Russian President Vladimir Putin was on Friday shown meeting one of the most senior former commanders of the Wagner mercenary group and discussing how best to use “volunteer units” in the Ukraine war.

Russia’s President Putin discusses Ukraine war with top Wagner commander

NATO member Romania on Saturday (Sep 30) said that there was a possible airspace breach during Russia's overnight drone attacks on infrastructure in neighbouring Ukraine. 
 
After Russia exited the deal which allowed safe grain shipments through the Black Sea, the strikes on Ukraine's southern Mykolaiv and Odesa regions have been ramped up by Russia. The regions are home to vital grain-exporting infrastructure. 
 
"Following the detection of groups of drones heading towards Ukrainian territory near the Romanian border" residents in the Galati and Tulcea municipalities were alerted, said the defence ministry, in a statement. 
 
"The radar surveillance system ... indicated possible unauthorised entry into national airspace, with a signal detected on a route towards the municipality of Galati," it stated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-decisive-historic-event-putin-addresses-russia-on-first-anniversary-of-ukrainian-regions-annexation-641114">A decisive, historic event: Putin addresses Russia on first anniversary of Ukrainian regions annexation</a>

The defence ministry stated that no objects appeared to have fallen inside the Romanian territory but they will continue the search on Saturday. Around midnight, the people living in Galati and Tulcea, which is near the port of Reni in southern Ukraine across the River Danube, were alerted and warned to take shelter. After two hours, the alert measures were lifted. 
 
Earlier this month, air-raid shelters were built by the Romanian soldiers to protect the residents in the eastern Romanian village of Plauru after they found drone fragments in the area.

<h2 data-label="Package" data-qa-component="item-headline" dir="auto" title="Ukraine shoots down 30 drones over south, centre, officials say">Ukraine shoots down 30 drones</h2>

The air force of Ukraine claimed to have shot down 30 out of 40 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones which were&nbsp;launched by Russia in an overnight attack, said&nbsp;regional and military officials on Saturday.

The South Military command claimed that they shot down&nbsp;20 drones in the central Vinnytsia region and 10 others&nbsp;over the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions in the south.

Spokesperson for the southern command Natalia Humeniuk, speaking to&nbsp;Ukrainian TV, said that Russia continued&nbsp;attacking port infrastructure, which included those near&nbsp;the Danube river, and was also trying to strike critical infrastructure facilities in other regions of Ukraine "to impact the economy".

<h2>Zelensky takes steps to attract arms makers</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened the first International Defence Industries Forum of Kyiv so as to attract more manufacturers who will build arms in Ukraine. 
 
"Our first task is to win this war and return a lasting and, most importantly, reliable peace to our people. We will accomplish this task through our cooperation with you," said Zelensky, in a speech at the opening on Friday (Sep 29).

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow presses on 'special operation' in Kyiv

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"We are interested in localising the production of equipment necessary for our defence... and advanced defence systems used by our soldiers that give Ukraine the best results at the front today," he added. 
 
The officials from more than 30 countries and 250 defence firms had collected for the forum which is being organised as Zelensky lobbies the West, seeking more arms to wage a counteroffensive against Russia. 
 
Ukraine started its pushback to regain occupied territory in June but has accepted that its troops are slowly progressing as they encounter lines of heavily fortified Russian defences.&nbsp;

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)

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NATO member Romania on Saturday (Sep 30) said that there was a possible airspace breach during Russia's overnight drone attacks on infrastructure in neighbouring Ukraine.

NATO member Romania on Saturday (Sep 30) said that there was a possible airspace breach during Russia's overnight drone attacks on infrastructure in neighbouring Ukraine. After Russia exited the deal which allowed safe grain shipments through the Black Sea, the strikes on Ukraine's southern Mykolaiv and Odesa regions have been ramped up by Russia. The regions are home to vital grain-exporting infrastructure. "Following the detection of groups of drones heading towards Ukrainian territory near the Romanian border" residents in the Galati and Tulcea municipalities were alerted, said the defence ministry, in a statement. "The radar surveillance system ... indicated possible unauthorised entry into national airspace, with a signal detected on a route towards the municipality of Galati," it stated. ALSO READ | A decisive, historic event: Putin addresses Russia on first anniversary of Ukrainian regions annexation The defence ministry stated that no objects appeared to have fallen inside the Romanian territory but they will continue the search on Saturday. Around midnight, the people living in Galati and Tulcea, which is near the port of Reni in southern Ukraine across the River Danube, were alerted and warned to take shelter. After two hours, the alert measures were lifted. Earlier this month, air-raid shelters were built by the Romanian soldiers to protect the residents in the eastern Romanian village of Plauru after they found drone fragments in the area. Ukraine shoots down 30 drones The air force of Ukraine claimed to have shot down 30 out of 40 Iranian-made "Shahed" drones which were launched by Russia in an overnight attack, said regional and military officials on Saturday. The South Military command claimed that they shot down 20 drones in the central Vinnytsia region and 10 others over the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions in the south. Spokesperson for the southern command Natalia Humeniuk, speaking to Ukrainian TV, said that Russia continued attacking port infrastructure, which included those near the Danube river, and was also trying to strike critical infrastructure facilities in other regions of Ukraine "to impact the economy". Zelensky takes steps to attract arms makers Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opened the first International Defence Industries Forum of Kyiv so as to attract more manufacturers who will build arms in Ukraine. "Our first task is to win this war and return a lasting and, most importantly, reliable peace to our people. We will accomplish this task through our cooperation with you," said Zelensky, in a speech at the opening on Friday (Sep 29). WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow presses on 'special operation' in Kyiv "We are interested in localising the production of equipment necessary for our defence... and advanced defence systems used by our soldiers that give Ukraine the best results at the front today," he added. The officials from more than 30 countries and 250 defence firms had collected for the forum which is being organised as Zelensky lobbies the West, seeking more arms to wage a counteroffensive against Russia. Ukraine started its pushback to regain occupied territory in June but has accepted that its troops are slowly progressing as they encounter lines of heavily fortified Russian defences. 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) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Romania reports 'airspace breach' during Ukraine attacks, Zelensky attracts arms makers

