Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday (Jan 10) marking the beginning of his tour to three Baltic states to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia and Kyiv’s plans to join the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky in Vilnius&nbsp;</h2>

The Ukrainian president took to X to announce his arrival at the Lithuanian capital. The three Baltic states and all former Soviet republics – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have been Ukraine’s staunchest allies since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

During his visit to&nbsp;Lithuania, the Ukrainian president spoke about how&nbsp;his country, facing renewed aerial attacks from Russia is lacking&nbsp;air-defence systems.&nbsp;

He also spoke about any&nbsp;delays in Western aid to Kyiv will&nbsp;embolden the Kremlin. "He (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is not going to stop. He wants to occupy us completely," said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

He added, "And sometimes, the insecurity of partners regarding financial and military aid to Ukraine only increases Russia's courage and strength."

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“Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners. Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga,” said Zelensky in a post on X upon his arrival in Vilnius.&nbsp;

Zelensky is also set to hold talks with his Lithuanian counterpart President Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, as well as lawmakers and people from the Ukrainian community in Lithuania.&nbsp;

“Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,” said the Ukrainian president.&nbsp;

According to Nauseda’s office, the presidents of both countries will hold talks and a joint press conference. The Ukrainian leader will also give a public speech.&nbsp;

<h2>First official trip abroad in 2024</h2>

The Baltic tour marks Zelensky’s first official trip abroad this year. The visit to the three countries also comes as other Kyiv allies in the West are hesitant to give the war-torn country more aid, nearly two years since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

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On Monday (Jan 8), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz blasted several countries in the 27-nation bloc for not delivering sufficient weapons to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.&nbsp;

He noted that with American military assistance to Ukraine stalled in the United States Congress, allies in the EU need to step up, reiterating that the German government would support Kyiv for as long as necessary.

While Berlin had faced criticism during the initial months of the invasion for failing to step up and provide military backing to Kyiv, it is now among the top providers of both weapons and financial aid to the war-torn country.&nbsp;

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>

“As significant as the German contribution is, it will not be enough to ensure Ukraine’s security in the long run,” said Scholz, on Monday.&nbsp;

He added, “Therefore I call on allies in the European Union to strengthen their efforts regarding Ukraine. The planned weapons deliveries to Ukraine of most EU member states are not enough.”&nbsp;

Late last year, Germany agreed to double the country’s military aid for Ukraine in 2024 to 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday (Jan 10) marking the beginning of his tour to three Baltic states to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia and Kyiv’s plans to join the European Union and NATO.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on Wednesday (Jan 10) marking the beginning of his tour to three Baltic states to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with Russia and Kyiv’s plans to join the European Union and NATO. Zelensky in Vilnius The Ukrainian president took to X to announce his arrival at the Lithuanian capital. The three Baltic states and all former Soviet republics – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have been Ukraine’s staunchest allies since the beginning of the war. During his visit to Lithuania, the Ukrainian president spoke about how his country, facing renewed aerial attacks from Russia is lacking air-defence systems. He also spoke about any delays in Western aid to Kyiv will embolden the Kremlin. "He (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is not going to stop. He wants to occupy us completely," said the Ukrainian president. He added, "And sometimes, the insecurity of partners regarding financial and military aid to Ukraine only increases Russia's courage and strength." ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war enters new phase, Putin 'trying to convince West to betray Ukraine' “Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are our reliable friends and principled partners. Today, I arrived in Vilnius before going to Tallinn and Riga,” said Zelensky in a post on X upon his arrival in Vilnius. Zelensky is also set to hold talks with his Lithuanian counterpart President Gitanas Nausėda, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, as well as lawmakers and people from the Ukrainian community in Lithuania. “Security, EU and NATO integration, cooperation on electronic warfare and drones, and further coordination of European support are all on the agenda,” said the Ukrainian president. According to Nauseda’s office, the presidents of both countries will hold talks and a joint press conference. The Ukrainian leader will also give a public speech. First official trip abroad in 2024 The Baltic tour marks Zelensky’s first official trip abroad this year. The visit to the three countries also comes as other Kyiv allies in the West are hesitant to give the war-torn country more aid, nearly two years since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | Kyiv mayor under scrutiny for buying $6 million mansion in Germany: Reports On Monday (Jan 8), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz blasted several countries in the 27-nation bloc for not delivering sufficient weapons to Ukraine amid its war with Russia. He noted that with American military assistance to Ukraine stalled in the United States Congress, allies in the EU need to step up, reiterating that the German government would support Kyiv for as long as necessary. While Berlin had faced criticism during the initial months of the invasion for failing to step up and provide military backing to Kyiv, it is now among the top providers of both weapons and financial aid to the war-torn country. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says Trump presidency could have 'strong impact' on war “As significant as the German contribution is, it will not be enough to ensure Ukraine’s security in the long run,” said Scholz, on Monday. He added, “Therefore I call on allies in the European Union to strengthen their efforts regarding Ukraine. The planned weapons deliveries to Ukraine of most EU member states are not enough.” Late last year, Germany agreed to double the country’s military aid for Ukraine in 2024 to 8 billion euros ($8.8 billion). (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine’s Zelensky arrives in Lithuania on visit to Baltic allies with focus on war, EU integration

