According to the press office of Ruselectronics Holding Company, which is a division of the state-owned technology company Rostec, the Russian-made Listva mine-clearing vehicle may get a more potent microwave gun to more effectively combat modern mines with semiconductor electronics, the company told TASS on Thursday at the Army 2023 international arms show.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia announces new upgrades to 'Listva' mine-clearing vehicle

The US has granted approval for F-16 fighter jets to be sent to Ukraine after months of saying no. Will these coveted warplanes help the war-battered country win air dominance against Russia? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: US okays arming Ukraine with F-16 | Will it help Kyiv fend off Russia?

Ukraine is struggling to counter Russian air and artillery superiority. With depleted strength and dated aircraft, the Ukrainian air force is suffering. The Ukrainians fly soviet-era jets like Sukhois & MiGs. The country's current fleet of warplanes is older than modern Ukraine itself. Western fighters with stand-off weapons would offer an improved capability to destroy fixed Russian targets near the frontlines.

Kyiv's fighters older than modern Ukraine; U.S. approves sending F-16s from Denmark and Netherlands

The city of Kupiansk is just 25 miles from the Russian border. A strategic city in the Kharkiv region it had been captured by the invading Russian forces in the initial days of the war, before it was retaken by the Ukrainian forces in September last year. From the reports that are now coming in from the battle lines, Kupiansk has again become the focus of Russia's assault. The city's residents are bracing themselves for a possible second occupation from the Russians. After two months of a sluggish counteroffensive, what has become clear is that Ukraine has failed to make any major inroads into the Russian defences. The Crimean peninsula and the eastern frontlines had been the major theatre of combat. But the focus point of the fighting is beginning to shift again Mohammed Saleh gets you the details.

Russia's move on Kupiansk, forces evacuations in Ukraine's Kharkiv

The United States has approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian invaders as soon as pilot training is completed, a U.S. official said on Thursday.

Explained: Struggles of Ukrainian Air Force | Live Discussion

The United States Intelligence has shared significant information regarding the Ukrainian counter-offensive. It says that Ukraine's plans to regain lost territories will fail to reach Melitopol City. According to a report by Washington Post, this year Kyiv will not fulfil its key objective of pushing Russian forces further from their bases.

Russia-Ukraine war: US Intelligence claims that Ukraine will fail to meet offensive's key aim

Leisure members Denmark and the Netherlands have been leading international efforts to train Pilots as well as support staff to maintain aircraft and ultimately enable Ukraine to obtain F-16 aircraft for use in its war with Russia. The climate to provide Ukraine with United States-built F-16 Jets is growing.

Blinken: Russian aggression, violation of Ukraine's sovereignty

<p>Russian and Chinese navy ships have been jointly conducting maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean involving naval exercises in order to counter air strikes, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (August 18).</p>

<p>"A detachment of ships of the Russian Navy and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is currently operating in the waters of the East China Sea and has travelled more than 6,400 nautical miles since the start of patrolling," the ministry said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.</p>

<p>Russian state news agency TASS released a video that showed nine large vessels sailing in a diamond formation as crew members stood to attention on deck.</p>

<p>The defence ministry further said that the drills also included practicing the "replenishment of fuel reserves by ships and the transfer of cargo on the go", adding that the joint detachment of ships had covered more than 6,400 nautical miles since the start of the exercises.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-destroyed-ukrainian-drone-that-smashed-into-building-in-moscow-626609">Russia claims it destroyed Ukrainian drone that later smashed into a building in Moscow</a></p>

<p>"During this period, the sailors of the two countries conducted anti-submarine exercises, repulsed an air strike by a mock enemy, conducted rescue training at sea, and perfected the skills of taking off and landing helicopters on the decks of warships," the ministry statement read.</p>

<h2><strong>Moscow-Beijing ties</strong></h2>

<p>In recent years, the ties between Russia and China have strengthened, as the war with Ukraine has ravaged Russia's relationship with Western governments.</p>

<p>On Monday (August 14), a Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said that naval fleets were conducting maritime patrols in the western and northern regions of the Pacific Ocean.</p>

<p>"These actions are not aimed at a third party and are not related to the current international and regional situation," the spokesperson added.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu visited Russia where he attended the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security and called for closer military cooperation.</p>

<p>Recently, Moscow and Beijing have increased their bilateral defence collaboration as they carried out a joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea in the month of July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Russian and Chinese navy ships have been jointly conducting maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean involving naval exercises in order to counter air strikes, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (August 18).

Russian and Chinese navy ships have been jointly conducting maritime patrols in the Pacific Ocean involving naval exercises in order to counter air strikes, Russia's defence ministry said on Friday (August 18). "A detachment of ships of the Russian Navy and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy is currently operating in the waters of the East China Sea and has travelled more than 6,400 nautical miles since the start of patrolling," the ministry said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app. Russian state news agency TASS released a video that showed nine large vessels sailing in a diamond formation as crew members stood to attention on deck. The defence ministry further said that the drills also included practicing the "replenishment of fuel reserves by ships and the transfer of cargo on the go", adding that the joint detachment of ships had covered more than 6,400 nautical miles since the start of the exercises. Also read: Russia claims it destroyed Ukrainian drone that later smashed into a building in Moscow "During this period, the sailors of the two countries conducted anti-submarine exercises, repulsed an air strike by a mock enemy, conducted rescue training at sea, and perfected the skills of taking off and landing helicopters on the decks of warships," the ministry statement read. Moscow-Beijing ties In recent years, the ties between Russia and China have strengthened, as the war with Ukraine has ravaged Russia's relationship with Western governments. On Monday (August 14), a Chinese defence ministry spokesperson said that naval fleets were conducting maritime patrols in the western and northern regions of the Pacific Ocean. "These actions are not aimed at a third party and are not related to the current international and regional situation," the spokesperson added. Earlier this week, Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu visited Russia where he attended the 11th Moscow Conference on International Security and called for closer military cooperation. Recently, Moscow and Beijing have increased their bilateral defence collaboration as they carried out a joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea in the month of July. (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.

Russia, China conduct joint maritime patrols in Pacific Ocean

Russia said its forces have repelled multiple assaults from Ukraine in the directions of Zaporizhian, Luhansk and Donetsk. Ukraine announced progress in the directions of Melitopol and Berdiansk on the same day. According to the Russian Defence ministry, air defences shot down a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in Donetsk and intercepted 4 Himars missiles, two bm-30 missiles and 26 drones. Ukrainian armed forces general staff issued a report saying that offensive operations are still making progress in directions of Melitopol and Berdiansk. The military report said the Ukrainian air force conducted seven strikes on Russian troops and equipment. Ukrainian multiple rocket launchers and artillery also hit Russian artillery, air defences and other important targets. Separately, Russia's federal security service said a Ukrainian reconnaissance sabotage group attempting to enter Bryansk was defeated and 4 members were killed. Ukraine's authorities have not yet commented.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia intercepts 26 Ukrainian drones

India is being lauded. Along with other Global South countries. Russian FM Sergey Lavrov acknowledged India & other global south countries.