Several hundred members of Russia's Wagner private mercenary group have returned to eastern Ukraine to fight. This is as Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree setting out the routine autumn conscription campaign, calling up 130,000 citizens for statutory military service. Meanwhile, tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh region escalate as regional leaders look to Russia to broker a deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, although they remain cautious of the Kremlin. Wion's Eric Njoka speaks to Sergej Sumlenny, a Defense expert and Director at the European Resilience Initiative Center, for more perspective.

Russia's Wagner return in the east alarms Ukraine

In pics | Ukraine marks 82nd anniversary of Babyn Yar killings by Nazis in Kyiv

Ukrainian tank crews in eastern Ukraine welcomed the first delivery of U.S. Abrams tanks to Kyiv. The Abrams tanks will offer the crew a boost & provide more protection & firepower in battle. Watch this video to know more.

Will US Abrams tanks prove to be a game changer for Ukrainian soldiers?

As per reports, Russia President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine continues to adversely impact Russia's economy and it has forced the leader to review his budget priorities but instead of what at least NATO would have expected.

Cost of Russia Ukraine War: Russia doubles 2024 defence spending as Ukraine war costs soar

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, was pictured on Friday meeting with one of the senior former Wagner mercenary group commanders and talking about the best way to utilize "volunteer units" in the battle in Ukraine. The conference emphasized the Kremlin's attempt to demonstrate that it had taken control of the mercenary group following its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's June insurrection, which was put down when he and other senior commanders were killed in an August plane crash.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin discusses Ukraine war with ex-Wagner commander Troshev

Wagner Group mercenaries are back in Ukraine. This comes after a prolonged absence on Battlefield. It is also their first appearance in Ukraine since Prigozhin's death.

Are Russia's Wagner fighters back in the Ukraine war?

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's former aide the task of overseeing volunteer fighter units in Ukraine, as per a statement issued by the Kremlin on Friday (Sep 28). 
 
Prigozhin was killed in August in an air crash which was suspected to have been orchestrated by Putin after the failed Wagner mutiny in June. 
 
"At the last meeting, we talked about you overseeing the formation of volunteer units that can carry out various tasks, first and foremost of course in the zone of the special military operation," the Russian president was quoted as saying to Andrei Troshev.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-places-icc-president-on-wanted-list-amid-allegations-of-torturing-ukrainian-victims-to-death-639487">Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death</a>

The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, emphasised the integration of the mercenary group's fighters into the regular military of Russia in the wake of the aborted mutiny.

Prigozhin was killed along with nine other people when a plane, which took off from Moscow and was headed to Saint Petersburg, crashed on August 23.

As per the experts, the Wagner mutiny was the most significant challenge to the rule of Putin.

The rebellion was called off by Prigozhin after he apparently finalised a deal with the Kremlin through the mediation of Belarus, after which he faced no criminal prosecution.

WATCH |&nbsp;Vladmir Putin meets Ramzan Kadyrov in Moscow

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Troshev, who is a retired colonel famous by the nickname "Sedoi" (Gray-haired), hails from St Petersburg, the hometown of Putin, and is a decorated veteran of Kremlin campaigns in Chechnya, Afghanistan and Syria.

He was one of the Wagner Group's leaders in Syria for which he was put on the sanctions list of the the European Union in December 2021.

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)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's former aide the task of overseeing volunteer fighter units in Ukraine, as per a statement issued by the Kremlin on Friday (Sep 28).

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the late Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's former aide the task of overseeing volunteer fighter units in Ukraine, as per a statement issued by the Kremlin on Friday (Sep 28). Prigozhin was killed in August in an air crash which was suspected to have been orchestrated by Putin after the failed Wagner mutiny in June. "At the last meeting, we talked about you overseeing the formation of volunteer units that can carry out various tasks, first and foremost of course in the zone of the special military operation," the Russian president was quoted as saying to Andrei Troshev. ALSO READ | Russia places ICC president on wanted list amid allegations it tortured Ukrainians to death The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, emphasised the integration of the mercenary group's fighters into the regular military of Russia in the wake of the aborted mutiny. Prigozhin was killed along with nine other people when a plane, which took off from Moscow and was headed to Saint Petersburg, crashed on August 23. As per the experts, the Wagner mutiny was the most significant challenge to the rule of Putin. The rebellion was called off by Prigozhin after he apparently finalised a deal with the Kremlin through the mediation of Belarus, after which he faced no criminal prosecution. WATCH | Vladmir Putin meets Ramzan Kadyrov in Moscow Troshev, who is a retired colonel famous by the nickname "Sedoi" (Gray-haired), hails from St Petersburg, the hometown of Putin, and is a decorated veteran of Kremlin campaigns in Chechnya, Afghanistan and Syria. He was one of the Wagner Group's leaders in Syria for which he was put on the sanctions list of the the European Union in December 2021. 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) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Putin gives task of managing Ukraine volunteer fighters to ex-Prigozhin aide

US officials have issued a list of "priority reforms" to Ukraine, indicating that future aid may be contingent on Kyiv's compliance. Washington has asked Ukraine to take anti-corruption measures while supporting the war-torn country's goal of joining the European Union.

