There seems to be no end to the Russia-Ukraine war that is now nearing its 2-year anniversary. Ukraine has been making strides in the black sea while Russia has been continuously pounding the nation.

Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine battered on land, attacks on sea

Ukraine said that it had destroyed a Russian warship in the Black Sea, a key battleground of the nearly two-year war where Kyiv's forces have recently escalated attacks. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine claims sinking another Russian warship near Crimea

Russia-Ukraine war nears two-year anniversary

US White House's Intelligence Committee chairman has warned of a "national security threat" related to Russian nuclear capabilities, according to an ABC News report. The intelligence report says that Russia wants to put a nuclear weapon into space that would be possibly used against the satellites.

Russia wanting nuclear weapon in space?

NATO chiefJens Stoltenberg warned Europe on Wednesday against going alone on defence after comments by Donald Trump prompted fresh debate over whether the continent can continue to rely on protection from the United States.

NATO Chief Stoltenberg warns Europe against going it alone on defence

The EU is proposing to sanction companies in mainland China for the first time as part of its latest measures aimed at shutting down loopholes that allow Russia to route military technology via third countries to its weapons factories.

EU proposes sanctions on Chinese firms aiding Russian war effort

Ukraine claims it has now disabled a third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet after its military intelligence said it sank another Russian warship in a sea drone attack off the coast of Crimea. Kremlin has so far refused to make comments.

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims sinking another Russian warship

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv making gains in its battle of drones

Moscow is gearing up for a potential armed conflict with Western countries in the next decade. This is what Estonia's foreign intelligence service has claimed the report also notes a significant rise in Russia's military production of artillery and armored vehicles that could enhance Russia's ability to continue fighting. Watch to know more!

Estonia says Russia is preparing for armed conflict with the West

Russia steps up usage of Hypersonic missiles to strike Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin describes the hypersonic weapon as "invincible", but what exactly are they? While analysts caution not to exaggerate the use of the Zircon during the war as it is a new – and expensive – technology the big question remains how many has Russia produced?

Russia uses Zircon Hypersonic Missile in Ukraine for first time: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. The failure of Putin's approach ushers in a third year of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two and illustrates just how far apart the world's two largest nuclear powers remain. A US source denied there had been any official contact and said Washington would not engage in talks that did not involve Ukraine. Putin sent signals to Washington in 2023 in public and privately through intermediaries, including through Moscow's Arab partners in the Middle East and others, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Russian sources said. Putin was proposing to freeze the conflict at the current lines and was unwilling to cede any of the Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia, but the signal offered what some in the Kremlin saw as the best path towards peace of some kind. "The contacts with the Americans came to nothing," a senior Russian source with knowledge of the discussions in late 2023 and early 2024 told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. A second Russian source with knowledge of the contacts told Reuters that the Americans told Moscow, via the intermediaries, they would not discuss a possible ceasefire without the participation of Ukraine and so the contacts ended in failure. A third source with knowledge of the discussions said: "Everything fell apart with the Americans." The source said that the Americans did not want to pressure Ukraine. The extent of the contacts - and their failure - has not previously been reported. It comes as US President Joe Biden has for months been pushing Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine, but has faced opposition from allies of Republican presidential nomination frontrunner Donald Trump. The Kremlin, the White House, the US State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) all declined to comment. US says 'no back channel' Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on the one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other. Ukraine says it is fighting for its existence and the West casts Putin's invasion as an imperial-style land grab that challenges the post-Cold War international order. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he will never accept Russia's control over Ukrainian land. He has outlawed any contacts with Russia. A US official, speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, said that the US has not engaged in any back-channel discussions with Russia and that Washington had been consistent in not going behind the back of Ukraine. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up? × The US official said that there appeared to have been unofficial "Track II" conversations among Russians not in the government but that the United States was not engaged in them. The US official said Putin's proposal, based on what has been publicly reported, was unchanged from past demands that Russia hold on to Ukrainian territory. The official suggested that there appeared to be frustration in Moscow that Washington had repeatedly refused to accept it. Putin told US talk-show host Tucker Carlson last week that Russia was ready for "dialogue". Contacts Intermediaries met in Turkey in late 2023, according to three Russian sources. A fourth diplomatic source said that there had been Russian-US unofficial contacts through intermediaries at Russia's initiative but that they appeared to have come to nothing. The US official said he was unaware of unofficial contact through intermediaries. According to three Russian sources, Putin's signal was relayed to Washington, where top US officials including White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met. The idea was that Sullivan would speak to Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, and set out the next steps, one of the Russian sources said. But when the call came in January, Sullivan told Ushakov that Washington was willing to talk about other aspects of the relationship but would not speak about a ceasefire without Ukraine, said one of the Russian sources. The US official refused to be drawn on any details of Sullivan's purported calls, or whether such a conversation with Ushakov took place. Also read | Ukraine needs to come up with new strategies to battle, says new army chief Putin 'ready to fight on' One of the Russian sources expressed frustration with the United States over Washington's insistence that it would not nudge Ukraine towards talks given that the United States was helping to fund the war. "Putin said: 'I knew they wouldn't do anything'," another of the Russian sources said. "They cut off the root of the contacts which had taken two months to create." Another Russian source said that the United States did not appear to believe Putin was sincere. "The Americans didn't believe Putin was genuine about a ceasefire - but he was and is - he is ready to discuss a ceasefire. But equally Putin is also ready to fight on for as long as it takes - and Russia can fight for as long as it takes," the Russian source said. The Kremlin sees little point in further contacts with the United States on the issue, the Russian sources said, so the war would continue.

