, a girl born in the year 2018 and a man born in 1987, while separate shelling of a nearby town wounded a man aged around 70, they said. Ukraine's Zelensky meets military leaders in Kharkiv, says situation 'very difficult' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (May 16) said the current military situation in Kharkiv's northeastern region was "extremely difficult". However, he said it was still "under control". His statement came following his meeting with the military chiefs near the front line. "The situation in the Kharkiv region is generally under control, and our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupier. However, the area remains extremely difficult. We are reinforcing our units," he said in a post on his official Telegram channel. The Ukrainian military had earlier said that it had managed to halt Russia's advances in some of the places partially. "Our defence forces have partially stabilised the situation. The advance of the enemy in certain zones and localities has been halted," army spokesman Nazar Voloshin said on state TV on Thursday. In a daily briefing, Ukraine's General Staff said its forces had "significantly reduced the activity of the Russian occupiers." "But the enemy is still trying to create the conditions for further advances," Voloshin warned. Also read: Xi Jinping, Putin advocate for 'political solution' in Ukraine war Ukraine accuses Russia of killing civilians Kyiv also accused the Russian army of claiming the lives of dozens of civilians in the territory that it had taken control of last week. "According to operational information, the Russian military, trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate: they began abducting people and driving them to basements," Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said on Telegram. There were also "reports of the first shootings of civilians by the Russian military," he said, further adding that the probe into the war crimes was now opened. "One of the residents of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot, refused to follow the commands of the invaders, and was killed by the Russians." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian shelling claims lives of four in Donetsk, says Russia

The Ukrainian border city of Vovchansk has been nearly destroyed, as heavy fighting continues in the region days after Russia launched a new northeast offensive. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia enters Ukraine's Vovchansk in new offensive

The battle for Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian military now pulling back to new positions. Russian missile strikes destroyed buildings in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky admits situation 'extremely difficult'

Russia has begun one of the most significant ground attacks on Ukraine. In the last six days, Russian troops have managed to capture at least 12 new Ukrainian settlements. While Kharkiv is the new flashpoint, Russia has also captured at least one settlement in Southern Zaporizhzhia, Russian troops are also bombing towns and villages across Ukraine. Is Zelensky staring at a defeat?

Gravitas | Ukraine war: Is Zelensky facing defeat in face of Russian ground assault?

Russia-Ukraine war: Will Ukraine strike deeper into Russia?

Russian troops are pressing ahead with a new offensive in northeastern Ukraine in one of the most significant ground attacks since Moscow's full-scale invasion.

Russia-Ukraine war: Blinken offers new US aid as Kyiv reels from Russia attacks

Russian President Vladimir Putin was greeted by Xi Jinping in a grand welcome ceremony at the square outside the Great Hall of the People. Xi then led Putin on a walk around the square, after which the duo had meeting in the Great Hall. Watch in for more details!

Xi Jinping hails ties with Russia as conducive to peace, says 'China ready to work with Russia'

Russian President Vladimir Putin is in the China on his first foreign visit after being re-elected and sworn in as Russia’s president. The Russian president has brought a large delegation consisting of five deputy prime ministers, heads of economic, diplomatic and security agencies - along with a number of CEO's. There will also be a closed door meeting with Xi - in the ‘1+4 format’ - what to expect? What's on the cards?

Russia President Putin on a two-day state visit to China, Ukraine war & trade dominate talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky postponed all his foreign trips. The move comes as Ukraine's battlefield situation continues to deteriorate. Watch this video for all details.

Russia-Ukraine war: Why has Zelensky postponed foreign trips?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledges unwavering support for Ukraine on Tuesday in a visit to Kyiv, following the approval of a $61 billion financial aid package by Congress. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Blinken says, 'will back Ukraine until its security is guaranteed'

The battle for Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian military now pulling back to new positions. Russian missile strike destroyed buildings in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia sharpens attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia claims to have carried out several missile strikes on Ukrainian positions. Moscow says its artillery strikes destroyed buildings fortifications hardware and Manpower on the Right Bank on the Dnipro River in Kherson region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia unleashes new attacks on Ukraine's Kherson

The US is going forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells.