Gravitas: Will Biden halt Ukraine aid? The US imposes a deadline for Ukraine to combat corruption

The Russian President Vladimir Putin met with a Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Vladmir Putin meets Ramzan Kadyrov in Moscow

The NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg has called out Russia's imperialistic Ambitions claiming that the Ukrainian forces were gradually gaining ground in their counteroffensive.

NATO chief: Ukraine fighting Russia's imperial delusions

Russia said on Thursday (September 28) that it was planning a major increase of 70 per cent in its defece spending. The country plans to funnel massive resources into its Ukraine offensive which is calls 'special military operation' and also a 'hybrid war' unleashed by the West.

Russia's Ukraine offensive is now dragged towards its twentieth month. Troops of both the countries have been digging deep and are preparing for what appears to be developing into a protracted conflict.

The latest announcement from Russia has come close on the heels of NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's Kyiv visit. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defence systems.

Defence ministers of Britain and France visited Kyiv as well.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike in Crimea

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Ukraine's newly appointed defence minister Rustem Umerov, after meeting with his British counterpart Grant Shapps, said, "Winter is coming but we are ready."

According to a document from Russian finance ministry, defence spending is set to jump by over 68 per cent year-on-year to almost 10.8 trillion rubles ($111.15 billion) -- more than spending allocated for social policy.

"It is obvious that such an increase is necessary, absolutely necessary, because we are in a state of hybrid war, we are continuing the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;

"I'm referring to the hybrid war that has been unleashed against us," he said.

AFP said that defence spending in 2024 is set to be around three times than education, environmental protection and healthcare spending combined.

"The focus of economic policy is shifting from an anti-crisis agenda to the promotion of national development goals," the finance ministry said in the document.

It said this included "strengthening the country's defence capacity" and "integrating" four Ukrainian regions Moscow claims to have annexed last year -- Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously shrugged off Ukraine war's effect on economy. He has said that Russia has weathered the effect of Western sanctions.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-alleges-us-uk-aided-ukraine-missile-strike-on-crimea-naval-hq-640342">Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike on Crimea naval headquarters</a>

However, Russia's central bank recently warned that economic growth was likely to slow this year and ordinary Russians may have to face rising prices.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months, Russian forces had to withdraw from many territories of Ukraine. The West, led by the US, has poured billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military aid. It was expected that Ukraine, with the help of Western weapons, would be able to stage an effective counter-offensive against Russia. But the progress of the counter-offensive has been slow and Ukraine has not been able retake large swathes of territory as it was initially expected.

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Russia said on Thursday (September 28) that it was planning a major increase of 70 per cent in its defece spending. The country plans to funnel massive resources into its Ukraine offensive which is calls 'special military operation' and also a 'hybrid war' unleashed by the West.

Russia said on Thursday (September 28) that it was planning a major increase of 70 per cent in its defece spending. The country plans to funnel massive resources into its Ukraine offensive which is calls 'special military operation' and also a 'hybrid war' unleashed by the West. Russia's Ukraine offensive is now dragged towards its twentieth month. Troops of both the countries have been digging deep and are preparing for what appears to be developing into a protracted conflict. The latest announcement from Russia has come close on the heels of NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's Kyiv visit. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky lobbied for more air defence systems. Defence ministers of Britain and France visited Kyiv as well. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike in Crimea × Ukraine's newly appointed defence minister Rustem Umerov, after meeting with his British counterpart Grant Shapps, said, "Winter is coming but we are ready." According to a document from Russian finance ministry, defence spending is set to jump by over 68 per cent year-on-year to almost 10.8 trillion rubles ($111.15 billion) -- more than spending allocated for social policy. "It is obvious that such an increase is necessary, absolutely necessary, because we are in a state of hybrid war, we are continuing the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "I'm referring to the hybrid war that has been unleashed against us," he said. AFP said that defence spending in 2024 is set to be around three times than education, environmental protection and healthcare spending combined. "The focus of economic policy is shifting from an anti-crisis agenda to the promotion of national development goals," the finance ministry said in the document. It said this included "strengthening the country's defence capacity" and "integrating" four Ukrainian regions Moscow claims to have annexed last year -- Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously shrugged off Ukraine war's effect on economy. He has said that Russia has weathered the effect of Western sanctions. Also Read | Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike on Crimea naval headquarters However, Russia's central bank recently warned that economic growth was likely to slow this year and ordinary Russians may have to face rising prices. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. After sustained gains in first few months, Russian forces had to withdraw from many territories of Ukraine. The West, led by the US, has poured billions and billions into Ukraine in humanitarian and military aid. It was expected that Ukraine, with the help of Western weapons, would be able to stage an effective counter-offensive against Russia. But the progress of the counter-offensive has been slow and Ukraine has not been able retake large swathes of territory as it was initially expected. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia plans major increase in defence spending for edge in Ukraine war

Bulgaria’s parliament has decided to send s-300 air defence missile systems to Ukraine, its first such shipment to Kyiv from a country bitterly divided over the issue. After World War Two, Bulgaria became a satellite of the Soviet Union, but is now a member of the European Union and NATO. Most middle-aged Bulgarians studied Russian in school, understand the language and some regularly follow the news in the Russian media.

'Russians our Slavic brothers': War tests pro-Putin sentiment in Bulgaria | S-300s for Ukraine

Days after bitterness crept into the Ukraine-Poland relationship, there appears to be some thaw. Warsaw's agriculture minister on Wednesday (Sep 27) said talks between the two countries were on track as they sought to resolve the dispute surrounding the ban on grain imports.