Russia commends India, Global South for pursuing realistic solutions in the Ukraine war

<p>Sounding rather defeated,&nbsp;Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat has conceded that his country will not be able to operate the F-16&nbsp;fighter jets to defend itself from the Russian onslaught, at least this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking on Wednesday night (August 16),&nbsp;Ihnat said his country had "big hopes" for the deployment of F-16s but it may not come to fruition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s already obvious we won’t be able to defend Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets during this autumn and winter,"&nbsp;Ihnat told Ukrainian channels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We had big hopes for this plane, that it will become part of air defence, able to protect us from Russia’s missiles and drones terrorism,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this year,&nbsp;Ihnat had asserted that Kyiv needed "F-16s to become an integral part of its air defence".</p>

<p>"These fighters can engage aerial targets from both high and low altitudes. By utilising F-16s, our ground troops will be able to swiftly liberate occupied Ukrainian territories by targeting enemy command posts, military groups and logistics supply chains," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-focuses-on-upping-its-air-defence-systems-594853"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine focuses on upping its air defence systems</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-25="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-31="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-focuses-on-upping-its-air-defence-systems-594853/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Kyiv pressing for the jets&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kyiv has repeatedly called upon the Western bloc to supply the F-16 jets in its defence against the superior Russian jets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been at the forefront of it as he openly discussed the proposition during his brief appearance at the&nbsp;G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After much back-and-forth, US President Joe Biden endorsed a training programme&nbsp; for&nbsp;Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. However, up until now, no timing on the supply of the war planes has been given.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after announcing the training module, Biden said he had assurances from Zelensky that the jets will not be used in Russian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have a flat assurance from Zelensky that they will not use it to go on and move onto Russian geographic territory, but wherever Russian troops are within Ukraine and the area, they would be able to do that," Biden told reporters at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Kyiv presses for the jets, Moscow has also repeatedly said that supplying the F-16s would carry "colossal risks".</p>

<p>“We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-west-supplying-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-would-carry-colossal-risks-594646" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Russia says West's supply of F-16 jets to Ukraine would carry ‘colossal risks’</strong></a></p>

<p>“In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Sounding rather defeated, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat has conceded that his country will not be able to operate the F-16 fighter jets to defend itself from the Russian onslaught, at least this year.

Sounding rather defeated, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat has conceded that his country will not be able to operate the F-16 fighter jets to defend itself from the Russian onslaught, at least this year. Speaking on Wednesday night (August 16), Ihnat said his country had "big hopes" for the deployment of F-16s but it may not come to fruition. “It’s already obvious we won’t be able to defend Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets during this autumn and winter," Ihnat told Ukrainian channels. “We had big hopes for this plane, that it will become part of air defence, able to protect us from Russia’s missiles and drones terrorism,” he added. Earlier this year, Ihnat had asserted that Kyiv needed "F-16s to become an integral part of its air defence". "These fighters can engage aerial targets from both high and low altitudes. By utilising F-16s, our ground troops will be able to swiftly liberate occupied Ukrainian territories by targeting enemy command posts, military groups and logistics supply chains," he said. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine focuses on upping its air defence systems Kyiv pressing for the jets Kyiv has repeatedly called upon the Western bloc to supply the F-16 jets in its defence against the superior Russian jets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been at the forefront of it as he openly discussed the proposition during his brief appearance at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, earlier this year. After much back-and-forth, US President Joe Biden endorsed a training programme for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. However, up until now, no timing on the supply of the war planes has been given. Even after announcing the training module, Biden said he had assurances from Zelensky that the jets will not be used in Russian territory. "I have a flat assurance from Zelensky that they will not use it to go on and move onto Russian geographic territory, but wherever Russian troops are within Ukraine and the area, they would be able to do that," Biden told reporters at the time. While Kyiv presses for the jets, Moscow has also repeatedly said that supplying the F-16s would carry "colossal risks". “We see that Western countries are still adhering to the escalation scenario. It involves colossal risks for themselves," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. ALSO READ | Russia says West's supply of F-16 jets to Ukraine would carry ‘colossal risks’ “In any case, this will be taken into account in all our plans, and we have all the necessary means to achieve the goals we have set.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kyiv sounds defeatist, says 'won't be able' to use F-16 fighter jets this year

According to Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, Ukraine would require a steady supply of Western weapons and ammunition until its force has expelled Russian soldiers from all occupied Ukrainian territory.

Russia-Ukraine war: Dmytro Kuleba says Ukraine will need arms from the West

<p>About 45,000&nbsp;Muscovites are fighting in Ukraine in combat operations, said Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow on Wednesday (August 16). This has come as a rare estimate of the forces deployed. Both Russia and Ukraine rarely announce specifics about soldiers involved in the conflict or their respective losses.</p>

<p>"Forty-five thousand Muscovites are fighting in the area of the special military operation," Sobyanin was cited as saying by the Russian news agency Interfax.</p>

<p>Sobyanin added that soldiers from Moscow represented a "considerable part" of the fighters fighting in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Among them, "at least 5,000 people are professional soldiers."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia intercepts 26 Ukrainian drones</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shot-down-by-russia-assaults-repelled-near-zaporizhzhia-luhansk-and-donetsk-626251/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Russia's Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said that since the beginning of August, Russia has enlisted 230,00 additional personnel into the army since the start of the year.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a "partial" military mobilisation of 300,000 men to replenish troops on the battlefield. That announcement was Russia's first such mobilisation since Second World War. This sent shockwaves through the country as thousands of men were drafted into the army.</p>

<p>Unwilling to announce a second mobilisation drive, Moscow has since opted for a massive PR campaign, hoping to lure Russians with financial incentives.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-hails-first-cargo-ship-in-black-sea-since-end-of-grain-deal-626253">Zelensky hails first cargo ship in Black Sea since end of grain deal</a></strong></p>

<p>Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said last year the size of Russia's army would be increased to 1.5 million people, as Moscow presses ahead with its offensive in Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><b><i>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></b></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


About 45,000 Muscovites are fighting in Ukraine in combat operations, said Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow on Wednesday (August 16). This has come as a rare estimate of the forces deployed.