Putin's suggestion of ceasefire in Ukraine rejected by US: Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated its interest in Striking a deal to Halt the Ukraine war but this will only happen if Russia can declare victory. The United States had rejected Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war. According to reports there are no signs of an end game in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Watch to know more!

Russia President Putin's ceasefire offer rejected by the US: Reports

The US Senate approved a $95 billion national security bill. The bill is chiefly earmarked for foreign military aid to Ukraine and Israel. Watch this video for all details.

US national security bill: What's Israel & Ukraine getting from the $95bn aid bill?

Tesla Inc's billionaire Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said "there is no way in hell" that Vladimir Putin can lose the Ukraine war, claiming that the Russian president would likely face assassination if he pulls out.&nbsp;

The comments were made by Musk in a forum on Monday (Feb 12) on X Spaces, which is part of X social media platform he owns.&nbsp;

Musk said that Putin has been pressurised to see the fight through. "If he were to back off, he would be assassinated," Musk added.

Musk discussed opponents of a Senate bill, which will provide more assistance for Ukraine to carry on battle with Russia on a full scale.&nbsp;

In the discussions, Musk was joined by JD Vance of Ohio, Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, &nbsp;former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and David Sacks, a co-founder of Craft Ventures LLC.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-judge-orders-elon-musk-to-testify-in-secs-twitter-probe-deadline-set-for-agreement-689401">US judge orders Elon Musk to testify in SEC's Twitter probe, deadline set for agreement</a>

The comments of Musk came as he agreed with the statement of Johnson that Putin will not lose the Ukraine war.

Johnson said that those who have been expecting a victory in Ukraine were "living in a fantasy world."

Musk said that he is hopeful Americans will contact their elected representatives regarding the Ukraine bill. "This spending does not help Ukraine. Prolonging the war does not help Ukraine," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>Musk expresses doubt over Ukraine's win</h2>

Similar sentiments have been expressed by Musk before on X as he has doubted the ability of Ukraine to win the war and mocked the requests made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy regarding the aid.&nbsp;

Speaking to the senators, Musk said he sometimes faces accusations of being a Putin apologist, and called the accusation "absurd."

He stated that his companies "have probably done more to undermine Russia than anything."

Watch:&nbsp;Elon Musk reveals 'Game Plan' to relocate millions people on Mars

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He spoke about how SpaceX provided Starlink internet service to the battled Ukraine after it was invaded by Ukraine.&nbsp;

Musk said he is interested in stopping the deaths of people on both sides of the war, adding that he doubted the wisdom of those seeking Putin's ouster.

"For those who want regime change in Russia, they should think about who is the person that could take out Putin, and is that person likely to be a peacenik? Probably not," he added.&nbsp;

Musk the person replacing him would likely be "even more hardcore than Putin."

(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.

Tesla Inc's billionaire Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said "there is no way in hell" that Vladimir Putin can lose the Ukraine war, claiming that the Russian president would likely face assassination if he pulls out.