Days after bitterness crept into the Ukraine-Poland relationship, there appears to be some thaw. Warsaw's agriculture minister on Wednesday (Sep 27) said talks between the two countries were on track as they sought to resolve the dispute surrounding the ban on grain imports. Warsaw and Kyiv are allies, but relations have soured since Poland, Hungary and Slovakia decided to extend a ban that was introduced to protect farmers from Ukrainian grains flooding the market. Polish minister Robert Telus held online talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Solsky and informed reporters about the small breakthrough. "I am glad that we are talking about the future, that we are building mechanisms for the future and we are calming certain emotions that have not served us well, and this is probably a good direction," Telus was quoted as saying by Reuters. The minister added that the two countries would hold further talks in a week on a licensing procedure proposed by Kyiv. Ukraine has suggested the introduction of export licenses for corn, rapeseed, sunflower seed and wheat destined for export to five neighbouring countries in central Europe that are members of the European Union. Meanwhile, Taras Kachka, the Ukrainian trade representative described the talks with Poland as constructive, adding that he hopes such restrictions on Ukrainian grain exports would never recur. "Only when we receive these guarantees will we formally announce to the whole world that this dispute is over," he said in televised comments. Watch | Poland fumes over Ukrainian president's Volodymyr Zelensky's UN speech × What happened between Poland and Ukraine? Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine last year, Poland has been one of the biggest allies of Ukraine, supplying much of the weapons to the war-hit nation. Much of the weaponry that the United States and other countries send to Ukraine, passes through Poland. However, after Warsaw decided to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain imports, earlier this month, to protect its farmers, despite the UN suggesting otherwise, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went on an offensive. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Zelensky inadvertently targeted the Polish regime, which did not go down well with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. The Ukrainian president criticised the allies saying some countries were only pretending to support his nation as it wages a counteroffensive to retake land taken by Russia. Also read | Poland no longer arming war-torn Ukraine amid grain deal row Zelensky's comments angered Morawiecki who warned him to never insult Poles again. The Polish PM added that Warsaw would no longer arm Ukraine. "I...want to tell President Zelensky never to insult Poles again, as he did recently during his speech at the UN," Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki was quoted as saying by state-run news agency PAP on Friday (September 22). After his statement caused a stir, Polish President Andrzej Duda attempted to simmer the situation by claiming that the PM's words had been misinterpreted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After days of bitterness, some thaw in Poland-Ukraine relationship as two sides talk grain import ban

The Cave School of Economics estimated in March 2023 that the direct economic losses to Ukraine from the war could reach 500 billion dollars which is more significant than Ukraine's pre-war GDP of 350 billion dollars beyond the financial toll.

Beyond Borders: The Ukraine conflict's wider repercussions

Not just a day after the Ukrainian special forces claimed to have killed the Commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet, a shocking video has now emerged from Russia. The video shows Admiral Viktor Sokolov on Russian state TV attending a Defence Leaders' meeting.

Russia Black Sea Commander Viktor Sokolov 'alive', appears in a video | WION | World DNA

Ten German-made Leopard 1 tanks headed for Ukraine were forced to return home after the war-torn nation rejected them over multiple technical defects.

Ukraine rejects 10 German Leopard tanks over repair issues

Since the war broke out between Russia and Ukraine defensive military assistance has been provided to Kyiv by its allies. Now Moscow has claimed that Washington and London have helped Ukraine orchestrate last week's unprecedented strike.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow alleges US, UK aided Ukraine missile strike in Crimea

With the war in Ukraine stretching to 580 days, tensions are mounting along the frontlines. The global economic order has changed significantly since February 2022 when the war began. What is the human cost of war and what does the number suggest? Take a look.

Unfolding Tragedy: Ukraine war's human and economic costs

NATO's multinational battle group in Bulgaria has completed a set of drills. Bulgarian troops performed exercises with six NATO nations.

US: Exercise to understand Bulgarian terrain

Amid the ongoing prolonged conflict, Ukrainian authorities have disclosed that the recent wave of attacks on its soil involving Iranian kamikaze drones has a European connection. A confidential document, shared with Western allies by Kyiv and obtained by the Guardian, underscored the use of European components in these deadly drones along with appeals for long-range missiles to strike production facilities in Russia, Iran, and Syria.

According to a 47-page document submitted by Ukraine to the G7 nations in August, over the past three months, there have been more than 600 drone attacks on Ukrainian cities employing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Western technology.

The document revealed that the Shahed-131 drone contained 52 electrical components manufactured by Western companies, while the Shahed-136 model, with a range of 2,000km and a cruising speed of 180kmph, contained 57 such components.

<h2>Who were the manufacturers of the identified components?&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, five European companies, including a Polish subsidiary of a British multinational, are identified as the original manufacturers of these components.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fewer-than-12-of-key-speakers-were-women-un-assembly-640114">Fewer than 12% of key speakers were women: UN assembly</a>

The document states, “Among the manufacturers are companies headquartered in the countries of the sanctions coalition: the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Poland."&nbsp;

<h2>Shift in drone production site&nbsp;</h2>

The document suggested&nbsp;that Iran's drone production is shifting to Russia,&nbsp;to the central Tartar region of Alabuga.&nbsp;Ukraine's government, in its document, made a daring plea to its Western allies, calling for “missile strikes on the production plants of these UAVs in Iran, Syria, as well as on a potential production site in the Russian Federation”.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-polices-deafening-silence-on-wions-questions-over-nijjar-murder-probe-640098">Canadian police’s deafening silence on WION’s questions over Nijjar murder probe</a>

Ukraine said that such actions could only be carried out by its own defence forces if partners provided the necessary means of destruction, the Guardian reported.&nbsp;

<h2>No wrongdoing mentioned&nbsp;</h2>

The document does not suggest any wrongdoing by the Western companies whose components have been identified. It noted that "Iranian UAV production has adapted and mostly uses available commercial components, the supply of which is poorly or not controlled at all."

