After avoiding the term invasion and consistently referring to its actions in Ukraine as a "special military operation," Russia has now admitted to being in a state of war. This comes after two years of its conflict with Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia pounded Ukraine with one of its biggest missile and drone attacks on Friday (Mar 22). It targeted&nbsp;Ukraine’s energy&nbsp;infrastructure.&nbsp;Reports from various regional authorities indicated that the attacks deprived over 1 million households of electricity. Only Kyiv and the northwest regions of the country were unaffected.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with a pro-Kremlin newspaper stated, "We are in a state of war."&nbsp;These comments seem&nbsp;to be marking an escalation in the conflict.

The latest Russian onslaught included almost 90 missiles and over 60 Iranian-designed kamikaze drones, targeting numerous energy facilities in an apparent effort to disrupt Ukraine's electricity and heating supply.

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"Yes, it started as a special military operation, but as soon as this bunch was formed there, when the collective West became a participant on Ukraine's side, for us it already became a war," Peskov said adding,&nbsp;"De jure (legally) it is a special military operation. But de facto it has turned into a war," he added.

The Russian defense ministry claimed that these strikes were in retaliation to Ukrainian attacks on its border regions in recent weeks. Russian attacks resulted in at least five fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The assault severely impacted Ukraine's infrastructure, with the country's power grid, Ukrenergo, labeling it as the "largest on record."

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Amid the escalated attack by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for increased Western support.

"Russian missiles do not have delays, as do aid packages to our country. The 'Shahed' (drones) have no indecision, like some politicians. It is important to understand the cost of delays and postponed decisions," the Ukrainian president said.

Ukraine's air force claimed to have shot down&nbsp;37 missiles, but the strikes still caused substantial damage and disruptions.

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Despite the challenges posed by the attacks, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal&nbsp;asserted that the situation in the energy sector remained under control.

However, concerns persist over&nbsp;further escalation, with indications that Russia might be preparing for a summer offensive, as suggested by Ukraine's ground forces commander Oleksandr Pavliuk.

(With inputs from agencies)

After avoiding the term invasion and consistently referring to its actions in Ukraine as a "special military operation," Russia has now admitted to being in a state of war.

After avoiding the term invasion and consistently referring to its actions in Ukraine as a "special military operation," Russia has now admitted to being in a state of war. This comes after two years of its conflict with Ukraine. Russia pounded Ukraine with one of its biggest missile and drone attacks on Friday (Mar 22). It targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Reports from various regional authorities indicated that the attacks deprived over 1 million households of electricity. Only Kyiv and the northwest regions of the country were unaffected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov in an interview with a pro-Kremlin newspaper stated, "We are in a state of war." These comments seem to be marking an escalation in the conflict. The latest Russian onslaught included almost 90 missiles and over 60 Iranian-designed kamikaze drones, targeting numerous energy facilities in an apparent effort to disrupt Ukraine's electricity and heating supply. Also Read | Trump to make over $3bn as Digital World shareholders approve merger deal with his media venture "Yes, it started as a special military operation, but as soon as this bunch was formed there, when the collective West became a participant on Ukraine's side, for us it already became a war," Peskov said adding, "De jure (legally) it is a special military operation. But de facto it has turned into a war," he added. The Russian defense ministry claimed that these strikes were in retaliation to Ukrainian attacks on its border regions in recent weeks. Russian attacks resulted in at least five fatalities and over 20 injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities. The assault severely impacted Ukraine's infrastructure, with the country's power grid, Ukrenergo, labeling it as the "largest on record." Also Read | 'Will do it alone': Netanyahu tells Blinken on Rafah offensive Amid the escalated attack by Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for increased Western support. "Russian missiles do not have delays, as do aid packages to our country. The 'Shahed' (drones) have no indecision, like some politicians. It is important to understand the cost of delays and postponed decisions," the Ukrainian president said. Ukraine's air force claimed to have shot down 37 missiles, but the strikes still caused substantial damage and disruptions. Watch | Donald Trump on the verge of a multi-billion dollar windfall × Despite the challenges posed by the attacks, Prime Minister Denys Shmygal asserted that the situation in the energy sector remained under control. However, concerns persist over further escalation, with indications that Russia might be preparing for a summer offensive, as suggested by Ukraine's ground forces commander Oleksandr Pavliuk. (With inputs from agencies)

After 2 yrs, Russia's special military operation becomes a 'state of war'

At the European Union Summit, leaders have agreed in principle to a significant proposal: Leverage profits from frozen Russian assets worth $3 billion to supply arms for ukraine amid Moscow's ongoing invasion.