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has come under heavy scrutiny after it was revealed that he bought a lavish mansion in Hamburg, Germany, worth almost $6 million, according to a report in Strana.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has come under heavy scrutiny after it was revealed that he bought a lavish mansion in Hamburg, Germany, worth almost $6 million, according to a report in Strana.ua, which cited the politician's official tax return. The publication noted that Klitschko received possession of the 750-square-metre mansion on December 20, 2023, from Maximum LLC, a US-based company, as a debt settlement. The company is owned by his brother Vladimir but the ownership was transferred to Klitschko in May 2023, with the mansion being used as a unique form of debt repayment. Klitschko, a former professional boxer, retired from the sport in 2013 and went on to become the mayor of Kyiv in 2014. The revelation of his luxury property comes in the aftermath of President Volodymyr Zelensky signing a bill in September last year, mandating electronic declarations for officials, which had been suspended after Russia’s military operation began in 2022. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Can Zelensky stop the Russian assault Klitschko's shoddy administrative work This is not the first instance when Klitschko has come under the scanner for his shoddy dealings at the time of war. In June last year, an audit ordered by President Volodymyr Zelensky found only 15 per cent of Kyiv's 4,655 bomb shelters suitable for protection. Meanwhile, only 44 per cent were freely accessible, forcing the authorities to serve a formal "notice of suspicion" to one of the senior Kyiv security officials under Klitschko. The former boxing champion's political future looked uncertain at the time, leading him to take evasive measures. Klitschko posted a video on Telegram and criticised investigations against him, concerning the shelters. He said the "endless searches" were making it hard for him to run the capital efficiently. "Today there is a heavy campaign to discredit the capital authorities and personally me. In wartime, they bring chaos to the management of the capital," said Klitschko, standing in front of the Ukrainian flag and a Kyiv landscape. Also read | White House says time running out to support Ukraine's fight against Russia Since the war started on February 24, 2022, the US has sent more than $75 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, financial, and military support. Other ally nations have also poured billions into Ukraine but corruption has emerged as a big problem for Zelensky. In August 2023, Zelensky launched a massive military purge in the wake of a corruption scandal in which 112 criminal cases were opened against senior officials in recruitment centres. 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 (With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv mayor under scrutiny for buying $6 million mansion in Germany: Reports

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Japanese hit out at PM Fumio Kishida over Ukraine aid as $4.5 bn aid announced

Reports have surfaced of a secret meeting last month between Ukraine and its groups of seven allies as well as a small group of global South countries to try to drum up support for Kyiv's conditions for holding peace talks with Russia. Our sources tell us that the previously undisclosed December 16th meeting of National Security advisers was held in Saudi Arabia. Watch to know more.

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Ukraine on Monday (Jan 8) came under a fresh wave of Russian missile attacks that struck near the front lines of fighting in the east, western as well as central parts of the country, said the officials.

The strikes claimed the lives of at least three and wounded dozens of others.

The latest barrage of hypersonic projectiles fired by Moscow comes less than a week after Kyiv cautioned that it only had sufficient ammunition to withstand a few more powerful attacks amid Russia's intense bombardment.

"The enemy launched dozens of missiles at peaceful cities and villages of Ukraine," Ukraine's deputy head of the presidency Oleksiy Kuleba said, adding that 33 were injured.

Some of the Ukrainian targets hit by the Russian projectiles were high-rise buildings and a shopping centre in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown Kryvyi Rig, claiming the life of at least one, said Kuleba.