<h2>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-warming-water-stress-disturb-fungal-networks-640123">Global warming &amp; water stress disturb fungal networks</a></h2>

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The Ukrainian government's report, titled "Barrage Deaths: Report on Shahed-136/131 UAVs," was compiled with the assistance of Ukraine's central research institute of armaments and military equipment. It also provided&nbsp;crucial insights into Russia's evolving drone tactics and production plans since the initial use of Shahed drones in September 2022.

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&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing prolonged conflict, Ukrainian authorities have disclosed that the recent wave of attacks on its soil involving Iranian kamikaze drones has a European connection.

Amid the ongoing prolonged conflict, Ukrainian authorities have disclosed that the recent wave of attacks on its soil involving Iranian kamikaze drones has a European connection. A confidential document, shared with Western allies by Kyiv and obtained by the Guardian, underscored the use of European components in these deadly drones along with appeals for long-range missiles to strike production facilities in Russia, Iran, and Syria. According to a 47-page document submitted by Ukraine to the G7 nations in August, over the past three months, there have been more than 600 drone attacks on Ukrainian cities employing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with Western technology. The document revealed that the Shahed-131 drone contained 52 electrical components manufactured by Western companies, while the Shahed-136 model, with a range of 2,000km and a cruising speed of 180kmph, contained 57 such components. Who were the manufacturers of the identified components? Notably, five European companies, including a Polish subsidiary of a British multinational, are identified as the original manufacturers of these components. Also Read | Fewer than 12% of key speakers were women: UN assembly The document states, “Among the manufacturers are companies headquartered in the countries of the sanctions coalition: the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Poland." Shift in drone production site The document suggested that Iran's drone production is shifting to Russia, to the central Tartar region of Alabuga. Ukraine's government, in its document, made a daring plea to its Western allies, calling for “missile strikes on the production plants of these UAVs in Iran, Syria, as well as on a potential production site in the Russian Federation”. Also Read | Canadian police’s deafening silence on WION’s questions over Nijjar murder probe Ukraine said that such actions could only be carried out by its own defence forces if partners provided the necessary means of destruction, the Guardian reported. No wrongdoing mentioned The document does not suggest any wrongdoing by the Western companies whose components have been identified. It noted that "Iranian UAV production has adapted and mostly uses available commercial components, the supply of which is poorly or not controlled at all." Watch | Global warming & water stress disturb fungal networks × The Ukrainian government's report, titled "Barrage Deaths: Report on Shahed-136/131 UAVs," was compiled with the assistance of Ukraine's central research institute of armaments and military equipment. It also provided crucial insights into Russia's evolving drone tactics and production plans since the initial use of Shahed drones in September 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

European components fueling Iran's Kamikaze drones used by Russia against Ukraine: Report

Ukraine has said it will not play in tournaments involving Russian teams after soccer European governing body, UEFA, announced plans to reinstate Russia's Under-17 sides to European competitions. In a statement released late on Tuesday, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) urged UEFA to reconsider its decision and urged other countries not to play against Russian teams.

UEFA decided after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that all Russian teams - national or club sides - would be suspended from participation in its competitions.

But UEFA said on Tuesday that "children should not be punished for actions whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults", and that Russian U-17 sides would be readmitted to UEFA competitions "in the course of this season".

"UAF strongly condemns today's UEFA decision on the return of U-17 teams from the Russian Federation to international competitions," the UAF said, urging UEFA to stick to its blanket ban on Russian teams.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/china-open-2023-carlos-alcaraz-relishes-beautiful-battle-for-number-one-spot-640174">China Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz relishes 'beautiful battle' for number one spot</a>

"UAF confirms that we will not take part in any competitions with the participation of Russian teams, and appeal to other UEFA member associations to boycott possible matches with the participation of teams from the Russian Federation, subject to their admission."

It said the return of Russian teams to competitions "in the midst of hostilities conducted by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is groundless and such that it tolerates Russia's aggressive policy."

England's Football Association reacted to UEFA's decision on Tuesday by saying its youth teams would not play against Russia.

The U-17 men's European Championship finals will be held in Cyprus next year, while the women's tournament will take place in Sweden.

Ukraine's sports ministry has barred Ukrainian national sports associations from sending delegations to compete at events where Russians or Belarusians were competing. Belarus let its territory be used as a launchpad for Russia's invasion.

Ukraine's football association subsequently clarified that its senior team would continue to participate in qualifiers for Euro 2024, despite the fact that the Belarusian team is competing in a separate qualifying group.

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Ukraine has said it will not play in tournaments involving Russian teams after soccer European governing body, UEFA, announced plans to reinstate Russia's Under-17 sides to European competitions.

Ukraine has said it will not play in tournaments involving Russian teams after soccer European governing body, UEFA, announced plans to reinstate Russia's Under-17 sides to European competitions. In a statement released late on Tuesday, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) urged UEFA to reconsider its decision and urged other countries not to play against Russian teams. UEFA decided after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that all Russian teams - national or club sides - would be suspended from participation in its competitions. But UEFA said on Tuesday that "children should not be punished for actions whose responsibility lies exclusively with adults", and that Russian U-17 sides would be readmitted to UEFA competitions "in the course of this season". "UAF strongly condemns today's UEFA decision on the return of U-17 teams from the Russian Federation to international competitions," the UAF said, urging UEFA to stick to its blanket ban on Russian teams. ALSO READ: China Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz relishes 'beautiful battle' for number one spot "UAF confirms that we will not take part in any competitions with the participation of Russian teams, and appeal to other UEFA member associations to boycott possible matches with the participation of teams from the Russian Federation, subject to their admission." It said the return of Russian teams to competitions "in the midst of hostilities conducted by the Russian Federation against Ukraine is groundless and such that it tolerates Russia's aggressive policy." England's Football Association reacted to UEFA's decision on Tuesday by saying its youth teams would not play against Russia. The U-17 men's European Championship finals will be held in Cyprus next year, while the women's tournament will take place in Sweden. Ukraine's sports ministry has barred Ukrainian national sports associations from sending delegations to compete at events where Russians or Belarusians were competing. Belarus let its territory be used as a launchpad for Russia's invasion. Ukraine's football association subsequently clarified that its senior team would continue to participate in qualifiers for Euro 2024, despite the fact that the Belarusian team is competing in a separate qualifying group. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Football: Ukraine hit back at UEFA over reinstating Russia in U-17 European competitions

Russia said on Monday (September 25) that its air defence forces shot down a missile over Russian-annexed Crimea. "Our military is repelling a missile attack. According to preliminary data, air defence shot down one missile near the Belbek airfield.