About 45,000 Muscovites are fighting in Ukraine in combat operations, said Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow on Wednesday (August 16). This has come as a rare estimate of the forces deployed. Both Russia and Ukraine rarely announce specifics about soldiers involved in the conflict or their respective losses. "Forty-five thousand Muscovites are fighting in the area of the special military operation," Sobyanin was cited as saying by the Russian news agency Interfax. Sobyanin added that soldiers from Moscow represented a "considerable part" of the fighters fighting in Ukraine. Among them, "at least 5,000 people are professional soldiers." Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia intercepts 26 Ukrainian drones × Russia's Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said that since the beginning of August, Russia has enlisted 230,00 additional personnel into the army since the start of the year. Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a "partial" military mobilisation of 300,000 men to replenish troops on the battlefield. That announcement was Russia's first such mobilisation since Second World War. This sent shockwaves through the country as thousands of men were drafted into the army. Unwilling to announce a second mobilisation drive, Moscow has since opted for a massive PR campaign, hoping to lure Russians with financial incentives. Also Read | Zelensky hails first cargo ship in Black Sea since end of grain deal Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said last year the size of Russia's army would be increased to 1.5 million people, as Moscow presses ahead with its offensive in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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 ×

Moscow mayor says 45,000 from the city fighting in Ukraine

Wartime is exceptional because while there is blood, dirt, death, and even crimes against humanity, there are also times when acts of fraternity, empathy, and solidarity occur that renew one's confidence in humanity.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian father-son duo enrolled in same brigade

The war in Ukraine has been going on for a long time now and the one thing which has been constant since the war broke out is Ukraine's demand to join the world's most powerful military alliance NATO. Although for Kyiv, that demand still remains a dream in the latest the chief of staff to the NATO Secretary General might have given a solution to Ukraine on how to join the alliance. To know more watch this interview with the former German Ambassador to NATO, Joachim Bitterlich.

Should Ukraine cede territory to Russia?

The war in Ukraine has been going on for a long time now and the one thing which has been constant since the war broke out is Ukraine's demand to join the world's most powerful military alliance NATO. Although for Kyiv, that demand still remains a dream but in the latest the chief of staff to the NATO Secretary General might have given a solution to Ukraine on how to join the alliance.

NATO official on Ukraine's membership: Cede territory, get membership

The war in Ukraine has been going on for a while and the one thing which has been constant since the war broke out is Ukraine's demand to join the world's most powerful military alliance - NATO.

Ukraine's NATO membership: NATO Chief of Staff says, 'Cede territory, get membership'

NATO divided over Ukraine's NATO accession; Will NATO ever accept the country?

<p>Latvia’s defence minister, on Tuesday (August 15), ordered the army to help guard the country’s border with Belarus, after a reported 96 attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the country in 24 hours. This also comes amid mounting tensions between the Russian ally and another European Union member nation, Poland, along their shared border.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Situation at Latvia-Belarus border</strong></h3>

<p>Latvia also recalled Border Guard officers from their holidays on Tuesday to help with patrols. In a statement, the Latvian Border Guard said that it has information about a “possible increase in hybrid threats,” adding that Belarusian authorities were increasingly involved in organising the flow of illegal immigrants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Vilnius’ statement echoes similar accusations made by Warsaw in recent weeks which has also accused Minsk and Moscow of organising <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-send-more-troops-to-border-with-belarus-accuses-moscow-minsk-of-organising-new-migrant-influx-623538">another migrant influx</a> at their border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as EU member nations – Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – which share a border with Belarus, have been increasingly&nbsp;worried about border crossings since hundreds of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group members were sent to Minsk at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko.</p>

<h2><strong>Poland’s accusations against Belarus</strong></h2>

<p>Poland has been ramping up security along its border with Belarus – a close ally of Russia – after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-detains-two-russians-for-spreading-wagner-propaganda-625488">Wagner</a> sent its fighters&nbsp;to Minsk in exile following their chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s aborted mutiny in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Warsaw is planning to move up to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-to-deploy-around-10000-soldiers-to-border-with-belarus-624520">10,000 additional troops</a> to the border with Belarus to support the Border Guard, said Poland’s Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Polish Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik accused Belarus and Russia of organising another migrant influx at their border. “We’re talking about an operation organised by the Russian and Belarusian secret services that is getting more and more intense,” said Wasik.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar accusations were made against Minsk and Moscow starting in 2021 when tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossed or attempted to cross into Poland from neighbouring Belarus. Latvia and Lithuania also faced an immigration crisis&nbsp;around that time, when thousands of people sought to enter the&nbsp;three EU countries. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine pours millions into fortifying border with Russia, Belarus</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, on Tuesday (August 16), also announced that the country will build new fortifications and military infrastructure in northeast regions that border Russia and Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as Ukraine after its counteroffensive&nbsp;reportedly managed to regain some of its previously Russian-occupied territory and has maintained a significant force in the north.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian PM took to Telegram and said, “At the request of Kharkiv and Chernihiv...we are allocating 911.5 million hryvnias ($24.7 million) for Kharkiv and 363 million ($9.8 million) for Chernihiv to build military engineering and fortification structures.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chernihiv region that borders Russia and Belarus was partially occupied at the beginning of Moscow’s all-out invasion of Kyiv, in February 2022, but it was reportedly later liberated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Latvia’s defence minister, on Tuesday (August 15), ordered the army to help guard the country’s border with Belarus, after a reported 96 attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the country in 24 hours.

Latvia’s defence minister, on Tuesday (August 15), ordered the army to help guard the country’s border with Belarus, after a reported 96 attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the country in 24 hours. This also comes amid mounting tensions between the Russian ally and another European Union member nation, Poland, along their shared border. Situation at Latvia-Belarus border Latvia also recalled Border Guard officers from their holidays on Tuesday to help with patrols. In a statement, the Latvian Border Guard said that it has information about a “possible increase in hybrid threats,” adding that Belarusian authorities were increasingly involved in organising the flow of illegal immigrants. Notably, Vilnius’ statement echoes similar accusations made by Warsaw in recent weeks which has also accused Minsk and Moscow of organising another migrant influx at their border. This comes as EU member nations – Latvia, Lithuania and Poland – which share a border with Belarus, have been increasingly worried about border crossings since hundreds of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group members were sent to Minsk at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko. Poland’s accusations against Belarus Poland has been ramping up security along its border with Belarus – a close ally of Russia – after Wagner sent its fighters to Minsk in exile following their chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s aborted mutiny in Russia. Warsaw is planning to move up to 10,000 additional troops to the border with Belarus to support the Border Guard, said Poland’s Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak, on Thursday (August 10). Earlier this month, Polish Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Wasik accused Belarus and Russia of organising another migrant influx at their border. “We’re talking about an operation organised by the Russian and Belarusian secret services that is getting more and more intense,” said Wasik. Similar accusations were made against Minsk and Moscow starting in 2021 when tens of thousands of migrants and refugees crossed or attempted to cross into Poland from neighbouring Belarus. Latvia and Lithuania also faced an immigration crisis around that time, when thousands of people sought to enter the three EU countries. Ukraine pours millions into fortifying border with Russia, Belarus Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, on Tuesday (August 16), also announced that the country will build new fortifications and military infrastructure in northeast regions that border Russia and Belarus. This comes as Ukraine after its counteroffensive reportedly managed to regain some of its previously Russian-occupied territory and has maintained a significant force in the north. The Ukrainian PM took to Telegram and said, “At the request of Kharkiv and Chernihiv...we are allocating 911.5 million hryvnias ($24.7 million) for Kharkiv and 363 million ($9.8 million) for Chernihiv to build military engineering and fortification structures.” The Chernihiv region that borders Russia and Belarus was partially occupied at the beginning of Moscow’s all-out invasion of Kyiv, in February 2022, but it was reportedly later liberated. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

Latvia sends army to guard border with Belarus after nearly 100 illegal crossing attempts in 24 hours

The war in Ukraine rages on the Russian side and has increased the number of strikes in several Ukrainian cities. However, this does not seem to stop the Ukrainian counter-offensive. Kyiv claims it has liberated a settlement in the industrial Donetsk region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine reports Russian attacks at ports

The Ukraine is one of the world's largest growers of Wheat and Sunflower but the war-torn nation's farmers are battling to get their produce out through land and other means. The Trinity of export difficulties collapsing prices and Russian Rockets are hammering their businesses.