Tesla Inc's billionaire Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said "there is no way in hell" that Vladimir Putin can lose the Ukraine war, claiming that the Russian president would likely face assassination if he pulls out. The comments were made by Musk in a forum on Monday (Feb 12) on X Spaces, which is part of X social media platform he owns. Musk said that Putin has been pressurised to see the fight through. "If he were to back off, he would be assassinated," Musk added. Musk discussed opponents of a Senate bill, which will provide more assistance for Ukraine to carry on battle with Russia on a full scale. In the discussions, Musk was joined by JD Vance of Ohio, Mike Lee of Utah, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and David Sacks, a co-founder of Craft Ventures LLC. Also Read: US judge orders Elon Musk to testify in SEC's Twitter probe, deadline set for agreement The comments of Musk came as he agreed with the statement of Johnson that Putin will not lose the Ukraine war. Johnson said that those who have been expecting a victory in Ukraine were "living in a fantasy world." Musk said that he is hopeful Americans will contact their elected representatives regarding the Ukraine bill. "This spending does not help Ukraine. Prolonging the war does not help Ukraine," he said. Musk expresses doubt over Ukraine's win Similar sentiments have been expressed by Musk before on X as he has doubted the ability of Ukraine to win the war and mocked the requests made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy regarding the aid. Speaking to the senators, Musk said he sometimes faces accusations of being a Putin apologist, and called the accusation "absurd." He stated that his companies "have probably done more to undermine Russia than anything." Watch: Elon Musk reveals 'Game Plan' to relocate millions people on Mars He spoke about how SpaceX provided Starlink internet service to the battled Ukraine after it was invaded by Ukraine. Musk said he is interested in stopping the deaths of people on both sides of the war, adding that he doubted the wisdom of those seeking Putin's ouster. "For those who want regime change in Russia, they should think about who is the person that could take out Putin, and is that person likely to be a peacenik? Probably not," he added. Musk the person replacing him would likely be "even more hardcore than Putin." (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.

Russia's Putin will be 'assassinated' if he steps back from Ukraine war, says Elon Musk

Russia-Ukraine war: Putin signals for ceasefire through intermediaries, offer rejected by US: Report

As efforts ramp up to channel frozen Russian assets towards Ukraine's reconstruction, the European union has passed a law aimed at managing these funds. This comes as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a warning, highlighting potential legal challenges ahead. Watch to know more!

EU law targets frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction

Russia-Ukraine is going to start its third year rather marking its second anniversary and things are looking bad for Kyiv. The Russian forces are bumbling the Ukrainian positions and now Stark warning comes from a European nation that Norway warns that Russians are now in a much stronger position than they were an year ago...Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia is currently in a stronger position: Norwegian intelligence

The 1986 catastrophe at Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear reactor was the largest uncontrolled radioactive leak in history which released cancer-causing material in large quantities, and its impacts are still visible in the region.&nbsp;

In the latest report, mutant wolves present in Chornobyl's deserted streets appear to have developed cancer resistance.&nbsp;

The study by the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology has boosted hopes that the results would help doctors combat&nbsp;cancer in humans also.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-close-to-developing-blood-test-for-detecting-dementia-a-decade-early-689647">Scientists close to developing blood test for detecting dementia a decade early</a>&nbsp;

The grey wolves in the highly radioactive area are exposed to 11.28 milligrams of radiation per day, which is more than six times the allowable limit for humans.&nbsp;

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate the city and ever since the area remained abandoned.&nbsp;

The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) was set up to prevent people from entering the restricted 1,000-square-mile area, but the restriction doesn't apply to animals and they enter the region with scientists analysing how wolves survive despite exposure to radioactive particles.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wake-up-call-first-of-its-kind-un-report-finds-22-migratory-animals-face-extinction-thanks-to-humans-689572">First-of-its-kind UN report finds 22% migratory animals face extinction, thanks to humans</a>&nbsp;

In the latest study, Cara Love, who is an evolutionary biologist and ecotoxicologist at Princeton University, found that the wolves in the CEZ have altered immune systems, which are "similar to cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment".&nbsp;

In 2014, Dr Love and a team of researchers visited the CEZ and fitted the wolves with radio collars to track their activities. They had also taken samples.&nbsp;

Dr Love said that the collars give the team "real-time measurements of where [the wolves] are and how much [radiation] they are exposed to".

