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 wins Russian presidential polls for record sixth-term

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

Ukraine has launched a barrage of drone and missile strikes against Russia, igniting two oil refineries. Watch on for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine ramps up attacks on Russian oil facilities

Head of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak dialled India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday (Mar&nbsp;15) and spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland at the level of state leaders.

He further noted the high level of support for the event.

Yermak also informed Doval about the current situation amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

The top Ukrainian official also briefed Doval about Kyiv's success in confronting Moscow in the Black Sea and in its fight against Russian aviation.

"Andriy Yermak informed the interlocutor about the situation at the front, Ukraine's success in confronting Russia in the Black Sea and in the fight against Russian aviation, as well as about strengthening Ukraine's defence production. The Head of the President's Office emphasized that the aggressor continues to strike our country with missiles and drones, in particular, civilian infrastructure," the statement added.

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Had a phone call with National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of 🇮🇳 Ajit Kumar Doval. 
 
Spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in🇨🇭at the level of state leaders and noted the high level of support for the event. <a href="https://t.co/oUikRFDlHI">pic.twitter.com/oUikRFDlHI</a>
— Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndriyYermak/status/1768671025359671482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"We also understand that in parallel with the ongoing fight waged by our defenders and all our people, we must do everything possible, use all diplomatic opportunities to elaborate a joint plan to achieve a lasting and just peace," Yermak said.

According to a Ukrainian statement, Yermak also thanked Doval for his deputy's participation in the fourth meeting of national security advisors.

"Andriy Yermak thanked Ajit Kumar Doval for his deputy's participation in the fourth meeting of national security advisors and foreign policy advisors to the heads of state on the implementation of the Peace Formula, which took place in Davos in January," the statement said.

<h2>Russian missile strike in Odesa kills 20, Zelensky says Moscow will get 'fair response'</h2>

Meanwhile, a Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemning the strike vowed that Ukrainian forces would deliver a fair response to Russia for the assault on a city that has faced near-daily attacks by Russian drones or missiles throughout the month.

Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that two Iskander-M missiles launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, gas pipelines, and electricity supply lines in Odesa. Some residents experienced disruptions in gas and electricity services due to the strikes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Head of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak dialled India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday (Mar 15) and spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland at the level of state leaders.

Head of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak dialled India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Friday (Mar 15) and spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland at the level of state leaders. He further noted the high level of support for the event. Yermak also informed Doval about the current situation amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The top Ukrainian official also briefed Doval about Kyiv's success in confronting Moscow in the Black Sea and in its fight against Russian aviation. "Andriy Yermak informed the interlocutor about the situation at the front, Ukraine's success in confronting Russia in the Black Sea and in the fight against Russian aviation, as well as about strengthening Ukraine's defence production. The Head of the President's Office emphasized that the aggressor continues to strike our country with missiles and drones, in particular, civilian infrastructure," the statement added. Had a phone call with National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of 🇮🇳 Ajit Kumar Doval. Spoke about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in🇨🇭at the level of state leaders and noted the high level of support for the event. pic.twitter.com/oUikRFDlHI — Andriy Yermak (@AndriyYermak) March 15, 2024 × "We also understand that in parallel with the ongoing fight waged by our defenders and all our people, we must do everything possible, use all diplomatic opportunities to elaborate a joint plan to achieve a lasting and just peace," Yermak said. According to a Ukrainian statement, Yermak also thanked Doval for his deputy's participation in the fourth meeting of national security advisors. "Andriy Yermak thanked Ajit Kumar Doval for his deputy's participation in the fourth meeting of national security advisors and foreign policy advisors to the heads of state on the implementation of the Peace Formula, which took place in Davos in January," the statement said. Russian missile strike in Odesa kills 20, Zelensky says Moscow will get 'fair response' Meanwhile, a Russian ballistic missile strike devastated a residential area in the Black Sea port city of Odesa, Ukraine on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemning the strike vowed that Ukrainian forces would deliver a fair response to Russia for the assault on a city that has faced near-daily attacks by Russian drones or missiles throughout the month. Ukrainian regional governor Oleh Kiper reported that two Iskander-M missiles launched from the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, gas pipelines, and electricity supply lines in Odesa. Some residents experienced disruptions in gas and electricity services due to the strikes. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's top official dials India's NSA Ajit Doval ahead of Global Peace Summit

President Vladimir Putin won a record post-Soviet landslide in Russia's election on Sunday, cementing his already tight grip on power in a victory he said showed Moscow had been right to stand up to the West and send its troops into Ukraine.