Russia said on Monday (September 25) that its air defence forces shot down a missile over Russian-annexed Crimea. "Our military is repelling a missile attack. According to preliminary data, air defence shot down one missile near the Belbek airfield. Work continues," Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram. Razvozhayev said that authorities declared an air raid alert across the region at 8.57 pm (1757 GMT). About an hour later, the governor announced the air raid alert was over. Ukraine has targeted Crimea throughout Russia's offensive but attacks on military installations there have recently intensified. Russian air strikes kill 4 in Ukraine; grain facilities damaged The above development comes as Russian air strikes on Monday killed four people in Ukraine and caused significant damage to infrastructure at the Black Sea port of Odesa and to grain storage facilities. Sharing a post on X, Ukraine's Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said, "Another massive attack on Odesa. The attack resulted in the destruction of grain storage facilities and significant damage to the seaport." According to a report by the news agency Reuters early Tuesday, Odesa region Governor Oleh Kiper said the facilities that were hit contained almost 1,000 tonnes of grain and that the bodies of two men were found under the rubble of a warehouse. Separately, Ukrainian officials said that two more people were killed in a separate air strike on the town of Beryslav in the southern Kherson region. Air attacks intensified Monday's air strikes were part of a campaign that has made it harder for major grain producer Ukraine to export its products since Moscow quit a deal in mid-July. Reuters reported that the strikes have intensified as Ukraine presses on with a counteroffensive in the south and east that has made slow gains. However, the counteroffensive can see a boost as President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States delivered Abrams tanks to Ukraine. "Abrams are already in Ukraine and are preparing to reinforce our brigades," Zelensky said in a post on social media. He did not elaborate on how many tanks arrived or how much time would be required to deploy them to the front line. The announcement came just after Ukraine claimed it had killed the commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet in a missile strike on Moscow's naval headquarters in Crimea last week in what would be a major embarrassment for Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Russia shoots down missile over Crimea; 4 Ukrainians killed in air strikes

Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against&nbsp;a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison.

The First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction ruled "to uphold the decision" taken by Moscow City Court last month, announced judge Viktor Rogov. 
 
For the last decade, Navalny has been the loudest opposition voice in Russia and had organised huge anti-government rallies before he was imprisoned in 2021 on charges of fraud, which his allies at home and abroad called politically motivated. 
 
Last month, Navalny was handed a 19-year jail term by a court in his prison near Moscow after he was accused of having created an organisation which has undermined public security by carrying out "extremist activities". 
 
The 47-year-old had set up a network of political offices throughout the country as well as a corruption watchdog that made credible graft allegations against political leaders.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-wagner-commander-arrested-in-norway-for-trying-to-cross-border-back-into-russia-illegally-638968">Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally</a>

In 2021, he was imprisoned after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering after getting poisoned for which he had blamed the Kremlin. 
 
"You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," said Navalny, in a statement of the ruling.

<h2>Navalny's solitary confinement</h2>

Navalny, who has claimed to be facing multiple health complications and was on a weeks-long hunger strike, has been communicating with the outside world via his lawyers. 
 
After Russia invaded Ukraine, Navalny repeatedly spoke out against the military campaign. 
 
Thousands of people have been detained by Russia, including high-profile political activists, for speaking against the Ukrainian conflict and highlighting alleged atrocities carried out by the Russian military.

WATCH |&nbsp;US new sanctions on China &amp; Russia firms over Moscow military aid, blacklists 28 entities

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Russian authorities have locked up Navalny in the maximum security IK-6 penal colony, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow. 
 
However, the court also ruled to send Navalny to a "special regime" colony in August. This colony has a maximum security facility and has been designed especially for dangerous criminals. It is highly likely to cut him off from the outside world. 
 
There are around 40 prisons across Russia, many are located in remote and isolated regions. Usually, Navalny appears at court hearings through grainy video connections in prison uniforms. ' 
 
As per his allies, Navalny's health has suffered in recent months during solitary confinement. Before the appeal, prison wardens had kept Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison.