"In Kryvyi Rig, there are many breakages in power grids, there are power outages, and electric transport does not work," he said.

Separate "explosions" in the western region of Khmelnytsky, far from the frontlines in the east, he said, killed one person.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579">Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media</a>

<h2>Around 300 evacuated from Belgorod over Ukraine strikes, says Russia</h2>

Russia said that it has evacuated nearly 300 residents of Belgorod over strikes by Ukraine.

The governor of the Belgorod region, which is a city near the Ukrainian border, on Monday, released a statement saying that the ones evacuated have been moved to temporary shelter centres.

"Some 300 residents of Belgorod, who decided to temporarily evacuate, are at the moment being housed in temporary shelter centres in Stary Oskol, Gubkin and the Korochansky district" which are further from the border, Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a video posted on Telegram.

"Over the past 24 hours we received 1,300 requests to send Belgorod children to school camps away from the city, in other regions," he said.

The evacuation from Belgorod, which is less than 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the Ukrainian border, is so far the largest of a major Russian city ever since Moscow began its offensive against Kyiv in Feb 2022.

Ukraine launched strikes on the Russian city on Dec 30 claiming the lives of at least 25 people. 
 
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

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Monday (Jan 8) came under a fresh wave of Russian missile attacks that struck near the front lines of fighting in the east, western as well as central parts of the country, said the officials.

Ukraine on Monday (Jan 8) came under a fresh wave of Russian missile attacks that struck near the front lines of fighting in the east, western as well as central parts of the country, said the officials. The strikes claimed the lives of at least three and wounded dozens of others. The latest barrage of hypersonic projectiles fired by Moscow comes less than a week after Kyiv cautioned that it only had sufficient ammunition to withstand a few more powerful attacks amid Russia's intense bombardment. "The enemy launched dozens of missiles at peaceful cities and villages of Ukraine," Ukraine's deputy head of the presidency Oleksiy Kuleba said, adding that 33 were injured. Some of the Ukrainian targets hit by the Russian projectiles were high-rise buildings and a shopping centre in President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown Kryvyi Rig, claiming the life of at least one, said Kuleba. "In Kryvyi Rig, there are many breakages in power grids, there are power outages, and electric transport does not work," he said. Separate "explosions" in the western region of Khmelnytsky, far from the frontlines in the east, he said, killed one person. Also read: Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media Around 300 evacuated from Belgorod over Ukraine strikes, says Russia Russia said that it has evacuated nearly 300 residents of Belgorod over strikes by Ukraine. The governor of the Belgorod region, which is a city near the Ukrainian border, on Monday, released a statement saying that the ones evacuated have been moved to temporary shelter centres. "Some 300 residents of Belgorod, who decided to temporarily evacuate, are at the moment being housed in temporary shelter centres in Stary Oskol, Gubkin and the Korochansky district" which are further from the border, Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a video posted on Telegram. "Over the past 24 hours we received 1,300 requests to send Belgorod children to school camps away from the city, in other regions," he said. The evacuation from Belgorod, which is less than 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the Ukrainian border, is so far the largest of a major Russian city ever since Moscow began its offensive against Kyiv in Feb 2022. Ukraine launched strikes on the Russian city on Dec 30 claiming the lives of at least 25 people. 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 (With inputs from agencies)

Strong wave of Russian strikes hits areas across Ukraine; 3 killed and dozens injured

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A Russian missile strike killed 11 people and injured 10 on Saturday in and around the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, the governor of the Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk region said.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strike on Ukraine's Pokrovsk kills 11

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests". Meanwhile, wives of Russians mobilised to fight in Ukraine symbolically laid flowers at the flame of an unknown soldier near the Kremlin and demanded the return of their husbands from the front.

<h2>Putin’s change in tone</h2>

“Many of our men, our courageous, heroic guys, Russian warriors, even now, on this holiday, defend the interests of our country with arms in hand,” said the Russian president at a late Saturday meeting with families of Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine.&nbsp;

He also said that he has ordered his government to ramp up support for those who fight and call on his people to be merciful and just.&nbsp;

It has also been reported that Putin, who is facing elections in March, has been softening his speeches to focus on traditional Russian values and unity.&nbsp;

“I would like our meeting to be a clear, understandable signal to all my colleagues throughout the Russian Federation, and at all levels – a clear signal to ensure that my colleagues are always and everywhere with you, I repeat, any level of power,” he told the families gathered at a chapel at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow.