Putin wins another term as Russian President in a landslide victory

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Governor of Russia's Belgorod region, declared the closure of schools and shopping centres on Saturday (March 16) due to safety concerns.

According to a video posted on the governor's Telegram channel, shopping centres will remain closed on Sunday and Monday, while classes will be suspended on Monday and Tuesday. These closures will impact educational institutions in Belgorod city, its environs, and border areas with Ukraine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-in-ukrainian-shelling-in-russias-belgorod-region-as-russian-presidential-vote-begins-700476">14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling in Belgorod as Russian polls start</a>

Earlier on Saturday, Governor Gladkov reported two fatalities and three injuries resulting from a Ukrainian missile strike on the Russian border city of Belgorod. This occurred while Russian citizens are participating in a three-day presidential election, ongoing until Sunday (March 17).

In a Telegram statement, Governor Gladkov specified that the city was targeted by missiles launched from a Vampire rocket launcher system. He noted damage to vehicles and buildings both within Belgorod city and in neighbouring villages.

Earlier on Thursday (March 14) a man lost his life when the car he was driving was directly hit by shelling. Four others sustained injuries. Belgorod's city Mayor Valentin Demidov attributed the shelling to Ukrainian forces. The attack also resulted in damage to five houses and 25 vehicles.

Another shelling incident on the same day claimed the life of a woman who was driving her car, injuring three others, according to Demidov. He personally visited the attack sites to assess the damage and engage with residents.

Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to sabotage Russia's presidential election by shelling Russian territory and deploying 2,500 armed soldiers to breach its borders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiK8fiRpfaEAxV1yDgGHbw6BxMQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3KZwd27cpWZqZPHImV2vtL&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-russia-enters-election-mode-with-new-territories-from-ukraine-top-points-700217" target="_blank">Putin's&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;enters election mode with 'new' territories from Ukraine</a>

He vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for these actions, stating, "These hostile actions will not go unanswered." 
 
Putin made these remarks during a meeting of Russia's Security Council, which comprises of military and intelligence leaders, along with influential civilian officials.

Putin said there had been four attacks on the Belgorod region and one on the Kursk region by armed Ukrainian proxies numbering about 2,500. He said they had 35 tanks and 40 armoured vehicles and that 60 per cent of the soldiers were killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Governor of Russia's Belgorod region, declared the closure of schools and shopping centres on Saturday (March 16) due to safety concerns.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the Governor of Russia's Belgorod region, declared the closure of schools and shopping centres on Saturday (March 16) due to safety concerns. According to a video posted on the governor's Telegram channel, shopping centres will remain closed on Sunday and Monday, while classes will be suspended on Monday and Tuesday. These closures will impact educational institutions in Belgorod city, its environs, and border areas with Ukraine. Also read: 14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling in Belgorod as Russian polls start Earlier on Saturday, Governor Gladkov reported two fatalities and three injuries resulting from a Ukrainian missile strike on the Russian border city of Belgorod. This occurred while Russian citizens are participating in a three-day presidential election, ongoing until Sunday (March 17). In a Telegram statement, Governor Gladkov specified that the city was targeted by missiles launched from a Vampire rocket launcher system. He noted damage to vehicles and buildings both within Belgorod city and in neighbouring villages. Earlier on Thursday (March 14) a man lost his life when the car he was driving was directly hit by shelling. Four others sustained injuries. Belgorod's city Mayor Valentin Demidov attributed the shelling to Ukrainian forces. The attack also resulted in damage to five houses and 25 vehicles. Another shelling incident on the same day claimed the life of a woman who was driving her car, injuring three others, according to Demidov. He personally visited the attack sites to assess the damage and engage with residents. Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to sabotage Russia's presidential election by shelling Russian territory and deploying 2,500 armed soldiers to breach its borders. Also read: Putin's Russia enters election mode with 'new' territories from Ukraine He vowed to retaliate against Kyiv for these actions, stating, "These hostile actions will not go unanswered." Putin made these remarks during a meeting of Russia's Security Council, which comprises of military and intelligence leaders, along with influential civilian officials. Putin said there had been four attacks on the Belgorod region and one on the Kursk region by armed Ukrainian proxies numbering about 2,500. He said they had 35 tanks and 40 armoured vehicles and that 60 per cent of the soldiers were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Governor of Russia’s Belgorod shuts schools, shopping centres for safety reasons