Russia on Tuesday (Sep 26) rejected Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's appeal against a court decision to imprison him for 19 years on extremism charges. He was ordered to be kept in a in a maximum-security prison. The First Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction ruled "to uphold the decision" taken by Moscow City Court last month, announced judge Viktor Rogov. For the last decade, Navalny has been the loudest opposition voice in Russia and had organised huge anti-government rallies before he was imprisoned in 2021 on charges of fraud, which his allies at home and abroad called politically motivated. Last month, Navalny was handed a 19-year jail term by a court in his prison near Moscow after he was accused of having created an organisation which has undermined public security by carrying out "extremist activities". The 47-year-old had set up a network of political offices throughout the country as well as a corruption watchdog that made credible graft allegations against political leaders. ALSO READ | Former Wagner commander arrested in Norway for trying to cross border into Russia illegally In 2021, he was imprisoned after arriving in Moscow from Germany, where he was recovering after getting poisoned for which he had blamed the Kremlin. "You are being forced to surrender your Russia without a fight to a gang of traitors, thieves and scoundrels who have seized power. Don't lose the will to resist," said Navalny, in a statement of the ruling. Navalny's solitary confinement Navalny, who has claimed to be facing multiple health complications and was on a weeks-long hunger strike, has been communicating with the outside world via his lawyers. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Navalny repeatedly spoke out against the military campaign. Thousands of people have been detained by Russia, including high-profile political activists, for speaking against the Ukrainian conflict and highlighting alleged atrocities carried out by the Russian military. WATCH | US new sanctions on China & Russia firms over Moscow military aid, blacklists 28 entities Russian authorities have locked up Navalny in the maximum security IK-6 penal colony, around 250 kilometres (155 miles) east of Moscow. However, the court also ruled to send Navalny to a "special regime" colony in August. This colony has a maximum security facility and has been designed especially for dangerous criminals. It is highly likely to cut him off from the outside world. There are around 40 prisons across Russia, many are located in remote and isolated regions. Usually, Navalny appears at court hearings through grainy video connections in prison uniforms. ' As per his allies, Navalny's health has suffered in recent months during solitary confinement. Before the appeal, prison wardens had kept Navalny in a detention cell for the 20th time, his team said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia rejects Navalny's appeal against 19-year imprisonment on extremism charges

With the latest developments from the war in Ukraine. A Russian air strike that was overnight on the southern Ukrainian region of Odesa caused significant damage to the port's infrastructure and destroyed some grain storage facilities.

Russia-Ukraine war: Two Russia supersonic missiles hit Ukrainian grain facilities

Russian air strikes and shelling caused significant damage to infrastructure at the black sea port of Odesa, including grain storage facilities. Ukrainian strikes inside Russia continue, and Moscow's air defence units repelled several drone attacks over Belgorod and Kursk, destroying at least 11 drones. Meanwhile, Ukraine's special forces stated they killed Russia's top admiral in Crimea, along with 33 other officers, in last week's missile attack.

Russian supersonic missiles destroy nearly 1,000 tons of grain in strikes on Black Sea port of Odesa

Russia's Black Sea Fleet commander Admiral Viktor Sokolov, who Ukraine claimed it had killed in a missile strike,&nbsp;was seen attending a meeting in the images and video shared by Russia's defence ministry on Tuesday (Sep 26). 
 
Sokolov, in military uniform, attended the meeting presided over by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, via video link. 
 
Ukraine had claimed to have killed Sokolov in a missile strike&nbsp;on Russia's naval headquarters last week in the Crimean city of Sevastopol.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-senior-leadership-among-dead-injured-in-ukraine-strike-on-black-sea-fleet-638887">Russian senior leadership among dead, injured in Black Sea fleet headquarters strike: Ukraine</a>

<h2>Russian ships still launching strikes, claims Ukraine</h2>

Meanwhile, Ukraine has claimed that Russian warships are still launching attacks. 
 
A Ukrainian Navy spokesman said that Russia has continued launching strikes from the Black Sea, comparing the operations to “a chicken running around without a head.” 
 
“At this moment, they (the Russian Navy) lost the person who actually manages all of this, and his staff, who manages the fleet together with him,"&nbsp;Dmytro Pletenchuk said on national television.

"This is a large grouping that requires a great number of managers to run all the processes to make it (the fleet) work as a single mechanism. Imagine that the core part of this mechanism becomes inoperable,” said the Ukraine Navy spokesperson, according to a CNN report.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine Fumes as Russian Energy Floods EU; Urges West to Close Sanctions 'loophole'

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Pletenchuk stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin “does not control the actual operation of ships at sea” and is dependent on his admirals who know “their means and forces, personnel, how to manage them, how to better deploy them.” 
 
“Therefore, as of now, they will have respective problems with the control of the troops,” he added. 
 
Earlier, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces claimed that Sokolov, along with 33 other officers were killed in the strikes launched on the Black Sea headquarters in Sevastopol on Friday, which was perhaps the boldest step taken by the Ukrainian forces on the Russia-annexed peninsula of Crimea so far. 
 
Ukraine also said that more than 100 other Russian servicemen suffered injuries in the special operations dubbed “Crab Trap,” that took place when senior members of Russia’s Navy were engaged in a meeting. 
 
Moscow stated that one serviceman went missing as a result of the attack carried out by Ukraine on Sevastopol.

The Ukrainian army has been increasingly hitting strategic Russian targets located in Crimea, the Black Sea region of southern Ukraine which was occupied by Moscow in 2014. 
 
Ukraine hopes to reclaim it.

Ukrainian Defence Intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov said Russia was using Crimea as a “logistics hub” and that “the ultimate goal, of course, is the de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.”

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia's Black Sea Fleet commander Admiral Viktor Sokolov, who Ukraine claimed it had killed in a missile strike, was seen attending a meeting in the images and video shared by Russia's defence ministry on Tuesday (Sep 26).