In other news, the estranged attorney&nbsp;of former US president Donald Trump, Michael&nbsp;Cohen has been facing questions&nbsp;on the stand and speaking about how he repeatedly lied and also went to prison for protecting his former boss.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-moves-forward-to-send-over-1-billion-in-new-arms-for-israel-reports-721502">Biden moves forward to send over $1 billion in new arms to Israel: Reports</a>

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The Joe Biden administration notified US Congress on Tuesday (May 14) that it was moving forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-flags-washingtons-biggest-problem-to-blinken-as-russians-advance-in-kharkiv-721500">Zelensky flags 'biggest problem' to Blinken as Russians advance in Kharkiv</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/15/431433-kyiv.png?imwidth=400" />

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xis-china-sends-45-aircraft-around-taiwan-ahead-of-new-presidents-inauguration-721504">China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/15/431434-taiwanaircraft.png?imwidth=400" />

45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-case-michael-cohen-says-will-like-to-see-trump-convicted-721522">Hush money trial case: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/15/431447-michael-cohen.png?imwidth=400" />

In the hush money trial case, Michael Cohen was cross-examined on Tuesday (May 14). The case is centred around whether business records were falsified by Trump to cover up a hush money payment of $130,000 made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-case-michael-cohen-says-will-like-to-see-trump-convicted-721522">US-China trade tensions: US hikes tariffs on Chinese goods, sparks tensions</a>

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The US is going forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells.

The US is going forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells. In other news, the estranged attorney of former US president Donald Trump, Michael Cohen has been facing questions on the stand and speaking about how he repeatedly lied and also went to prison for protecting his former boss. Click on the links to read more Biden moves forward to send over $1 billion in new arms to Israel: Reports The Joe Biden administration notified US Congress on Tuesday (May 14) that it was moving forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. Zelensky flags 'biggest problem' to Blinken as Russians advance in Kharkiv The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months. China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration 45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces. Hush money trial case: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted' In the hush money trial case, Michael Cohen was cross-examined on Tuesday (May 14). The case is centred around whether business records were falsified by Trump to cover up a hush money payment of $130,000 made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. US-China trade tensions: US hikes tariffs on Chinese goods, sparks tensions ×

Morning brief: US to send $1bn worth of weapons to Israel; Russia advances in Kharkiv; and more

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday took the stage at a bar in Ukraine's capital Kyiv to play guitar and sing Neil Young's 1989 hit "Rockin' in the Free World" with a local band. Listen in!

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken jams to Neil Young's song in Kyiv bar

The Russia-Ukraine war has taken a complicated turn with recent events escalating tensions and raising concerns about potential retaliation from Moscow. This as Russia said thwarted a massive attack on Crimea by intercepting American missiles.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims downing American missiles

Has the world turned its back on Sudan? The Sudan conflict, between the Sudanese armed forces and its former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, erupted on the 15th of April last year. According to a recent Human Rights Watch report, tens of thousands have been killed, including up to 15,000 in the West Darfur town of El Geneina. In addition to this, about 8.5 million have been uprooted from their homes.

Has Sudan war become the forgotten war?

Ukraine war: Russian forces target Ukraine's second largest city of Kharkiv

Watch top headlines of the hour: - US announces $2 bn new aid to Kyiv - Ukrainians angry over Blinken's jam session - Biden ready to debate Trump - Ireland to recognise Palestinian statehood - Two dead, riots sweep New Caledonia

Ireland to recognise Palestinian statehood | Biden ready to debate Trump

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv to pledge support

Russia-Ukraine war: Battle of Kharkiv, Russia steps up attack

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian sharpens attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine says it has withdrawn troops from parts of Kharkiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles pound Kharkiv villages

Russia-Ukraine war: Situation in Kharkiv 'dire', Russian missiles ound Kharkiv villages | WION

As per a report from open-source intelligence monitor OSINT Defender, a new tactical symbol has appeared on Russia's tanks and armoured vehicles which have been deployed near Ukraine's Kharkiv, amid the ongoing offensive.