European defence firms are turning out to be the big gainers, as Europe rearms itself against possible Russian aggression. German defence giant Rheinmetall expects both sales and profit margins to keep growing this year. The world’s largest maker of artillery ammunition expects 2024 sales to reach $10.89 billion.

Shares of European defence firms rise dramatically in 2023

Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday (local time) of using "terrorist activities" to try to disrupt its presidential election and former President Dmitry Medvedev decried as "traitors" the scattered protesters who have tried to set fire to voting booths and pour dye into ballot boxes.

Russian presidential polls day 3: Russia slams Kyiv for efforts to disrupt poll

Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday (local time) of using "terrorist activities" to try to disrupt its presidential election and former President Dmitry Medvedev decried as "traitors" the scattered protesters who have tried to set fire to voting booths and pour dye into ballot boxes. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections: Moscow accuses Kyiv of terror activities to disrupt presidential elections

World at War | Russia is ready for Nuclear conflict in the Ukraine War Have Houthis managed to get Hypersonic missiles? Sudanese army recaptures the headquarters of the State Broadcaster in Omdurman Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in #WorldAtWar

Russia is ready for Nuclear conflict in the Ukraine War

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 14 March, during which the parties discussed the "political, military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine".

Europe's military boost in Ukraine

To aid Ukraine, which completed its second anniversary of war with Russia last month, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz&nbsp;revealed plans for a new coalition aimed at bolstering the country's defences. The announcement came during a press conference in Berlin, where Chancellor Scholz stated, "We are creating a new coalition of long-range artillery forces."

Scholz was present alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This move signifies a commitment to more robust military cooperation among the Western allies in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-escalates-fight-against-dengue-fever-outbreak-with-bacteria-infected-mosquitoes-700573">Brazil escalates fight against dengue fever outbreak with bacteria-infected mosquitoes</a>

Scholz, while highlighting the coalition's efforts to increasing military assistance to Ukraine, stated, "Among other things, we will now purchase even more weapons for Ukraine, on the entire world market."

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Notably, the funding for these acquisitions will come from interest accrued from frozen Russian assets, as per the German PM. This initiative has underscored a unified stance among western allies in providing tangible support to Ukraine's security efforts amidst ongoing tensions with Russia even as the US on March 12 also announced "additional security assistance as an extraordinary measure to address some of Ukraine's most pressing security and defense needs."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/istanbul-airports-solution-to-pre-flight-anxiety-700572">Istanbul Airport's solution to pre-flight anxiety</a>

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US Department of Defence in a statement said, "This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-fifth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package is valued at up to $300 million and includes capabilities to support Ukraine's immediate air defense, artillery, and anti-tank requirements."

This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 13 cautioned the West, stating that Moscow was technically ready for nuclear war. Putin continued by saying that any deployment of US troops to Ukraine would result in an escalation of tensions.

Earlier, European Union member states also unanimously agreed a 5 billion euros ($5.48bn) allocation for military assistance to Ukraine. This decision provides Kyiv with crucial support amid its challenges in countering Russian&nbsp;invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

To aid Ukraine, which completed its second anniversary of war with Russia last month, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz revealed plans for a new coalition aimed at bolstering the country's defences.