EU leaders discuss arming Ukraine with frozen Russian assets

Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning (Mar 21). Such a heavy missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks and only hours after US national security adviser Jake Sullivan had visited the city.

More than 25,000 citizens took shelter inside the metro stations of the city during the massive attack. The images and videos of people cramming together in underground metro stations circulated on social media platforms.&nbsp;

As per the officials, two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles were fired by Russia in the Kyiv region, all of which Ukraine claimed were successfully shot down.

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As per media reports, the missiles fired were probably ballistic missiles from North Korea.

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New Russian missile attack on Kyiv. Over 30 missiles were shot down, including an air-launched ballistic missile. People were injured, and they are all receiving the necessary assistance. 
 
Such terror continues every day and night. It is possible to put an end to it through… <a href="https://t.co/iv0MWeLyiQ">pic.twitter.com/iv0MWeLyiQ</a>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1770725189585645612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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As per the authorities, nearly a dozen citizens suffered injuries due to the falling debris and no fatalities were reported.

Speaking to CNN, 80-year-old Valentyna Ivanivna in Kyiv’s central Podil district said that she woke up after hearing a loud blast at 5 am which shattered her windows.

“I don’t know whether it was a missile or what it was, but now I have holes instead of windows. I’m alright, but my kitchen and a living room are now windowless. I was sleeping in the bedroom, which is behind another wall, which saved me from the shrapnel,” Ivanivna said.

<h2>No critical infrastructure facilities hit by missiles: Kyiv</h2>

Head of the Kyiv region military administration Ruslan Kravchenko said that no residential buildings or critical infrastructure facilities were hit.

More than 25,000 citizens, which included 3,000 children, took shelter in the metro stations of the city till 6 am local time when the authorities lifted the air raid warning, said the Kyiv city office.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's largest attack on Kyiv in weeks

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the latest attack on the capital city is a reminder of why he needs more military support from allies.

“Russian terrorists do not have missiles that can bypass the defence of [US-made] PATRIOTs and other world-leading systems. Now this protection is needed here in Ukraine [..] This is quite possible if our partners have enough political will,” he said on the social media platforms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning (Mar 21). Such a heavy missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks and only hours after US national security adviser Jake Sullivan had visited the city.

Russia launched a barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city Kyiv on Thursday morning (Mar 21). Such a heavy missile attack was launched for the first time in six weeks and only hours after US national security adviser Jake Sullivan had visited the city. More than 25,000 citizens took shelter inside the metro stations of the city during the massive attack. The images and videos of people cramming together in underground metro stations circulated on social media platforms. As per the officials, two ballistic missiles and 29 cruise missiles were fired by Russia in the Kyiv region, all of which Ukraine claimed were successfully shot down. Also Read: PM Modi invited by Putin, Zelensky for post-election visits As per media reports, the missiles fired were probably ballistic missiles from North Korea. New Russian missile attack on Kyiv. Over 30 missiles were shot down, including an air-launched ballistic missile. People were injured, and they are all receiving the necessary assistance. Such terror continues every day and night. It is possible to put an end to it through… pic.twitter.com/iv0MWeLyiQ — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 21, 2024 × As per the authorities, nearly a dozen citizens suffered injuries due to the falling debris and no fatalities were reported. Speaking to CNN, 80-year-old Valentyna Ivanivna in Kyiv’s central Podil district said that she woke up after hearing a loud blast at 5 am which shattered her windows. “I don’t know whether it was a missile or what it was, but now I have holes instead of windows. I’m alright, but my kitchen and a living room are now windowless. I was sleeping in the bedroom, which is behind another wall, which saved me from the shrapnel,” Ivanivna said. No critical infrastructure facilities hit by missiles: Kyiv Head of the Kyiv region military administration Ruslan Kravchenko said that no residential buildings or critical infrastructure facilities were hit. More than 25,000 citizens, which included 3,000 children, took shelter in the metro stations of the city till 6 am local time when the authorities lifted the air raid warning, said the Kyiv city office. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's largest attack on Kyiv in weeks Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the latest attack on the capital city is a reminder of why he needs more military support from allies. “Russian terrorists do not have missiles that can bypass the defence of [US-made] PATRIOTs and other world-leading systems. Now this protection is needed here in Ukraine [..] This is quite possible if our partners have enough political will,” he said on the social media platforms. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia launches barrage of missiles on Ukraine's capital city hours after US national security adviser's visit

Russia on Friday staged its largest air strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Russian missiles hit a vast dam, at least five people died in the attack and more than a million others are without power. Yet in Europe, most leaders continue to stress their long-term commitment in supporting Ukraine. Their growing rifts are raising questions over just how far they would go.