Ukraine: War-torn farmers in despair over rock-bottoms prices

Russian Rouble has hit a 17-month low. It is worth 101 against the U.S. dollar and has become the third worst-performing global currency of 2023. Are the economic consequences of war catching on to Russia?

Gravitas: Are consequences of war catching on to Russia?

<p>Stian Jensen, the Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, introduced a bold perspective on Ukraine's potential accession to NATO.</p>

<p>He proposed that Ukraine could consider relinquishing certain disputed territories as a means to secure NATO membership.</p>

<p>"I think the solution might be for Ukraine to give up territory and get NATO membership in return. At the same time, Ukraine must decide for itself when and under what conditions it wants to negotiate," the Verdens Gang newspaper quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>Addressing Ukraine's territorial dispute with Russia, Jensen articulated that such a decision should be autonomously made by Ukraine, respecting its sovereignty and the conditions it deems appropriate for negotiations, as reported by Russian news agency, TASS.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Delicate balance</strong></h2>

<p>Jensen acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasising that Ukraine's post-war status is already undergoing negotiations.</p>

<p>He clarified that the matter of ceding territories to Russia has been broached, though he refrained from asserting that this course of action should be pursued definitively.</p>

<p>The notion of trading territorial concessions for NATO membership was presented as a potential solution, rather than an imposed requirement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-it-scrambled-mig-29-to-thwart-norways-attempt-of-potential-border-breach-625446">Russia claims it scrambled MiG-29 to thwart Norway's attempt of potential border breach</a></p>

<h2><strong>Russian perspectives</strong></h2>

<p>Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin weighed in on the conflict resolution, outlining certain principles deemed vital for achieving peace.</p>

<p>Galuzin stressed the importance of upholding Ukraine's sovereignty, underscoring its neutral, non-bloc, and non-nuclear stance.</p>

<p>Additionally, he underscored the need to acknowledge altered territorial realities, advocating for demilitarization, denazification, and safeguarding the rights of Russian-speaking citizens and national minorities within the framework of international law.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russia equipping submarines with hypersonic missiles</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-equipping-submarines-with-hypersonic-missiles-625380/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Pressing concerns</strong></h2>

<p>The dialogue surrounding Ukraine's potential path to NATO remains intricate, with significant implications for regional stability and geopolitical dynamics.</p>

<p>As discussions continue, the focal points of consideration span from territorial concessions as a diplomatic maneuver to the preservation of Ukraine's sovereignty and the rights of its diverse population.</p>

<p>The balance between negotiations, national autonomy, and collective security emerges as a paramount challenge in this evolving narrative.</p>

<p><strong><em>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</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Stian Jensen, the Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, introduced a bold perspective on Ukraine's potential accession to NATO. He proposed that Ukraine could consider relinquishing certain disputed territories as a means to secure NATO membership.

Stian Jensen, the Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, introduced a bold perspective on Ukraine's potential accession to NATO. He proposed that Ukraine could consider relinquishing certain disputed territories as a means to secure NATO membership. "I think the solution might be for Ukraine to give up territory and get NATO membership in return. At the same time, Ukraine must decide for itself when and under what conditions it wants to negotiate," the Verdens Gang newspaper quoted him as saying. Addressing Ukraine's territorial dispute with Russia, Jensen articulated that such a decision should be autonomously made by Ukraine, respecting its sovereignty and the conditions it deems appropriate for negotiations, as reported by Russian news agency, TASS. Delicate balance Jensen acknowledged the complexity of the situation, emphasising that Ukraine's post-war status is already undergoing negotiations. He clarified that the matter of ceding territories to Russia has been broached, though he refrained from asserting that this course of action should be pursued definitively. The notion of trading territorial concessions for NATO membership was presented as a potential solution, rather than an imposed requirement. Also read | Russia claims it scrambled MiG-29 to thwart Norway's attempt of potential border breach Russian perspectives Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin weighed in on the conflict resolution, outlining certain principles deemed vital for achieving peace. Galuzin stressed the importance of upholding Ukraine's sovereignty, underscoring its neutral, non-bloc, and non-nuclear stance. Additionally, he underscored the need to acknowledge altered territorial realities, advocating for demilitarization, denazification, and safeguarding the rights of Russian-speaking citizens and national minorities within the framework of international law. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Russia equipping submarines with hypersonic missiles Pressing concerns The dialogue surrounding Ukraine's potential path to NATO remains intricate, with significant implications for regional stability and geopolitical dynamics. As discussions continue, the focal points of consideration span from territorial concessions as a diplomatic maneuver to the preservation of Ukraine's sovereignty and the rights of its diverse population. The balance between negotiations, national autonomy, and collective security emerges as a paramount challenge in this evolving narrative. 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 WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NATO's condition for Ukraine: Membership hinges on territory concession to Russia

<p>Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has declared on Telegram that his nation will boycott the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to be held in France’s Paris if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to participate.</p>

<p>He also claimed that during the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, the invading forces have killed at least 340 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, along with destroying 343 sports facilities.</p>

<p>“Ukraine is determined. A powerful international coalition for fair sport, including 35 states, has been formed,” he claimed.</p>

<p>“We are ready to boycott the Olympic Games in Paris together if the Russian Federation and Belarus are allowed to participate in the competition. We expect the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make the right decision and resolutely suspend the aggressor from the Olympics," his statement added.</p>

<h2><strong>Another U-turn from Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>In a dramatic reversal of policy, the Ukrainian government last month announced that its athletes could participate in sports events where Russian and Belarusian athletes are participating as neutral athletes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Russia equipping submarines with hypersonic missiles</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russia-equipping-submarines-with-hypersonic-missiles-625380/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, it seems that Ukraine has now shifted back to its old policy of barring its athletes from participating in those events where Russians and Belarusians were also competing.</p>

<h2><strong>What is International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) position?</strong></h2>

<p>Ever since Russia initiated its conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC has imposed sports-related penalties on Moscow and its ally Minsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, earlier this year, a recommendation was issued that said Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate as individuals under a neutral flag and without an anthem in qualifying events.</p>