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In a separate greeting for the occasion issued on the Kremlin’s website, Putin&nbsp;called on his citizens to follow the “unshakable” values of “goodness, mercy and justice” and on the Russian Orthodox Church to help strengthen “the institution of families” and patriotism.&nbsp;

Notably, this year Putin did not call for a ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the holiday – like he did last year – which many Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 6-7.&nbsp;

Orthodox Christmas services were also held in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian, unlike the rest of the war-torn country.&nbsp;

Kyiv <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainians-to-officially-celebrate-christmas-on-december-25-for-the-first-time-in-snub-to-russia-673201">celebrated its Christmas</a> on December 25 after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law last July to change the date of the Christmas holiday from January 7 partly to “renounce Russian heritage”.&nbsp;

<h2>Protest near Kremlin</h2>

Amid growing anger among relatives of reservists whom Putin mobilised in September 2022, months after Russia began invading Ukraine, some 15 women, according to AFP, braved the winter cold to place red flowers at the site in the heart of the capital which is also right beneath the walls of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

“We want to draw the authorities’ attention and that of the public to our appeal. We have tried several means. We made a written appeal to lawmakers, officials, administrations – but we were not heard,” Maria, a 47-year-old sales manager, whose husband was mobilised in November 2022, told the news agency.&nbsp;

She added, “It’s not fair. They are civilians, they are not soldiers. Our husbands can’t stay there.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-at-least-11-including-5-kids-killed-in-russian-strikes-in-pokrovsk-677277">Ukraine war: At least 11, including 5 children, killed in Russian strikes in Pokrovsk</a>

While protests and criticism, particularly about what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine are dealt with swiftly in Moscow, mobilisation is said to be a sensitive subject for authorities, who have so far refrained from repressing what has become a nascent movement of revolt.

Maria Semyonova, a legal assistant, urged authorities to “negotiate peace” in Ukraine at a protest where police, according to AFP, did not intervene.&nbsp;

The protest is “the only peaceful action that has not yet been banned by law,” Paulina, the mother of a one-year-old child, told the news agency.&nbsp;

She added, “I feel like we’re annoying them. But no one will remain silent. We shall carry on every day, every Saturday.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests".

During an address on the eve of Orthodox Christmas, on Saturday (Jan 6) Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to support soldiers "fighting to defend Moscow’s interests". Meanwhile, wives of Russians mobilised to fight in Ukraine symbolically laid flowers at the flame of an unknown soldier near the Kremlin and demanded the return of their husbands from the front. Putin’s change in tone “Many of our men, our courageous, heroic guys, Russian warriors, even now, on this holiday, defend the interests of our country with arms in hand,” said the Russian president at a late Saturday meeting with families of Russian soldiers who have died in Ukraine. He also said that he has ordered his government to ramp up support for those who fight and call on his people to be merciful and just. It has also been reported that Putin, who is facing elections in March, has been softening his speeches to focus on traditional Russian values and unity. “I would like our meeting to be a clear, understandable signal to all my colleagues throughout the Russian Federation, and at all levels – a clear signal to ensure that my colleagues are always and everywhere with you, I repeat, any level of power,” he told the families gathered at a chapel at his residence in Novo-Ogaryovo outside Moscow. ALSO READ | Prez Biden kept in dark about Austin’s hospitalisation, US defence secretary pledges transparency In a separate greeting for the occasion issued on the Kremlin’s website, Putin called on his citizens to follow the “unshakable” values of “goodness, mercy and justice” and on the Russian Orthodox Church to help strengthen “the institution of families” and patriotism. Notably, this year Putin did not call for a ceasefire in Ukraine to coincide with the holiday – like he did last year – which many Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 6-7. Orthodox Christmas services were also held in parts of Ukraine occupied by Russian, unlike the rest of the war-torn country. Kyiv celebrated its Christmas on December 25 after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law last July to change the date of the Christmas holiday from January 7 partly to “renounce Russian heritage”. Protest near Kremlin Amid growing anger among relatives of reservists whom Putin mobilised in September 2022, months after Russia began invading Ukraine, some 15 women, according to AFP, braved the winter cold to place red flowers at the site in the heart of the capital which is also right beneath the walls of the Kremlin. “We want to draw the authorities’ attention and that of the public to our appeal. We have tried several means. We made a written appeal to lawmakers, officials, administrations – but we were not heard,” Maria, a 47-year-old sales manager, whose husband was mobilised in November 2022, told the news agency. She added, “It’s not fair. They are civilians, they are not soldiers. Our husbands can’t stay there.” ALSO READ | Ukraine war: At least 11, including 5 children, killed in Russian strikes in Pokrovsk While protests and criticism, particularly about what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine are dealt with swiftly in Moscow, mobilisation is said to be a sensitive subject for authorities, who have so far refrained from repressing what has become a nascent movement of revolt. Maria Semyonova, a legal assistant, urged authorities to “negotiate peace” in Ukraine at a protest where police, according to AFP, did not intervene. The protest is “the only peaceful action that has not yet been banned by law,” Paulina, the mother of a one-year-old child, told the news agency. She added, “I feel like we’re annoying them. But no one will remain silent. We shall carry on every day, every Saturday.” (With inputs from agencies)