EU leaders divided over scale of Ukraine support

Europe divided over Russia-Ukraine war

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given the green signal for an $880 million disbursement to Ukraine, offering a critical financial lifeline to the country, Bloomberg News reported.<o:p></o:p>

This move comes at a crucial time when aid from the US, Ukraine's primary ally, is still pending. <o:p></o:p>

The decision was made by the IMF's executive board on Thursday, approving the initial instalment of more than $5.3 billion set to be released to Kyiv this year.<o:p></o:p>

The IMF's ongoing financial assistance to Ukraine is part of a four-year loan program, totalling $15.6 billion, which was initiated a year ago. <o:p></o:p>

Despite facing challenges from the Russian invasion that has lasted over two years, Ukraine continues to receive support from the IMF. <o:p></o:p>

However, the sustainability of the program remains uncertain due to delays in US aid.<o:p></o:p>

Bloomberg cited Gavin Gray, the IMF's Ukraine mission chief, who said that continued support from external partners was still important. <o:p></o:p>

He stated, “Without those resources, the hard-won macroeconomic stabilisation gains could be jeopardised.”<o:p></o:p>

This latest disbursement from the IMF is set to boost Ukraine's international reserves, pushing it well beyond $40 billion. T<o:p></o:p>

his milestone marks a historic high for the nation's financial reserves, with the country's central bank anticipating an additional $10 billion in foreign aid by May, including the IMF disbursement.<o:p></o:p>

Despite these positive developments, Ukraine faces a challenging situation as it awaits over $61 billion in aid from the US. <o:p></o:p>

These funds, which include military assistance, have been held up in Congress due to Republican demands for reforms in US immigration policy. <o:p></o:p>

This delay has created a dilemma for Ukraine, which relies heavily on international aid to address its urgent financial and security needs.<o:p></o:p>

Looking ahead, the IMF is set to review another disbursement for Ukraine in mid-June. <o:p></o:p>

If the Ukrainian government meets certain conditions, it stands to receive more than $2.2 billion in the next instalment of financial assistance.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given the green signal for an $880 million disbursement to Ukraine, offering a critical financial lifeline to the country, Bloomberg News reported.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given the green signal for an $880 million disbursement to Ukraine, offering a critical financial lifeline to the country, Bloomberg News reported. This move comes at a crucial time when aid from the US, Ukraine's primary ally, is still pending. The decision was made by the IMF's executive board on Thursday, approving the initial instalment of more than $5.3 billion set to be released to Kyiv this year. The IMF's ongoing financial assistance to Ukraine is part of a four-year loan program, totalling $15.6 billion, which was initiated a year ago. Despite facing challenges from the Russian invasion that has lasted over two years, Ukraine continues to receive support from the IMF. However, the sustainability of the program remains uncertain due to delays in US aid. Bloomberg cited Gavin Gray, the IMF's Ukraine mission chief, who said that continued support from external partners was still important. He stated, “Without those resources, the hard-won macroeconomic stabilisation gains could be jeopardised.” This latest disbursement from the IMF is set to boost Ukraine's international reserves, pushing it well beyond $40 billion. T his milestone marks a historic high for the nation's financial reserves, with the country's central bank anticipating an additional $10 billion in foreign aid by May, including the IMF disbursement. Despite these positive developments, Ukraine faces a challenging situation as it awaits over $61 billion in aid from the US. These funds, which include military assistance, have been held up in Congress due to Republican demands for reforms in US immigration policy. This delay has created a dilemma for Ukraine, which relies heavily on international aid to address its urgent financial and security needs. Looking ahead, the IMF is set to review another disbursement for Ukraine in mid-June. If the Ukrainian government meets certain conditions, it stands to receive more than $2.2 billion in the next instalment of financial assistance. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

IMF approves $880 million aid to Ukraine as US support remains in limbo

Russia claims that a defense industry enterprise in Nizhny Novgorod region has launched mass production of 3-ton FAB-3000 bombs and increased production of FAB-500 and FAB-1500.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims to mass produce 3-ton aerial FAB-3000 bombs

Russia-Ukraine War: Russians announce FAB-3000 bombs mass production

Russia has made a targeted attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting multiple sites before dawn on Friday in the second consecutive day of major missile strikes on the country.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in missile strikes

The EU appears set to use frozen Russian assets to fund the purchase of arms for Ukraine. The EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, says he'll present the plan to the bloc's leaders this week.