To aid Ukraine, which completed its second anniversary of war with Russia last month, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz revealed plans for a new coalition aimed at bolstering the country's defences. The announcement came during a press conference in Berlin, where Chancellor Scholz stated, "We are creating a new coalition of long-range artillery forces." Scholz was present alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. This move signifies a commitment to more robust military cooperation among the Western allies in supporting Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Also Read | Brazil escalates fight against dengue fever outbreak with bacteria-infected mosquitoes Scholz, while highlighting the coalition's efforts to increasing military assistance to Ukraine, stated, "Among other things, we will now purchase even more weapons for Ukraine, on the entire world market." Also Read | 'Highly inappropriate': Kishida condemns party's dancers event. Here's why Notably, the funding for these acquisitions will come from interest accrued from frozen Russian assets, as per the German PM. This initiative has underscored a unified stance among western allies in providing tangible support to Ukraine's security efforts amidst ongoing tensions with Russia even as the US on March 12 also announced "additional security assistance as an extraordinary measure to address some of Ukraine's most pressing security and defense needs." Watch | Istanbul Airport's solution to pre-flight anxiety × US Department of Defence in a statement said, "This announcement is the Biden Administration's fifty-fifth tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. This Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package is valued at up to $300 million and includes capabilities to support Ukraine's immediate air defense, artillery, and anti-tank requirements." This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 13 cautioned the West, stating that Moscow was technically ready for nuclear war. Putin continued by saying that any deployment of US troops to Ukraine would result in an escalation of tensions. Earlier, European Union member states also unanimously agreed a 5 billion euros ($5.48bn) allocation for military assistance to Ukraine. This decision provides Kyiv with crucial support amid its challenges in countering Russian invasion. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announces new coalition of long-range artillery forces to aid Ukraine

The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday (March 15) issued a statement warning Iran against&nbsp;transfering ballistic missiles to Russia for its offensive against Ukraine or else face new sanctions.

This&nbsp;could include a ban on Iran Air flights to Europe, said a senior US official on Friday (March 15).

"Were Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran," the G7 leaders said in a statement.

"We are extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology," the statement further read.

"We call on Iran not to do so, as it would add to regional destabilization and represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia's war in Ukraine," the G7 said, adding that Tehran had already provided Russia with drones that it had used against civilians.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-in-ukrainian-shelling-in-russias-belgorod-region-as-russian-presidential-vote-begins-700476">14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling</a>

<h2>US issues warning</h2>

The United States also warned the Islamic Republic not to proceed with the transfer of missiles.

As per the news agency Reuters, the US&nbsp;official said that one of the options under consideration "would have the effect of ending flights from Iran Air, its flagship state-owned carrier, into Europe - the point being, this is not business as usual."&nbsp;

The official, as per news agency Reuters, said that while the United States could not confirm reports of the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia, it was clear that Tehran did make efforts to advance negotiations with Moscow on the ballistic projectiles.

The restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iran's export of some missiles, drones and other technologies expired in the month of October last year.

However, the EU and US retained sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program amid concerns over exports of weapons to its proxies in the Middle East and to Russia.

The United States has claimed that Iran has already provided Russia with drones, guided aerial bombs and artillery ammunition that has been used by Moscow in its offensive against Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday (March 15) issued a statement warning Iran against transfering ballistic missiles to Russia for its offensive against Ukraine or else face new sanctions.

The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Friday (March 15) issued a statement warning Iran against transfering ballistic missiles to Russia for its offensive against Ukraine or else face new sanctions. This could include a ban on Iran Air flights to Europe, said a senior US official on Friday (March 15). "Were Iran to proceed with providing ballistic missiles or related technology to Russia, we are prepared to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner including with new and significant measures against Iran," the G7 leaders said in a statement. "We are extremely concerned about reports that Iran is considering transferring ballistic missiles and related technology," the statement further read. "We call on Iran not to do so, as it would add to regional destabilization and represent a substantive material escalation in its support for Russia's war in Ukraine," the G7 said, adding that Tehran had already provided Russia with drones that it had used against civilians. Also read: 14 killed in Russian missile strike on Odesha, 1 dead in Ukraine shelling US issues warning The United States also warned the Islamic Republic not to proceed with the transfer of missiles. As per the news agency Reuters, the US official said that one of the options under consideration "would have the effect of ending flights from Iran Air, its flagship state-owned carrier, into Europe - the point being, this is not business as usual." The official, as per news agency Reuters, said that while the United States could not confirm reports of the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia, it was clear that Tehran did make efforts to advance negotiations with Moscow on the ballistic projectiles. The restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iran's export of some missiles, drones and other technologies expired in the month of October last year. However, the EU and US retained sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program amid concerns over exports of weapons to its proxies in the Middle East and to Russia. The United States has claimed that Iran has already provided Russia with drones, guided aerial bombs and artillery ammunition that has been used by Moscow in its offensive against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