<p>This decision sparked strong objections from the Ukrainian government and their athletes, who criticised the IOC for allegedly prioritising the human rights of Russian athletes over their own.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-ukraines-military-resources-are-almost-exhausted-625693"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Russia claims Ukraine`s military resources are `almost exhausted`</strong></a></p>

<p>As of now, the IOC has not reached a decision on whether Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutral participants in the upcoming Paris Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine hopes Russian athletes to withdraw from the games</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine's Sports Minister, Vadym Gutzeit, said in an interview with AFP that he doesn't rule out the possibility of Russians voluntarily abstaining from attending the Paris Olympics next year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the interview, Gutzeit mentioned that if the IOC allows Russians and Belarusians to compete neutrally in Paris, and Ukraine decides to boycott the Games, other nations with a history of suffering from Russian imperialism might also join the boycott.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has declared on Telegram that his nation will boycott the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to be held in France’s Paris if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to participate.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has declared on Telegram that his nation will boycott the 2024 Olympic Games scheduled to be held in France’s Paris if Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to participate. He also claimed that during the course of the Russia-Ukraine war, the invading forces have killed at least 340 Ukrainian athletes and coaches, along with destroying 343 sports facilities. “Ukraine is determined. A powerful international coalition for fair sport, including 35 states, has been formed,” he claimed. “We are ready to boycott the Olympic Games in Paris together if the Russian Federation and Belarus are allowed to participate in the competition. We expect the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make the right decision and resolutely suspend the aggressor from the Olympics," his statement added. Another U-turn from Ukraine? In a dramatic reversal of policy, the Ukrainian government last month announced that its athletes could participate in sports events where Russian and Belarusian athletes are participating as neutral athletes. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russia equipping submarines with hypersonic missiles × However, it seems that Ukraine has now shifted back to its old policy of barring its athletes from participating in those events where Russians and Belarusians were also competing. What is International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) position? Ever since Russia initiated its conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC has imposed sports-related penalties on Moscow and its ally Minsk. However, earlier this year, a recommendation was issued that said Russian and Belarusian athletes could participate as individuals under a neutral flag and without an anthem in qualifying events. This decision sparked strong objections from the Ukrainian government and their athletes, who criticised the IOC for allegedly prioritising the human rights of Russian athletes over their own. Also read: Russia claims Ukraine`s military resources are `almost exhausted` As of now, the IOC has not reached a decision on whether Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutral participants in the upcoming Paris Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024. Ukraine hopes Russian athletes to withdraw from the games Ukraine's Sports Minister, Vadym Gutzeit, said in an interview with AFP that he doesn't rule out the possibility of Russians voluntarily abstaining from attending the Paris Olympics next year. In the interview, Gutzeit mentioned that if the IOC allows Russians and Belarusians to compete neutrally in Paris, and Ukraine decides to boycott the Games, other nations with a history of suffering from Russian imperialism might also join the boycott. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Ukraine to boycott 2024 Paris Olympics if Russians are allowed to compete: PM

<p>Odesa, the Ukrainian city on the Black Sea officially opened several beaches for public on Saturday (August 12) for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion. However, bathing is banned during air raid alerts. Odesa is Ukraine's largest port and naval base. It has in past, come under repeated attacks from Russian missiles and drones. The sea was littered with hundreds of thousands of sea mines.</p>

<p>For the safety of residents and after incidents of mines exploding on beaches, the coast was closed.</p>

<p>The city's civilian and military administrations took a joint decision to open beaches, according to Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper who wrote on Telegram app.</p>

<p>Kiper said the beaches would remain open from 8 am to 8 pm.</p>

<p>Reuters quoted Oleksandr, a lifeguard and a former diver, who said that anti-mine net was placed in between two piers to prevent swimmers encountering shallow-water mines.</p>

<p>"The net will stop them. And they (mines) will also be visible from the shore under such weather conditions. Emergency workers will be notified, they will come to handle it," he said.</p>

<p>The opening of the beaches has been a welcome respite from the war for people swimming and sunbathing.</p>

<p>"I have been dreaming of going to the beach and inhaling salty air. We have been missing it a lot. But safety is a top priority," said Svitlana, a resident of the Odesa region.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia claims downing 20 Ukrainian drones</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia said on Saturday that it had shot down 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula. The Russian defence ministry said on Telegram messaging service that 14 drones were downed by air defence systems and six more were shot down using electronic warfare.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-resistance-to-supply-weapons-to-ukraine-poses-challenge-for-biden-administration-report-624789">Egypt's resistance to supply weapons to Ukraine poses challenge for Biden administration: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry said that there were no casualties or damage.</p>

<p>Governor of Kaluga region, about 150 kilometres southwest of Moscow said that a drone was also intercepted in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday officials in Moscow said that they had destroyed a drone that was targetting the Russian capital. The attack was latest in series of attacks on Moscow in recent days.</p>

<p>In July, Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea blew up an ammunition depot and damaged the bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the peninsula to Russia's mainland.</p>

<p>Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014.</p>

<p>In Ukraine, Russian attacks on Saturday killed a policeman and injured 12 other people in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.</p>

<p>A man was also killed in the Kharkiv region, according to local authorities.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Odesa, the Ukrainian city on the Black Sea officially opened several beaches for public on Saturday (August 12) for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion.

Odesa, the Ukrainian city on the Black Sea officially opened several beaches for public on Saturday (August 12) for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion. However, bathing is banned during air raid alerts. Odesa is Ukraine's largest port and naval base. It has in past, come under repeated attacks from Russian missiles and drones. The sea was littered with hundreds of thousands of sea mines. For the safety of residents and after incidents of mines exploding on beaches, the coast was closed. The city's civilian and military administrations took a joint decision to open beaches, according to Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper who wrote on Telegram app. Kiper said the beaches would remain open from 8 am to 8 pm. Reuters quoted Oleksandr, a lifeguard and a former diver, who said that anti-mine net was placed in between two piers to prevent swimmers encountering shallow-water mines. "The net will stop them. And they (mines) will also be visible from the shore under such weather conditions. Emergency workers will be notified, they will come to handle it," he said. The opening of the beaches has been a welcome respite from the war for people swimming and sunbathing. "I have been dreaming of going to the beach and inhaling salty air. We have been missing it a lot. But safety is a top priority," said Svitlana, a resident of the Odesa region. Russia claims downing 20 Ukrainian drones Meanwhile, Russia said on Saturday that it had shot down 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula. The Russian defence ministry said on Telegram messaging service that 14 drones were downed by air defence systems and six more were shot down using electronic warfare. Also Read | Egypt's resistance to supply weapons to Ukraine poses challenge for Biden administration: Report The ministry said that there were no casualties or damage. Governor of Kaluga region, about 150 kilometres southwest of Moscow said that a drone was also intercepted in the region. On Friday officials in Moscow said that they had destroyed a drone that was targetting the Russian capital. The attack was latest in series of attacks on Moscow in recent days. In July, Ukrainian drone strikes on Crimea blew up an ammunition depot and damaged the bridge across the Kerch Strait linking the peninsula to Russia's mainland. Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014. In Ukraine, Russian attacks on Saturday killed a policeman and injured 12 other people in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. A man was also killed in the Kharkiv region, according to local authorities. (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 ×