Russia-Ukraine war: EU to help Ukraine's defence industry

Farmers across Europe have taken to the streets this year, convinced that cheap Ukrainian produce spilling over the border is to blame for their woes. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia wheat export hits record high

Russia has intensified its attack on Ukraine and this continues as Moscow continues to push with its plan to invade Kyiv...Russia evacuates border villages in Belgorod region due to attacks from Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin vows to ensure security. Belgorod governor orders evacuation of over 9000 kids from the region. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia missile hits industrial area in Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia has staged its largest missile attack in weeks on Kyiv and the surrounding region. The attack was carried out with both ballistic and cruise missiles at least 17 people have been injured including an 11-year-old Ukrainian officials say the strikes targeted schools residential buildings and Industrial facilities.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's largest attack on Kyiv in weeks

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's Belgorod comes under new Ukrainian shelling

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian missile damages kindergarten building in Belgorod

The war in Ukraine is changing gears Russia has intensified its attack on Kyiv and two years into the war Russia is now restructuring and expanding its military in anticipation of a conflict with NATO.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia announces plan to expand military

Russia evacuates border villages in Belgorod region due to attacks from Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin vows to ensure security. Belgorod governor orders evacuation of over 9000 kids from the region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Belgorod comes under fresh Ukrainian shelling

In the midst of the continuous Russia-Ukraine strife, prime serve Narendra Modi talks to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky hours after talking to Russian President Vladimir Putin. PM Modi's discussion with the two pioneers comes within the scenery of Putin's re-election as president and no sign of a de-escalation within the Russia-Ukraine war. Question remains will Modi be the Ukraine peacemaker?

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin, Zelensky invite PM Modi after elections

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Oscar-winning film "Oppenheimer" on Monday as he warned that the world faced the highest risk of nuclear war in decades.

UN chief warns against Nuclear risk

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed to Kyiv's allies on Tuesday to supply more air defences, saying Russia had launched 130 missiles, more than 320 attack drones and almost 900 guided bombs in attacks this month alone.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine appeals for air defence aid

A spark can ignite a blaze that can actually engulf the entire world. Ukraine's war is casting an ominous Shadow is the Spectre of NATO and Russia stumbling into an open conflict looms large over the world. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war: Decoding the ripple effect of NATO's expansion | Tensions Simmer in Europe

Ukraine is on the brink of a catastrophe. Russia has amped up its aggression on Ukraine. Moscow is adamant to capture Kyiv but to defend itself from the Russian troops Ukraine urgently awaits more weapons from the west...Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: US Defense Chief vows continued aid to Ukraine

Hours after a telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended a formal invitation to Modi to Moscow.

Russia President Vladimir Putin invites PM Modi to Russia, invite hours after Modi-Zelensky talk

Highlighting the direct implications for US security, Austin's remarks underscore the urgent need for international support amid the ongoing conflict. Watch the video to know more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's survival in danger, Pentagon chief warns

Russian President Vladimir Putin in his election victory speech, has warned that presence of Western troops in Ukraine could push the world to the brink of World War 3.

Putin: Russia-NATO conflict is just a step away World War III

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country won’t relent in its invasion of Ukraine and has announced plans for a buffer zone to protect against long-range Ukrainian strikes and cross-border raids.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin says Russia aims to set up buffer zone inside Ukraine

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a programme which marked the 10th anniversary of Crimea's annexation, which has been deemed illegal by the Western nations, hailed its "return" to the country from Ukraine.

He said that Crimea had "returned to its home harbour" and added that the territory would move ahead with Russia "hand in hand".

Putin was speaking to thousands who had gathered at the Red Square in Moscow, a day after the Russian president claimed a landslide victory.

The governments of Western nations have condemned the voting, calling it a "sham".&nbsp;

Germany has said that Russia held a "pseudo-election", while the US said it was "obviously not free nor fair." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of "simulating" another election.

Speaking about the elections, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the fact that no serious opposition candidates were permitted to contest the elections, "starkly underlines the depth of repression under President Putin's regime".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskiy-says-russia-will-get-fair-response-for-odesa-strike-700589">Zelensky says Russia will get 'fair response' for Odesa strike that killed at least 20</a>

He further emphasised that conducting Russian elections in annexed Ukrainian territories was an "abhorrent violation of the UN charter and Ukrainian sovereignty".

Putin on Monday (Mar 18) said that the "return" of four Ukrainian regions to Russia was "much more grave and tragic" than Crimea.

"But in the end we did it. It is a big event in the history of our country," said Putin, while calling the occupied territories as being part of "New Russia". As Putin made these remarks, the crowds chanted "Russia, Russia".