Putin vows to support soldiers fighting in Ukraine while wives mobilise protest near Kremlin

The Nepal government has suspended the issuance of work permits to its citizens to travel to Russia and Ukraine following the death of at least 10 Nepalese citizens who joined the Russian Army in the ongoing war between the two neighbours.

Nepal suspends work permits for Russia and Ukraine after soldiers killed

Ukraine is considering to review proposed changes to the rules on army mobilisation that would enable Kyiv to call up more people and tighten sanctions against draft evasion as the war with Russia drags on.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine considers changing mobilisation rules

Massive Russian missile attack raises urgency for Western aid. Ukraine commander sounds alarm on forces running out of ammunition. Watch the video to get more insights!

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia fires 500 missiles & drones in 5 days, says Zelensky

Russia has hit Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea for the first time during its invasion, a senior Kyiv official said on Friday, corroborating an earlier assertion by the U.S. White House.

The statement on social media platform X came after the governor of the northeastern region of Kharkiv said that his region had been struck by missiles fired by Russia that were not Russian-made.

"There is no longer any disguise ... as part of its outright genocidal war, the Russian Federation for the first time struck at the territory of Ukraine with missiles received from ... North Korea," the senior Kyiv official, Mykhailo Podolyak, said.

He did not provide evidence for the missiles being North Korean. In its statement on Thursday, Washington cited declassified intelligence.

"(Russia) is attacking Ukrainians with missiles received from a state where citizens are tortured in concentration camps for having an unregistered radio, talking to a tourist, watching TV shows," Podolyak said.

The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment on the U.S. assertion that Russia had fired North Korean-supplied short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine.

Earlier on Friday, the Kharkiv regional governor said missiles produced outside Russia had been fired into the province at the end of December and the beginning of January.

A Reuters video operator filmed the aftermath of a Russian air strike on the regional capital of Kharkiv on Jan. 2, in which a missile landed close to the city centre, leaving behind a deep crater and missile debris.

Shown the Reuters footage for review, Joost Oliemans, a Dutch researcher and expert on North Korea's military, said the missile remnants looked like they were from North Korea.

"It (the footage) appears to show the main body as well as the engine section of a missile that is pretty much a dead match for a North Korean type of missile that we've actually seen pretty clear photos of in the past few years," he said.

Kharkiv regional prosecutors said they were conducting an investigation into the country of origin of three missiles used by Russia to hit the provincial capital on Tuesday. Their statement did not name North Korea.

That attack on Kharkiv city killed two people and wounded 62, the prosecutor's office said.

Ukraine's air force said earlier on Friday it could not yet confirm the country of manufacture of the missiles in question.

While the United States would not say specifically what type of missiles Pyongyang had sent to Russia, U.S. spokesman John Kirby said they had a range of about 900 km (550 miles). He released a graphic that appeared to show KN-23 and KN-25 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs).

North Korea has been under a United Nations arms embargo since it first tested a nuclear bomb in 2006.

U.N. Security Council resolutions - approved with Russian support - ban countries from trading weapons or other military equipment with North Korea.

In November, South Korean authorities said North Korea may have supplied SRBMs to Russia as part of a larger arms deal that also included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles.

Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied conducting any arms deals but vowed last year to deepen military relations.

Russia has hit Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea for the first time during its invasion, a senior Kyiv official said on Friday, corroborating an earlier assertion by the U.