Ukraine: Odesa opens beaches to public for first time since Russian invasion

<p>A day after Russia boarded a cargo vessel bound for Ukraine, Kyiv has responded by terming it an "act of piracy" and urging the international community to take action. In other news, Niger President&nbsp;Mohamed Bazoum might be trouble as the coup leaders vow to "prosecute" him for high treason.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/act-of-piracy-ukraine-hits-back-at-moscow-for-seizing-cargo-vessel-625154"><strong>'Act of piracy...': Ukraine hits back at Moscow for 'forced boarding' of cargo vessel</strong></a></p>

<p>Ukraine has called Russia's boarding of a cargo ship in the Black Sea on Sunday (August 13), an "act of piracy", escalating the tension as the repercussions of the cancellation of the grain deal continue to be felt.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/18/367731-the-battle-for-kyiv-46.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zuckerberg-questions-musks-seriousness-about-cage-fight-says-time-to-move-on-625153"><strong>Zuckerberg questions Musk's seriousness about cage fight, says 'time to move on'</strong></a></p>

<p>Pointing out&nbsp;that Elon Musk is "not serious" about the much-awaited cage fight match,&nbsp;Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that it is "time to move on".&nbsp;Zuckerberg posted on Threads, that even Dana White, the UFC President, had proposed turning it into a charity competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/14/372972-untitled-design-2023-08-14t074719676.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigers-coup-leaders-promise-to-prosecute-deposed-president-bazoum-for-high-treason-625158"><strong>Niger's coup leaders promise to prosecute deposed president Bazoum for 'high treason'</strong></a></p>

<p>The coup leaders of Niger on Sunday said that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be "prosecuted" for "high treason" and "undermining the security" of the country.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/14/372974-untitled-design-2023-08-14t081250290.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-boosting-missile-production-to-prepare-for-war-625175"><strong>Kim Jong Un orders to boost missile production: 'Prepare for war'</strong></a></p>

<p>North Korean state media KCNA reported on Monday (August 14) that leader Kim Jong Un had asked the authorities to boost the production of missiles and artillery shells in order to be prepared for war.</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/14/372975-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hollywood-stunt-performers-at-risk-as-ai-advances-625177"><strong>Watch | Hollywood Stunt Performers at Risk as AI Advances</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hollywood-stunt-performers-at-risk-as-ai-advances-625177/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A day after Russia boarded a cargo vessel bound for Ukraine, Kyiv has responded by terming it an "act of piracy" and urging the international community to take action.

A day after Russia boarded a cargo vessel bound for Ukraine, Kyiv has responded by terming it an "act of piracy" and urging the international community to take action. In other news, Niger President Mohamed Bazoum might be trouble as the coup leaders vow to "prosecute" him for high treason. Click on headlines to read more: 'Act of piracy...': Ukraine hits back at Moscow for 'forced boarding' of cargo vessel Ukraine has called Russia's boarding of a cargo ship in the Black Sea on Sunday (August 13), an "act of piracy", escalating the tension as the repercussions of the cancellation of the grain deal continue to be felt. Zuckerberg questions Musk's seriousness about cage fight, says 'time to move on' Pointing out that Elon Musk is "not serious" about the much-awaited cage fight match, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that it is "time to move on". Zuckerberg posted on Threads, that even Dana White, the UFC President, had proposed turning it into a charity competition. Niger's coup leaders promise to prosecute deposed president Bazoum for 'high treason' The coup leaders of Niger on Sunday said that deposed President Mohamed Bazoum would be "prosecuted" for "high treason" and "undermining the security" of the country. Kim Jong Un orders to boost missile production: 'Prepare for war' North Korean state media KCNA reported on Monday (August 14) that leader Kim Jong Un had asked the authorities to boost the production of missiles and artillery shells in order to be prepared for war. Watch | Hollywood Stunt Performers at Risk as AI Advances ×

Morning news brief: Kyiv slams 'act of piracy', Bazoum to be prosecuted, and more

<p>A large fire broke out at a fertiliser warehouse in the town of Ramenskoye in the Moscow region on Sunday (August 13), reported Russian news agencies citing&nbsp; officials, amid doubts that it may have been caused by Ukrainian drones. The&nbsp;fire, which has since been extinguished, comes days after another warehouse in Odintsovo, a town to the west of Moscow, was ablaze.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened in Ramenkoye?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Russian state news agency RIA, the size of the fire had reached 2,700 square metres before it was localised and put out.</p>

<p>Images and videos showed thick black smoke and a flame emerging from the site which could be seen from hundreds of metres away.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A big fire in Ramenskoye, a suburb southwest of Moscow which is close to Zhukovsky International Airport. Unclear what is burning yet. <a href="https://t.co/rtUQ1tR2Rl">pic.twitter.com/rtUQ1tR2Rl</a></p>
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NOELreports/status/1690655793446539264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fertilizer warehouse on fire on the outskirts of southeast Moscow this morning. <a href="https://t.co/arLwdxicTi">pic.twitter.com/arLwdxicTi</a></p>
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) <a href="https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1690662294664138752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Moscow region prosecutor’s office said the preliminary cause of the fire was a violation of fire safety requirements during welding work, reported the Russian state news agency, TASS. Additionally, the media report citing the warehouse’s owners said that all employees had left the premises.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Series of fires and explosions around Moscow</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian capital city and its surrounding areas have recently witnessed a rise in incidents of warehouse fires or explosions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident on Sunday comes days after TASS citing the Russian emergency service reported a massive fire in a warehouse in Odintsovo, a town to the west of Moscow between Vladimir Putin and the Vnukovo airport.</p>

<p>According to TASS, the fire on Thursday (August 10) started in the warehouse, 6.5 kilometres away from Putin’s presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo. The size of the fire was reported to be 2,000 square metres, as of midnight (local time). However, the cause of the fire was not immediately known.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A day prior to that, a powerful explosion ripped through a factory which the Russian media has previously said manufactures military equipment like night vision goggles and is around 70 kilometres northeast of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The explosion had also led to the death of one woman and injured more than 50, said the Russian officials, at the time. One of the victims has died as a result of their injuries, the TASS news had previously reported.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Connection to Ukraine drone attacks?</strong></h2>

<p>These incidents have reportedly been linked to a rise in alleged Ukrainian drone attacks in and around the capital city, by pro-Kremlin commentators, as Russia is in the midst of what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Kyiv has not directly claimed responsibility for any attacks against Russia, top officials have reportedly welcomed them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last month, said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-coming-to-russia-says-ukraines-zelensky-after-moscow-drone-attack-620848">“war” was coming to Russia</a>, hours after a drone attack on the capital Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky had said at the time.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A large fire broke out at a fertiliser warehouse in the town of Ramenskoye in the Moscow region on Sunday (August 13), reported Russian news agencies citing officials, amid doubts that it may have been caused by Ukrainian drones.