<h2>Russia's new railway line to run from Rostov-on-Don to Crimea</h2>

Putin further announced that Russia will lay down a new railway line which will run from their city of Rostov-on-Don to Crimea through occupied Ukraine. This route is likely to serve as an alternative way to the current bridge which connects the peninsula to Russia's mainland.

"This is how together, hand in hand, we will move on. This is what - not in words, but in deeds - makes us really stronger," Putin said.

The bridge, which connects Russia and Crimea and was opened in 2018, has been attacked numerous times and forced to close twice before the war started in Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian presidential polls day 2: Over 114 MN Russians eligible to vote

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-presidential-polls-day-2-over-114-mn-russians-eligible-to-vote-700661/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier in the rally, Putin said that a railway line from Rostov to the occupied Ukrainian cities of Mariupol, Berdyansk and Donetsk had been restored, and it will now be extended to Sevastopol, the Crimean port city.&nbsp;

Putin further thanked the citizens for showing their support in the recent elections, in which he clinched a landslide victory of 87 per cent votes and a fifth term.&nbsp;

Russia&nbsp;held elections for three days and in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine it was held even longer to ensure residents participate in the process.&nbsp;

Putin has been the president of Russia since 2000 and is now set to remain in power till 2030, which will make him the longest-serving Kremlin leader after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in 2014.&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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a programme which marked the 10th anniversary of Crimea's annexation, which has been deemed illegal by the Western nations, hailed its "return" to the country from Ukraine.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a programme which marked the 10th anniversary of Crimea's annexation, which has been deemed illegal by the Western nations, hailed its "return" to the country from Ukraine. He said that Crimea had "returned to its home harbour" and added that the territory would move ahead with Russia "hand in hand". Putin was speaking to thousands who had gathered at the Red Square in Moscow, a day after the Russian president claimed a landslide victory. The governments of Western nations have condemned the voting, calling it a "sham". Germany has said that Russia held a "pseudo-election", while the US said it was "obviously not free nor fair." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of "simulating" another election. Speaking about the elections, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the fact that no serious opposition candidates were permitted to contest the elections, "starkly underlines the depth of repression under President Putin's regime". Also Read: Zelensky says Russia will get 'fair response' for Odesa strike that killed at least 20 He further emphasised that conducting Russian elections in annexed Ukrainian territories was an "abhorrent violation of the UN charter and Ukrainian sovereignty". Putin on Monday (Mar 18) said that the "return" of four Ukrainian regions to Russia was "much more grave and tragic" than Crimea. "But in the end we did it. It is a big event in the history of our country," said Putin, while calling the occupied territories as being part of "New Russia". As Putin made these remarks, the crowds chanted "Russia, Russia". Russia's new railway line to run from Rostov-on-Don to Crimea Putin further announced that Russia will lay down a new railway line which will run from their city of Rostov-on-Don to Crimea through occupied Ukraine. This route is likely to serve as an alternative way to the current bridge which connects the peninsula to Russia's mainland. "This is how together, hand in hand, we will move on. This is what - not in words, but in deeds - makes us really stronger," Putin said. The bridge, which connects Russia and Crimea and was opened in 2018, has been attacked numerous times and forced to close twice before the war started in Ukraine. Watch: Russian presidential polls day 2: Over 114 MN Russians eligible to vote Earlier in the rally, Putin said that a railway line from Rostov to the occupied Ukrainian cities of Mariupol, Berdyansk and Donetsk had been restored, and it will now be extended to Sevastopol, the Crimean port city. Putin further thanked the citizens for showing their support in the recent elections, in which he clinched a landslide victory of 87 per cent votes and a fifth term. Russia held elections for three days and in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine it was held even longer to ensure residents participate in the process. Putin has been the president of Russia since 2000 and is now set to remain in power till 2030, which will make him the longest-serving Kremlin leader after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. Russia annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea in 2014. 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)

Putin calls Crimea part of 'New Russia', announces new rail line from Rostov-on-Don to Crimea

A day after securing a new six-year term, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared at a concert on Red Square to mark the 10th anniversary of Russia's annexation of Crimea. Watch the video to know more.

Russia: Putin addresses huge crowd after election win

Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured a record fifth term after sweeping the presidential polls which had no serious contender, making victory evident for incumbent Putin. The Russian president bagged 88% of votes, according to early results.

Putin claims landslide victory in Russian Presidential polls, secures historic six year-term

Russia: Putin's landslide election victory, chilling warning to West

Gravitas: Putin's fiery speech spooks NATO; warns of World War 3 if Western troops enter Ukraine

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