She presented her findings at the annual meeting of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology in Seattle, Washington, last month.&nbsp;

The 1986 catastrophe at Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear reactor was the largest uncontrolled radioactive leak in history which released cancer-causing material in large quantities, and its impacts are still visible in the region.

The 1986 catastrophe at Ukraine's Chernobyl nuclear reactor was the largest uncontrolled radioactive leak in history which released cancer-causing material in large quantities, and its impacts are still visible in the region. In the latest report, mutant wolves present in Chornobyl's deserted streets appear to have developed cancer resistance. The study by the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology has boosted hopes that the results would help doctors combat cancer in humans also. Also read: Scientists close to developing blood test for detecting dementia a decade early The grey wolves in the highly radioactive area are exposed to 11.28 milligrams of radiation per day, which is more than six times the allowable limit for humans. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate the city and ever since the area remained abandoned. The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) was set up to prevent people from entering the restricted 1,000-square-mile area, but the restriction doesn't apply to animals and they enter the region with scientists analysing how wolves survive despite exposure to radioactive particles. Also read: First-of-its-kind UN report finds 22% migratory animals face extinction, thanks to humans In the latest study, Cara Love, who is an evolutionary biologist and ecotoxicologist at Princeton University, found that the wolves in the CEZ have altered immune systems, which are "similar to cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment". In 2014, Dr Love and a team of researchers visited the CEZ and fitted the wolves with radio collars to track their activities. They had also taken samples. Dr Love said that the collars give the team "real-time measurements of where [the wolves] are and how much [radiation] they are exposed to". She presented her findings at the annual meeting of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology in Seattle, Washington, last month.

Wolves in Ukraine's Chernobyl area developing resilience to cancer: Report

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- In the latest report, mutant wolves present in Chornobyl's deserted streets appear to have developed cancer resistance. The study by the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology has boosted hopes that the results would help doctors combat cancer in humans also.

A US foreign aid package including $60 billion for Ukraine passed a key procedural vote. It is now up to the Republican lead house to take it up change it or let it die. The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan. Majority of it would help Pro Western Ukraine restock its depleted ammunition supplies weapons and other crucial need as it enters a third year. Watch to know more!

US: Republicans oppose aid package for Ukraine as Senate passes bill

The United States Senate, on Tuesday (Feb 13), voted to pass a $95.34 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. However, the bill will likely not pass in the Republican-led House of Representatives as Speaker Mike Johnson rejected the bill as it was being written.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Senate vote</h2>

The lawmakers in the Democrat-led upper chamber of the US Congress approved the measure in a pre-dawn vote. The measure garnered 70 votes in favour and 29 against, well above the 60-vote threshold for passage and has been sent to the House.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US Senate advances $95 billion bill for aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

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The vote took place before sunrise after eight hardline Republican opponents of sending more aid to Ukraine held an overnight marathon of speeches which went on for more than six hours. Notably, 22 Republican Senators voted in favour of the bill.&nbsp;

The bill also comes after President Joe Biden has been urging Congress for months now to pass the critical foreign aid bill, the lion’s share of which will help Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.&nbsp;

“It's certainly been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but the security of western democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.&nbsp;

The legislation includes around $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas and nearly $5 billion to support US partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, and deter aggression by China.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-advances-95-billion-ukraine-israel-aid-bill-in-rare-sunday-session-despite-trump-opposition-689310">US Senate advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill in rare Sunday session, despite Trump opposition</a>

The bill also includes a little over $9 billion in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Ukraine, Gaza and the West Bank, and other conflict zones across the world.&nbsp;

<h2>Why would the bill fail in the House?</h2>

The bill requires the approval of both chambers of Congress before Biden can sign it into law. However, it is unclear whether Johnson would even hold a vote on the measure given that most House Republicans are opposed to further aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

On Monday (Feb 12), as the $95 billion foreign aid package was still being formulated in the Senate, Johnson indicated that the Republican-led chamber would not take it up as it does not include provisions to address the record flow of migrants across the US-Mexico border.

“In the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” said Johnson, in a statement late Monday.&nbsp;

It added, “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.” This Speaker has previously suggested that the House could split the legislation into separate bills.&nbsp;

Less than a week ago, the $118 billion bipartisan bill that combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, was rejected by the members of Johnson’s own party in the Senate.