As per a report from open-source intelligence monitor OSINT Defender, a new tactical symbol has appeared on Russia's tanks and armoured vehicles which have been deployed near Ukraine's Kharkiv, amid the ongoing offensive. This symbol reportedly hints at a major scale-up in the military activities of Russia. The new symbol has a central square along with two overlapping diagonal crosses. Over the last several days, the marking has started appearing on Russian equipment. According to OSINT Defender's report, the new symbol can be related to the renewed border offensive by Russia in northeast Ukraine. Russian armoured assault groups have been trying to breach Ukrainian defences, especially around Vovchansk, where Russian forces were seen entering the border town. A “Theatre Tactical Symbol” which was not previously seen has begun to appear on Russian Tanks, Armored Vehicles, and other Equipment seen over the last 48-72 Hours during Offensive Operations against the Kharkiv Region of Northeastern Ukraine, with this being another Indicator… pic.twitter.com/YS7GEacZj9 — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 11, 2024 × Such symbols generally serve as identification friend or foe (IFF) measures in conflict zones. Also Read: New front opens in Russia-Ukraine war as Moscow launches surprise offensive After the Ukraine invasion in 2022, the most prominent marking was the 'Z' which appeared on various Russian armoured vehicles and later became a symbol for Russians to express their support towards the war effort. Retired U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Michael Pursell, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "Markings are crucial in combat to distinguish between friendly and enemy vehicles, especially in conflicts like the one in Ukraine where both sides might use similar equipment." How has carrying district symbols on armoured vehicles become a common norm in Russia? The district symbols were introduced on its armoured vehicles by the Russian military just before the 2022 invasion. According to the conflict's database website, Russo-Ukrainian Warspotting along with Russia-aligned militia in Donbas, was assigned distinct signs. More than 10 different symbols which were used by the Russian army on the battlefield have been tracked by the website, including the white 'Z.' In some cases, Russian vehicles carried signs of districts that they didn't belong to. Watch: Russia's Putin to meet Xi Jinping in Beijing. What's on the agenda? "Adaptations to markings may be made to improve clarity and effectiveness, including considerations for drone visibility. But in this case, it seems that the implementation has never been particularly meticulous," Pursell said while speaking to Newsweek. As Ukraine continues to wait for the US military's much-needed aid, a renewed assault has been launched by the Russian forces into Kharkiv and the Ukrainian military has been rushing additional resources to the northeastern border. As per the Ukrainian officials, Moscow has made "tactically significant gains" in the northeast region's areas, where Kyiv has less defences. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious new symbol appears on Russia’s military equipment. Here’s what it is

Russia-Ukraine war: 20-storey building hit in Kharkiv as Russia steps up attack in Ukraine

The Russia Ukraine war is now witnessing a fresh wave of escalation and in show of support with Ukraine the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday in an unannounced trip. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Antony Blinken visits Ukraine to tout US support for Kyiv

Ukraine war: US Secretary of State Blinken arrives in Kyiv in show of US solidarity

President Joe Biden signed a ban on imports of Russian enriched uranium to US,&nbsp;the White House announced, in a move being touted as Washington's&nbsp;endeavor to disrupt President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, but waivers could make the law toothless.

The development is significant as&nbsp;Russia holds the title of the world's leading supplier of enriched uranium, with approximately 24% of the fuel utilised by US nuclear power plants originating from the country.

The ban on imports of the fuel for nuclear power plants begins in about 90 days, although it allows the Department of Energy to issue waivers in case of supply concerns.