US, G7 warn Iran not to give ballistic missiles to Russia for Ukraine war, threaten new sanctions

Days before Russia's presidential election, an armed assault claimed by Kremlin foes stationed in Ukraine rattled a border region. On Tuesday, Ukrainian long-range drones crashed into two oil facilities deep within Russia, according to officials.

Russian elections 2024: Russia holds election amid war with Ukraine

The Ukrainian Air Force has carried out several strikes in Russian positions Ukrainian attacks have particularly increased in Russia's border region of Belgorod and as per the regional governor two people were killed and 19 others are said to been injured on Thursday after Ukrainian attacks. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian strike on Russia's Belgorod region leaves 2 dead, 19 Injured

Europe’s credibility will be destroyed if Russia is allowed to win in Ukraine, Emmanuel Macron has warned, as he defended his refusal to rule out sending troops to the country...

Russia-Ukraine war: French President Macron says Europe must be ready if Russia wins

Polls opened in Russia's Far East for the first of the 3 days of voting in a presidential election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years. Voting is also taking place in the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine who are the candidates contesting against Putin and who all were barred from running all this in our next report. Watch to know more!

Russia Elections 2024: Occupied Ukrainian territories encouraged to vote in Russian election

Russia-Ukraine war: If Ukraine falls, Europe's security will be at risk warns Macron

Russia-Ukraine war: Macron says Europe must be ready if Russia wins

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his troops are ready to use nuclear weapon should the existence of Russia come under threat. Speaking to the Russian State Television, Putin said Russia's nuclear triad is more modern than the American triad, adding that Russian troops are constantly in the state of combat readiness.

Gravitas | Ukraine War: Putin says Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons

Ukraine launched a sweeping drone attack on Russian regions on Wednesday, causing a fire at Rosneft's biggest oil refinery in what President Vladimir Putin said was an attempt to disrupt Russia's presidential election.

Russia-Ukraine War | Ukrainian drones strike Rosneft's biggest refinery, says Russia

The German Army is facing a major problem, its armed Personnel are ageing and is struggling to get new recruits on board. This is according to a 2023 annual report presented to the country's Parliament. The war in Ukraine has compounded the problem as Germany is shipping weapons from its own stock to the war torn country. Watch to know more!

Olaf Scholz's special fund failing to re-equip German army

Just days before Russia's Presidential election, Ukrainian long range drones smashed into two oil facilities deep inside Russia. While an armed incursion claimed by Ukraine based Russian opponents of the Kremlin unnerved a border region. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian forces drop bomb in Donetsk region

The end is nowhere in sight in the Russia Ukraine war. Russia is only beefing up its Arsenal while Ukraine struggles to get more arms and Aid despite Kyiv being in urgent need for aid from its allies. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin warns of escalating the conflict to 'a whole new level'

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended his refusal to send Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine. Germany has become the second-biggest supplier of military aid to Ukraine after the United States.

Germany's Olaf Scholz defends refusal to send Ukraine Taurus missiles

Ukraine has launched a barrage of drone and missile strikes against Russia, igniting two oil refineries. Meanwhile, Russian forces have dropped bomb in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Watch on for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian drones target Russian oil facilities

Just days before Russia's presidential election, Ukrainian long-range drones smashed into two oil facilities deep inside Russia. While an armed incursion claimed by Ukraine-based Russian opponents of the Kremlin unnerved a border region. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: 4 killed in Russian drone & bomb attack in eastern Ukraine

The United States is preparing a new military aid package for Ukraine that could be worth as much as $US400 million. Watch in for more details!