Senate Republicans were expected to block the bill amid opposition and pressure from former US President Donald Trump and members of their own party in the House of Representatives.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-rejects-bipartisan-bill-on-immigration-aid-for-israel-and-ukraine-688017">Republicans in US Senate block Bipartisan bill on immigration, aid for Israel and Ukraine</a>

After the recent Senate vote, most hardline Republicans predicted that the bill would be dead on arrival in the House.

<h2>Zelensky thanks Senators</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US senators for passing the bill which would send $60 billion in aid for Kyiv on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In a post on X, Zelensky thanked Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and “every US Senator who has supported continued assistance to Ukraine as we fight for freedom, democracy, and the values we all hold dear.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United States Senate, on Tuesday (Feb 13), voted to pass a $95.34 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. However, the bill will likely not pass in the Republican-led House of Representatives as Speaker Mike Johnson rejected the bill as it was being written.

The United States Senate, on Tuesday (Feb 13), voted to pass a $95.34 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. However, the bill will likely not pass in the Republican-led House of Representatives as Speaker Mike Johnson rejected the bill as it was being written. About the Senate vote The lawmakers in the Democrat-led upper chamber of the US Congress approved the measure in a pre-dawn vote. The measure garnered 70 votes in favour and 29 against, well above the 60-vote threshold for passage and has been sent to the House. WATCH | US Senate advances $95 billion bill for aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan The vote took place before sunrise after eight hardline Republican opponents of sending more aid to Ukraine held an overnight marathon of speeches which went on for more than six hours. Notably, 22 Republican Senators voted in favour of the bill. The bill also comes after President Joe Biden has been urging Congress for months now to pass the critical foreign aid bill, the lion’s share of which will help Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia. “It's certainly been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but the security of western democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The legislation includes around $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas and nearly $5 billion to support US partners in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan, and deter aggression by China. Also Read | US Senate advances $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid bill in rare Sunday session, despite Trump opposition The bill also includes a little over $9 billion in humanitarian assistance to civilians in Ukraine, Gaza and the West Bank, and other conflict zones across the world. Why would the bill fail in the House? The bill requires the approval of both chambers of Congress before Biden can sign it into law. However, it is unclear whether Johnson would even hold a vote on the measure given that most House Republicans are opposed to further aid to Ukraine. On Monday (Feb 12), as the $95 billion foreign aid package was still being formulated in the Senate, Johnson indicated that the Republican-led chamber would not take it up as it does not include provisions to address the record flow of migrants across the US-Mexico border. “In the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” said Johnson, in a statement late Monday. It added, “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.” This Speaker has previously suggested that the House could split the legislation into separate bills. Less than a week ago, the $118 billion bipartisan bill that combined an overhaul of the country’s immigration policy and security measures at its border with Mexico with a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, was rejected by the members of Johnson’s own party in the Senate. Senate Republicans were expected to block the bill amid opposition and pressure from former US President Donald Trump and members of their own party in the House of Representatives. Also Read | Republicans in US Senate block Bipartisan bill on immigration, aid for Israel and Ukraine After the recent Senate vote, most hardline Republicans predicted that the bill would be dead on arrival in the House. Zelensky thanks Senators Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US senators for passing the bill which would send $60 billion in aid for Kyiv on Tuesday. In a post on X, Zelensky thanked Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and “every US Senator who has supported continued assistance to Ukraine as we fight for freedom, democracy, and the values we all hold dear.” (With inputs from agencies)

US Senate passes $95 billion aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

Russia on Tuesday (Feb 13) warned the West that its response would be “very tough” if its assets were seized by Europe and the United States. Both the European Union and the US seized Russian assets worth $300 billion in 2022 following Moscow’s decision to invade Ukraine. Russia’s warning came a day after the EU adopted a law aimed at utilising windfall profits from Russian assets frozen in EU banks for rebuilding Ukraine.

"This is theft: It's the appropriation of something that doesn't belong to you," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by state-backed media. She added that Russia’s response would be “very tough.”

"Considering that our country has qualified this as theft, the attitude will be towards thieves," Zakharova said. "Not as political manipulators, not as overplayed technologists, but as thieves," she added. Moscow maintains that it would also seize American and European assets in a tit-for-tat move.