A large fire broke out at a fertiliser warehouse in the town of Ramenskoye in the Moscow region on Sunday (August 13), reported Russian news agencies citing officials, amid doubts that it may have been caused by Ukrainian drones. The fire, which has since been extinguished, comes days after another warehouse in Odintsovo, a town to the west of Moscow, was ablaze. What happened in Ramenkoye? According to the Russian state news agency RIA, the size of the fire had reached 2,700 square metres before it was localised and put out. Images and videos showed thick black smoke and a flame emerging from the site which could be seen from hundreds of metres away. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. A big fire in Ramenskoye, a suburb southwest of Moscow which is close to Zhukovsky International Airport. Unclear what is burning yet. pic.twitter.com/rtUQ1tR2Rl — NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) August 13, 2023 × Fertilizer warehouse on fire on the outskirts of southeast Moscow this morning. pic.twitter.com/arLwdxicTi — Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) August 13, 2023 × The Moscow region prosecutor’s office said the preliminary cause of the fire was a violation of fire safety requirements during welding work, reported the Russian state news agency, TASS. Additionally, the media report citing the warehouse’s owners said that all employees had left the premises. Series of fires and explosions around Moscow The Russian capital city and its surrounding areas have recently witnessed a rise in incidents of warehouse fires or explosions. The incident on Sunday comes days after TASS citing the Russian emergency service reported a massive fire in a warehouse in Odintsovo, a town to the west of Moscow between Vladimir Putin and the Vnukovo airport. According to TASS, the fire on Thursday (August 10) started in the warehouse, 6.5 kilometres away from Putin’s presidential residence in Novo-Ogaryovo. The size of the fire was reported to be 2,000 square metres, as of midnight (local time). However, the cause of the fire was not immediately known. A day prior to that, a powerful explosion ripped through a factory which the Russian media has previously said manufactures military equipment like night vision goggles and is around 70 kilometres northeast of Moscow. The explosion had also led to the death of one woman and injured more than 50, said the Russian officials, at the time. One of the victims has died as a result of their injuries, the TASS news had previously reported. Connection to Ukraine drone attacks? These incidents have reportedly been linked to a rise in alleged Ukrainian drone attacks in and around the capital city, by pro-Kremlin commentators, as Russia is in the midst of what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. While Kyiv has not directly claimed responsibility for any attacks against Russia, top officials have reportedly welcomed them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, last month, said “war” was coming to Russia, hours after a drone attack on the capital Moscow. “Gradually, the war is returning to the territory of Russia – to its symbolic centres and military bases, and this is an inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process,” Zelensky had said at the time. 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) 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.

Video | Large fire breaks out at fertiliser warehouse in Moscow region

According to the head of Russia's largest shipyard, in an interview with the state-run RIA news agency that was published on Monday, Russia is now assembling hypersonic Zircon missiles for its new nuclear submarines.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia equipping submarines with hypersonic missiles

<p>At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have shot down at least four&nbsp;Ukrainian drones over western regions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At least seven including baby killed in Kherson</strong></h2>

<p>A couple, their 23-day-old daughter, and another man were killed in the village of Shyroka Balka, said Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The couple’s previously critically wounded 12-year-old son later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two people were killed and one person was wounded in the neighbouring village of Stanislav, said Klymenko, adding that the area was struck 12 times with artillery. “The terrorists will never willingly stop killing civilians,” said the Ukrainian minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Terrorists must be stopped. They must be stopped by force. They don’t understand anything else.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Ukraine had managed to reclaim the western part of the Kherson region from Russian occupation last November, however, Moscow’s forces have continued regularly shelling the region from across the Dnipro River.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian defence&nbsp;downs four&nbsp;Ukrainian drones over Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Amid a spike in reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, the country’s defence ministry said that they shot at least three more drones over two regions, on Sunday (August 13). According to the Russian defence ministry, three&nbsp;drones were shot down over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes a day after Russia claimed to have shot <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-six-injured-in-donetsk-after-ukrainian-shelling-use-of-cluster-munitions-russian-official-624944">20 unmanned Ukrainian drones</a> near the Crimean peninsula. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry, on Saturday (August 12).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine is trying to pierce Russian lines in south: Russian-installed official</strong></h2>

<p>Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, on Sunday (August 13) said that the Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of the Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian official also reported intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka where Ukrainian troops are supposedly trying to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” said Rogov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he also said that the Russian forces still controlled the southern part of Urozhaine, adding that Ukrainian forces were clearly aiming to take control of a town further south, Staromlynivka, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine launched its counteroffensive last month to retake territory captured by Russia in the south and east of the country. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces also said they had “partial success” near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian defence ministry, on Sunday (August 13), said that it fired warning shots with automatic weapons on a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea as it made its way to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Russian officials, its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Sukru Okan vessel after it failed to respond to a halt for an inspection. The ship was said to be heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter.</p>

<p>“After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” said the Russian defence ministry. A report by Reuters citing Refinitiv shipping data said that the ship seemed to be headed north towards the coast of Bulgaria.</p>

<p>The incident also comes a month after Russia formally backed out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal and stopped Ukraine from exporting its grain via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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;</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine.

At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have shot down at least four Ukrainian drones over western regions. At least seven including baby killed in Kherson A couple, their 23-day-old daughter, and another man were killed in the village of Shyroka Balka, said Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The couple’s previously critically wounded 12-year-old son later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, he added. Two people were killed and one person was wounded in the neighbouring village of Stanislav, said Klymenko, adding that the area was struck 12 times with artillery. “The terrorists will never willingly stop killing civilians,” said the Ukrainian minister. He added, “Terrorists must be stopped. They must be stopped by force. They don’t understand anything else.” This comes after Ukraine had managed to reclaim the western part of the Kherson region from Russian occupation last November, however, Moscow’s forces have continued regularly shelling the region from across the Dnipro River. Russian defence downs four Ukrainian drones over Russia Amid a spike in reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, the country’s defence ministry said that they shot at least three more drones over two regions, on Sunday (August 13). According to the Russian defence ministry, three drones were shot down over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region. This also comes a day after Russia claimed to have shot 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry, on Saturday (August 12). Ukraine is trying to pierce Russian lines in south: Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, on Sunday (August 13) said that the Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian official also reported intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka where Ukrainian troops are supposedly trying to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov. “The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” said Rogov. However, he also said that the Russian forces still controlled the southern part of Urozhaine, adding that Ukrainian forces were clearly aiming to take control of a town further south, Staromlynivka, reported Reuters. Ukraine launched its counteroffensive last month to retake territory captured by Russia in the south and east of the country. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces also said they had “partial success” near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea The Russian defence ministry, on Sunday (August 13), said that it fired warning shots with automatic weapons on a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea as it made its way to Ukraine. According to Russian officials, its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Sukru Okan vessel after it failed to respond to a halt for an inspection. The ship was said to be heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail. “To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter. “After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” said the Russian defence ministry. A report by Reuters citing Refinitiv shipping data said that the ship seemed to be headed north towards the coast of Bulgaria. The incident also comes a month after Russia formally backed out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal and stopped Ukraine from exporting its grain via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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. 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.