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The law, signed by Biden on Monday (May 13), also unlocks about $2.7 billion in funding in previous legislation to build the US uranium fuel industry.

"Today, President Joe Biden signed into law that will strengthen our nation's energy and economic security by reducing, and ultimately eliminating, our reliance on Russia for civilian nuclear power," Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, said in a statement.

Sullivan further said that the legislation aligns with the multilateral objectives established with our allies and partners, reflecting commitments made in December alongside Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom to jointly invest $4.2 billion to enhance uranium enrichment and conversion capabilities.

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<h2>Waivers could make it a toothless law 
&nbsp;</h2>

Even as questions remain why the US continued with this trade in spite of public pronouncements against Russia over Ukraine war, a waiver system could make this law practically dead on arrival.

A report earlier by S&amp;P Global had said that as per the waiver system, "companies with enriched uranium contracts with Russia can seek to continue to receive their material by demonstrating they do not have viable alternate sources of fuel or that continued deliveries are in the national interest."

A Reuters report seemed to suggest that under the waivers, if implemented by the Energy Department, Russian uranium imports to the US could continue normally through 2027.

Anatoly Antonov, Russia's ambassador to the United States, said that Washington's decision surprising in global economic relations, but will not bring any results.

"The balance between exporters and importers of uranium products is being disrupted," the Russian embassy in Washington cited Antonov as saying in a post on its Telegram messaging channel.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden signed a ban on imports of Russian enriched uranium to US, the White House announced, in a move being touted as Washington's endeavor to disrupt President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, but waivers could make the law toothless.

President Joe Biden signed a ban on imports of Russian enriched uranium to US, the White House announced, in a move being touted as Washington's endeavor to disrupt President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, but waivers could make the law toothless. The development is significant as Russia holds the title of the world's leading supplier of enriched uranium, with approximately 24% of the fuel utilised by US nuclear power plants originating from the country. The ban on imports of the fuel for nuclear power plants begins in about 90 days, although it allows the Department of Energy to issue waivers in case of supply concerns. Also read: Collapsed Baltimore Bridge blows up in controlled blast: Watch The law, signed by Biden on Monday (May 13), also unlocks about $2.7 billion in funding in previous legislation to build the US uranium fuel industry. "Today, President Joe Biden signed into law that will strengthen our nation's energy and economic security by reducing, and ultimately eliminating, our reliance on Russia for civilian nuclear power," Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, said in a statement. Sullivan further said that the legislation aligns with the multilateral objectives established with our allies and partners, reflecting commitments made in December alongside Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom to jointly invest $4.2 billion to enhance uranium enrichment and conversion capabilities. Also read: Trump's fixer-turned-foe says he was told to 'handle' hush money payments Waivers could make it a toothless law Even as questions remain why the US continued with this trade in spite of public pronouncements against Russia over Ukraine war, a waiver system could make this law practically dead on arrival. A report earlier by S&P Global had said that as per the waiver system, "companies with enriched uranium contracts with Russia can seek to continue to receive their material by demonstrating they do not have viable alternate sources of fuel or that continued deliveries are in the national interest." A Reuters report seemed to suggest that under the waivers, if implemented by the Energy Department, Russian uranium imports to the US could continue normally through 2027. Anatoly Antonov, Russia's ambassador to the United States, said that Washington's decision surprising in global economic relations, but will not bring any results. "The balance between exporters and importers of uranium products is being disrupted," the Russian embassy in Washington cited Antonov as saying in a post on its Telegram messaging channel. (With inputs from agencies)

US bans Russian uranium imports, crucial for nuclear fuel supply, but waivers could make it toothless

The West has been focused on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. But it has conveniently ignored the one raging in Sudan's Darfur. A Human Rights Watch report has accused the paramilitary forces RSF of ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity.

Gravitas: Amid wars in Ukraine & Gaza, here's a war nobody is talking about

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