<h2>EU’s new law </h2>

Russia’s response came after the EU on Monday passed the law aimed at funding Ukraine’s rebuilding using Russian assets. The EU, along with G7 nations have been debating for over a year how the Russian assets should be used to help Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up?

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The US even floated the idea of confiscating the $300 billion assets altogether, a move deemed too risky by the EU officials.

<h2>Who holds Russian assets in Europe?</h2>

The majority of the assets are held by Belgium's clearing house Euroclear.

The law passed on Monday means central securities depositories (CSDs), such as Euroclear, will be prohibited from using net profits and must keep revenues from the Russian assets separate.

The law would apply to all financial institutions holding Russian assets worth more than $1.1 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3gZmFF1ftwPerUXbeNdXK5" data-ved="2ahUKEwjF2aqhmaiEAxWS_DgGHXrlB_0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eu-to-channel-frozen-russian-assets-for-ukraines-reconstruction-report-689731" jsname="YKoRaf">EU to channel frozen Russian assets for Ukraine`s reconstruction: Report</a>

As per estimates, a whopping $16 billion in profits could be extracted from Russian assets by using the new law.

Ukraine welcomed the EU’s move. "We encourage further steps to enable their practical use for Ukraine's benefit. These steps must be ambitious and prompt," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Tuesday (Feb 13) warned the West that its response would be “very tough” if its assets were seized by Europe and the United States. Both the European Union and the US seized Russian assets worth $300 billion in 2022 following Moscow’s decision to invade Ukraine.

Russia on Tuesday (Feb 13) warned the West that its response would be “very tough” if its assets were seized by Europe and the United States. Both the European Union and the US seized Russian assets worth $300 billion in 2022 following Moscow’s decision to invade Ukraine. Russia’s warning came a day after the EU adopted a law aimed at utilising windfall profits from Russian assets frozen in EU banks for rebuilding Ukraine. "This is theft: It's the appropriation of something that doesn't belong to you," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by state-backed media. She added that Russia’s response would be “very tough.” "Considering that our country has qualified this as theft, the attitude will be towards thieves," Zakharova said. "Not as political manipulators, not as overplayed technologists, but as thieves," she added. Moscow maintains that it would also seize American and European assets in a tit-for-tat move. EU’s new law Russia’s response came after the EU on Monday passed the law aimed at funding Ukraine’s rebuilding using Russian assets. The EU, along with G7 nations have been debating for over a year how the Russian assets should be used to help Ukraine. Watch: Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up? × The US even floated the idea of confiscating the $300 billion assets altogether, a move deemed too risky by the EU officials. Who holds Russian assets in Europe? The majority of the assets are held by Belgium's clearing house Euroclear. The law passed on Monday means central securities depositories (CSDs), such as Euroclear, will be prohibited from using net profits and must keep revenues from the Russian assets separate. The law would apply to all financial institutions holding Russian assets worth more than $1.1 million. Also read: EU to channel frozen Russian assets for Ukraine`s reconstruction: Report As per estimates, a whopping $16 billion in profits could be extracted from Russian assets by using the new law. Ukraine welcomed the EU’s move. "We encourage further steps to enable their practical use for Ukraine's benefit. These steps must be ambitious and prompt," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia vows ‘very tough’ response over West’s ‘theft’ of its seized assets

A preliminary analysis concluded that Russia hit Kyiv last week with the hypersonic Zircon missile. The head of a Kyiv research institute said Russia used Zircon for the first time in the ongoing war. These missiles are presenting a new challenge to Ukraine's air defences. Watch this video for all details.

All about Russia's lethal Zircon hypersonic missile used for the first time in the Ukraine war

Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up?

With no end to the war in sight, Ukraine's army is struggling to find enough soldiers. A controversial mobilisation bill -- designed to make it easier to draft troops and give those serving respite -- has triggered a bitter debate over Kyiv's recruitment policy. Will Ukraine find the next wave of troops?

Russia-Ukraine war | Ukrainian troops' angry push for new recruits

A US foreign aid package including $60 billion for Ukraine passed a key procedural vote. It is now up to the Republican lead house to take it up change it or let it die. Opposition from Republicans can block it from becoming law. The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan. Majority of it would help Pro Western Ukraine restock its depleted ammunition supplies weapons and other crucial need as it enters a third year. Watch to know more!