At least 7, including baby killed in Ukraine after Russian shelling; Moscow downed 4 drones

Moscow moves to strengthen its military presence far up north following the deployment of Warships in the Arctic Ocean.

Russia-Ukraine war: Will Artic be the next theatre of war?

<p>At least one civilian was killed and six others were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, in Donetsk after an intense Ukrainian shelling and use of cluster munitions, said the Russian-installed official in the eastern Ukrainian region, on Saturday (August 12). This comes after much opposition to the United States sending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">cluster munitions</a> to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk</strong></h2>

<p>Russian-appointed head of the region, Denis Pushilin took to Telegram and said that one civilian was killed in a district of the city of what Moscow calls Donetsk People’s Republic, since claiming to have annexed it. He added that six people were also wounded in Makiivka, which is in the east of Donetsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In total, the enemy fired 127 rounds of ammunition at peaceful cities and regions in the republic,” said Pushilin. He also went on to claim cluster munitions were among the artillery used.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes amid reports of both sides using cluster munitions since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Washington sent cluster munitions to Kyiv amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nations-rights-groups-and-un-oppose-us-move-to-send-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-613459">protests and criticism</a> while Ukraine has since vowed to only use them against concentrations of enemy soldiers amid its counteroffensive.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine reports ‘partial success’ in south</strong></h2>

<p>In its daily update, the Ukrainian military, on Saturday (August 12), said that its forces had made progress near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine also reported that there were children among those killed or wounded following a day when Russians launched six rockets, and 36 air strikes and fired 32 rocket salvo fire systems at populated areas and Ukrainian troop positions, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that they had “partial success in the Robotyne area of the Zaporizhzhia region.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-eu-delivers-nearly-224000-shells-to-kyiv-as-part-of-ammo-plan-624845">Ukrainian forces</a> continued an offensive operation in Melitopol and Berdyansk directions, said the military in its update, adding that some 33 combat clashes had taken place.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia vows to retaliate for Ukraine’s attack on Crimea bridge</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian foreign ministry condemned what it called Ukraine’s “terrorist attack” on the Crimean Bridge, adding that they put civilians’ lives at risk. “There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered,” said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Russia claimed to have shot down <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-two-missiles-downed-over-crimea-bridge-claims-pro-russia-official-624842">two Ukrainian missiles</a> over a bridge connecting Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow back in 2014. The Russian-installed governor of the Crimean peninsula said “Air defence forces shot down two enemy missiles over the Kerch Strait. The Crimean bridge was not damaged.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>20 unmanned Ukrainian drones shot down</strong></h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-defence-minister-inspects-military-preparedness-in-the-arctic-624854">Russia</a> on Saturday further claimed that 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones were shot down by his officials near the Crimean peninsula where attacks by Kyiv have appeared to step up.</p>

<p>Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry on the Telegram. There were no casualties or damage, it added.</p>

<p>Kaluga region Governor Vladislav Shapsha also said that they also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-odesa-opens-beaches-for-public-first-time-since-russian-invasion-624825">intercepted a drone</a> in the region, which is around 150 kilometres southwest of Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At least two killed in Russian shelling of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia</strong></h2>

<p>According to Ukrainian officials, an elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday after Russian shelling in the Kharkiv region and Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov reported the death of a 73-year-old woman and damage to a residential building.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a separate attack on Orikhiv town in the Zaporizhzhia region, one police officer was killed and 12 people, including four police officers, were injured, reported Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least one civilian was killed and six others were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, in Donetsk after an intense Ukrainian shelling and use of cluster munitions, said the Russian-installed official in the eastern Ukrainian region, on Saturday (August 12).

At least one civilian was killed and six others were wounded, including a 12-year-old girl, in Donetsk after an intense Ukrainian shelling and use of cluster munitions, said the Russian-installed official in the eastern Ukrainian region, on Saturday (August 12). This comes after much opposition to the United States sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk Russian-appointed head of the region, Denis Pushilin took to Telegram and said that one civilian was killed in a district of the city of what Moscow calls Donetsk People’s Republic, since claiming to have annexed it. He added that six people were also wounded in Makiivka, which is in the east of Donetsk. “In total, the enemy fired 127 rounds of ammunition at peaceful cities and regions in the republic,” said Pushilin. He also went on to claim cluster munitions were among the artillery used. This comes amid reports of both sides using cluster munitions since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Last month, Washington sent cluster munitions to Kyiv amid protests and criticism while Ukraine has since vowed to only use them against concentrations of enemy soldiers amid its counteroffensive. Ukraine reports ‘partial success’ in south In its daily update, the Ukrainian military, on Saturday (August 12), said that its forces had made progress near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukraine also reported that there were children among those killed or wounded following a day when Russians launched six rockets, and 36 air strikes and fired 32 rocket salvo fire systems at populated areas and Ukrainian troop positions, reported Reuters. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that they had “partial success in the Robotyne area of the Zaporizhzhia region.” Ukrainian forces continued an offensive operation in Melitopol and Berdyansk directions, said the military in its update, adding that some 33 combat clashes had taken place. Russia vows to retaliate for Ukraine’s attack on Crimea bridge The Russian foreign ministry condemned what it called Ukraine’s “terrorist attack” on the Crimean Bridge, adding that they put civilians’ lives at risk. “There can be no justification for such barbaric actions and they will not go unanswered,” said ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. This comes after Russia claimed to have shot down two Ukrainian missiles over a bridge connecting Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow back in 2014. The Russian-installed governor of the Crimean peninsula said “Air defence forces shot down two enemy missiles over the Kerch Strait. The Crimean bridge was not damaged.” 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones shot down Russia on Saturday further claimed that 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones were shot down by his officials near the Crimean peninsula where attacks by Kyiv have appeared to step up. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry on the Telegram. There were no casualties or damage, it added. Kaluga region Governor Vladislav Shapsha also said that they also intercepted a drone in the region, which is around 150 kilometres southwest of Moscow. At least two killed in Russian shelling of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia According to Ukrainian officials, an elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday after Russian shelling in the Kharkiv region and Zaporizhzhia. Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov reported the death of a 73-year-old woman and damage to a residential building. In a separate attack on Orikhiv town in the Zaporizhzhia region, one police officer was killed and 12 people, including four police officers, were injured, reported Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

One killed, six injured in Donetsk after Ukrainian shelling, use of cluster munition: Russian official

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news