US prepares new weapons package for Ukraine, says report

The United States has announced a new military package worth $300 million for Ukraine after figuring out some cost savings in its contracts.

The new military aid package was announced by the United States on Tuesday (Mar 12) although the military has remained overdrawn and requires at least $10 billion for replenishing all the weapons which it had provided Kyiv from its stocks amid its ongoing war with Russia.&nbsp;

United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the funding was being provided to Ukraine after making unanticipated cost savings from Pentagon contracts and these funds will be used for artillery rounds and munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

"This ammunition will keep Ukraine's guns firing for a period, but only a short period," said Sullivan, while speaking to the reporters, and added that it may only be helpful to Ukraine for a couple of weeks.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-have-thwarted-attempted-incursions-from-ukraine-699433">Russia claims to have thwarted attempted incursions from Ukraine</a>

"It is nowhere near enough to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs and it will not prevent Ukraine from running out of ammunition," Sullivan added.

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said that the aid package included artillery rounds and anti-aircraft missiles.&nbsp;

He added that giving weapons to Ukraine through contract savings is a one-time situation and not a sustainable way to provide funding to Kyiv.

<h2>Russian missile hits apartment buildings in Ukraine, three killed&nbsp;</h2>

Three people were killed and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile hit two apartment buildings in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Tuesday (Mar 12) as rescue teams searched for survivors in the rubble late at night.&nbsp;

Governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak placed the provisional injury toll at 28 adults and 10 children and added that rescue operations had been completed.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US prepares new weapons package for Ukraine, says report

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"Two buildings were hit, one five storeys, one nine storeys," wrote Lysak, on Telegram. "The number of injured is constantly rising as is the number of children injured," he added.&nbsp;

Head of the Kryvyi Rih's military administration Oleksandr Vilkul said that at least three missile attacks have been recorded in the city.

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)

The United States has announced a new military package worth $300 million for Ukraine after figuring out some cost savings in its contracts. The new military aid package was announced by the United States on Tuesday (Mar 12) although the military has remained overdrawn and requires at least $10 billion for replenishing all the weapons which it had provided Kyiv from its stocks amid its ongoing war with Russia.

The United States has announced a new military package worth $300 million for Ukraine after figuring out some cost savings in its contracts. The new military aid package was announced by the United States on Tuesday (Mar 12) although the military has remained overdrawn and requires at least $10 billion for replenishing all the weapons which it had provided Kyiv from its stocks amid its ongoing war with Russia. United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the funding was being provided to Ukraine after making unanticipated cost savings from Pentagon contracts and these funds will be used for artillery rounds and munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). "This ammunition will keep Ukraine's guns firing for a period, but only a short period," said Sullivan, while speaking to the reporters, and added that it may only be helpful to Ukraine for a couple of weeks. Also Read: Russia claims to have thwarted attempted incursions from Ukraine "It is nowhere near enough to meet Ukraine's battlefield needs and it will not prevent Ukraine from running out of ammunition," Sullivan added. Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said that the aid package included artillery rounds and anti-aircraft missiles. He added that giving weapons to Ukraine through contract savings is a one-time situation and not a sustainable way to provide funding to Kyiv. Russian missile hits apartment buildings in Ukraine, three killed Three people were killed and 28 others were injured after a Russian missile hit two apartment buildings in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih on Tuesday (Mar 12) as rescue teams searched for survivors in the rubble late at night. Governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, Serhiy Lysak placed the provisional injury toll at 28 adults and 10 children and added that rescue operations had been completed. Watch: US prepares new weapons package for Ukraine, says report "Two buildings were hit, one five storeys, one nine storeys," wrote Lysak, on Telegram. "The number of injured is constantly rising as is the number of children injured," he added. Head of the Kryvyi Rih's military administration Oleksandr Vilkul said that at least three missile attacks have been recorded in the city. 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)

United States extends military aid package worth $300mn to Ukraine

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Russia's Putin talks about possible nuclear war

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