Russia's Black Sea Fleet commander Admiral Viktor Sokolov, who Ukraine claimed it had killed in a missile strike, was seen attending a meeting in the images and video shared by Russia's defence ministry on Tuesday (Sep 26). Sokolov, in military uniform, attended the meeting presided over by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, via video link. Ukraine had claimed to have killed Sokolov in a missile strike on Russia's naval headquarters last week in the Crimean city of Sevastopol. ALSO READ | Russian senior leadership among dead, injured in Black Sea fleet headquarters strike: Ukraine Russian ships still launching strikes, claims Ukraine Meanwhile, Ukraine has claimed that Russian warships are still launching attacks. A Ukrainian Navy spokesman said that Russia has continued launching strikes from the Black Sea, comparing the operations to “a chicken running around without a head.” “At this moment, they (the Russian Navy) lost the person who actually manages all of this, and his staff, who manages the fleet together with him," Dmytro Pletenchuk said on national television. "This is a large grouping that requires a great number of managers to run all the processes to make it (the fleet) work as a single mechanism. Imagine that the core part of this mechanism becomes inoperable,” said the Ukraine Navy spokesperson, according to a CNN report. WATCH | Ukraine Fumes as Russian Energy Floods EU; Urges West to Close Sanctions 'loophole' Pletenchuk stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin “does not control the actual operation of ships at sea” and is dependent on his admirals who know “their means and forces, personnel, how to manage them, how to better deploy them.” “Therefore, as of now, they will have respective problems with the control of the troops,” he added. Earlier, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces claimed that Sokolov, along with 33 other officers were killed in the strikes launched on the Black Sea headquarters in Sevastopol on Friday, which was perhaps the boldest step taken by the Ukrainian forces on the Russia-annexed peninsula of Crimea so far. Ukraine also said that more than 100 other Russian servicemen suffered injuries in the special operations dubbed “Crab Trap,” that took place when senior members of Russia’s Navy were engaged in a meeting. Moscow stated that one serviceman went missing as a result of the attack carried out by Ukraine on Sevastopol. The Ukrainian army has been increasingly hitting strategic Russian targets located in Crimea, the Black Sea region of southern Ukraine which was occupied by Moscow in 2014. Ukraine hopes to reclaim it. Ukrainian Defence Intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov said Russia was using Crimea as a “logistics hub” and that “the ultimate goal, of course, is the de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.” 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) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian Black Sea Fleet commander, who Ukraine claimed it had killed, appears at meeting

Ukraine's Special Forces has claimed that it killed the Commander, Viktor Sokolov, of the Russian Black Sea fleet in Crimea's Sevastopol, along with 33 other officers in last week's missile attack.

Ukraine: Russia Black Sea Commander Viktor Sokolov killed in Crimea's Sevastopol

The Belarusian foreign ministry on Monday (September 25) said that they expected an “official” apology from officials in Ottawa after a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during World War II was honoured in the Canadian parliament.&nbsp;

The statement comes a day after the speaker of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-under-fire-after-parliament-honours-nazi-soldier-639349">Canadian Parliament</a> issued an apology over&nbsp;the incident which happened on Friday (Sept 22) during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Ottawa.

<h2>Belarus expects an ‘official apologies’</h2>

“Belarus, where one in three people was killed in WWII, is outraged and deeply insulted by the photos of members of the Canadian House of Commons honoring a Nazi veteran,” said the Belarusian foreign ministry, in a strongly worded statement.&nbsp;

It added, “We demand that international and public organizations, as well as associations and foundations created in memory of World War II victims, give a proper legal and moral assessment to this incident. We expect official apologies from the Canadian leadership.”&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in Canadian parliament?</h2>

Yaroslav Hunka (98), who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, was welcomed with claps and cheers by lawmakers including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis.

“I am very proud to say that he is from North Bay and from my riding of Nipissing--Timiskaming,” said Speaker Anthony Rota who introduced him.&nbsp;

He added, “He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.”

<h2>Rota's apology</h2>

It was not until late Sunday afternoon that Rota – who had also invited Hunka – apologised for the glaring error saying he recognised an individual in the gallery on Friday, and that he had “subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.”

“I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them,” added the Member of Parliament from the Trudeau-led Liberal Party of Canada.&nbsp;

“I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.” However, he did not mention what he was apologising for and did not name Hunka or give any details about the information learned since Friday.

The apology on Sunday also came after the incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition parties and the Jewish community in Canada.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The Belarusian foreign ministry on Monday (September 25) said that they expected an “official” apology from officials in Ottawa after a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during World War II was honoured in the Canadian parliament.

The Belarusian foreign ministry on Monday (September 25) said that they expected an “official” apology from officials in Ottawa after a Ukrainian immigrant who fought for a Nazi unit during World War II was honoured in the Canadian parliament. The statement comes a day after the speaker of the Canadian Parliament issued an apology over the incident which happened on Friday (Sept 22) during Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Ottawa. Belarus expects an ‘official apologies’ “Belarus, where one in three people was killed in WWII, is outraged and deeply insulted by the photos of members of the Canadian House of Commons honoring a Nazi veteran,” said the Belarusian foreign ministry, in a strongly worded statement. It added, “We demand that international and public organizations, as well as associations and foundations created in memory of World War II victims, give a proper legal and moral assessment to this incident. We expect official apologies from the Canadian leadership.” What happened in Canadian parliament? Yaroslav Hunka (98), who fought for the First Ukrainian Division, was welcomed with claps and cheers by lawmakers including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in the House of Commons. The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. “I am very proud to say that he is from North Bay and from my riding of Nipissing--Timiskaming,” said Speaker Anthony Rota who introduced him. He added, “He is a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service.” Rota's apology It was not until late Sunday afternoon that Rota – who had also invited Hunka – apologised for the glaring error saying he recognised an individual in the gallery on Friday, and that he had “subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so.” “I wish to make clear that no one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them,” added the Member of Parliament from the Trudeau-led Liberal Party of Canada. “I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.” However, he did not mention what he was apologising for and did not name Hunka or give any details about the information learned since Friday. The apology on Sunday also came after the incident drew widespread condemnation from the opposition parties and the Jewish community in Canada. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belarus expects ‘official apologies’ from Canada after parliament honours Nazi soldier

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is a game of attacks and counter-attacks between the two Nations. As it continues, so does the list of people who have died fighting for either side. Ukraine claims that in the recent attack on Russian naval headquarters the commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet has been killed.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds infrastructure in Odesa

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