US Senate aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

In his first remarks as the Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky stated on Friday that the Ukrainian Army must alter its methods in order to defeat Russia.

In the largest change to Ukraine's military leadership since Russia's invasion started almost two years ago, the 58-year-old Oleksandr Syrsky took commander Valery Zaluzhny's position this week.

The seasoned general has a long list of issues to deal with, not the least of which is a 1,000-kilometre frontline that has not shifted much in more than a year of battle. In a social media post, he stated that the Army needs "clear and precise planning," "taking into account the needs of the frontline for the latest weapons given by international partners."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-says-trump-presidency-could-have-strong-impact-on-war-671508">Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war</a>

Washington and Brussels in particular are finding it difficult to maintain the aid programmes that have so far helped Kyiv resist Russia.

Syrsky is assuming command of the armed forces during a period of uncertain resource availability and as Russia prepares for war by increasing production and recruiting.

The Kremlin earlier on Friday downplayed the impact Ukraine's military shake-up would have on the battlefield.

Spokesman for the Kremlin Dmitry Peskov stated, "We don't think it's a factor that will influence the trajectory of the special military operation," using the word Moscow prefers to refer to its invasion. 
 
Soon after Syrsky was appointed, Russia and Ukraine began firing drones at one another, hoping to hit locations far behind the immobile front line.

According to an AFP source in Kyiv's security services, Ukraine claimed responsibility for attacks on two different Russian oil refineries overnight that resulted in at least one significant fire.

The last two months have seen strikes on Russian oil and gas installations as part of what Kyiv has described as "fair" response against the infrastructure that Russia has used to fuel its conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

In his first remarks as the Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky stated on Friday that the Ukrainian Army must alter its methods in order to defeat Russia.

In his first remarks as the Ukraine's new commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky stated on Friday that the Ukrainian Army must alter its methods in order to defeat Russia. In the largest change to Ukraine's military leadership since Russia's invasion started almost two years ago, the 58-year-old Oleksandr Syrsky took commander Valery Zaluzhny's position this week. The seasoned general has a long list of issues to deal with, not the least of which is a 1,000-kilometre frontline that has not shifted much in more than a year of battle. In a social media post, he stated that the Army needs "clear and precise planning," "taking into account the needs of the frontline for the latest weapons given by international partners." Also Read: Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war Washington and Brussels in particular are finding it difficult to maintain the aid programmes that have so far helped Kyiv resist Russia. Syrsky is assuming command of the armed forces during a period of uncertain resource availability and as Russia prepares for war by increasing production and recruiting. The Kremlin earlier on Friday downplayed the impact Ukraine's military shake-up would have on the battlefield. Spokesman for the Kremlin Dmitry Peskov stated, "We don't think it's a factor that will influence the trajectory of the special military operation," using the word Moscow prefers to refer to its invasion. Soon after Syrsky was appointed, Russia and Ukraine began firing drones at one another, hoping to hit locations far behind the immobile front line. According to an AFP source in Kyiv's security services, Ukraine claimed responsibility for attacks on two different Russian oil refineries overnight that resulted in at least one significant fire. The last two months have seen strikes on Russian oil and gas installations as part of what Kyiv has described as "fair" response against the infrastructure that Russia has used to fuel its conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine needs to come up with new strategies to battle, says new army chief

A US foreign aid package including $60 billion for Ukraine passed a key procedural vote. It is now up to the Republican lead house to take it up change it or let it die. opposition from Republicans can block it from becoming law. The $95 billion package includes funding for Israel's fight against Hamas militants and for key strategic ally Taiwan. Majority of it would help Pro Western Ukraine restock its depleted ammunition supplies weapons and other crucial need as it enters a third year. Watch to know more!

US Senate advances $95 aid bill for Ukraine, Israel & Taiwan

Latest in Russia-Ukraine war: Russia bombards Ukraine as three Russian drones hit Ukraine's Kharkiv. Russia launched a drone attack on Ukraine city of Kharkiv, killing seven people. The attacked damaged infrastructure and residential houses. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's overnight drone attack on Kharkiv claims 7 lives including 3 children

Russia-Ukraine war: Kharkiv hit by deadly Russian drone, 7 killed

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian drone strike sparks 'river of fire' in Ukraine's Kharkiv

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