Russia has hit Ukraine with missiles supplied by North Korea for the first time during its invasion, a senior Kyiv official said on Friday, corroborating an earlier assertion by the U.S. White House. The statement on social media platform X came after the governor of the northeastern region of Kharkiv said that his region had been struck by missiles fired by Russia that were not Russian-made. "There is no longer any disguise ... as part of its outright genocidal war, the Russian Federation for the first time struck at the territory of Ukraine with missiles received from ... North Korea," the senior Kyiv official, Mykhailo Podolyak, said. He did not provide evidence for the missiles being North Korean. In its statement on Thursday, Washington cited declassified intelligence. "(Russia) is attacking Ukrainians with missiles received from a state where citizens are tortured in concentration camps for having an unregistered radio, talking to a tourist, watching TV shows," Podolyak said. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment on the U.S. assertion that Russia had fired North Korean-supplied short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine. Earlier on Friday, the Kharkiv regional governor said missiles produced outside Russia had been fired into the province at the end of December and the beginning of January. A Reuters video operator filmed the aftermath of a Russian air strike on the regional capital of Kharkiv on Jan. 2, in which a missile landed close to the city centre, leaving behind a deep crater and missile debris. Shown the Reuters footage for review, Joost Oliemans, a Dutch researcher and expert on North Korea's military, said the missile remnants looked like they were from North Korea. "It (the footage) appears to show the main body as well as the engine section of a missile that is pretty much a dead match for a North Korean type of missile that we've actually seen pretty clear photos of in the past few years," he said. Kharkiv regional prosecutors said they were conducting an investigation into the country of origin of three missiles used by Russia to hit the provincial capital on Tuesday. Their statement did not name North Korea. That attack on Kharkiv city killed two people and wounded 62, the prosecutor's office said. Ukraine's air force said earlier on Friday it could not yet confirm the country of manufacture of the missiles in question. While the United States would not say specifically what type of missiles Pyongyang had sent to Russia, U.S. spokesman John Kirby said they had a range of about 900 km (550 miles). He released a graphic that appeared to show KN-23 and KN-25 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). North Korea has been under a United Nations arms embargo since it first tested a nuclear bomb in 2006. U.N. Security Council resolutions - approved with Russian support - ban countries from trading weapons or other military equipment with North Korea. In November, South Korean authorities said North Korea may have supplied SRBMs to Russia as part of a larger arms deal that also included anti-tank and anti-air missiles, artillery and mortar shells, and rifles. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have previously denied conducting any arms deals but vowed last year to deepen military relations.

Russia fires North Korean missiles at Ukraine for first time - Kyiv official

A Russian Su-34 fighter jet was lit on fire overnight on January 4 at the Shagol airbase in Chelyabinsk, Russia, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) said, publishing a video of the burning plane. Russia has not yet commented on the above information.

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Russian city of Belgorod was hit by another round of Ukrainian shelling late Thursday. Now, the strike came hours after schools in the region were orders to extend holiday closure due to the risk of more attacks.

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Russia has used ballistic missiles and launchers supplied by North Korea in its war on Ukraine, the US has said.

Russia used North Korean missiles in Ukraine attack: US

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The attack on Kyivstar, Ukraine's largest electronic communications operator took out mobile and home internet service for as many as 24 million people in Ukraine.

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The Russian region of Belgorod bordering Ukraine said Thursday it would keep some schools closed until January 19, following unprecedented Ukrainian shelling over the weekend.

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Ukraine’s security service has attributed the cyber-attack on mobile operator Kyivstar to Russian hacking group Sandworm.

Russia-Ukraine war: Rise of cyber warfare

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber set ablaze at Chelyabinsk airfield

US intelligence officials have determined that North Korea has provided Russia with ballistic missiles and missile launchers that were used in recent attacks on Ukraine in a major escalation of support for Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine War: US says Russia using North Korean missiles for attacks on Ukraine

Russian city of Belgorod hit by another round of Ukrainian shelling late Thursday. Now, the strike came hours after schools in the region were orders to extend holiday closure due to the risk of more attacks.

Belgorod hit by Ukrainian shelling, again, hours after schools ordered to extend closure | WION

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the biggest single release of captives since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

Russia & Ukraine exchange over 400 Prisoners of War, Zelensky releases video of people celebrating

Following mediation by United Arab Emirates, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged hundreds of prisoners of war in the biggest single release of captives since Moscow's invasion began in February 2022.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia, Ukraine exchange hundreds of prisoners

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